Abandoned boats near Fort Pierce nature preserves spark calls for removal amid safety fears
Residents near Wildcat Cove in Fort Pierce are concerned about abandoned boats creating hazardous conditions and environmental risks, as authorities monitor the situation.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. —
Abandoned and derelict boats are filling up Wildcat Cove off North Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce, creating safety hazards and environmental concerns for residents and visitors.
Philipe Chibas, who lives nearby and runs Hot Reels Offshore Adventures, described the area as a “boat junkyard.”
“Looks like Water World out here,” Chibas said. “I have to navigate through this minefield every time I go out with customers.”
Chibas also expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the abandoned vessels. The boats are located between two nature preserves.
The issue follows the city’s implementation of a new ordinance limiting boats to anchoring in the water for 45 days before requiring them to be moved. However, Chibas said Wildcat Cove is outside the restricted zone, allowing the problem to persist.
“Instead of solving the problem, they pushed the problem somewhere else,” he said.
The area is also a popular spot for tubing and jet skiing, and residents are calling for the boats to be removed before an accident occurs.
“They should be towed and destroyed,” Chibas said. “You can’t leave your car on [Interstate] 95.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it has issued several citations and is continuing to monitor the situation.
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