Dunedin commission approves first reading to prohibit launching motorized watercraft from Causeway

The Dunedin City Commission voted unanimously July 23 to approve on first reading an ordinance that would prohibit launching motorized watercraft from the Dunedin Causeway beach, citing public safety, environmental recovery, and shoreline protection.

Staff presented a history of the causeway and data compiled with Pinellas County that, the staff said, show motorized launching has damaged seagrass, increased turbidity and bank erosion, and produced operation and rescue calls. Nicole Delfino, the city’s strategy and sustainability manager, summarized county incident data and noted, “Of those calls for the Causeway, 80 were jet-ski related,” reflecting the county’s analysis of calls from Jan. 2022 to Apr. 2026. Staff and local advisory committees recommended the amendment to the city code to make the temporary post-hurricane closure permanent.

At a packed public hearing preceding the vote, residents and visitors gave sharply divided testimony. Supporters — including members of local condominium associations, the Suncoast Sierra Club and Clearwater Audubon — said restricting motorized launches had allowed seagrass to recover after the 2024 storms and would reduce dangerous mixed-use conflicts. Megan Colby of the Suncoast Sierra Club told commissioners that since motorized launches were restricted, “we’ve seen a remarkable rapid recovery of critical seagrass habitats and marine life along the shoreline.”

Opponents argued the ban would disproportionately affect lower-income residents and people who rely on small, trailer-launched craft for family recreation and access. Susan O’Brien, a long-time resident, said the causeway is a rare low-cost way for people to get on the water and warned against “punish[ing] a whole bunch of people over what you think is bad behavior for some.” Several speakers urged alternatives such as permit systems, staffed launch areas, or a modest fee to fund enforcement and infrastructure.

Commission debate repeatedly returned to safety and quality-of-life tradeoffs. Commissioner Gao, who moved the ordinance, framed it as a response to growing congestion and safety concerns: “At some point, what’s gonna give,” she said during the discussion. Commissioners also asked staff about alternatives and about how enforcement and nearby launch options would be affected. Staff said Pinellas County owns the causeway but has provided written support and authorized the city to make this regulatory decision.

The commission approved Ordinance 26-08 on first reading by roll call 4–0. The second reading and final vote are scheduled for Sept. 3, 2026. If adopted, the ordinance will bar launching or landing motorized watercraft directly from the causeway beach, preserve non-motorized uses (swimming, paddling, fishing), and rely on county and city coordination for enforcement and adjacent launch access.