ATV Florida Forum

After addressing a number of ATV issues today, I decided to register on your website and share some information with you. I'm a deputy sheriff with PBSO and assigned to the "Wildlands Task Force." Our unit primarily patrols the Natural Areas by way of ATVs, 4x4 trucks and helicopters. The Natural Areas are posted with brown/white letter signs stating "Posted Natural Area, No Vehicles, No Dumping, No Hunting." Despite being clearly posted and fenced, some ATV riders still choose to cut fences and dig around concrete barricades. The aftermath is large amounts of trash/beer cans left in the area and damage to the wetlands. I commend those of you who do the right thing by riding legal and safe. In PBC, ATVs can only be operated on private property that you own or have permission to be on. Posted or not, if your riding on property you do not own or have the owner's permission to be on, your trespassing. Berms, fencing, canals and barricades meet statute 810.09 requirements for trespass. As for "secret" riding areas, we learn of them mostly through citizen complaints of loud exhausts, riding/racing on public roadways, reckless riding and littering. Between Jupiter Farms, Palm Beach Country Estates and The Acreage, we receive about 30-50 ATV/Dirtbike complaints a day. When road patrol deputies attempt traffic stops on them, they run. Fleeing and Eluding is a felony. When caught, the offender goes to jail and the ATV/Dirtbike is seized. The riders generating these complaints are the reason more and more riding areas are lost.
I hope this has been informative. Again, I commend those of you doing the right thing and your website for providing info for legal places to ride in the state.

Welp, I guess that cleared that up...

thanx for the info....

[smiley=Cry.gif]  So do you know when the State is going to give us land?  They must have a ton of money by now with all of the ATV sales we have had in the last year.  Not all of us act/ride like Idiot's, State/County ATV land/Park might help you guy's out also.  I can't believe we the State can't give us a piece of JW Corbett Wildlife Management Area, that place is So huge the State could fence off 2500 acres for off-road riders and it would'nt put a dent in the Wildlife area.

Am I missing something or has Palm Beach County banned the riding of ATV's? If this is the case, why do they allow the sale of these evil machines in the county? I am sure the county benefits from our tax dollars in titling fees and sales tax on sold units. This is taxation without representation. Each County should be forced to provide an area for ORV use. Some day Government officials are going to figure out that the reason they are receiving so many complaints is that we are forced to ride in ares we shouldn't because they refuse to solve the problem and provide proper riding areas for us that won't disturb others. How about it sherriff? Instead of ticketing us and confiscating our property how about helping us in the spirt of community policing?

I agree with kawGIRL and sk8r_dude, it is time the state starts doing something for ATV's.  They have had plenty of time to collect the "tax" they put on the sales.  I do not know of any of us that want to break the law by riding where we are not supposed to, but we sure would like somewhere to ride legally.  The idiots that do not clean up after themselves and destroy other peoples property do give us a black eye, but they need to be monitored and enforced anywhere we get to ride, either by officials or by the responsible riders.  

There are a lot of enthusiasts on this site that will help champion the cause if we can get any type of movement from the state or local officials. In St. Lucie County we had standing room only in a commission meeting and will fill the room again when the time comes.

I see the County is working with the State on Land exchange for Scripps  :o  

How About US?

http://www.fws.gov/southeast/es/corbett/index.html

http://www.fws.gov/southeast/es/corbett/faq.html

When PBSO_ATV_Deputy_4 said he was assigned to a Wildlands Task Force I got excited for a second thinking that just maybe they might be looking for an area for ATV's.  But it was the complete opposite.  What I love about government agencys is that there allowed to drive there ATV's and 4*4 trucks in the natural areas but nobody else is.  What you really need to tell your superiors Deputy is that the common sence solution is to find an area for ATV riders to ride.  This would solve most of your problems.  The State, PBC, FWC, and Water Management own a bunch of land in that county.  They need to get together and make a decision on where to allow ATV's.  Theres even grant money available for City's and Countys that want to do this.  Until this happens illegal riding will continue and the best way to stop it is to ban the sale of ATV's.

