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County bans booze, dogs from Shell Key
A draft of the plan includes more regulation for overnight camping.
By NICK JOHNSON, Times Staff Writer
Published October 4, 2007
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A broken beer bottle is left at a campfire on the southern tip of Shell Key Preserve. The draft of the 2007 Shell Key Management Plan called for a ban on alcohol in the preserve and surrounding waters.
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[Times photo: Martha Rial]
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It's official: dogs and alcohol are banned from Shell Key. County commissioners unanimously approved the draft 2007 Shell Key Preserve Management Plan this week. It will replace the current plan, in place since the county leased the preserve from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in 2000. Will Davis, director of the county's environmental management department, presented the commission with the major changes included in the draft, more regulation for overnight camping, a ban on dogs and a ban on alcohol. Shell Key is the only county-managed preserve that allows dogs or open drinking and has become a popular hangout for boaters from throughout Pinellas County and beyond. Although alcohol is banned on the main island, it is allowed in the surrounding waterways. Glen Wilson of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said that makes it hard to control partying and drinking there. Many boaters had previously criticized the plan as an attempt to scare them off, saying they drank responsibly and enjoyed bringing their dogs to the island. Davis said the new plan was more an attempt to bring the rules up to date and stop excessive partying. "Does an alcohol ban really eliminate alcohol? No, it doesn't. Does it eliminate the behavior that we're concerned about? Yes," he said. Davis also explained to the commissioners why the ban on dogs was proposed. "It's a serious problem because one dog running through a nesting colony of shorebirds on one day has the potential to destroy the colony," he said. The lease agreement between the county and the DEP requires the preserve to be managed for the preservation and protection of such shore nesting birds and for public use that won't disturb them. The county staff referred to the original plan as a compromise, allowing alcohol and dogs. County Commission Chairman Ronnie Duncan thanked the environmental management staff for its patience and effort. "It's really hard to put the genie back in the bottle, and that's what we're doing here," Duncan said. Nick Johnson can be reached at nickjohnson@sptimes.com or 893-8361.
[Last modified October 3, 2007, 22:20:06]
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by Tim
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10/04/07 05:02 PM
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I would like to know if there is proof and facts that dogs and boaters are destroying the island. Not just opinions. Real hard facts. I know most boaters and dog lovers would not want to harm or destroy the island.
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by Sherry
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10/04/07 02:58 PM
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Dog parks are too small for most large dogs who need space. Destruction of nature due to dogs? Are you kidding? Dog owners usually clean up trash, needles, left behind by HUMANS so their dogs don't get hurt.
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by Sheila
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10/04/07 02:44 PM
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As usual punish the majority for the wrongs of the minority.Instead of ruining it for everyone why not ENFORCE the laws already there.
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by Barbra
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10/04/07 02:26 PM
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Stupid. What more is there to say about these arcane rules. You'll never get rid of the partiers, only move them somewhere else.
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by Mike
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10/04/07 01:12 PM
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Now wait a second... Who drinks just one can of beer, and what do most people do with the empty cans and cigarette butts? And how many people pick up after ther dogs? Think about it.
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by LoriAnn
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10/04/07 12:37 PM
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Well done! There are plenty of dog parks & bars for those in need. Leave the land to nature. Does man have to detroy every piece of land he sets foot on? Preservation not destruction!
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by Kathe
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10/04/07 06:57 AM
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Why have you grouped dogs in with the rowdy alcoholics who destroy everyone's peace and serenity? It's the rowdy alcoholics who don't discipline their dogs, not the responsible dog owner. We're not of the same ilk. Leave us someplace to go with fido.
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by DB
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10/04/07 06:28 AM
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...and does the opening of a can of beer also disturb the wildlife - environment ? Time to stand up to these "few" who make rules - they are employees - remember ????
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