Coast Guard resets Stuart FL drawbridge schedule for three months
Published Date: 2/7/2025
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is bringing back a temporary schedule for the Florida East Coast Railroad drawbridge in Stuart, FL, to keep things running smoothly while they review a permanent change request. This temporary rule runs from February 7 to May 31, 2025, and affects boaters and train operators using the Okeechobee Waterway. No extra costs are involved, but public comments are open until March 10, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary drawbridge schedule reinstated
The Coast Guard reinstated the temporarily modified operating schedule for the Florida East Coast Railroad drawbridge at mile 7.41, Stuart, FL, from February 7, 2025 through May 31, 2025 to maintain continuity while it reviews a request for a permanent change. The temporary rule will be enforced with actual notice beginning January 29, 2025 and comments are accepted through March 10, 2025.
Specific opening and closure limits
Under the temporary rule the bridge will normally stay fully open to navigation except for train passages, inspections, and repairs. Key limits: during daytime (6 a.m.–8 p.m.) the bridge will not be closed more than 50 consecutive minutes in any hour and not more than 7 total hours during daytime; a fixed 10-minute opening will occur at the top of each hour from 6 a.m.–8 p.m.; from 8:01 p.m.–5:59 a.m. the bridge will remain open except for train passages and will not be closed more than 60 consecutive minutes.
Required communications and information access
The rule requires the bridge to be tended 6 a.m.–8 p.m. daily with monitoring of VHF-FM channels 9 and 16 and a telephone contact at (772) 403-1005 for 24-hour operational information. The bridge owner must maintain a mobile application publishing opening times and updates, post visible signs with VHF/contact/app information, and provide a copy of the previous week's logbook to the Seventh Coast Guard District by 4 p.m. each Monday.
No significant economic impact on small entities
The Coast Guard certifies under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this temporary rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, noting that little or no commercial or recreational vessel traffic will be impacted. The rule therefore is not expected to impose significant costs on small businesses that operate vessels in the area.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20087, Clarification of Certain Mariner Training Requirements
The Coast Guard wants to simplify training rules for certain mariners, like Masters and Officers in charge of smaller vessels and engineers with big engines. They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards. If you’re affected, get ready to share your thoughts by December 30, 2026—no extra costs, just smoother sailing ahead!
2026-13137, Marine Casualty Reporting on the Outer Continental Shelf
Starting July 30, 2026, companies working on the Outer Continental Shelf must report marine accidents based on who’s involved, not just where they happen. The rule raises the damage cost that triggers a report from $25,000 to $75,000, saving businesses money and making rules clearer and fairer. This change cuts industry costs by over $10,000 in 10 years and aligns U.S. rules with international standards for offshore activities.
2026-08699, Shipping Safety Fairways Along the Atlantic Coast
The Coast Guard is making the Atlantic Coast safer for ships by setting up special shipping lanes from New York to Florida. They’re reopening the comment period until June 22, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized. This affects ship operators and coastal communities, aiming to keep sea travel smooth and safe without extra costs right now.
2026-20224, Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the USCG East District-Ocean City, NJ
On October 3, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Coast Guard will enforce special rules for the Ocean City Chase Race in New Jersey to keep everyone safe on the water. Boat operators in the race area must follow instructions from Coast Guard patrols and can only enter with permission, moving slowly to avoid wakes. This means some boaters might need to plan ahead and expect delays during the event.
2026-20223, Special Local Regulations; Marine Events Within the USCG East District-Philadelphia, PA
On October 3, 2026, the Coast Guard will enforce special rules on parts of the Delaware River in Philadelphia for the Philadelphia Cup Regatta to keep everyone safe. Boat operators in the area must follow directions from Coast Guard officials and can only enter the zone with permission, moving slowly to avoid wakes. This temporary change runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and helps make the event smooth and secure without extra costs.
2026-20124, Safety Zone; Sector Mobile Captain of the Port Zone, Mobile, AL
The Coast Guard wants to create temporary safety zones in Mobile Bay and Mobile River to keep people and boats safe while the old aircraft carrier EX ENTERPRISE is towed in and dismantled. These zones will be off-limits unless you get special permission, and the work is expected to finish by December 2030. If you have thoughts, you need to share them by October 16, 2026—no fees or costs for the public, just safety first!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02323, Amendment of Class E Airspace; Marion, NC
The FAA is updating the airspace around Mission Hospital McDowell in Marion, NC, to include the hospital’s heliport and fix some location details. This change helps keep flights safe and organized, especially for pilots using instruments. The new rules kick in on April 17, 2025, with no extra costs for anyone.
Next: 2025-02308, Flax Revenue and Expanded Unit Options for Crop Insurance
Farmers who grow flax and other specialty crops now have more ways to protect their income with updated crop insurance options. The government expanded coverage choices and fixed some rules to make insurance clearer and fairer. You’ve got until March 12, 2025, to share your thoughts on these changes before they’re finalized.