Dunedin Commission bans launching motorized watercraft from Causeway beach, cites safety and environment

The Dunedin City Commission voted unanimously Sept. 3 to adopt Ordinance 26‑08, which prohibits launching motorized watercraft from the Dunedin Causeway beach. Staff framed the ordinance as a response to recommendations from the Dunedin Causeway and Coastal Waterway Committee and extensive public input about safety hazards and environmental damage.

City Manager (speaking as staff) summarized the ordinance and the public process leading up to the vote, saying, "If the city commission adopts this ordinance, it would be effective immediately." The ordinance had passed first reading 4–0 in July and drew a large turnout for the second hearing, where residents and user‑group representatives gave mixed testimony.

Supporters of the ban told commissioners they had observed clearer water, healthier seagrass and fewer dangerous interactions between motorized craft and swimmers, paddlers and shore users since the temporary closure after the 2024 storms. "That area is too dangerous," said Carol Horner, a Dunedin resident who described seeing sandbars, shallow water and close encounters between jet skis and paddle users. Opponents, including several frequent users, urged the city to consider a limited resident‑permit pilot or more controlled launch area instead of an outright ban.

Staff and commissioners discussed enforcement mechanisms with the Pinellas County Sheriff
s noted in the staff report: initial contact would be a warning, a class‑5 municipal citation ($93–$138) for a violation and possible trespass orders for repeat offenders. City Engineer Alex Zoss and staff emphasized that the ordinance regulates shoreline launching only and does not change waterway designations controlled by state agencies.

The commission's decision reflected recurring themes of safety and limited local infrastructure, and commissioners asked staff and county partners to study alternative launch options and signage. The ordinance was adopted by roll call vote with all commissioners voting aye. The commission set a final effective date consistent with the ordinance language; staff said it would be effective immediately on adoption per the code language.