🚤 St. Lucie County has implemented new anchoring restrictions aimed at addressing abandoned and derelict vessels in local waterways. Beginning June 1, two anchoring limitation areas were established in the Indian River Lagoon and Fort Pierce Harbor near the South Causeway Bridge.
🌊 Under the new rules, vessels may not anchor for more than 45 consecutive days within any six-month period in these designated areas without leaving all anchoring limitation areas for at least 24 hours. County officials say the changes are intended to improve navigation and help prevent environmental impacts from abandoned boats.
🐦 Officials noted that abandoned vessels can threaten water quality through pollutants such as diesel, oil, and waste. The effort also helps protect the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem, which is home to more than 4,000 species of plants and animals. 🐬🌿
