MILTON — Boating enthusiasts can expect these restrictions this Fourth of July on the Blackwater River:
●Slow Speed/Minimum Wake: This applies in “Area 2-South,” which includes a 500-foot radius around the Russell Harbor Landing boat launch, a 500-foot radius around the Riverwalk’s north and south ends, a 300-foot radius around the center of the CSX trestle bridge and the gap between two previous boating restricted areas.
●Idle Speed No Wake: Applies in “Area 1-North,” better known as Quinn Bayou.
City workers will place eight regulatory signs along zoned waterways, and will install informational kiosks at Russell Harbor Landing, Carpenter’s Park and the marina.
The goal is to address any confusion concerning boating restrictions during RiverFest, according to Milton Public Works Director George Rials.
“The boating restriction was first used last July 4, and I think there were mixed reviews from the public on it,” he said, adding he heard boaters were not aware of restrictions.
Kiosks at city boat launch locations will indicate which Area 2 subzones are active and inactive, Rials said, adding LED indicators may be used. Those kiosks should be installed within the next few weeks.
“It takes, by ordinance, 60 days’ advance notice to active the zone, so it is not something that happens overnight,” Rials said.
Local law enforcement agencies will patrol the areas during RiverFest.
Pamela Holt, the city’s public information officer, said information also will be made available on the city’s website.
“We want the public to be aware of the changes to occur on Independence Day, (so) all citizens can be safe and enjoy their day,” Holt said in a media release.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Blackwater boating restrictions set July 4