2024-05009. Special Local Regulations; Recurring Marine Events, Sector St. Petersburg

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is revising existing regulations by updating the duration of an existing event in the Seventh Coast Guard District Captain of the Port St. Petersburg Zone. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on the navigable waters in Clearwater, FL, during the Clearwater Offshore Nationals/Race World Offshore event.

DATES:

This rule is effective April 8, 2024.

ADDRESSES:

To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2023–0597 in the search box and click “Search.” Next, in the Document Type column, select “Supporting & Related Material.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you have questions about this rule, call or email Marine Science Technician First Class Mara J. Brown, Sector St. Petersburg Prevention Department, Coast Guard; telephone [phone] (ext. 8151), email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

COTP Captain of the Port

DHS Department of Homeland Security

FR Federal Register

NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking

§ Section

U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

The Coast Guard is revising the Recurring Marine Events in the geographic boundaries of the Seventh Coast Guard District Captain of the Port (COTP) St. Petersburg Zone that are listed in 33 CFR 100.703, Table 1 to § 100.703. The change is to Line No. 6 located under Date/time, existing as “One Sunday in September; Time (Approximate): 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.” The event sponsor has changed the duration of the event to a two-day event; revising the Date/time as “One weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in September; Time (Approximate): 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.”

On August 4, 2023, the Coast Guard published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) titled, Special Local Regulations; Recurring Marine Events, Sector St. Petersburg.^[1] There we stated why we issued the NPRM and invited comments on our proposed regulatory action related to our table. During the comment period that ended September 5, 2023, we received no comments.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C. 70034. The COTP Sector St. Petersburg has determined that potential hazards associated with Clearwater Offshore Nationals/Race World Offshore high-speed boat race, will be a safety concern for anyone within the regulated area. The purpose of this rule is to ensure safety of vessels and the navigable waters in the regulated area before, during, and after the scheduled event.

IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes, and the Rule

As noted above, we received no comments on our NPRM published August 4, 2023. There are no changes in the regulatory text of this rule from the proposed rule in the NPRM.

This rule establishes the following changes in 33 CFR 100.703:

1. Revise Table 1 to § 100.703, Line No. 6, to reflect a date and time change.

Marine events listed in Table 1 to § 100.703 are listed as recurring over a particular time, during each month and each year. Exact dates are intentionally omitted since calendar dates for specific events change from year to year. Once dates for a marine event are known, the Coast Guard notifies the public it intends to enforce the special local regulation through various means including a notice of enforcement published in the Federal Register , Local Notice to Mariners, and Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

V. Regulatory Analyses

We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits. This rule has not been designated a “significant regulatory action,” under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, as amended by Executive Order 14094 (Modernizing Regulatory Review). Accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

This regulatory action determination is based on the size, location, duration, and time of day of the regulated area. These areas are limited in size and duration, and usually do not affect high vessel traffic areas. Moreover, the Coast Guard would provide advance notice of the regulated areas to the local maritime community by Local Notice to Mariners, Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF–FM marine channel 16, and the rule would allow vessels to seek permission to enter the regulated area.

B. Impact on Small Entities

The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601–612, as amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term “small entities” comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. The Coast Guard received no comments from the Small Business Administration on this rulemaking. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section V.A above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on any vessel owner or operator.

Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–121), we want to assist small entities in understanding this rule. If the rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1–888–REG–FAIR (1–888–734–3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

This rule will not call for a new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the National Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. We have analyzed this rule under that order and have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 13132.

Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531–1538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.

F. Environment

We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security Directive 023–01, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and have determined that this action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves revising an existing recurring event to reflect a date and time change for the event. It is categorically excluded from further review under paragraphs L61 in Table 3–1 of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023–01–001–01, Rev. 1.

G. Protest Activities

The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or security of people, places or vessels.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100

• Harbors
• Marine safety
• Navigation (water)
• Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
• Security measures
• Waterways

For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR part 100 as follows:

PART 100—SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS

1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70041; 33 CFR 1.05–1.

2. In § 100.703, revise Table 1 to read as follows:

§ 100.703

Special Local Regulations; Recurring Marine Events, Sector St. Petersburg.

