News & Views for Southern Sailors - Southwinds Magazine

LETTERS
“Freedom of the press is limited to those who own one.”
A.J. Liebling
In its continuing endeavor to share its press, SOUTHWINDS
invites readers to write in with experiences & opinions.
E-mail your letters to editor@southwindsmagazine.com
FWC OFFICERS GONE WILD
“From the Helm” –
FWC Officers Gone Wild in Key West, May 2011
GLADES
BOAT STORAGE
On the Okeechobee Waterway
Inland Hurricane Boat Storage
Your Do-it-Yourself Work Yard
Misconduct by FWC officers (or any other officials for that
matter) should be reported. There is no other practical way
to curtail disrespect and abuse of authority. E-mail, write or
call FWC’s inspector general (850-488-6068) about the complaint,
providing as much information as possible. It’s
understandable to have concerns about subsequent harassment,
but the odds of that happening are slim to none.
Indeed, expect them to steer clear of you. Some of these officers
may be bullies, but very few are so stupid as to engage
in retaliation. Should that happen, report that, too. A few
too many black marks, and these bad actors will be gone.
Law enforcement management in this day and age is well
aware of possibilities for misconduct, but is helpless to do
anything about its “bad apples” unless complaints are filed.
They also know the public feels intimidated, so complaints
are not taken lightly. And should praise be warranted, be
sure to do that, too, by contacting FWC’s Community
Relations Office.
As to the question of whether officers enforce actual
law that they know and understand or sort of make up their
own laws based on what they think is the law, I believe it’s
too often the latter. They don’t seem to get much continuing
education on laws. A marine patrol officer spoke at a meeting
I attended and talked about a two-night stay local
anchoring ordinance and was completely unaware of
Florida’s anchoring law that had been passed maybe six
months earlier. Another marine officer thought having an
anchor aboard was a regulation. That makes sense, but
there’s no such regulation. So, as SOUTHWINDS advised,
carry a copy of Florida’s anchoring law and all other regulations
as preparation for heading off a citation—in a polite
and respectful manner, of course. Next step for those who
feel their Fourth Amendment rights are slipping away, they
might be advised to have hidden cameras aboard.
Perhaps you might think law enforcement for motor
vehicles is a lot better, but don’t be too sure. For instance, in
Florida, a number of people including myself have asked
police officers if it’s okay to turn right on a red arrow traffic
signal after stopping to make sure the turn is safe. The
answer too often given is that it’s illegal; otherwise there
wouldn’t be a red arrow. Makes sense, except that’s not the
law. It’s permitted, as are left turns on a red arrow from a
one-way street onto a one-way street.
Len Krauss
Punta Gorda, FL
Len,
Thanks for the good advice and information. I think it is not only
See LETTERS continued on page 10
Okeechobee Waterway
SAIL OR POWER
JUNE & JULY SPECIAL!
50% OFF HAUL-OUT FEE &
WORK YA RD RATE
11 Miles West of Lake Okeechobee
on the Okeechobee Waterway
Moore Haven
Lake
Okeechobee
•
News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS July 2011 9
★
Stuart
•
• La Belle
Ft. Myers Glades Boat Storage
12 MILES EAST OF La BELLE
• Owner-operated by boaters for boaters
• 8’ deep channel off the Waterway in fresh
water section (for engine flush)
• As Hurricane-proof as it gets — locks on
both sides with minimal storm surge and
no tides
• Professional glass, electrical, mechanical
service available
• 40-ton lift — boats up to 16’ 6” beam
• Dry storage at $4.25/foot per month
• Crane Service
• Auto/RV/Trailer Storage
• Hot Showers!
GLADES BOAT STORAGE
3630 Boat Yard Rd. SW • Moore Haven, FL 33471
www.gladesboatstorage.com
OFFICE PHONE: 863.983.3040
AFTER HOURS/WEEKENDS: 941.722.7722
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