Departments



Articles

Editorial: Anti-Environmental Bill: Save Florida From Harm
May 16th, 2013

Editorial: Problem Ordinances
May 8th, 2012

Editorial: Cedar Key Arts Show
April 28th, 2012

Editorial: Cedar Key Arts Show
April 20th, 2012

Editorial: Status of Nuclear Power as Savior
March 15th, 2012

Editorial: Advice to Letter Writers
February 13th, 2012

Editorial: 2011 is History
January 7th, 2012

Editorial: The History of Island Nations
December 24th, 2011

Editorial: Why You DON’T Pay for the Cedar Key News Online
November 11th, 2011

Editorial: Hoppin’ John ***
November 3rd, 2011

Editorial: What Decline?
October 10th, 2011

Editorial: Notes from a Slightly Bigger Island
October 8th, 2011

Editorial: Barking Mad
October 5th, 2011

Editorial: Fix the Bridges!
September 11th, 2011

Editorial: Catching the Right Wave
July 27th, 2011

More

Air Boat Regatta, Guests or Pests?

Air Boat Regatta, Guests or Pests?

Editorial

A regatta is a gathering of boats for racing. Air boats are unquestionably utilitarian, used by some clammers and fishermen to make a living. That is not the problem. Once a year an air boat fishing regatta descends on Cedar Key. In 2005 Cedar Key's City Park was taken over by an organized air boat event. Air boats were parked in the park and their transport trailers all over the island. At the start of the race, the mass exodus of air boats nearly blew away the beach, umbrellas and beach occupants. Returning air boats came through the swimming area which was occupied by a number of children according to several parents. (The race organizer denied those charges. Who do we believe?)

What cannot be denied is the noise and confusion caused by the air boat race. The City Commission must give tacit approval to use of the park by an organized group. A permit is required. But let's also require that the race starting line be well outside the swimming area. Let's also require that the finish line be in the marina or someplace other than the swimming area and the beach.

Each year brings an ever greater influx of tourists to the island. Harmonious use of our facilities and resources by tourists and locals alike can be encouraged by policies established by our City Commission.

Click for printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

 

 

© 2013
Cedar Key News

cedarkeynews@gmail.com