Re : DEP ERP Application file # 0470932-001-EE and 0470932-002-EE

We, the undersigned residents, property owners, visitors, and concerned citizens, respectfully request that all permits, exemptions, and approvals associated with the Silver Dolphin Restaurant's proposed commercial dining boat operation be denied.

The proposal would introduce commercial boat traffic into a narrow, landlocked canal that serves as a drainage and stormwater system and borders the Weeki Wachee Preserve. This raises significant concerns regarding public safety, environmental protection, water quality, wildlife habitat, and the long-term character of the surrounding community.

Concerns include:

• Increased boat traffic within a confined canal system with limited navigational capacity.

• Public safety risks involving inexperienced operators, collisions, emergency access limitations, and conflicts with other users.

• Impacts to wildlife, including alligators, turtles, fish, wading birds, nesting species, and other aquatic resources from increased vessel activity, noise, wake, and disturbance.

• Increased human interaction with wildlife, including the risk of alligator habituation, which can ultimately result in nuisance wildlife being removed or euthanized.

• Shoreline erosion, sediment disruption, and degradation of water quality.

• Unauthorized mooring, entry, or access to Weeki Wachee Preserve lands and disturbance of protected habitat.

• Increased noise, congestion, and disruption to nearby residents and businesses.

• Questions regarding whether expanded commercial use could impact the canal's intended drainage and stormwater management functions.

• Creation of a precedent for additional commercialization along the canal and adjacent Preserve lands.

• Liability and enforcement concerns associated with rental vessels operating without trained staff onboard.

• Additional litter and pollution associated with commercial dining activities, including food containers, cups, napkins, straws, and other disposable items.

• Limited water circulation within the canal, allowing floating debris and pollution to accumulate and potentially increase cleanup costs for neighboring property owners.

• Lack of meaningful public notification and community input before local approvals were granted.

We respectfully request:

1. Denial of any pending approvals or exemptions.

The waterways of Hernando Beach are valuable community and environmental resources. Decisions affecting them should be made transparently, carefully, and with meaningful public participation. This proposal lacked all of the above.

Please sign this petition if you are in opposition of the proposal and its potential impacts on our waterways, wildlife, public safety, and quality of life.

Thank you.