The Dunedin City Commission acted unanimously on Thursday, voting 5‑0 to bar motorized watercraft launches and retrievals from the south side of the historic Dunedin Causeway. The ordinance, which takes effect immediately, is aimed at protecting public safety and the fragile coastal environment.
Safety and incident history
Commissioners pointed to two fatal jet‑ski crashes since 2020 and more than 80 reported jet‑ski incidents between January 1 and April 30 of this year. By eliminating beach launches, officials say the risk of collisions with kayakers, paddleboarders and swimmers will be dramatically reduced.
Environmental benefits
During the Causeway’s closure for repairs after Hurricane Milton in 2024, motorized launches were already suspended on the north side of the bridge. City Manager Jennifer Bramley noted that the pause allowed native wildlife and seagrass beds to rebound. “During the time that the Causeway has been closed to motorized watercraft launching, there has been a resurgence of seagrass, a resurgence of the native wildlife,” she said.
Parks and Recreation Director Tony Mulkey explained that launching directly from shore scars seagrass beds, which can take a decade to recover. The new rule is intended to preserve those habitats for future generations.
Enforcement and penalties
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office will enforce the restriction. First‑time violators receive a warning; a second interaction results in a Class 5 citation costing $93 if uncontested or $138 if contested. Repeat offenders may face municipal citations up to $500 and possible trespassing charges that could bar them from the Causeway for up to one year.
Boaters are now required to use public or private ramps located between two and twelve miles away from the Causeway. The city hopes the added travel distance will further discourage unsafe launches.
Community response
Local residents and water‑sport enthusiasts expressed mixed feelings. Many praised the safety and environmental rationale, while a few expressed concern about the inconvenience of traveling to distant ramps. The commission emphasized that the ban does not affect motorized vessel operations within the Intracoastal Waterway or St. Joseph Sound, allowing recreational boating to continue in those channels.
Next steps
City officials will monitor compliance and assess the ordinance’s impact on safety statistics and seagrass health over the coming months. If the ban proves effective, the commission may consider extending similar restrictions to other vulnerable shoreline areas in Pinellas County.
For further information, residents can contact the Dunedin City Commission office or visit the city’s website for the full text of the ordinance.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
