LTC 528-2015 Government Cut JettyMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC #
LETTER TO COMMISSION
528-2016
TO: Mayor Philip Levine and Members the City Co ission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: December 8, 2016
SUBJECT: Government Cut Jetty
The purpose of this LTC is to provide the Mayor and Commission with a copy of the
response from the Coast Guard to our letter regarding safety measure including lighting
along the Government Cut jetty.
The Coast Guard is conducting additional study of the area designed to address boater's
understanding of the navigation system and concerns about the jetty. The data from this
study in conjunction with the findings of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission investigation into the recent boating accident will provide information on
ways to improve boater safety in the area.
We will remain in contact with the Coast Guard and provide updates.
U.S. Department of
Homeland Security
United States
Coast Guard
Commander 100 MacArthur Causeway
U. S. Coast Guard Miami Beach, FL 33139
Sector Miami Staff Symbol: (s)
Phone: (305) 535-4454
Fax: (305) 535-4545
Mr. Jimmy Morales
City Manager, City of Miami Beach
1700 Convention Center Drive, AGER'S
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Dear Mr. Morales,
This letter is in response to your letter dated October 10th concerning the Government Cut jetty
and efforts underway to ensure safe usage of this waterway. As you are aware, there are a
number of agencies currently conducting an analysis of issues under their jurisdiction. The
Coast Guard and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) work together to ensure our nation's
waterways and maritime infrastructure are well designed and maintained to facilitate the safe
navigation of commercial and recreational boating traffic. To this end, the Coast Guard conducts
Waterways Analysis and Management System (WAMS) studies periodically and when major
waterway changes occur. In response to the Corps' deepening of the Miami Main Channel last
year, my staff completed a thorough analysis of the channel and entrance jetties. The study did
not reveal any navigation concerns related to the jetties. Due to extensive public interest, the
Coast Guard has directed the completion of a supplement to the 2015 WAMS study that will be
focused on Government Cut. This focused study is designed to address boater's general
understanding of the US Aids to Navigation system and concerns regarding this important
waterway.
In addition, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is conducting an
investigation into the tragic boating accident at the Government Cut Jetties on the 25th of
September. We look forward to its conclusion for further analysis.
The data these efforts will produce will be very helpful in informing the most appropriate way
forward to ensure boater safety in the area. I am heartened by your participation in the
conference call held on October 28th to provide you and other officials more information on these
efforts. I hope you found it useful and informative. I and my staff remain ready to assist the
City of Miami Beach in ensuring that this waterway adequately meets the needs of mariners. My
point of contact, CDR Brad Clare (305) 535-8709, would be happy to respond to any further
questions you or your staff may have.
.S. Coast Guard
Comi ander, Sector Miami