Yes Mr. Officer please contact the ALL the dealers in florida and tell them that they CANNOT sell anymore ATV's because of the lack of legal places for citizens to oporate them.

Folks, we are sympathetic to the problem. I agree, my job would be much easier if every county had an ATV park. Unfortunately, I have no control over that. It's between you and your County Commisioners and state officials. ATVs aren't banned in PBC anymore than guns are. It's just there are laws that govern there use. Those we issue tickets to or arrest are clearly riding on public roadways or trespassing on posted property/Natural Areas. As for us driving in Natural Areas, we are restricted to trails designated by the state/county. It's because of trespassing and dumping we are mandated to patrol there.

All the more reason to keep your "secret spots" secret...

[smiley=ThumbsUp.gif]

I agree with you!! I can assure you, we don't want to know.....

Thank you for responding to our feelings. ;)

Deputy, I for one do not have a beef with you doing your job.  From your taking the time to come to this forum and help educate by giving your view of things it shows you are one of the officers that is more likely to give one of us a fair shake.  I have been stopped before while out riding and it was a friendly encounter and I was just asked to pack it in for the day, a very reasonable approach.  I have heard lots of stories about less friendly encounters, and I am sure they may have been the result of the rider being less respectful.

Thanks for taking the time here.

They do let buggies and everything else ride in there.

This whole issue makes me sick.
You guys are out there patrolling areas that I grew up in, on the very machines you are looking for. I say damn hypocrites.
I have been going to the same place for about 40 years now. It still looks the same as it did 40 years ago. What damage? Why don't they make a "Anti Developer Task Force" ? You would save a lot more woods.
Hey I have a great idea! Why don't you and your task force go find my ATV that was stolen and PBSO let get away?
Yeah, thanks so much for coming here and telling us the law. I turned to PBSO for help and you guys totally let the thieves go. I wasted a perfectly good 911 call. What a joke.
You would probably call a frigging helicoptor to catch us riding out in the woods.
It's funny how real life is so screwed up.

Stolen, I've read the forum concerning your situation and I in lack of a better word, it sucks. Thats one of the reasons ATVs/Dirt bikes are titled/registered now so we can run the VIN and determine the owner. Before they were registered, we would stop a bike and run the VIN, only to have it come back clear with no owner info. Without that, we couldn't contact the owner and confirm if it was stolen. As for pursuits, we have to side on public safety concerning your stolen ATV. Our system and courts aren't perfect, as I have to deal with it all the time, but it's what we have to work with. We've recovered a number of ATVs, however it sucks when you think about the one that got away.

Welcome to the site!!!
It sounds like you are well informed. Especially on the part of already knowing that most of us here on this site are great people who abide by the law.  Although like anywhere else, you get a few bad with the good.
Again, Welcome and stick around. Your info could prove to be very helpful and our members could learn something from it maybe.

                    Corey

PBSO,

I think that it is nice to hear from a deputy on this site. We know that you guys read this site and for you to post info. to us is appreciated. I have lived here for 21 years and have been riding in the okeechobee woods since the day I moved here. The last three years or so I have not been there because of the natural areas. The group that I ride with atleast and most anyone here that I know of.  I use to ride at the towers and others. Now we have nowhere to ride. It is too profiable for the county to allow an area for riding. The $ 190.00 ticket is very profitable and is better than buliding a park. The county can keep the tax money and arrest people at $ 190.00 a pop. I would love to have your job but would not last long. Do you ride on your days off ? I ride with a couple PBSO officers on some weekends. I have found that many do ride. Well thank you for your time.

he's just doing his job, he ain't makin the rules...

