The city of Clermont receives weekly complaints regarding jet skis and the impact they have on boaters, docks and plant life along the shoreline of Lake Minneola.
Clermont has not prohibited beaching behind splash pad, waterfront pavilion or Lake Hiawatha dock area which has caused these areas to become extremely congested with many jet skis beaching, causing hazardous conditions. Though a majority of boat ramps throughout the state do not provide a beaching area, jet ski owners say they need a staging area (a place where items such as coolers, extra fuel, can be loaded). For the city to designate a specific jet ski beaching location, the request would need to go through the DEP, ultimately, a long and costly process.
Commercial vendors, bringing their jet ski rentals to the boat ramp for launching are adding to the negative impact on the lake. The city staff has observed 5-10 commercial operators renting jet skis and wakeboard boats.
In March, procedures were developed to reduce issues and ensure compliance. Staff has installed barriers and signage to prohibit beaching adjacent to the boat ramp and beginning on May 15th, the Clermont Police Department will begin enforcement of regulations.
Commercial operators who purchase a permit must have proof of insurance, identify watercraft with operator, and provide all renters with state and city regulations. Violators will receive an initial warning, a second violation will result in immediate dismissal from the boat ramp, and violations will result in revocation of permit. Parking citations will be issued as well.
The staff recommended a 3-month observation period following the installation of No Wake Zone buoys and marine unit patrolling the lake and will update the council and make additional recommendations.
Jet skis and wakeboard boats have been causing disruption on the lakes for years but now with commercial boat rentals becoming popular on Lake Minneola, safety concerns are more prevalent.
Each afternoon dedicated middle and high school students are seen at the Clermont Boathouse, readying themselves for a strenuous afterschool workout.
Many students who trained at the Boathouse, located on the shores of Lake Minneola by Victory Pointe, have gone on to receive crew scholarships. Due to the high wakes, caused especially by jet skis and wakeboard boats, it has become increasingly unsafe for these kids to practice. High waves have caused the rowboats to flip and are causing potential danger.
Good news for those who kayak and canoe, the city is replacing the dock in the Lake Hiawatha Preserve on Lake Minneola that was totally damaged by a hurricane a few years ago. Let’s hope by the time it’s constructed, the city will have created no-speed zones, no-wake zones and adequate policing.
Whether it’s an automobile, boat, or jetski, all motorized vehicles need to have rules, regulations and enforcers. The city has invited and encouraged its boaters to play and stay on Lake Minneola.
Thus, it is the Clermont City Council’s obligation to address the boating issues and adequately invest in the resources to ensure the safety of all boaters.
