Fort Pierce, Fla. – Homeowners and water‑sport enthusiasts near Wildcat Cove on North Hutchinson Island are sounding the alarm over a growing collection of abandoned and derelict boats that have turned the cove into what one local business owner calls a “boat junkyard.” The vessels sit between two nature preserves, creating both safety concerns for those who tube, jet‑ski, or simply walk the shoreline, and potential environmental damage to the delicate coastal ecosystem.
Local business owner describes the problem
Philipe Chibas, who lives adjacent to the cove and operates Hot Reels Offshore Adventures, said the area now resembles a “minefield” that he must navigate each time he takes customers out on the water. “Looks like Water World out here,” Chibas said. “I have to navigate through this minefield every time I go out with customers.” He added that the abandoned vessels threaten wildlife and water quality, especially given their proximity to protected lands.
City ordinance and its limits
Earlier this year Fort Pierce adopted a new ordinance that limits the length of time a boat may remain anchored in public waters to 45 days before it must be moved. The rule is intended to curb exactly the type of neglect seen at Wildcat Cove. However, Chibas pointed out that the cove lies outside the designated restricted zone, allowing owners to leave their vessels there without facing the new time limits. “Instead of solving the problem, they pushed the problem somewhere else,” he said.
Calls for action
Residents and visitors are urging city officials and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to take swift action. “They should be towed and destroyed,” Chibas said, drawing a comparison to how a vehicle left on Interstate 95 would be removed. The FWC confirmed it has issued several citations to owners of the abandoned boats and continues to monitor the situation, but no large‑scale removal effort has yet been announced.
Potential risks
Local authorities warn that the decaying hulls could leak fuel, oil, or other contaminants into the water, harming marine life and the surrounding preserves. Additionally, the clutter creates navigation hazards for recreational boaters, increasing the risk of collisions or injuries, especially during peak tubing and jet‑skiing seasons.
What residents can do
Community members are encouraged to report abandoned vessels to the FWC and the city’s code‑enforcement office. Documentation such as photos, location details, and dates can help officials prioritize removal. In the meantime, Chibas and other local operators are adjusting routes and advising customers to stay clear of the most congested sections of the cove.
Looking ahead
The situation at Wildcat Cove highlights the challenges many coastal towns face in balancing recreational use, environmental stewardship, and property rights. As Fort Pierce continues to enforce its anchoring ordinance, residents hope the city will expand enforcement zones or develop a targeted cleanup plan to restore the cove’s safety and natural beauty.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
