The Hernando County Commission has approved the new ordinance by a 4 to 1 vote on Tuesday, 15 January. The new ordinance prohibits commercial fishermen from doing their work such as unloading their catch and washing, refueling and repairing their boats in the residential area.
The new rule came into by the operations of two fishermen, who now threaten to take the county to court. Assistant County Attorney Kent Weissinger said that the new rule applies to commercial boats of 26 feet and longer. The new ordinance gives the county the power to tackle the ongoing problems with continued commercial activity close to residential property in Hernando Beach.
Weissinger informed that the county has a zoning regulation prohibiting such activity near residential areas that gives the commercial vessels to move their activities to another dock. The county has fought legal battle with the two fishermen that challenged the rule but at last the county won the battle.
The new ordinance has given the county policing powers to get the fishermen to abide by the law. According to Weissinger the county soon launched code enforcement staff with the appropriate tools to deal with the issue. Resident Fred Click confirmed that the residents of the area deal with the predawn racket, stench and pollution produced by a commercial fisherman operating near their homes.
County Attorney Garth Coller said many evidences have found against the commercial activity on residential area. He said, “We are sure this law will be upheld and protect the residential neighborhood.” Hernando Port Authority member Capt. John Saittis informed that they are especially concerned about the fuel storage in a residential area.
