government

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) says he is maddened by the fact that Coast Guard helicopters are equipped with night-penetrating Electro-Optical Sensor Systems, but can’t use them because of a “quirk in the federal bureaucracy.”

The bill now goes to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature. Starting yesterday, he has seven days to sign or veto it. If he signs the measure, it will take effect July 1.

The Florida House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly, 105-12, on Friday to adopt a bill that would restrict anchoring at five locations in Broward and Miami-Dade counties from a half hour after sunset until a half hour before sunrise.

The amendment, proposed by Rep. Matt Caldwell, Republican from Lee County, would have added Crab Island in Choctawhatchee Bay in Okaloosa County to the list.

Workman said he does not want to keep law enforcement officers from doing their job, but he wants stops on state waters to be more reasonable.

A panel of 11 national boating leaders who serve as a sounding board for BoatUS gathered last week with senior leadership from the boater organization to discuss key issues.

The state’s marine industry celebrated last Wednesday after Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill that they say aligns the state with neighboring states’ tax laws and gives them hope after the industry was battered by the recession and devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

The bill also would end the practice of allowing children to steer a boat with the proper supervision of an adult with boater education.

In truth, both countries had for years already been running robust interest sections in both capitals. Today, however, both of those missions were upgraded.

Loved ones of the victims of several boating accidents joined Nassau, New York, District Attorney Kathleen Rice to call for stronger boating safety laws.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Tuesday that $16.6 million in boating grants will be awarded to 21 states under the Clean Vessel Act program.

Mexico has released fewer than 10 percent of the more than 300 tourist boats it impounded for lack of proper documentation, thwarting many potential seafaring visitors.