What is it with Florida? Why is there always trouble in paradise? Florida is the #2 boating state in the Union — my home state of Michigan (with it’s all-of-four-month season) taking the #1 slot. Why is it that Florida, with year around boating opportunities, can’t even claim the #1 ranking? Is it because “Boater Friendly Florida” isn’t all that boater friendly? With the boating community being one of the LARGEST lobbying groups in the country, you’d assume Florida may be a little more happy about all of us wanting to cruise through.
Even back when I lived there, there was a constant struggle between boat owners and high-rise condo lovers – People who thought those ugly boats spoiled their pristine views that they paid a premium for the right to have (please note, this sarcasm comes from a real estate guy)!
This article caught my attention recently, proving once again that Florida is NOT the boater friendly state is appears to be and that big money will again try to take away the rights granted by the honorable George Washington himself – that America’s waterways shall be now and forever free. This appears, once again, to be a clear case of one group restricting rights and freedoms of another because they don’t like what they bought! Clue phone, landlubbers – those boats were there when you bought the place. Not like you didn’t have due diligence to make a decision. Yet, now, after the fact, you all want to restrict the freedoms of others because you don’t like what you have always seen from your own back yard. Well, as a boater, I think those ugly buildings should be torn down, due to the fact that they ruin my sunsets from my FREE anchorage! Same argument, just with the proverbial shoe on the other foot. In the words of the late Rodney King, “Why can’t we all just get along?”
My problem, as an American, is the rights of others should ALWAYS be defended and NEVER taken away. Once you go down that road, it will eventually come back around to bite you in the ass!
If you are in Florida, perhaps you can stand up and have your voice heard. Derlict boats are a separate issue and can be dealt with via means already in place. Anchoring regulations aren’t about that. Here’s the article: http://www.waterwayguide.com/waterway-updates/news/GEN/4185/ALERT-Florida-anchoring-regulations-meetings-announced
