Agenda Item: 14(B)(iii)
Prepared By: Joan Taylor, City Clerk
Business: Ordinance - First Reading
Department: Executive
Title
Ordinance - First Reading - Amending The City Of Marco Island Code Of Ordinances By Amending Chapter 54, "Waterways And Beaches," Article V, "Sea Turtle Protection"; Amending Section 54-143 "Definitions" To Include Fishing As A Special Event; Amending Section 54-151 To Provide Regulations Requiring A Special Permit For 10 Or More People Fishing At Night During Sea Turtle Season To Protect Sea Turtles And Their Nesting Habitats- Alan L. Gabriel, City Attorney
Body
BACKGROUND:
During the April 6, 2026 City Council meeting, Councilors agreed to direct the City Attorney to investigate how the local code of ordinances could be amended to protect Sea Turtles during nesting season.
Having reviewed the City's current Sea Turtle Protection regulations (Section 54-141 through Section 54-156 of the City Code), pursuant to these existing regulations, the City can regulate activities on the beach that may harass, disorient, or cause injury to sea turtles during the nesting season that is from May 1, through October 31, of each year.
* Pursuant to section 54-151 (c)(3) "Man-made moveable objects shall not obstruct sea turtle nesting habitat during nesting season during nighttime.".. "All obstructions shall be removed from the sea turtle nesting habitat... between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m."
* Pursuant to section 54-152, "It shall be unlawful for any person.. To kill, molest, cause a disorientation, or cause direct or indirect injury to any species of sea turtle.."
* Any violation of these regulations may be "irreparable or irreversible event" that allows for statutory authorized larger penalties.
FUNDING SOURCE / FISCAL IMPACT: NA
PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIREMENTS: Ordinance read by title on at least 2 separate days and shall be noticed in a newspaper of general circulation at least 10 days prior to the second reading. A Business Impa...
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