On Thu, 17 May 2007 15:26:36 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

Do they serve a purpose beyond being a rallying point for
environmentalists?

The speed zones? There is a rationale for some of them but manatee
protection is the hot button that gets them implemented - even where
there are few or no manatees.

There is a notable example 2 miles south of here on the Caloosahatchie
River. A fellow with a house directly on the river was tired of being
buzzed by jet skis and speed boats with straight thru exhaust. He
donated a big pile of money to the "Save the Manatees Club" and they
lobbied (successfully) for a 1 mile slow speed zone in front of his
house.

Government at its best. :-)