§ 2-24-45. Restricting the operation of aircraft on Lake Manatee.

(1)

The landing and takeoff of any size or type of aircraft, including, but not limited to, seaplanes, amphibians, helicopters, ultra-lights, balloons, and hang-gliders, on the surface of Lake Manatee is prohibited within five hundred (500) yards of the earthen dam and water treatment facility located on the west end of Lake Manatee. Beyond five hundred (500) yards of the subject earthen dam and water treatment facility, only aircraft designed and manufactured for the express purpose of landing and taking off from a water body may do so upon Lake Manatee.

(2)

The landing and takeoff of any such aircraft on the surface of Lake Manatee between the end of the evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the American Air Almanac, is prohibited.

(3)

The above prohibitions do not apply to emergency situations which legitimately threaten the safety of an aircraft, its occupants, or others.

(4)

In addition to the provisions in article VII related to enforcement of this chapter, the provisions of this article V, and any related implementing resolutions, may be enforced by any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over aircraft operations for the territory which encompasses Lake Manatee.

(5)

The operator and/or owner of any aircraft or other person violating this article V may be cited for a noncriminal infraction.

(6)

Notwithstanding any other section of this chapter, each landing or takeoff on the lake shall be deemed a separate violation.

(7)

This Article V, concerning activities upon certain bodies of water, does not provide the sole source of county regulation of such activities and are supplemental to any other applicable provisions of this code, including, but not limited to, the Manatee County Boating Ordinance.

(Ord. No. 07-60, § 7, 6-12-07; Ord. No. 08-48, § 9, 3-25-08)