DeBary creates motorized‑vessel exclusion zone at Alexander Island Park to protect paddlecraft users

The City of DeBary City Council on second reading approved Ordinance O‑3‑2025 to create a motorized vessel exclusion zone (MVEZ) along a portion of the St. Johns River adjacent to Alexander Island Park.

Richard Villasenor, the city engineer, said the ordinance is intended "to improve public safety, protect environmental resources, and enhance the recreational experience for park visitors engaging in non‑motorized water activities," including kayaks and paddlecraft. Villasenor told council the city owns the park property and the riverbed beneath the proposed exclusion area and that the MVEZ will cover roughly 12% of Alexander Island’s river frontage (the island’s coastline totals approximately 8,400 linear feet in staff materials).

The exclusion zone is designed to provide a protected area for non‑motorized users and to avoid conflict with motorized craft; openings will be marked and left for emergency responders and to permit non‑motorized vessels to cross the barrier where allowed by state permit. Villasenor said final lines on the water may be adjusted slightly during the state permitting process and that installation and maintenance costs will be handled under the parks and recreation budget as part of the park‑construction project.

Council members voiced support for the measure as a safety step for land‑side park users. Council member Papalardo said the ordinance is needed "as a matter of safety for those users of this." The council unanimously approved the ordinance; Vice Mayor Butland, Council members Stevenson and Papalardo, and Mayor Chazet voted yes.

After adoption staff will provide the ordinance to state agencies to secure formal approval and registration, then proceed with buoy and signage procurement, law enforcement coordination and public outreach as part of the phase‑one park construction schedule.