More for Stolen, Like you, I grew up here and patrol the same areas I used to ride in as a teen. I also used to race motocross. Yea, it's ironic. I'm with you on the developer thing as the traffic is getting worse and the woods are disappearing. I don't blame you for your bitterness about all this. One reason the woods look the same is our patrolling it. Since the hurricanes, I lost track of the people we caught trying to dump debris and roofing materials out there. As for us patrolling on ATVs and trucks, you know the terrain out there. To enforce laws concerning ORVs you have to be on one. I wouldn't have registered on this website and posted this topic if I didn't care about whats going on.  

Thanks

Grizz

Thanks LIV2RIDE, Custom......Again, I wish this county had an ATV park so I could direct people in the right direction. Yea, most of us have personal ATVs and are stuck in the same boat as everyone else. Just keep that place near the Regal a secret. I don't ride much when I'm off because I'm on the work ATV 30-40hrs a week. Days off are usually maintenace days it seems.

PBSO,ITS NICE TO SEE MY TAX MONEY BEING SPENT ON THIS BS.WHY WASNT THE CHOPPER CALLED OUT WHEM MY HOUSE WAS BROKEN INTO????WHY DO YOUR SIGNS SAY <NO TRESPASSING> ENDAGERED SPEICES HABITAT??? AND 3 MONTHS LATER ITS BULLDOZED FOR A STRIP MALL.GUESS BULLDOZERS DONT DO MORE DAMAGE THEN MY ATV.I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE A COUPLE OF HONEST COPS OUT THERE BUT MY FAITH IN THIS DOUBLE STANDERED  LEADS ME TO BELEIVE THAT ITS MORE IMPORTANT TO CHASE AND FINE CLEAN FUN LOVEING ATVERS.THEN TO CHASE THE REAL CROOKS... DRUGGIES,RAPEST,BURGLERS, PUSHERS,AND WIFE BEATERS,,AND IAM TIRED OF THE OLD LINE I AM JUST DOING MY JOB!!!! 8)

PS.IF YOU NEED ANY HELP ILL BRING MY COPY OF THE STATUES AND BE GLAD TO RIDE AROUND ON MY DAY OF TO HELP FIND THE REAL PROBLEMS IAM SURE I CAN FIND MANY LAW BREAKERS THAT YOU CAN TASER....

Thanks Grizz, Thrasher

PBSO, I was not bashing you. Most people on this site that do not live in Palm Beach County do not know the price of the tickets. That is why I mentioned it. I think that you responding to us means that you do truly care. As far as the "secret spots" we know that they are not secret to PBSO. It was posted as a joke since we have nowhere to ride. It's location as you see was actually posted. Anytime you want to ride let me know.

bluesman, Environmental grants paid for the unit's equipment. Most of the unit's members have 18 plus years with PBSO. While the unit's normal job is patrolling Natural Areas, we also conduct search and rescue/downed aircraft, assist with apprehending suspects fleeing into wooded areas, assist in locating missing persons, lost boaters/hunters, recover stolen vehicles/ATVs from wooded areas and provide mutual aid to other counties. During the hurricanes, we patrolled flooded areas like Jupiter Farms.

Thanks Custom, I let you know.

First of all I would like to thank PBSO for taking an interest in this message board, and posting here.  I see this as a positive step towards the future of ATVing in Florida.  Once the local governments, law enforcment, and ATV enthusiasts can come together and find some middle ground maybe there will be more places to legally ride in florida.  As others have already said, most ATV riders are family oriented, law abiding people, but it's the few that are ruining things for the rest of us.   The same goes for the Sheriff's department, A few bad officers can leave a bad taste in the mouth of the public. PBSO seems to be sympathetic to the situation of ATV'ers in Palm Beach County, and any bitterness towards the department shouldn't be directed at him.  I have a Deputy in my family (PBSO, if you care to private message me I will tell you who), and he will be the first to tell you  that most officers don't enjoy writing tickets and arresting people,  however they have a job to do.  Even if they don't agree with the rules they are enforcing it is still there duty to do so.

