The Citrus County commission today threw its weight behind the city of Crystal River in opposition to a new proposed manatee rule by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for King's Bay in Crystal River.

The commission voted unanimously to pass a resolution of support of opposing the USFWS' proposals at the July 7 public hearing in Lecanto hosted by the Fish & Wildlife Service. The commissioners also agreed that the county should produce a white paper outlining the impact of the proposed rules on the local economy, businesses and sportsmen.

The county is drawing on all of its political influences in the process. Commissioner Joe Meek said he has contacted the offices of Congressmen Richard Nubent, Maco Rubio, Bill Nelson and State Representatives Charlie Dean and Jimmie Smith.

"It is vital that the recreation component be allowed in Kings Bay," Meek said. "The proposed rule would eliminate that. The Sportsmens Zone has gotten smaller and smaller over time, and the rule would eliminate that."

The commission's vote came after a hot exchange on Thursday during a meeting of the Crystal River City Council in which a USF&WS representative opened discussion about the proposed rule and outlining the Service's plans.

Crystal River Mayor Andy Houston and Chamber of Commerce President Josh Wooten added their endorsement to the commission's move.

"This will require a united effort," Houston said. He added that there would be a significant economic impact if the rule were adopted by the Fish & Wildlife Service. "There is no scientific evidence (that) there is a need to put into place (this) strict manatee protection rule."

Wooten agreed. "We' (the Chamber) have had a good working relationship with the Fish & Wildlfie Service. However, we feel this is overstepping the bounds and the proposed rule is an extreme measure." Wooten added that the USF&WS had not calculated the impact of the rule. They didn't give us proof that manatees have been harmed, or killed, in the Sportsmen's Zone."

The commission unanimously voted to send the proclamation, letter and white paper to the USFWS and to individually appear during the Service's July 7 public hearing.

The public hearing begins at the Lecanto campus of the College of Central Florida with an informational Open House from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and formal public hearing from 7 to 9 p.m.

• Read the Fish & Wildlife news release here