March revision of MAB letter supporting Manatee Protection Zone MPZ — Marine Advisory Board (2026-03-18)

AI Summary

The Clearwater Marine Advisory Board issued a letter of support for a City ordinance establishing a Manatee Protection Zone (MPZ) within the Stevenson Creek Aquatic Preserve. The Board's support is based on two professional reports completed in 2025 addressing manatee behavior and navigational safety, plus twelve months of local citizen data documenting over 200 manatee sightings supervised by the Save The Manatee Organization. The Board supports the proposed MPZ signage placement at four locations: Fort Harrison Bridge, two standing pylons, the Pinellas Trail bridge, and Douglas Avenue bridge, as well as enforcement of the protection zone in coordination with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requirements.