Scoop: Death renews calls for Hollywood to keep boats farther from shore
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A death off the coast has renewed debate over how close boaters should get to shore in Hollywood Beach. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
A group of Hollywood divers and snorkelers want the city to reconsider allowing boats closer to shore after a 31-year-old woman was recently struck in the water.
Why it matters: Kellie Williams' death has reignited concerns about Hollywood's recent change allowing boats as close as 218 yards offshore, up from 300.
Driving the news: Two fishermen on Hollywood Beach called the police June 3 at 8pm after spotting Williams' body in the water, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
- Police said the 31-year-old flight attendant was diving or snorkeling near Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park before her body washed ashore near Mexico Street.
- FWC said Williams appeared to have been struck by a boat. The investigation remains ongoing.
Catch up quick: In April, the Commission approved allowing boats 218 yards from shore and installing markers along the boundary. There aren't any at the 300-yard line.
- City officials argued that this change allows boaters to access reefs closer to shore, creates clearly marked safety areas, and ensures lifeguards can reach swimmers in distress.
- Critics said snorkelers will still swim beyond the artificial reef to the natural reef at 218 yards.
What they're saying: "You're putting the most inexperienced boaters right there with the most inexperienced snorkelers," diver Rick Goldman tells Axios.
The latest: Goldman is among the group calling on the city to prohibit boating closer than 400 yards.
- They've also proposed statewide legislation that would create that restriction along the entire Broward coast and require mandatory boating safety education for all boat operators.
The other side: Hollywood Fire Chief Jeff Levy tells Axios that the U.S. Coast Guard wouldn't permit a buoy line at 400 yards because it could create navigation issues for boaters.
- He says the 300-yard line also wouldn't be approved because of the reef system and notes 218 yards aligns with neighboring cities.
- "We are doing what's right to ensure everyone's safe," Levy says.
The big picture: Williams is the second swimmer killed by a boat in South Florida in the past month.
- In May, 27-year-old Jocelyn Brown was diving off Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys with her dive flag up when she was hit by a boat.
What's next: The city is still awaiting approval from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, FWC and the Coast Guard to install the buoy line.