Question about Manatee zone signs

[KeyWestBoater]

In the St. Johns River (actually Julington Creek) there's a "Slow - Manatee Zone" sign. It says the same thing on both sides of the sign which I find a bit unusual. Usually the other side of these kinds of signs says "Resume Safe Operation" marking the beginning/end of a zone. So I'm assuming that even after passing the sign I am supposed to keep going slow. However I never do pass another sign afterwards that says to resume safe operation or normal speed. When manatee zone is posted on both sides of the sign does it mean then that the slow speed is to be maintained for a certain distance from the sign?

Thanks,
KWB

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Question about Manatee zone signs

basically all of the St Johns, and tributaries are manatee zones, 300 feet from shore. here is a map of manatee zones.

http://www.floridaconservation.org/manatee/data/Duval/DuvalIndex.htm

 

[lombard]

Re: Question about Manatee zone signs

If only we were allowed to cut down the signs to open the water for normal operation. No sign == no speed zone, right?

 

[Randybeall]

Re: Question about Manatee zone signs

Maybe if the Manatee had the power boats they could run over you with a prop too! There are plenty of places to go fast and have fun safely, show a little respect for nature on the few occasions when it is needed.

 

[lombard]

Re: Question about Manatee zone signs

There are plenty of places to go fast and have fun safely, show a little respect for nature on the few occasions when it is needed.

Not around here there aren't (at least in areas ideal for skiing). Not to mention LONG stretches of water that are manatee zones and impede even getting from point A to point B. I'm all for nature conservancy, but you've got to find a happy medium.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Question about Manatee zone signs

basically all of the St Johns, and tributaries are manatee zones, 300 feet from shore. here is a map of manatee zones.

http://www.floridaconservation.org/manatee/data/Duval/DuvalIndex.htm

Great map.

You've gotta be on your toes when you boat in FL!

I like the tape of some of the words on this sign.

This is my favorite.

 

[flycaster]

Re: Question about Manatee zone signs

It will cost you $65.00.
I know from experience. My son was piloting my boat out of a launch area at the north end of Lake Monroe. Going slow, plowing a wake, next thing the blue lights and siren. DIDN'T you see the NO WAKE SIGN, DIDN'T you see the manatee area sign????
Please sign here and take the receipt to the court house and leave your money. This is not a motor vehicle infraction.

 

[joed]

Re: Question about Manatee zone signs

I like this one. The manatees are only out on weekends and holidays? Where do they go during the week, to work like everyone else?

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Question about Manatee zone signs

Dont guess there are any manaties in IRVIN TX. Round here we have the zones from APR. 1 to NOV. 15. Not to bad, I can live with it. Have clipped a few, not intentionally, but they were out of there designated area. If anyone is ever around them, try giving them a coke or beer. Not that I have ever done it, just heard it from friends!!!! Have heard they can be good drinking buddies. Will play with people for hours when you get in the water with them. They can get demanding and want more beer and not leave. Mind you this is just dock talk. regards FRED

 

[marine4003]

Re: Question about Manatee zone signs

Dont guess there are any manaties in IRVIN TX. Round here we have the zones from APR. 1 to NOV. 15. Not to bad, I can live with it. Have clipped a few, not intentionally, but they were out of there designated area. If anyone is ever around them, try giving them a coke or beer. Not that I have ever done it, just heard it from friends!!!! Have heard they can be good drinking buddies. Will play with people for hours when you get in the water with them. They can get demanding and want more beer and not leave. Mind you this is just dock talk. regards FRED

Are you sure it was a Manatee...might of been a mermaid...

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Question about Manatee zone signs

They can get demanding and want more beer and not leave. Mind you this is just dock talk. regards FRED

Sounds like my ex-wife.

 

[98LSWON]

Re: Question about Manatee zone signs

They really are all over the river, keep an eye out for them when you are skiing. They are one of the many things I look forward to on my trips back to FL. Dinner at Clark's Fishcamp or Whitey's is always on the list too.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Question about Manatee zone signs

"Dinner at Clark's Fishcamp or Whitey's is always on the list too." you better beleive it!!!!

 

[SnappingTurtle]

Re: Question about Manatee zone signs

I would love to have “Go Slow for Manatee” signs here.

The only thing they seem to pull from the river here are dead bodies, and fish with strange cancerous looking growths.

What you have there, we don't have here, speed limits, and no wake zones.

We also don't have what makes boating in Florida so special, the luck of being surrounded by some of the best natural beauty in the world.

That said, I am a speed freak, just think you should pick your time and place for it.