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.
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
2026-13137, 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.
2026-16805, Safety Zone; Ohio Street Beach Swim Course, Lake Michigan, Chicago Harbor, Chicago, IL
On August 21, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., the Coast Guard will block off a safety zone in Lake Michigan near Ohio Street Beach for the North Avenue Swim & Triathlon Yo (NASTY) Carb Party swim race. Boats can’t enter or stay in this area unless they get special permission. This keeps swimmers safe and helps the event run smoothly without any extra costs for the public.
2026-16807, Safety Zone; Lake Michigan, Gary, IN
From August 20 to 23, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on Lake Michigan near Gary, IN, to keep everyone safe during an air show, drone display, and fireworks. Boats and people can’t enter the zone unless the Coast Guard says it’s okay. This quick action helps protect folks and the environment without any delays or extra costs.
2026-16806, Safety Zone; ANCHOR Floating Production Unit (FPU) Outer Continental Shelf Facility, Green Canyon Block 763, Gulf of America
The Coast Guard is establishing a safety zone around the ANCHOR Floating Production Unit (FPU), located in Green Canyon Block 763 on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Gulf of America. Establishing a safety zone around the facility will significantly reduce the threat of allisions, collisions, security breaches, oil spills, releases of natural gas, and thereby protect the safety of life, property, and the environment. This rule prohibits entry of vessels into this safety zone unless specifically authorized Commander, Coast Guard Heartland District or their designated representative.
2026-16832, Anchorages; Bolivar Roads Channel, Galveston, TX
The Coast Guard wants to add a 48-hour time limit for boats anchoring in Bolivar Anchorage area (A) East in Galveston, TX, matching the limits already set for nearby areas. This change helps keep the harbor safe and less crowded. If you have thoughts, send them in by September 17, 2026—no costs or fees involved!
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.