We have been working with on this with the folks writing the legislation redrafting things to lessen unreasonable impact on kitesurfing. The latest draft looks good and should have minimal impact on kiters in Florida while still maintaining safety. The process is underway and is being monitored by kiting interests here. More information will be posted once things have moved further along in Tallahassee.
A special request, this problem was originally much worse and far reaching for kiting interests throughout Florida. As originally worded this legislation could have closed many long term riding areas throughout the state. We discussed the issues in earnest with authorities and came up with a far less impacting version on kiting. I hope the current far less impacting draft is passed but the vote is still to come.
This problem was all brought about by what may have been a handful of guys launching and riding in the area of New College in Sarasota, close to a primary runway and low flight path area from the International airport. Local kiting leaders have spoken to everyone they can think of to voluntarily halt kiteboarding in this area. I ask that we all work to stop any kiting anywhere near this area. The cost of continuing to ride here would be far too high for both local kiters and the rest of the state to bear.
A diagram of the exclusion area follows.
Thank you
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