Signage to strengthen enforcement of boat anchoring ordinance in Hollywood
Hollywood, Florida – The residents of Hollywood have long been striving to eradicate the issue of abandoned boats, and with recent legislation now supporting their cause, the city is preparing to contract a new vendor to aid in this effort.
Terry Cantrell, who leads the Hollywood Lakes Civic Association, noted that some of these boats have been left unattended in the water for extended periods. “They just bring it over here, they drop anchor, and there it sits,” stated Cantrell.
Beyond being an eyesore, the deserted vessels have also triggered environmental concerns among the locals, due to frequent leaks of harmful fluids such as oil and gasoline.
According to Cantrell, their concerted lobbying efforts have yielded results. In November, Hollywood officials enacted the derelict vessel ordinance, which restricts boats from anchoring for more than 45 days within a six-month timeframe.
“The law is in effect, right now, but it’s hard to enforce it without the signage,” Cantrell acknowledged, suggesting that, “These signs have to be placed down into the bottom of the lake.”
Residents have reported a “noticeable reduction” in the number of abandoned boats over recent months as a result of enforcing the law.
Further progress was made last week when Hollywood commissioners, in conjunction with Broward County officials, lobbied state lawmakers to pass a law that empowers local governments to set anchoring limits in urban proximities. This initiative culminated in the passing of a resolution to formally engage a vendor for the installation of the necessary signage.
