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Time to do something with that old boat

An ordinance approved by the County Commission prohibits parking derelict boats in yards, driveways or on public property.

By WILL VAN SANT
Published January 26, 2006

CLEARWATER - If you have an old boat in the yard, cover or junk it.

The Pinellas County Commission has approved an ordinance that bans parking derelict vessels in yards, driveways or on public property, such as the street.

The new ordinance defines derelict boats as those that are unregistered, not seaworthy or not stored on a working, registered trailer. Derelict boats kept in a garage or shed are exempt.

While the rule applies in unincorporated Pinellas, it mirrors similar ordinances in the municipalities. Fines for not complying start at $85 and increase to a maximum of $500.

"It's going to help us improve the appearance of the county," Pinellas Commissioner Calvin Harris said of the new rule.

Code enforcement officials say that owners of derelict boats will be given seven days to properly cover or remove a vessel. They will start enforcing the new rule in three weeks to a month.

Those who cannot deal with their derelict boats within seven days may be granted extensions, said Will Davis, Pinellas' director of environmental management.

"These people have had these boats in their yards for a long time," Davis said. "And in some cases we realize they will need assistance."

Only in circumstances in which owners don't cooperate will fines be levied, Davis said.

Harris said the ordinance, which was adopted unanimously by the commission Tuesday with little public opposition, will help stop the owners of derelict boats who had been taking advantage of the county's once loose rules.

"We want to stop people who live in areas with strong code enforcement, like St. Petersburg and Clearwater, from taking their derelict vessels into the county and letting them sit," Harris said.

Will Van Sant can be reached at 445-4166 or vansant@sptimes.com

[Last modified January 26, 2006, 01:01:17]