| Cape Haze Slow Speed – Minimum Wake Zone, ongoingThe body of water lying just off Cape Haze between the mainland and the barrier islands, and which contains a stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway channel running north and south, currently requires boaters to maintain a minimum wake through Cape Haze. As stated in the rule defining the zone (rule 62N-24.108, Charlotte County Boating Restricted Area) the Slow Speed – Minimum Wake Zone exists “from shoreline to shoreline, in and adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway …”. This zone has been created primarily for boater safety, as the area is heavily trafficked and not so roomy, but it has the side effect of adding considerably to the quality of life and property values within our community.
From time to time over the years, county, state, and federal officials have conducted public hearings to determine if the slow speed zone should be maintained as it is, modified, or even lifted. At these hearings many people are very vocal in an attempt to have the zone lifted completely or to at least allow high speeds within the ICW channel. CHPOA continues to monitor Slow Speed – Minimum Wake Zone developments. Should there be another attempt to lift the zone or allow high speeds, members of Cape Haze will form a committee to pursue preventing such acts, as in the past. |