* * * * *

Table 1 to § 100.703—Special Local Regulations; Recurring Marine Events, Sector St. Petersburg

[Datum NAD 1983]

Date/time	Event/sponsor	Location	Regulated area
1. One Saturday in January. Time (Approximate): 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m	Gasparilla Invasion and Parade/Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla	Tampa, Florida	Location: A regulated area is established consisting of the following waters of Hillsborough Bay and its tributaries north of 27°51′18″ N and south of the John F. Kennedy Bridge: Hillsborough Cut “D” Channel, Seddon Channel, Sparkman Channel and the Hillsborough River south of the John F. Kennedy Bridge.
			Additional Regulation: (1) Entrance into the regulated area is prohibited to all commercial marine traffic from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST on the day of the event. (2) The regulated area will include a 100 yard Safety Zone around the vessel JOSE GASPAR while docked at the Tampa Yacht Club until 6 p.m. EST on the day of the event. (3) The regulated area is a “no wake” zone. (4) All vessels within the regulated area shall stay 50 feet away from and give way to all officially entered vessels in parade formation in the Gasparilla Marine Parade. (5) When within the marked channels of the parade route, vessels participating in the Gasparilla Marine Parade may not exceed the minimum speed necessary to maintain steerage. (6) Jet skis and vessels without mechanical propulsion are prohibited from the parade route. (7) Vessels less than 10 feet in length are prohibited from the parade route unless capable of safely participating. (8) Vessels found to be unsafe to participate at the discretion of a present Law Enforcement Officer are prohibited from the parade route. (9) Northbound vessels in excess of 65 feet in length without mooring arrangement made prior to the date of the event are prohibited from entering Seddon Channel unless the vessel is officially entered in the Gasparilla Marine Parade. (10) Vessels not officially entered in the Gasparilla Marine Parade may not enter the parade staging area box within the following coordinates: 27°53′53″ N, 082°27′47″ W; 27°53′22″ N, 082°27′10″ W; 27°52′36″ N, 082°27′55″ W; 27°53′02″ N, 082°28′31″ W.
2. One Saturday in February. Time (Approximate): 9 a.m. to 9 p.m	Bradenton Area River Regatta/City of Bradenton	Bradenton, FL	Location(s): Enforcement Area #1. All waters of the Manatee River between the Green Bridge and the CSX Train Trestle contained within the following points: 27°30′43″ N, 082°34′20″ W, thence to position 27°30′44″ N, 082°34′09″ W, thence to position 27°30′ 00″ N, 082°34′04″ W, thence to position 27°29′58″ N, 082°34′15″ W, thence back to the original position, 27°30′43″ N, 082°34′20″ W. Enforcement Area #2. All waters of the Manatee River contained within the following points: 27°30′35″ N, 082°34′37″ W, thence to position 27°30′35″ N, 082°34′26″ W, thence to position 27°30′26″ N, 082°34′26″ W, thence to position 27°30′26″ N, 082°34′37″ W, thence back to the original position, 27°30′35″ N, 082°34′37″ W.
3. One weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) in March. Time (Approximate): 8 a.m. to 5 p.m	Gulfport Grand Prix/Gulfport Grand Prix LLC	Gulfport, FL	Location(s): (1) Race Area. All waters of Boca de Ciego contained within the following points: 27°44′10″ N, 082°42′29″ W, thence to position 27°44′07″ N, 082°42′40″ W, thence to position 27°44′06″ N, 082°42′40″ W, thence to position 27°44′04″ N, 082°42′29″ W, thence to position 27°44′07″ N, 082°42′19″ W, thence to position 27°44′08″ N, 082°42′19″ W, thence back to the original position, 27°44′10″ N, 082°42′29″ W. (2) Buffer Zone. All waters of Boca de Ciego encompassed within the following points: 27°44′10″ N, 082°42′47″ W, thence to position 27°44′01″ N, 082°42′44″ W, thence to position 27°44′01″ N, 082°42′14″ W, thence to position 27°44′15″ N, 082°42′14″ W.
