Outdoors

Shell Key shut-down looming for boaters

By TERRY TOMALIN
Published August 14, 2005

Pinellas County officials are scheduled to meet Tuesday to discuss Shell Key, one of the Tampa Bay area's most popular boating destinations.

The tiny barrier island, nestled between Bunces Pass and Pass-a-Grille Channel, has been the site of raucous parties, including a Memorial Day melee that resulted in four arrests.

As many as 1,000 people had gathered on Shell Key, which is only accessible by boat, on the holiday afternoon when a series of fights broke out. Alcohol is banned on the 180-acre island, but revelers get around the law by drinking on their boats just off the beach.

"The sheriff's department requested a no-entry zone, because both they and medical personnel have had trouble getting access when there is an emergency," said Jake Stowers, the assistant county administrator who oversees environmentally sensitive lands. "It is strictly a law enforcement problem."

Pinellas County officials met with members of the Tierra Verde Homeowners Association on Thursday. Boaters are up in arms because they believe a Shell Key no-entry zone would be another in a long list of areas that have been restricted or limited for boater access.

"There is definitely a problem with excessive drinking on Shell Key," said Dave Markett, a fishing guide and boating-rights activist. "But when a drunk driver has an accident on U.S. 19, they don't stop people from driving on it."

Markett thinks the situation could be fixed with more enforcement personnel on the water, especially on holiday weekends.

"We can't let a few bad apples ruin it for everybody," Markett said.

Boaters interested in this issue can attend the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners' meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on the fifth floor of the Pinellas County Courthouse at 315 Court St. in Clearwater.

OFFSHORE RACE: Representatives of the Offshore Super Series have applied for a permit to hold the World Championships Nov. 13-20 in St. Petersburg.

The OSS, in its second year, raced off the Pier in St. Petersburg in June 2004. The event was overshadowed by controversy when a local attorney questioned the impact on manatees, and the course was moved a half-mile off the Pier.

The Coast Guard confirmed a race permit had been requested, but the matter is under review. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Jacksonville, the federal agency charged with protecting manatees, did not return calls.

The Offshore Super Series contacted the Times by e-mail, which said a news release regarding the race will be issued Monday. City officials said they have reserved the date but will not make a formal announcement until the necessary permits have been secured.

For information, go to: www.offshoresuperseries.com

RED GROUPER RECORD: Brad Kenyon, a Tarpon Springs angler and spearfisherman, has been awarded the 30-pound line-class record for red grouper. Kenyon, who owns the Boat and Motor Superstores on U.S. 19 in Palm Harbor, caught the 18-pound, 4-ounce fish on March 21, 2004.

TOURNAMENT FOR HOCKEY FANS: John Tortorella, Lightning coach and former University of Maine hockey star, will host a celebrity fishing tournament Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 to benefit the Child Abuse Council and the Children's Home, Inc.

Tortorella, who grew up in New England, started fishing Tampa Bay three years ago. "I won't say that I am a good fisherman," the coach of the 2004 Stanley Cup champion said. "But I am enthusiastic. To be honest, addicted is more like it."

Vinny Lecavalier and Brad Richards are among more than a dozen celebrities who have committed. A $1,500 sponsorship includes space for one angler (paired with a celebrity), a guide, fishing tackle and three seats at the angler's dinner.

For more information, go to tampabaylightning.com or call Nancy Crane at (813) 301-6590.

[Last modified August 14, 2005, 00:55:04]