GL: Venice

[Bob Kunath]

Capt Mimi asked about the "Water Nazi" marine cop in Venice.
Capt. Mimi
Yes, there are stories (true) about about a marine officer, I think named
Fitzgerald, that made it a point to do a document check at the Crows Nest.
 He was infamous for his overzealous and sometimes rude enforcement of all
kinds of violations.
Not a few cruisers and boaters mounted a campaign against the city to tone
down his techniques about two years ago.  There was enough fuss that the
story made the front page of the Sarasota Herald Tribune and the local
Gondolier Sun.
I'm not sure of the outcome, except that he was still on the job after that
flap, but apparently has responded to pressure from the mayor, the council
and publicity.  We don't hear much about him anymore.  I should note that he
was the first responder to the fatal news helicopter/boat accident that
happened during an offshore race 18 months ago.
Having said all that, please be aware that the ICW and local Golf and Bay
waters here are heavily patrolled by Venice Marine Police, the Sarasota
Sheriff, Florida DNR, the US Coast Guard and  US Customs.  Observe the NO
WAKE and Manatee zone limits carefully.

Bob Kunath
Sans Souci
-- 
Bob Kunath
bobkunath at gmail.com
cell:  (847) 921-8175