§ 4.2-22. Statement of policy.

Polk County has approximately five hundred fifty (550) lakes covering over ninety-three thousand (93,000) acres and hundreds of miles of streams and rivers. Chapter 327, Florida Statutes, and Section 327.60, Florida Statutes, authorizes local governments to adopt ordinances for the regulation of any vessel operated upon local waterways. The numerous lakes and streams are a major asset to Polk County. Their uses include: Recreation (swimming, fishing, water skiing, and boating), esthetics, commercial fisheries, wildlife habitat, and water supply. The proper management and preservation of these systems is an important goal of Polk County including the safe operation of vessels and the minimization of user conflict. The board of county commissioners of Polk County, Florida, finds it necessary in the public interest to so regulate waterway activities for the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Polk County with the intent that vessels be operated in a manner which assures reasonable and prudent use of Polk County's waterways by all who attempt to use them.

(Ord. No. 91-13, Art. I, § 1-2, 6-18-91; Ord. No. 93-37, Art. I, § 1-2, 8-10-93)