Yeah, I think the need for an ATV park in every county is definetly there. Just a little something for the people that pay taxes, work hard for a living, and purchase ATV's for fun can have a nice place to go and have some fun with friends on the weekends. I personally ride only at MX tracks, but for all the trail riders out there, they definetly have nowhere to go, and I guess if we just keep writing the letters to the commisioners, no litering on the little amount of land we can ride on, and ride responcibly, our voice will be heard. PBSO- I think you may have one of the hardest jobs on the force, there are so many immature kids, that just wont listen to anybody, go out and ride with two people on there quads, no helmets, speeding, litering, riding across main roads and such. I am only 15, but at least my parents have taught me the responcibility needed to ride safely.

The whole situation sucks! I would rather the county spend our tax money on enforcing public road laws and catching dui suspects. I wonder how many people have been killed in automobile accidents last year while the sherriff officers were out riding there atv's and off-road trucks trying to catch litterers? You want to catch litterers why don't you stop people from throwing their cigarette butts out at intersections? I would rather see you clean up these areas that I frequent while on the way to work than catching someone from throwing a piece of drywall in a nature area. Those are not really nature areas anyways. They are just saving those areas for big developers. Ultimately there will not be any more nature areas for them to patroll and then they will go back to sitting around eating donuts.    

THIS HAS BEEN AN INTERESTING THREAD TO READ. THE RESPONSES RANGE FROM SYMPATHETIC TO ANGRY.

But the overall consensus is that us members on ATV Florida are sharing our frustration with the local government taking our tax dollars (from ATV sales) and not distributing it's use towards where the dollars are earmarked to be spent..

IS'NT THIS CRIMINAL??? WHY ISN'T SOMEONE WITH LEGAL AUTHORITY PURSUING THIS KIND OF FLAGRANT "LARCENY" OR "THEFT OF FUNDS"???  

HEY PBSO, CAN YOU RECOMMEND WHERE WE CAN GO TO GET SOME JUSTICE TO THIS CRIME???

It seems like you are genuine and willing to serve the best interest of all, within the LAW.

I'm sure you are taking some heat on this website, and it's really not your fault. But, the can of worms has been opened and you can surely see the results.

WHAT"S FAIR IS FAIR... SO THE REAL QUESTION HERE IS WHETHER YOU ARE WILLING TO HELP US ATTAIN WHAT'S RIGHTFULLY OURS????

WE AWAIT YOUR RESPONSE..

TVMAN    

I think we are all directing our frustration to the wrong person.  We need to send these messages to the people in charge of the land like the county, FWC, and the state.  I think if enough people complained to the FWC in Palm Beach County and attended there meetings that would produce more results than anything else.  If there going to allow Scripps to build there building in a natural area then I don't see any reason why they can't allow a small section for ATV's.
That would be a great message to send to the FWC who runs Corbett.  Thank you PBSO for your information.

It seems to me that you can ride the sidewalks and streets in RIVIERA beach without getting in trouble . I see dirtbikes gassing up at the gas stations all the time  , even with the RIV police officers sitting 50 yards across the street . I dont know what permits you have to get , but they seem to be available .........I guess you have a permit for your local neighborHOOD ! Why do these people seem to be riding unmolested in the streets on New Shiny Dirtbikes and Banshees while those who try to get out of harms way are HARRASED ? My best guess ....$$$$$$$$$$$$$ or the lack of .

I don't mean to be a jerk to you. I'm just frustrated. There are good things that come of your patrols. I do remeber a time when there was lot's of dumping. That has all but stopped now.
I just dread the thought of being fined /arrested, and/or my quad being siezed for doing what we do. There are some good points brought up here. Like the way things are in certain parts of town with a sense of lawlessness (SP?) Real criminals deserve punishment that is life changing. Guy and gals riding around in what will be dozed and gated golf course soon should  not be treated the same way.
I'm just frustrated. I want to ride! I want my ATV back. I want justice.
Oh and the thing about JW Corbitt... you are beating a dead horse.

