This week, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, alongside the Lucy Fernandez Foundation, announced the creation of a special Boater Safety and Bay Education Task Force. The temporary task force will present recommendations to the Mayor related to increasing safety across Biscayne Bay and all county waterways and educating the public on safe and responsible recreation.
“Our County is committed to the protection of both residents and our natural resources. With this Task Force, we’re empowering trusted community voices and local experts to inform how local government can make our waterways safer for all,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “When residents and visitors boat safely, they’re protecting two of our greatest resources, our people and our environment. And this task force is a critical step in ensuring no other precious lives will be imperiled on our waterways.”
The eight-person task force will include members of the Lucy Fernandez and Monica Burguera Foundations – representing the families of those who lost their lives in tragic boating accidents-, as well as representatives from the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, the Office of State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, commercial and recreational boating industries, and members engaged in boater safety and bay education.
In 2023, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported 659 boating accidents and 59 boating related fatalities in the calendar year. Unfortunately, many of those incidents occurred within Miami-Dade County. This increase in accidents and fatalities has inspired numerous individuals to work for the promotion of greater boating safety and the prevention of future boating accidents.
“In honor of Lucy Fernandez and the other precious lives lost due to preventable water safety tragedies, the Lucy Fernandez Foundation has been working tirelessly to promote boater safety and awareness,” said Andy Fernandez of the Lucy Fernandez Foundation. “This is a unique opportunity to create meaningful change at the local level—and to help ensure safer waters for all to enjoy.”
Following the Task Force’s work, a summary of all recommendations will be presented to my administration, and we will consider next steps to strengthen safety and avoid fatalities along our Bay. All meetings will be noticed, and all public records will be maintained, in accordance with the Government in the Sunshine Laws.
