Public Workshops/Notices/Comment Opportunities

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on April 13, 2026, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Commission) received a complete application from Leon County requesting approval of an ordinance to establish an Idle Speed No Wake boating-restricted area within Lake Iamonia pursuant to Section 327.46(1)(c), Florida Statutes (F.S.) and Rule 68D-21.004, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).  

The Idle Speed No Wake boating-restricted area would be surrounding the narrow passage between Lake Iamonia and Strickland Arm (see attached map below for details). Leon County contends that the boating safety zone is needed to protect public safety as the passage presents a blind corner that is bordered by an elevated levee on both sides that is further obstructed by dense vegetation, which obstructs visibility such that vessel operators approaching the passage cannot see other vessels or other users within 300 feet, creating a significant navigational hazard to vessel traffic passing between Lake Iamonia and Strickland Arm. Leon County is required to provide competent substantial evidence that the ordinance establishing the boating-restricted area is necessary to protect the safety of the public.

As a part of Leon County’s ordinance review application, they have provided evidence in support of the proposed zone to the Commission. At this time the ordinance has been approved by the Commission based upon the evidence submitted.

As required by Rule 68D-21.001(3), F.A.C., Leon County has published as provided by Sections 50.011-.031, F.S., once a week for two consecutive weeks, notice of the public hearing on their ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation in the area affected by the ordinance. 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Pursuant to Rules 68D-21.002, and 68D-21.003, F.A.C., comments regarding this request will be accepted no more than 21 calendar days from the date of publication/distribution of this public notice.  Public may provide written comments, recommendations, requests, inquiries, or other correspondence to the Boating and Waterways Section at 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600; or by email at Waterway.Management@MyFWC.com. The Commission will conduct a public hearing within Leon County if a written request for such a hearing is received within 21 days following this notice.

DUE DATE: Thursday, May 14, 2026 (5:00 PM EST)

ATTACHMENT: Leon County Ordinance 26-01 Exhibit A

A COPY OF THE APPLICATION CAN BE OBTAINED BY EMAIL (IN PDF FORMAT) OR BY US MAIL.  Please submit your request directly to Waterway.Management@MyFWC.com or contact the Boating and Waterways Section at (850) 488-5600.