Thanks for all the responses, even the bashing ones....Gamer has it right though, your frustration needs to be directed to the right people. Bashing those that do the enforcement doesn't help the situation at all. It has to be changed from the top. As for the traffic enforcement issues wilburz mentioned, PBSO has a traffic divison, (561) 688-3700. I also have no control over how other police agencies enforce traffic laws. I expected bashing when I opened this can of worms. That's the nature of the beast. But I also feel most of you appreciate an open line of communication with those who do the enforcement. I'd rather ride all day and not have to write one ATV citation, than write one to a lady riding down a paved public roadway with her 4 year old daughter riding on the gas tank without a helmet......To answer TVMAN's question, I'm currently helping all of you attain your goals by keeping everyone as safe as we can.

Dear MR. Sherriff

Is there any way that we can start a atv citizen patrol unit on some natural area? How about taking one or two of us on patroll with your posse one night. I would like to be first in line. Thanks.

Wilburz

Great idea wilburz.  It would certainly give us a chance to get a real view of what PBSO has to deal with.  I would like be second in line with you.

PBSO:

Thanks for your replies and interest.

I'm thrilled to hear that you are opening a line of communication with ATV Florida members. For the most part you will find that we are families with children that are just looking for some fun and recreation. We are not criminals or malicious people. Yes, there are a few bad apples, but they will find justice..

As I have said in my previous email, we need to find the right person to target our energy towards...We also need a good attorney. Hopefully on that shares our interest and can do a little digging on the cuff...

Perhaps as a member of ATV Florida you can help us in that fight. You certainly realize our frustrations and can sympathize with our position. Can you make any suggestions or give us a direction we have not exposed??

tvman    

PBSO

Would it be possible for a group of us to volunteer to pick up litter or repair gates or something at these nature areas? I am sure you would be able to feild a large group and maybe that might increase our credibility with the community and the PBSO. Just a thougth.  

I agree with Tv & Wilburz we are hard working average family people, just having a little fun. I got one of your $190 tax fund. No warning just here you go. I pay major taxes to live out in the acreage, why don't they use my tax dollars the way I want!!!!! Like a gang task force or maybe a task force to catch the people stealing the atvs. registering them is not going to solve the problem, just bring in more revenue for the county. When your atv is stolen you give the serial # in the report , so you have the vin# anyway even without it being register. I hope as an officer you understand what happens when you go to court for these silly infactions because obviously some of you do not. The officer who gave the trespass said that it not much of anything. I found out different, community service or a fine. What a joke not only do I pay for you guys but, they wanted me to work for you. Pay the fine. What a waste of the courts time, my time, and everyone elses. ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

This topic should be made a sticky so all the other organizations that have been "monitoring" this website can step up and take some "heat" also and answer well placed question from the citizens in their jurisdiction.

P.S. props to PBSO4 for the following coment in the stolen section ;)

I would volunteer for a clean up day. It would not get us an area but might show a different side to some people.

Hello,

Im a supervisor with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) here in Palm Beach County.  I have been reading this web site for a couple of months now and decided to follow the path of PBSO_ATV_Deputy_4 and help answer some questions.

First of all there are some legal places in Palm Beach County to ride.  The largest areas are Holeyland WMA, Rottenberger WMA and Everglades WMA. All three of these WMA's are located in Palm Beach County off of US 27.  As of right now Holeyland and Rottenbereger are closed to vehicle traffic due to Fawning season (When the doe deer have their fawns) both of these areas will reopen April 30.  The Everglades is open to vehicle use.  Of course as the rainy season approaches the areas will flood out making ATV use impossible depending on how much water we get.


As far as allowing ATV's in Corbett WMA in Northern Palm Beach County.  This WMA has a rule that no vehciles with a smaller wheel base than 60 inches is allowed in the area.  

