The continuing sagas of the Blue Heron Bridge

[Hetland]

I could be wrong; but I believe there is no other Fishing Pier/Bridge in Florida where it is legal to dive within 100 yards, or maybe that rule is only valid for spearfishing??? So we're pretty happy with the access we are granted, even with a few restrictions.

It is unlawful to spearfish within 100 yards of all public bathing beaches, commercial or public fishing piers, and that portion of any bridge where public fishing is permitted.

It is unlawful to spearfish in or on any body of water under the jurisdiction of the Division of Recreation and Parks of the Florida Department of natural Resources.

You can't obstruct navigation with your dive flag:
Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : flsenate.gov

I've never been able to find a Florida state law that prohibits scuba diving at piers, but from talking to some law enforcement types, the operative word always seems to be WORKING fishing pier, in other words, you can dive the fishing piers if they are closed. I suspect that the "can't dive within ___ feet of a working fishing pier" laws are local ordinances, but I'd be happy to be corrected by someone if they know the statute.

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

I'm thinking that's illegal. First off, you can't arbitrarily require a certain group to have insurance for an activity at a public location, and not require it from another group (fishermen). If the park is open for fishermen, then it has to be open for scuba divers (at least that is my understanding of equal-access).

We're also talking about a beach, and a navigable waterway used for commerce. That adds even more complication to someone restricting access, especially since it is apparently done on the whim of a park administrator.

I don't know where the gear confiscation stuff first came up either. I'm aware of three ways that dive gear could be confiscated: if it's stolen, if it's ill-gotten gains, if it's used in commission of a drug or fish/wildlife crime. In other words, they have to have probable cause it's stolen, purchased with drug money, or used to transport drugs, or used to poach game. If Florida has some other law that allows the state to seize property (scuba or otherwise) I'd like to see the statute.

I'm a visitor, I'm only going to dive the bridge once or twice a year, so I don't have a load of trouble following the "rules" even though I think they are wrong (legally, I mean). If I were a local, I think I'd be looking for a lawyer that likes to shore dive......

fisherman and divers are aliowed on the pier after dark. All access to the beach is restricted at night. No legal issues. If the city so desired, they could put up a gate and close the whole place down at sunset

 

[Scott L]

Last June I tried to organize a night dive for my club. Between the WPB park district and the Sat night tide times it ended up being too complicated to pursue. I just dug through my old emails. This came straight from the park district:

Call Force E in Riviera Beach to coordinate your next venture...

 

[mntlblok]

The potential that a few people who don't follow the rules could ruin a good thing for all divers.

It was a fight to get the city to agree with night dive permits. If they feel it is a hassle they could simply vote to discontinue night shore dives all together.

Only the boat ramp and boat ramp parking is open 24 hrs. Parking around the rest of the park and the park itself closes at 10 PM.

Beach access and access to the play area close at sunset. At Park Ranger discretion; vehicles that appear to be abandoned or have no owner present in the area of the vehicle can be ticketed and towed at owner expense. (The meaning of this is to allow people who are using the pavilions to continue using the pavilions until the park closes at 10 PM) Vehicles that appear to be out of place could face ticketing and towing
---

But, why take a chance on screwing it up for all the divers who follow the rules?

Thanks for the clarification. I was unaware of the history and really have no idea what sort of relationship exists between law enforcement and scuba types down yonder.

I've also since learned that I can likely have enjoyable dives there (maybe more out from the beach and away from the waterway) even when the tides aren't ideal.

Maybe I should start a new thread, but I also just learnt today that there is beach reef diving in the Vero Beach area - a shorter drive for me. Anyone know how that compares to Lauderdale By The Sea? TIA

Kevin
Savannah

 

[sheeper]

yes....some quite decent beach dives. I'm told Pepper Park (south of Vero, near Ft Pierce) is great. have not done that yet.

Vero has a line of reefs close in to shore. conditions are iffy in terms of current and visibility but can offer some nice dives

 

[jet126]

Call Force E in Riviera Beach to coordinate your next venture...

I know, thanks Scott. Little Deeper said they would be happy to help, too. But you know us Broward folks. The only "acceptable" night is Saturday. And since I also work most Sat nights I had to find a date when the tides worked when I was off. And when the weather was still warm. (Not many Vikings amongst us). Didn't happen this year. I am shooting for next spring or summer.

Speaking of which, does anyone have an easy-to-read tide table past Jan 2011?

BTW ... I'll be there tomorrow morning! (Speaking of Vikings)

 

[Splitlip]

Ah yes. Saturday is date night.

Heaven forbid you miss a Friday night out. And Sunday is technically a school night.

Got it.

 

[TheOnlyRae]

Scott was at the bridge?

A Scott sighting at the bridge? Is that more rare than a frogfish?

:blinking:

 

[Splitlip]

No kidding! You betcha!

 

[imwright1985]

The park is open untill 10PM, 24 hrs for use of the boat ramp (This is to cut down on potential illegal activities since it is a crappy area that its located) The beach area closes at sunset because that is when the staff leaves, this is where they can issue a tresspass warning or potentially arrest for trespass. For keeping the citys liability down they require a special permit to be pulled for beach dives at night, which the diveshops pull (force-e used to charge 5-10 a head for the night dives there) Also if you go at night keep an eye out last time i was there after dark i came across 4 different bum's, which is why going in a group like force-e puts together is a decent idea since you have a surface spotter and other people to help guide you around the site.

Asfar as diving around piers it is a city ordinance which piers are declared no swimming 25-100 feet for safety purposes. Deerfield Beach opened their pier to divers for a day last year as part of a beach cleanup. You were able to dive and help clean up fishing line and other litter while enjoying some of the sealife around their pier.

The only issues that I know of with BHB and divers was trying to get night dives opened up and with the construction going on under the east bridge.