Removing Derelict Boats Focus Of Pinellas Sheriff Initiative

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — During a news conference Monday, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri announced an initiative to remove more than 32 derelict boats from Pinellas County waters.

Joining him were Dunedin Mayor Julie Bujalski and County Commissioner Kathleen Peters.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and city law enforcement have received numerous complaints from residents about abandoned boats, people living aboard boats and people mooring boats in the intracoastal waterways and portions of Tampa Bay.

"They've just been abandoned irresponsibly by their owners, left there, and some of them have been sittin' out here now for a year, year and a half," Gualtieri said.

Gualtieri explained the vessels pose a threat to public safety and pose a hazard on waterways to other boaters, swimmers and people using other types of watercraft.

"It is a true public safety issue, and we're glad that we're able to do something about it," he said.

Following an administrative hearing a month ago, the sheriff's office posted notices on derelict boats that they will be removed in 21 days unless the owner appeals. That 21-day period has passed and Gualtieri said towing companies have been removing the vessels.

He estimates it will cost about $160,000 to remove all the boats. The sheriff said the county will use funds from its general fund. There are also state grant funds available to remove derelict boats.

"I'm just gonna focus on the bottom line and let's get these things out of here and move on. If it costs us a couple bucks to do it, it's worth it for the public," Gualtieri said.

According to the sheriff, "general fund" money is being used to remove the boats. To paint a picture of the potential costs, Gualtieri said the removal of a 25-foot boat comes with a price tag of around $5,000.

"We're gonna clean this mess up and we're not gonna let it get back to where it is," he said.