Coast Guard Locks Down Tampa Channel for Elite Forces Fun
Published Date: 5/12/2026
Rule
Summary
From May 18 to May 22, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in Seddon Channel, Tampa, to keep people and boats safe during the Special Operation Forces Week events. No one can enter this area without special permission, so boaters and visitors should plan ahead. This quick action helps prevent accidents during high-speed air and water activities near the Tampa Convention Center.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Seddon Channel Closed to Boats
From 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily on May 18, 2026 through May 22, 2026, all vessels and people may not enter the Seddon Channel safety zone near the Tampa Convention Center unless the Captain of the Port authorizes entry. The zone is defined by specific coordinates and is in effect only during those dates and times.
Local Small Businesses May Be Affected
If you operate a small business or vessel-based service in the Seddon Channel area, this safety zone may prevent you from operating in that area from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day from May 18, 2026 through May 22, 2026 unless you get authorization. The rule text explicitly acknowledges that small businesses may be affected and provides contact points for questions.
How to Request Entry Permission
If you need to enter the safety zone during the enforcement period, you must get permission from the Captain of the Port or their designated representative. The rule says to contact the COTP or their representative on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at (866) 881-1392 to seek authorization.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-09975 — Cooperative Research and Development Agreement: Modified Low Size and Weight High-Power Microwave Effector for Non-Compliant Vessel and Counter Uncrewed Surface Vessel Operations
The Coast Guard is teaming up with Lockheed Martin to create a small, lightweight microwave device that can stop unruly boats and robotic vessels. They want your thoughts on this plan and are open to other partners joining the project. Comments are due by June 18, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-09872 — Special Local Regulation, Temporary Anchorage Ground Suspension, and Security Zones: Sail 4th 250, International Naval Review 250; Port of New York and New Jersey
From July 1 to July 9, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up special rules and security zones in New York Harbor, Sandy Hook Bay, and the Hudson River for the Sail 4th 250 events, the International Naval Review 250, and Independence Day fireworks. These changes temporarily suspend some anchorage areas to keep boats and people safe during the celebrations. If you boat or work in these waters, expect new restrictions and plan ahead to avoid delays or fines.
2026-09765 — Special Local Regulation; Marine Events Within the USCG East District
The Coast Guard wants to add special safety rules for three yearly high-speed boat races on the York, East, and Elizabeth Rivers in Virginia. These new rules aim to keep everyone safe during these exciting events and will affect boaters and event organizers in the area. If you have thoughts, send them in by May 20, 2026—no fees or costs are changing, just safer waters!
2026-09803 — Special Local Regulation: Miami Beach Air and Sea Show, Atlantic Ocean, Miami Beach, FL
From May 22 to May 24, 2026, the Coast Guard will block off a part of the Atlantic Ocean near Miami Beach for the Air and Sea Show to keep everyone safe. Only event folks and official boats can enter this special zone between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Spectator boats must stay clear and follow the rules or risk being turned away. No fees or money changes, just smooth sailing for safety!
2026-09674 — Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0023
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking to keep collecting information from barge fleeting facilities, with no changes to the current rules. This means businesses that manage barges will keep tracking and reporting the same info, helping the Coast Guard do its job without adding extra paperwork. You’ve got until June 15, 2026, to share your thoughts, and there’s no new cost or hassle coming your way.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09335 — Medical Devices; Immunology and Microbiology Devices; Classification of the Device To Detect and Identify Microorganism Nucleic Acids and Resistance Markers From Patients With Suspected Orthopedic Infection
Hey there! This update is all about a new medical device that helps doctors quickly find germs and their resistance traits in people who might have bone infections. It affects hospitals and labs by officially classifying this device, making it easier and faster to diagnose tough infections. The change kicks in soon, helping patients get the right treatment without delay—and it could save money by avoiding wrong meds!
Next: 2026-09382 — Restoring Flexibility in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
Starting July 13, 2026, states and territories get more freedom in running the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). This means they no longer have to limit family co-pays to 7% of income or follow strict rules on paying child care providers. These changes cut red tape and could save money, making it easier to support families and child care programs.