The state is working on opening land for ATV use.  When will this happen I dont know.  I know that Division of Forestry is the agency that is working on this and has started the process of opening a few ATV parks in the state.  

You need to keep in mind that it not as easy as the state saying ok this area is now open as an ATV area.  There are a lot of considerations to look at.  I dont know all of them but here is a few....  1) What is the purpose of the land?  Some lands have specific uses and cannot be used for ATV's for example SFWMD has a lot of land that is being used for Storn Water Treatment Areas for Everglades Restoration.  In these areas polutants are filtered from the water and enters the soil.  So, you cannot disturb the soil or the preocess wont work.  2)  How was the land purchased?  Some the Federal Funding and other sources that pay for land states how the land can be used.  Such areas might come with restrictions such as passive recreational use (no motor vehicles) or limited access to motor vehicles.  3)  Who is the land manager?  Some agencies buy the property but another agency might manage it.  Such and Holeyland, Rottenburger and the Everglades is owned by SFWMD but is managed by FWC.  4)  What is the status of the land?  Some property is purchased for state use but first has to move through the process of being evaluated, deciding what use will be allowed, what needs to be done to the land, etc.  This process can take a long time to get the process complete and then the process starts for preparing the land for public use, such as removing exotic plants, building pumpstations, building access roads, etc.  The agencies cannot open the land for public use until this process is complete and any and all construction is completed.

I hope this helps answer some of your questions.  PLease feel free to respond or to email me at my email address.  

I would like to thank FWC for taking the time to join this site and respond to our dilema. It is nice to know that some people involved are actually taking the time to answer some of our questions.    

Do you know what the state is doing with the title money that is being collected?

Do you know the specific people at the forestry department that we can email or contact to voice our concerns?      

Welcome FWC-Lt and thanx for your input and info.

granted I don't live near there nor have ridden down there, but still, thanx for the info for those who do!

A couple of month I saw LT Reed at Holey land and spoke to him about the problem we have about riding . I gave him a  card with my name and the this site  and told him to ckeck us out. I was just  wondering if he gave u my card.

Grizz

When you register an ATV the fee minus two dollars is given to the Division of Forestry.  Here is the specific statute:

317.0010  Disposition of fees.--The department shall deposit all funds received under ss. 317.0001-317.0013, less administrative costs of $2 per title transaction, into the Incidental Trust Fund of the Division of Forestry of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Check out this web site!!!  It has a bunch of info concerning ATV riding in the State.  It has a link to a memo from the commissioner of the agency that talks about a off highway vehcile advisory committee that can be used as a starting point for contacts.

http://www.fl-dof.com/forest_recreation/OHV_index.html

Grizz - Lt. Reed and I work together he did not give me your card but we have discussed this site.

Thanks FWC-LT for the assistance!! Hopefully the information we provide will bring some resolve to the current ATV issues. I'll get with you on more detailed info about the management areas so I can point riders into the right direction.

Now that's what I'm talking about!!!


BTW where's anoriginal? :o

 Cool idea with the Citizen ATV Patrol, But I don't think the brass would go for it :). I'll ask about the clean up efforts, but what would really help is getting the word out for riders to stop riding on public roadways. Dirt or paved, it's the same violation, F.S.S. 316.2074 (5). The fine is $71.50, but the damage it does to the image of ATV riders as a whole toward the community is devastating. The areas I'm talking about are The Acreage, Jupiter Farms and Palm Beach Country Estates. 80% of the complaints we receive involve ATVs/Dirt Bikes riding recklessly on the dirt roads. The other 20% involve paved roads or being on private property/Natural Areas. When it comes to the roads, it's a serious safety issue. A helmetless 12year old shouldn't be riding a Raptor down the middle of Orange Blvd!!

