§ 7-72. Definitions.

The following definitions shall apply to this article:

Airboat means a watercraft which has a principle propulsion system which utilizes a pusher-type or tractor-type propeller, fan or blade which is not normally submerged below the water surface upon which the watercraft operates; the fact an airboat can be propelled by a small auxiliary motor or by some other force does not change its characterization as an airboat.

Bayport Seagrass Protection Zones shall refer to those submerged lands lying westward of Weeki Wachee/Bayport/Pine Island Drive, as generally delineated on appendix map B-1 [attached to Ordinance No. 2009-07], (incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof), designated to protect seagrasses from propeller scarring and to encourage seagrass regeneration. The actual delineation of these zones shall be by signage at appropriate points around the perimeter of each zone. The signage shall conform to attachment B incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof. Additional signage (in conformance with attachment C incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof) shall be installed in conspicuous locations at the boat ramps, public docks and public launching areas which serve the Bayport and Jenkins Creek area. Watercraft shall use caution in the Bayport Seagrass Protection Zones and shall operate in a manner not to destroy or damage seagrasses.

Existing natural waterway shall mean an area of navigable water that is naturally created and unaltered. This definition specifically excludes any and all manmade trails, without regard to the length of their existence or reason for their creation.

Idle speed means that a watercraft operating within any such area must be throttled down to the point where the engine is just above a stall. At idle speed, a watercraft or vessel should cast little or no wake.

Jumping of roadways shall mean the propulsion of a watercraft onto or over any roadway.

No entry zone means an area where no vessel of any kind shall be permitted within the designated area.

Operation means to have actual control and/or the ability to have control of the vessel, whether moving or not, whether the engines are powered or running, or not.

Person means any person, firm, corporation, public agency or legal entity.

Seagrasses shall refer to all underwater and aquatic grasses, grass beds and grass bed communities and shall have the same meaning as the terms "seagrasses" and "seagrass beds" are used within Chapter 62 of the Florida Administrative Code.

Seagrass regeneration special protection zones shall refer to those marsh and coastal areas lying westward of Hernando Beach but excluding the Bayport Seagrass Protection Zones (as separately defined), as generally delineated on appendix map A [attached to Ordinance No. 2008-22] (incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof), designated to protect seagrasses and environmentally sensitive zones. The actual delineation of these zones shall be by signage at appropriate points around the perimeter of each zone.

Slow speed/minimum wake zone means that a vessel operating within any such area must be fully off plane and completely settled into the water. It may not proceed at a speed greater than that speed which is reasonable and prudent to avoid the creation of an excessive wake or other hazardous condition under the existing circumstances.

Trail means any defined area where continuous previous usage is evident.

Vessel means any type of boat or floating craft and includes all watercraft.

Watercraft means any type of boat or floating craft which is propelled or powered by an engine or motor. Examples of watercraft include, without limitation, ships, yachts, motorboats, tugboats, jet boats, jet skis, airboats, hovercrafts, hydrofoils, seaplanes, and sailboats containing any motorized drive or propeller.

(Ord. No. 2008-22, § I, 10-21-08; Ord. No. 2009-07, § I, 8-11-09)