§ 7-23. Vessels on Withlacoochee River—Operation at certain times prohibited.

(a)

Legislative findings. The recitation of the following findings is hereby incorporated as findings of fact by the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners:

(1)

Severe flooding conditions develop along the Withlacoochee River as a result of heavy rains from time to time;

(2)

The Withlacoochee River then overflows its banks and floods adjacent property, causing property damage and otherwise threatening the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Hernando County;

(3)

Such catastrophic conditions result in the development of health and safety hazards to residents of Hernando County along the Withlacoochee River; and

(4)

The use of vessel, boat craft, canoes, rafts, motorized boat craft or any type of flotation device on the Withlacoochee River and on the waters overflowing the Withlacoochee River other than for law enforcement, evacuation and emergency purposes constitutes a hindrance to the implementation of emergency preparedness plans of Hernando County and threatens the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the county.

(b)

Operation of vessels prohibited. The operation or utilization of vessels on the Withlacoochee River is prohibited during flood stage. This provision shall not apply to the operation or utilization of vessels on the Withlacoochee River during flood stage by law enforcement officers or other government officials or employees or the operation or utilization of vessels by others as authorized or directed by such officers, officials or employees for evacuation or emergency purposes.

(Ord. No. 2011-12, § I, 6-28-11; Ord. No. 2018-11, § I, 5-22-18)