The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office received a grant from Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) to fund a new patrol boat which will allow for enhanced patrol along the intracoastal waterway, marine search and rescue efforts, law enforcement operations, crime prevention and boater safety and education along the intercoastal waterway and saltwater canals.
The FIND grant contributed 50% of the cost of the new Tidewater 2110BM Marine Unit patrol boat, with FCSO paying the other 50%. The new patrol boat will hit the waterways this Memorial Day weekend to help kick-off the summer boating season.
“With the vast miles of waterways in Flagler County, and an ever-growing number of boating residents and visitors, it’s essential that we have the tools to keep our waterways safe,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Working with FIND to replace an older patrol boat and enhance our waterway capabilities for the safety of the community is a partnership that we are thankful to have.”
This weekend the FCSO Marine Unit and the Florida Game and Fish Commission will be on patrol across Flagler County waterways watching for boaters under the influence and operating recklessly. With this new vessel, law enforcement will be able to safely patrol even more areas. Those planning a trip out on the water should remember to abide by boating laws and regulations and be respectful to other boaters.
“If you plan to drink, plan to have a sober captain. It’s really that simple. If you choose not to, you will see some new bars at the Green Roof Inn,” added Sheriff Staly. “We want everyone to have a safe Memorial Day weekend so don’t endanger yourself or others by boating impaired. Instead remember the purpose of the holiday is to remember our fallen military heroes.”
JOE D says
Great that Flagler Co got a 50% grant for the new patrol boat. Of course that means the remaining 50% comes out of taxpayer’s pockets. I noticed there was no mention of the total cost we are absorbing.
There is ALSO no mention of exactly HOW OLD the “older” boat is, which this new boat is replacing.
It’s great that we are keeping up with Police Standards for new equipment…but “reasonable” spending on the NEWEST models available , should be kept in perspective.
Many of us might like driving a BMW or a Mercedes, but we need to keep budgets in check….
exasperated says
50% local taxes and 50% state taxes.
The Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) is a special State taxing district for the continued management and maintenance of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), commonly referred to as M-95 marine highway.
Shark says
Probably another $50,000 !!!
Dennis C Rathsam says
This is a huge waste of tax payer dollars! Why a new boat? There are plenty used boats, in tip top shape that the sheriff could have purchased. He could have bought 2 boats for the price of one! Something sounds “FISHY” to me. With gas prices so high, how many folks can afford to take thier boats out? I know how expensive it is to own a boat…The best day of my life is when I purchased my 1st boat, The second best day is when I sold it. Now I dabble in a small row boat, with an electric motor….
Flatsflyer says
Wasn’t Thailand ago the Sheriff bough 2 new boats, one a center console and other an airboat. Never seen the airboat being used. The other very infrequently. All I want to know is the size of the fleet and the number of hours on each vessel?