HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem M11 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY of MONROE Mayor Michelle Lincoln,District 2
The Florida. Keys Mayor Pro Tem David Rice,District 4
p Craig Cates,District 1
James K. Scholl,District 3
- Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5
Regular Meeting
June 10, 2026
Agenda Item Number: M11
26-32223
BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: Planning and Environmental
Resources
TIME APPROXIMATE: N/A STAFF CONTACT: Brittany Burtner
AGENDA ITEM WORDING:
Discussion and Direction Regarding a Prospective New Slow Speed Minimum Wake ("SSMW")
Zone in the Proximity of Geiger Key Marina Due to Public Safety Concerns.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
The Marine Resources Office was approached with a request to create a new Slow Speed Minimum
Wake (SSMW) Zone boating restricted area near Geiger Key Marina. The proposed Zone specifically
targets a narrow portion of the approach channel ending in a blind corner. The proposed Zone aims to
enhance safety in the area,particularly around the blind corner that poses navigational challenges. A
map detailing the proposed Zone is included in the agenda materials.
Staff s preliminary assessment of the proposed zone aligns with the safety concerns raised by local
business owners. Currently, the navigable portion of the waterway is approximately 25 feet wide
between mangroves, ending in a blind corner. Considering the swift current, limited visibility, and the
diverse range of watercraft users in the area, a new SSMW zone could be warranted.
A recent survey conducted by the Marine Resources office involved an on-site assessment of the
approach channel to Geiger Key Marina. During this survey, the team observed consistent vessel
traffic and diverse watercraft usage. The navigational challenges were underscored by the presence of
kayaks and various pleasure craft, including both smaller vessels and larger boats, all entering or
exiting the Geiger Key Marina area. The increase in vessel size and activity since the establishment of
the marina indicates that a new SSMW Zone in this area could improve safety and decrease user
conflict.
The new SSMW Zone aligns with the legal framework outlined in Florida Administrative Code 68D-
21.004(2)(b), specifically addressing bends or intervening obstructions to visibility in a narrow
channel or water body. The criteria include adherence to Inland Navigation Rule 9 (33 U.S.C. §2009),
as adopted by Section 327.33, F.S. The conditions outlined in the regulation stipulate that a decision
sight distance of less than 300 feet, impeding the operator's ability to see other vessels or waterway
users,justifies the creation of the SSMW zone.
Given the observed conditions, safety concerns, and alignment with legal requirements, it is
recommended that the proposed SSMW Zone near Geiger Key Marina be considered favorably. This
Zone is not only in the interest of public safety but also acknowledges the changing dynamics of
vessel size and usage patterns in the area, ensuring the continued safety of waterway users in this
popular boating location. The proposed Zone is approximately 300 feet long, 25 feet wide, and would
be marked with a single piling with appropriate signage at each end of the zone.
Upon obtaining approval to proceed, staff will initiate the necessary steps to secure permits for the
new Zone. This process involves engaging with regulatory bodies such as the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Commission. Subsequently, an Ordinance to create a new Zone will be presented before the
Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at an upcoming meeting, formalizing the creation of
a Slow Speed Minimum Wake zone near Geiger Key Marina.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
N/A
INSURANCE REQUIRED:
No
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Direction to Marine Resources Department Staff to proceed with establishing a new SSMW Zone in
the proximity of Geiger Key Marina due to safety concerns.
DOCUMENTATION:
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Effective Date: n/a
Expiration Date: n/a
Total Dollar Value of Contract: n/a
Total Cost to County: To be determined
Current Year Portion: n/a
Budgeted: yes
Source of Funds: State BIF 62520 530310 or 2027 FBIP Grant
CPI: n/a
Indirect Costs: n/a
Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts: n/a
Revenue Producing: n/a If yes, amount:
Grant: no
County Match: n/a
Insurance Required: n/a
Effective Date:
Expiration Date:
Total Dollar Value of Contract:
Total Cost to County:
Current Year Portion:
Budgeted:
Source of Funds:
CPI:
Indirect Costs:
Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts:
Revenue Producing: No If yes, amount:
Grant:
County Match:
Dear [Monroe County Marine Resources / Commissioner/ FWC Boating & Waterways],
I am writing to formally express a safety and environmental concern regarding vessel traffic in
the waterways surrounding Geiger Key, an area widely known for its shallow waters and high
use by kayakers and paddleboarders participating in eco-based recreation.
The waters adjacent to Geiger Key RV Park and Restaurant function as a co-existing use area,
serving both non-motorized paddlers and motorized vessels accessing the restaurant and
marina channel. While I make every effort to instruct kayakers to avoid the narrow boating
entrance to the restaurant, the reality is that many visiting guests and tourists are unfamiliar with
the area and do not always follow guidance.
I have personally witnessed boaters entering and exiting this channel at high speeds. This
location presents significant blind spots for both kayakers and boaters due to mangrove-lined
bends, shallow depths, and limited sightlines. These conditions create a heightened risk of
collision in an area with frequent mixed-use traffic.
In December 2024, a serious boating accident occurred when a vessel entered the mangrove
channel at high speed, lost control, and collided with the mangroves. The impact caused major
damage to the mangrove habitat, extensive damage to the vessel, and resulted in the operator
being airlifted to a Miami hospital. Had a kayaker or paddleboarder been present in the channel
at that moment, the outcome could very likely have been fatal.
In addition to human safety concerns, I have observed manatees utilizing this channel, further
underscoring the need for reduced vessel speeds. The shallow nature of the waterway,
combined with limited visibility and high-speed vessel movement, presents a clear risk to
protected wildlife as well as boat operators.
Currently, the channel is marked only with locally placed markers, which do not clearly define a
safe navigational route or indicate appropriate vessel speeds. This lack of standardized,
regulatory signage can lead boaters—particularly visitors unfamiliar with the area—to accelerate
in an attempt to remain in deeper water, inadvertently increasing risk to paddlers, wildlife, and
the surrounding mangrove ecosystem.
I am not someone who typically advocates for additional rules or regulations. However, in this
case, the combined factors of documented accidents, blind navigation zones, unclear channel
marking, frequent paddler use, and manatee presence warrant formal evaluation. A designated
Idle Speed / No Wake zone, along with standardized regulatory markers, would greatly improve
safety while protecting both people and sensitive habitats.
I respectfully request that this waterway be evaluated for appropriate boating speed restrictions
and regulatory signage to ensure the safe coexistence of motorized vessels, paddlers, and
wildlife in this shared-use environment.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be happy to provide additional
documentation, photographs, GPS coordinates, or witness statements if helpful.
Sincerely,
Allison Calhoun
Owner, Geiger Key Paddle Hut
Geiger Key, Florida
305-849-6901
- I have drawn a line on the map representing the boating area that concerns me. The
dotted line is the area/route that most kayakers enjoy taking. I have highlighted the area
that I am most concerned about, for Human Safety. The photos of the Channel entrance
on both ends. This is to show you the boating blinds pots that I would like see be "idle
speed".
- "Let's keep boating fun, but safe for all vessels and safe for the Wildlife"
Thepaddlehutatgeigerkey@gmail.com
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