Politics & Government
LED Lights Out for Belleair Causeway Bridge
A petition with 199 signatures from residents is asking for the lights. But it's not likely to happen. Here's why.
Belleair Bluffs residents may like the idea of installing energy-efficient LED lights on the Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge.
The problem is that fish like the lights too much.
Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Director Paul Cozzie is recommending against LED lights being installed on the bridge and boat ramp facilities, reports TBO.com
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Why? They're a fish magnet.
According to the Belleair Bee:
Cozzie described the LED light sources as “fish attractors.” Mayor Chris Arbutine said the lights cause bait fish to come closer to the pier. They are then followed by larger fish, which become easy catches. As a practice, Cozzie said the county does not provide fish attractors such as lights or feeders at their facilities.
In addition, Cozzie said he is concerned about other activities fish LED lights would bring to the pier, including “cast netting for baitfish, fishing at extended hours into the night, and conflicts between users due to the relatively small square footage of the pier.” He said seabirds also follow increased activity at the pier, which could cause sanitary concerns.
A petition signed by 199 people asked for the LED lights.
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