The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a temporary final rule establishing a safety zone in the navigable waters of Hillsborough Bay, Tampa, Florida, to safeguard participants and spectators during the Gasparilla Children's Air Show on January 24, 2026. This action, effective from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on that date, restricts vessel and personal entry into a designated area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector St. Petersburg. The rule addresses potential hazards from flying demonstrations, such as accidental falling projectiles, underscoring the agency's priority on marine safety amid large-scale public events. By limiting access, the Coast Guard aims to prevent accidents in a busy waterway, reflecting broader federal efforts to manage risks in coastal environments during aerial activities.
Background and Purpose
The safety zone stems from notifications received by the Coast Guard about the upcoming air show, which is part of Tampa's annual Gasparilla festivities. These events, rooted in the city's pirate-themed celebrations dating back to 1904, often include parades, invasions, and air displays that draw significant crowds. In this case, the Gasparilla Children's Air Show involves aerial performances over Hillsborough Bay, creating risks like debris or aircraft malfunctions that could endanger boaters and swimmers below.
The rule invokes authority under 46 U.S.C. 70034, which empowers the COTP to establish safety zones for protecting life, property, and the environment. As detailed in the Federal Register entry, the Coast Guard determined that hazards from the air show necessitate these restrictions. The agency bypassed the typical notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) process, citing good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). Officials noted that late notification of the event made soliciting public comments impracticable, as the rule must be in place by January 24, 2026, to ensure safety. This expedited approach, while uncommon, aligns with precedents where immediate action is required for time-sensitive threats, such as in temporary zones for fireworks displays or military exercises.
Key players include the Coast Guard's Sector St. Petersburg, led by COTP Courtney A. Sergent, who signed the rule. Contact for inquiries is Lieutenant Ryan McNaughton of the Waterways Management Division, emphasizing the localized enforcement structure within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Details of the Safety Zone
The regulated area encompasses all waters of Hillsborough Bay from surface to bottom, bounded by specific coordinates: starting at 27°56'06.0'' N, 082°27'59.9'' W, then to 27°56'04.8'' N, 082°27'39.9'' W, followed by 27°54'32.5'' N, 082°27'45.4'' W, to 27°54'20.7'' N, 082°29'20.9'' W, then 27°55'09.3'' N, 082°29'22.3'' W, and back along the shoreline to the origin. These points, based on the World Geodetic System (WGS 84), define a polygonal zone near downtown Tampa, strategically placed to cover the air show's flight path.
Entry is prohibited without permission from the COTP or a designated representative, such as Coast Guard patrol commanders or state and local officers assisting in enforcement. Vessels seeking access must contact authorities via VHF-FM channel 16 or telephone at (866) 881-1392. The rule amends 33 CFR Part 165, which governs regulated navigation areas, by adding section 165.T07-1111. This temporary measure is limited to the event's duration, minimizing long-term disruption.
Regulatory and Legal Context
This rule fits into a pattern of Coast Guard actions for air shows, drawing from precedents like safety zones for events such as the Thunder Over Louisville air show or the Chicago Air and Water Show. In those cases, similar exemptions from NPRM were granted when events were planned with short lead times, balancing administrative efficiency with public safety. The decision to forgo the 30-day effective period delay, per 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), further illustrates the urgency, as delays could expose the public to unmitigated risks.
From a broader perspective, the rule reflects federal maritime safety priorities under DHS directives. It avoids imposing new reporting requirements or collections of information, as analyzed under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Environmental considerations, guided by the National Environmental Policy Act, categorize the action as excluded under DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1, due to its temporary nature and lack of significant cumulative effects.
Implications and Perspectives
Short-term implications include restricted navigation in a key Tampa waterway, potentially affecting recreational boaters, commercial traffic, and local tourism during the event. The zone's enforcement could lead to detours or delays, but its limited hours aim to reduce inconvenience. Long-term, such rules reinforce the Coast Guard's role in event management, possibly influencing future permitting processes for similar activities in populated coastal areas.
Different viewpoints emerge on this measure. Safety advocates praise it as a proactive step to prevent incidents, citing past air show accidents like the 2011 Reno crash that highlighted debris risks over water. Conversely, boating enthusiasts and local businesses might view it as overly restrictive, arguing for more flexible access points to minimize economic impacts on charters or fishing operations. Environmental groups could support the zone for protecting marine life from disturbances, while event organizers benefit from assured safety, enhancing public attendance.
The rule's impact on small entities is minimal, as it falls outside Regulatory Flexibility Act requirements due to the waived NPRM. No unfunded mandates are imposed, and it aligns with federalism principles by not affecting state or tribal governments substantially.
In summary, this temporary safety zone exemplifies the Coast Guard's adaptive approach to emerging safety needs. Potential next steps include monitoring compliance during the event and evaluating feedback for future rules. Ongoing debates may center on improving notification timelines to allow public input, or integrating technology like real-time apps for zone awareness. Challenges could arise if similar events increase in frequency, straining resources, while trajectories point toward enhanced coordination between federal agencies and local planners to balance safety with community access.
