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Start Date: 10/10/2009
End Date: 10/10/2009
Description:
TAMPA, Fla. – Sept. 3, 2009 – Concerned citizens, elected officials, and local businesses will come
together for a “canoe-in” at the Riverfront Park Marina, located at 1007 North Boulevard, on Saturday,
Oct. 10 at 10:00 a.m. to promote safe boating on the Hillsborough River. Participants will be invited to
canoe or kayak on the river as part of a large group to increase boating safety awareness. The particular
area of concern is between the Cass Street and Columbus Street bridges, near the Tampa Bay
Performing Arts Center and Rick’s on the River.
“The purpose of this event is to celebrate the river’s beauty and to promote safe boating speeds so that
everyone can enjoy it,” said Tampa City Councilperson Linda Saul-Sena.
In 2008, the Coast Guard reported 4789 boating accidents nationwide that resulted in 709 deaths, 3331
injuries, and $54 million of property damage. Locally, there is a growing concern for the safety of slowermoving
vessels that stems from increased use of the downtown corridor of the river. The proposed
redevelopment of Tampa Heights to create Riverwalk-Waterworks Park will provide an opportunity for
more citizens to use the Hillsborough River for water recreation. Park plans include boat docks and a
kayak launch; the project will be completed and open to the public by the end of the year.
“A vibrant marina area is central to our Tampa Heights redevelopment. We fully support safe boating for
our community,” said Darren Booth, the Heights project manager.
The concern for safety on the river includes student rowing teams. Over 700 students from area high
schools, and over 1,000 visiting college rowers use the river annually, according to Tom Feaster, head of
the Stewarts Foundation, an organization that promotes rowing to improve life skills such as teamwork.
With such a significant number of young boaters using the river, it makes them vulnerable to wakes of
faster boats.
The ultimate goal of the canoe-in is to provide a safer environment for all boaters, especially those in
canoes, kayaks, sculls, and water taxis. To bolster the event’s message, there will be river rides and
refreshments available for participants.
Media Contact:
Linda Saul-Sena
(813) 503-1919
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Hillsborough River Canoe-In