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NewsSt Pete CatalystJuly 29, 2026Pinellas

Dunedin Commission moves to ban motorized watercraft launches from Causeway

The Dunedin City Commission has voted 4-0 to advance an ordinance that would prohibit the launch and retrieval of motorized watercraft from the south side of the Dunedin Causeway. The proposal aims to protect seagrass and improve public safety, though it faces opposition from residents and business owners who prefer alternative management solutions like permits or stricter enforcement.

Dunedin Causewaywatercraftenvironmental protectionpublic safetyordinance
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Why It Matters

If the passes a second reading, motorized watercraft users will be permanently prohibited from launching or retrieving their vessels directly from the south side of the Dunedin Causeway, forcing them to use other public or private boat ramps.

Key Facts

  • The Dunedin City Commission voted 4-0 on July 23 to advance an ordinance prohibiting motorized watercraft launch and retrieval from the south side of the Dunedin Causeway.
  • A second public hearing and final vote on the ordinance is scheduled for September 3.
  • The ordinance would not prohibit motorized vessels from operating in St. Joseph Sound or the Intracoastal Waterway.
  • The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office documented 80 personal watercraft-related incidents between January 1, 2022, and April 30, 2026.
  • The Fire Chief reported two jet ski fatalities in the area since 2020.
  • City staff stated that creating a formal, regulated launch area would require additional permitting, accessibility improvements, and ongoing costs not covered by user fees.
  • The Causeway was temporarily closed during Hurricane Milton, which city officials claim led to a resurgence of seagrass and native wildlife and a reduction in trash and parking issues.

Who's Mentioned

personJennifer Bramley“Dunedin City Manager who announced the ordinance.”organizationPinellas County Sheriff’s Office“Documented 80 watercraft-related incidents between 2022 and 2026.”organizationDunedin City Commission“The governing body that voted to advance the ordinance.”personSandbergen“City Commissioner who voted in favor of the ordinance.”personTony Mulkey“Parks and Recreation Director who provided testimony on seagrass damage.”personMatt Norman“Resident who questioned the necessity of a permanent ban.”personNick Wadell“General Manager of Cycle Springs PowerSports who opposed the ban.”personSteven Guardino“Resident who suggested a permit system instead of a ban.”other35“Number of years Rich Santoro has lived in Dunedin.”other80“Number of personal watercraft-related incidents documented between Jan 1, 2022, ”personMichelle Birnbaum“Resident who spoke in support of the ordinance.”personMichael Handoga“Fire Chief who reported two jet ski fatalities since 2020.”locationDunedin Causeway“The specific location affected by the new watercraft launch restrictions.”locationHoneymoon Island State Park“The state park connected to Dunedin by the Causeway.”personRich Santoro“35-year Dunedin resident who supported the ordinance.”