The destroyed navigational aid at the Bayport Channel was replaced, but officials advise using care.
By WILL VAN SANT
Published May 23, 2003
BAYPORT - County officials are urging boaters to use caution over the Memorial Day weekend after a navigational aid that marks the entrance to the Bayport Channel was destroyed.
The aid consisted of four telephone pole-size posts supporting a metal tripod. A white light on the tripod blinked once every four seconds. The marker, valued at $5,000, sat in the Gulf of Mexico, 2 miles from the Bayport Park boat ramp.
Marine patrols found two of the supporting poles broken in half Sunday, which caused the tripod and light to fall in the water.
Soon after, a temporary marker that flashes a white light every four seconds was put in place by county workers.
Parks and Recreation Department director Pat Fagan said the temporary marker is sturdy, but asked that weekend boaters use care in the area. Fagan called erecting a permanent replacement a priority but could not say when one would be in place.
Authorities found blue paint on the crippled marker, apparently left by a boat that had struck it. Officials are continuing an investigation of the incident, on the hunt for any boat that appears to have been involved in a recent accident.
"I know those things are pretty stout," said Sheriff's Office spokesman Lt. Joe Paez, referring to the wood structure supporting the tripod.
"It had to be a pretty good size vessel not to have sustained damage."
- Will Van Sant covers Hernando County government and can be reached at 754-6127. Send e-mail to vansant@sptimes.com
