MIAMI — The Coast Guard has announced an expanded regulated navigation area, for Biscayne Bay during fireworks displays, in the downtown Miami and Key Biscayne areas this Fourth of July.
A 15-knot speed limit will be in effect from Turkey Point north to the Julia Tuttle Causeway and from Elliot Key west to the shoreline. The speed restriction will be enforced from 7 p.m. until 11:59 p.m. July Fourth.
The expanded regulated navigation area is necessary to protect the boating public during the holiday weekend when a significant concentration of vessels are expected to be on the bay. Vessel speed, especially in crossing navigational channels in the dark, has contributed to incidents resulting in severe injury and death. In 2014, four people were killed in a vessel collision while traveling back to the boat ramp after watching fireworks.
The Coast Guard and partner state and local law enforcement agencies will have an increased presence during the period to ensure boater safety while transiting the bay during night hours.
