TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkianich, Jr., County Administrator
Kylie Yanchula, Natural Resources Director
FROM: Melissa Meisenburg, Lagoon Resources Manager
DATE: October 14, 2025
SUBJECT: Approval to Submit a FWC Rapid Removal Derelict Vessel Grant
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BACKGROUND
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has authorized the removal of a derelict vessel from the beach in Indian River County. Officers from FWC have investigated the vessel and determined the vessel is derelict in accordance with sections 705.101 (3) and 823.11, Florida Statutes. The derelict designation from FWC allows for the vessel to be removed and properly disposed of, improving safety and reducing environmental damage.
In the fall of 2024, a cabin cruiser washed ashore on the beach in southern Indian River County. The derelict vessel was subject to an extensive civil hearing process delaying its removal. It was released to FWC Boating and Waterways on October 7, 2025, and released to the County for removal on October 15, 2025. FWC recommended the County apply for a Rapid Removal Grant to prevent further environmental degradation. Outlaw Maritime LLC has provided a cost proposal to the County of $33,995.00 to remove and dispose of the authorized derelict vessel following FWC best management practices. Staff prepared a FWC Rapid Removal Derelict Vessel Grant application providing detailed information on the proposed removal tasks.
ANALYSIS
The FWC Rapid Removal Derelict Vessel Grant is designed for those vessels in urgent need of immediate removal. The vessel on the beach in southern Indian River County is at risk of breaking apart, entering the waterway, and scattering along the beach creating a safety risk.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
The cost to remove and dispose of the derelict vessel is $33,995.00. Funds in the amount of $33,995.00 are budgeted and available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Florida Boating Improvement Program/IR Lagoon/Other Contractual Service, account number 13328337-033490. If awarded, FWC will initiate a purchase order for the County in the amount of $33,995.00.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
With previous derelict vessel releases, the Board has approved staff to apply for the Bulk Derelict Vessel Grant and authorized the County Administrator to execute awarded grant documents.
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Environment
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
Lagoon Management Plan
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners (Board) authorize the Chair to execute the FWC Rapid Removal Derelict Vessel Grant Application. In addition, staff recommends the Board authorize the County Administrator to execute any contract documents if funds are awarded upon concurrence by the County Attorney.