Kudos to sheriff’s deputies for fast action on derelict boat

I live in the Laguna Riviera Dunes in a building that looks out over the Manatee River and the DeSoto Bridge.

Two months ago, I noticed a small boat towing a 30-foot cruiser toward the small park that is under the DeSoto Bridge. They left the large, derelict-looking old boat sit there and left. I thought they would repair it and be gone soon. Well, it sat there. And sat. I realized soon it was abandoned and wasn't going anywhere soon.

From reading in the Bradenton Herald, I knew Manatee County was experiencing a problem with abandoned boats, and removing an old boat that wasn't a navigational hazard was a low priority on the county's list of problems. But I thought that I would lodge a complaint.

So I called the city of Palmetto. They said it was not their problem. I figured no one would take the responsibility of having to deal with it. But I called Manatee County and was told to call the sheriff’s department. They said they would send a deputy out to investigate.

I thought that would be the end of it. That call was on Wednesday, July 19. On Thursday, I thought I saw a deputy checking the area out but was not sure. On Friday morning, there was heavy equipment onsite removing the boat. I just moved full time to Palmetto and am not used to that type of response to a complaint from a resident.

My hat is off to all those who had a hand in quickly resolving the problem and sincerely appreciate everyone who does the thankless job of maintaining the beauty of this community. So glad to see my tax dollars at work. Thank you all from a very grateful resident. Keep up the great work!

This story was originally published July 27, 2017 at 12:22 PM with the headline "Kudos to sheriff’s deputies for fast action on derelict boat."