The County Commission approved new rules this week to regulate private dock construction and use in the county. Until this week Franklin County did not have its own rules to regulate dock construction and instead relied on regulations set by the state. The lack of local regulation, however, allowed for some questionable and possibly dangerous docks in the county. Under rules approved this week, all docks built in the county will have to meet certain minimum requirements including docks only be allowed on property that is large enough to hold a home and if the dock is on a canal the dock can be no longer than 25 percent of the width of the canal. The rule also bans dry docks and fuel pumps on residential property. New docks will also have to be built at least 5 feet above mean high water with pilings at least 8 feet apart. Lights will have to be at least 100 feet apart and be shielded to minimize light pollution. Commissioners also added language to the rule that specifically bans residential docks from being used for commercial docking or launching purposes. Existing docks will be exempt from much of the new rule except for those dealing with lighting. Dock owners will have 180 days to meet the new lighting standards.

Governor Jeb Bush this week named a new member to the Alligator Point Water Resources Board. The Governor named 40 year old Deanna J. Murphy to the three member board Murphy is an Alligator Point Resident and an LPN with Physician’s Care of Wakulla. Her term begins on June the 6th, and will end in June of 2008. Murphy replaces Blanche Atkinson on the board. The Alligator point Water Resources Board oversees operations of the Alligator Point Water District, and sets rates for water users. All members of the Water Resources board are named by the Governor.