4. One weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in July. Time (Approximate): 8 a.m. to 5 p.m	Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix/Powerboat P–1 USA, LLC	Sarasota, FL	Location: All waters of the Gulf of Mexico contained within the following points: 27°18′44″ N, 082°36′14″ W, thence to position 27°19′09″ N, 082°35′13″ W, thence to position 27°17′42″, N, 082°34′00″ W, thence to position 27°16′43″ N, 082°34′49″ W, thence back to the original position, 27°18′44″ N, 082°36′14″ W.
5. One weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in September. Time (Approximate): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m	St.Petersburg P–1 Powerboat Grand Prix	St. Petersburg, FL	Location: All waters of the Tampa Bay encompassed within the following points: 27°46′56.22″ N, 082°36′55.50″ W, thence to position 27°47′08.82″ N, 082°34′33.24″ W, thence to position 27°46′06.96″ N, 082°34′29.04″ W, thence to position 27°45′59.22″ N, 082°37′02.88″ W, thence back to the original position 27°46′24.24″ N, 082°37′30.24″ W.
6. One weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in September. Time (Approximate): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m	Clearwater Offshore Nationals/Race World Offshore	Clearwater, FL	Locations: (1) Race Area. All waters of the Gulf of Mexico contained within the following points: 27°58′34″ N, 82°50′09″ W, thence to position 27°58′32″ N, 82°50′02″ W, thence to position 28°00′12″ N, 82°50′10″ W, thence to position 28°00′13″ N, 82°50′10″ W, thence back to the original position, 27°58′34″ N, 82°50′09″ W.(2) Spectator Area. All waters of Gulf of Mexico seaward no less than 150 yards from the race area and as agreed upon by the Coast Guard and race officials.(3) Enforcement Area. All waters of the Gulf of Mexico encompassed within the following points: 28°58′40″ N, 82°50′37″ W, thence to position 28°00′57″ N, 82°49′45″ W, thence to position 27°58′32″ N, 82°50′32″ W, thence to position 27°58′23″ N, 82°49′53″ W, thence back to position 28°58′40″ N, 82°50′37″ W.
7. One Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in October. Time (Approximate): 10 a.m. to 5 p.m	Roar Offshore/OPA Racing LLC	Fort Myers Beach, FL	Locations: All waters of the Gulf of Mexico west of Fort Myers Beach contained within the following points: 26°26′27″ N, 081°55′55″ W, thence to position 26°25′33″ N, longitude 081°56′34″ W, thence to position 26°26′38″ N, 081°58′40″ W, thence to position 26°27′25″ N, 081°58′8″ W, thence back to the original position 26°26′27″ N, 081°55′55″ W.
8. One weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) in November. Time (Approximate): 8 a.m. to 6 p.m	OPA World Championships/Englewood Beach Waterfest	Englewood Beach, FL	Locations: (1) Race Area. All waters of the Gulf of Mexico contained within the following points: 26°56′00″ N, 082°22′11″ W, thence to position 26°55′59″ N, 082°22′16″ W, thence to position 26°54′22″ N, 082°21′20″ W, thence to position 26°54′24″ N, 082°21′16″ W, thence to position 26°54′25″ N, 082°21′17″ W, thence back to the original position, 26°56′00″ N, 082°21′11″ W. (2) Spectator Area. All waters of the Gulf of Mexico contained with the following points: 26°55′33″ N, 082°22′21″ W, thence to position 26°54′14″ N, 082°21′35″ W, thence to position 26°54′11″ N, 082°21′40″ W, thence to position 26°55′31″ N, 082°22′26″ W, thence back to position 26°55′33″ N, 082°22′21″ W. (3) Enforcement Area. All waters of the Gulf of Mexico encompassed within the following points: 26°56′09″ N, 082°22′12″ W, thence to position 26°54′13″ N, 082°21′03″ W, thence to position 26°53′58″ N, 082°21′43″ W, thence to position 26°55′56″ N, 082°22′48″ W, thence back to position 26°56′09″ N, 082°22′12″ W.

Dated: March 1, 2024.

Michael P. Kahle,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector St. Petersburg.

Footnotes

1.  88 FR 51763.