BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Public boat ramps in Brevard County could soon be a little less crowded because county officials are considering charging businesses that rent canoes and kayaks a fee to operate.
For four years, Phil Galloway has been launching his kayaks from Manatee Cove in north Merritt Island. His eco-tour company, Calypso Kayaking, gives guided tours on the Indian River Lagoon.
"When I first came here not many people knew about Manatee Cove. I brought awareness here and now a lot more people are coming out and enjoying the boat ramp," said Galloway.
But county officials say the increased traffic is a problem.
Director of Parks and Recreation for Brevard County Jack Masson fears if too many people launch their kayaks in a short amount of time it could scare wildlife.
Masson says another concern is the lack of parking because often times businesses bring tour buses full of tourists for guided tours.
"We're concerned that too much of a good thing is a bad thing in some cases," said Masson.
The county is considering charging commercial business, like Galloway's, $500 annually to use the boat ramps, as well as, limiting the number of days they're allowed to launch from certain parks.
Galloway says he's fine with paying for a permit, but cutting his days could hurt his bottom line.
"They talk about limiting the days that I could come here, that would affect me," said Galloway. "But I may just have to find somewhere else to launch. It's the county's property and I go by their rules."
"It's not this county's intent to harm anyone's business opportunity," said Masson. "We just want to control that opportunity and do it legally."
Officials are expected to discuss this issue at the Oct. 21 County Commission meeting.