TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Kylie Yanchula, Natural Resources Director
FROM: Melissa Meisenburg, Lagoon Resources Manager
DATE: November 19, 2025
SUBJECT: Request Approval to Submit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission Derelict Vessel Grant Applications for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year
__________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) authorizes the removal of derelict vessels from within Indian River County. Law enforcement officers investigate and determine vessel status under Florida Statutes 705.101 (3) and 823.11. Once authorized, vessels may be removed and properly disposed of to eliminate hazards to navigation and the environment.
FWC offers two 100% reimbursable grants to support removal efforts: the Bulk Derelict Vessel Removal Grant and a Rapid Removal Grant. Regardless of the grant pursued, applications are submitted to FWC Boating and Waterways Law Enforcement Division. If funding is available, recipients are notified and grant documents are provided for execution. Staff regularly apply for and have been awarded many of these grants to recover costs associated with derelict vessel removal within Indian River County.
ANALYSIS
Derelict vessel investigations are an extensive process that can take up to a year to complete. To accelerate removal of an authorized vessel, the County executed five-year contracts for derelict vessel removal with four marine contractors. Granting the Natural Resources Department the authority to apply for FWC Derelict Vessel Grants and allowing the County Administrator to execute awarded grants during the 2025-2026 fiscal year will aid in quicker removal efforts.
Project costs vary based on the condition and quantity of vessels approved for removal. Since 2020, staff has suc...
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