National Recreational Boating statistics for 2007, the most recent numbers available: ...more

May 15, 2009

At least five people drowned across Florida during the Memorial Day weekend, including two in the Tampa Bay area. In addition, the Longboat Key Police Department is investigating a possible drowning that occurred Saturday. There were also four people seriously injured in boating accidents statewide during the long holiday weekend. ...more

May 27, 2008

If you're boating this holiday weekend, you'll be on the water with lots of powerful vessels full of excited people having tons of fun. ...more

May 26, 2008

TAMPA - The state wildlife commission today identified the two teenage boys injured when their personal watercraft ran under a dock on Egypt Lake on Saturday as James and Benjamin Parker, both of Tampa. ...more

May 25, 2008

Two teens riding a personal watercraft on Lake Egypt this afternoon are at St. Joseph's Hospital. ...more

May 24, 2008

Seventy-seven people died in Florida boating accidents last year, and here's the typical victim: ...more

May 20, 2008

TAMPA - The most common Florida boating fatality last year was a man 36 to 50 years old who was ejected from a gasoline-powered, propeller-driven boat after noon in March -- who could swim but drowned -- and had no formal boating education. ...more

May 19, 2008

By any objective account, the outlook for Florida's manatees is shaky. Scientists divide the state manatee populations into four regions and in two of those regions - including the one that covers Tampa Bay - the marine mammal's survival rates are not sufficient to sustain its numbers. ...more

December 5, 2007

ANNA MARIA ISLAND - A boat propeller struck and killed a man Sunday after he was thrown from a yacht powering through rough water in the Gulf of Mexico, authorities said. State marine patrol officers identified the victim as Henry Ogden, 49, of Sarasota. He was tossed from the boat at about 4 p.m. ...more

November 26, 2007

SEBRING — The beaches will be full, boats will be out, grills will be fired up, and people will be looking for things to do this Labor Day weekend. All the more reason to pay special attention to your personal safety while you're enjoying your days off of work. "Just be cautious," said Nell Frewin Hays, a crime prevention specialist with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office. "Have a good time and enjoy yourself, but be responsible." The best tip Hays has for people may be obvious: don't drink and operate a motorized vehicle. ...more

September 2, 2007