by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Tragedy and development have spurred the consideration of extending the “No Ski Zone” on Durbin Creek, a waterway off of Julington Creek in Mandarin.
At the request of Mayor John Peyton, an ordinance was drafted to extend the “No Ski Zone” on Durbin Creek to include a section that was naturally narrow and has been made even more so by new boat docks from housing developments along the creek. There are about seven boat docks within the additional 2,000 feet of the proposed zone.
“With so many waterways in Duval County, we want to make sure our citizens can enjoy them in a safe environment,” said Jim Suber, Jacksonville’s Waterways Coordinator/Dockmaster. “Dock development along the south bank of the creek has caused the waterway to be constricted. The proposed extension of the ‘No Ski Area’ will encourage skiing in a wider area of the creek.”
Julington Creek begins to narrow near the City’s Hood Landing Boat Ramp near Clark’s Fish Camp. This is where it branches off into Durbin Creek. The area was the site of one of the State’s first boater fatalities of 2008.
A collision between a personal water craft and a boat resulted in the death of the driver of the personal water craft, George Rosborough, 19, of Jacksonville. The Recreation and Community Services Department had been working on an ordinance to increase the “No Ski Zone” on Durbin Creek prior to the May 10 fatality, according to city spokesperson Kristen Beach.
Section 614.132., Regulations on operation of boats, of Chapter 614, Public Order and Safety, of the City’s Code was created to alleviate boater hazards due to increased congestion on the waterways. It states, “No skiing zone means a restricted or controlled zone which has been established to protect the interest of the public in which no water skiing, aquaplaning, or other similar activity shall take place utilizing such devices as water skis, aquaplaning, or other similar activity shall take place utilizing such devices as water skis, aquaplane, inner tube, sled or similar device.”
A “No Ski Zone” is already in place for about 1,500 feet of Durbin Creek. Ordinance 2008-572 proposes to amend the current legislation to extend that zone by about 2,000 feet to where Durbin Creek meets Julington Creek. Other “No Ski Zones” are located on Pottsburg Creek and the Ortega River in Duval County.
Violating the ordinance is a non-criminal act punishable by a civil fine of $35. The Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office are responsible for enforcement of the ordinance.
The new ordinance is being reviewed by the City Council’s Recreation and Community Development Committee. Council member Jack Webb, who represents the area, would like to see the proposed ordinance deferred, so it can be given more scrutiny.
“I do have some concerns as to the outreach to the community on this issue,” said Webb, who is a boater. “I plan to ask for it to be deferred because I need to take a second look at it before it goes forward.”
If Council approves the ordinance, the request for change will go to FWCC Boater Safety Office for permits and approval.
Julington Creek is a playground for boaters, but one of its tributaries, Durbin Creek, is being considered for an extension of its ‘No Ski Zone’ in order to keep boaters safe.
356-2466