Maybe that was the kid on the black raptor from the last Rodman ride.... lol

gofastmatt2, If you were in any Natural Area, SFWMD area or on the canal bank of the "M" canal/West Palm Beach Water Catchment Area, chances are, I or one of my partners charged you with trespass. We have a zero tolerence policy for these areas because the posted signs are the warning. Trespass can carry up to a $500 fine or up to a year in jail. Paying a $190 fine and having it off your record sounds like the better deal to me. They offered that deal partially because we entered on the probable cause that "The defendants demeanor was polite and respectful." If you were stopped by our unit, you were treated with dignity and respect. We also usually photograph the scene so there is no confusion as to were the trespass took place. Bottom line is, if you see a Natural Area or No trespass sign, please turn around and ride the other way!! I'd much rather be watching squirrels run around in the trees than arresting an ATV rider just out having fun....

Hey Asphalt, If he was seeing how fast he could go, it may have very well been the same one......Only I know his father wasn't real happy about it this time......

Where should he be riding ?  The only thing left is concrete ! I guess it is time to do like other countries and put tags on them for legal operation on the roadways .
Dont get me wrong , I am working on a pay to ride area around Indiantown and because of the value of land it is almost impossible to get insurance ! I will give a better explanation in my other post May have us ..........

PBSO, My buddy and I were on the other side of the canal at royal palm blvd and orange over in that open property.  It was a real rainy day on a saturday about a month 1/2 ago. You shouldn't have much problem this weekend most people will be at msg. You should post us the night before which area you will be in so we know where not to go, how about that?????? Works for me.  ;D [smiley=laugh.gif]

Hey Gofast, Yea, I remember that day all to well....You guys were cool and it wasn't fun doing the arrest reports under my poncho. Unfortunately, you know first hand about the zero tolerance thing. You also know how we treat those we stop. As for posting when and where we patrol.....We have patrols out every day, rain or shine as you found out, at varied hours, checking every site. Hope that helps  8)

I have a ? for PBSO . Is it true that if you are riding in the city on an OHV  and decide to flee when you are being stopped the Officers will not give chase ?

JD, I can't speak for the city police departments, as they have different pursuit policies. As for us, we'll pursue long enough to get a good description to put out to all units. We usually have helicopter support and have them shadow for us.
Patrol cars and even our 4x4s are no match for an ATV fleeing into the woods. However, our unit primarily patrols on ATVs. Gofast can vouch on that. When someone chooses to flee from us, we set up our own perimeter with ATVs while patrol cars watch the roadways. They're going to get caught if we're on our ATVs, it's only a matter of time. There are several ATVs in our impound lot from those who used poor judgement. Not only does fleeing police place the ATV rider, pursuing deputies and general public in danger, it's one of the biggest black eyes that the sport can get, next to injury crashes and deaths.

Thanks for the reply ,  I just have a hard time agreeing that an atv should be chased at all . Especially when the rider has no protective equipment and poor judgement is it really worth it ?

JD, As for where the the 12 year old should be riding, it should be on private property, your future site in Indiantown, or one of the areas FWC-LT mentioned. DOT will never allow most ATVs to be street legal due to handling characteristics. I checked.....Also, the manufactures themselves don't want the liability, which is why that little decal by your left knee when your riding says " Not for use on public roadways." During the scope of our duties, Law Enforcement is permitted to operated on the  public roadways and property, F.S.S 316.2074 (7). We have to go through a Law Enforcement ATV certification course. Even riding a fully marked patrol ATV equipped with emergency lighting and siren can be nerve racking in traffic. When asked why we can ride on the public roadways when no one else can, I answer, "For the same reason I'm permitted to open carry a firearm. To protect life and property, and to enforce the laws of this state."

this would be a great "love doctors" show ::)

JD, I agree with you on the pursuit thing 100%. We hate them with a passion, however, we can't just sit idly by either. It doesn't take long for us to get a vehicle/clothing description. In most cases, a simple perimeter works fine and no one gets hurt. Again, the Wildlands Task Force primarily patrols Natrual Areas, SFWMD areas, and the West Palm Beach Water Catchment Area. Private Property and public roadways are mostly covered by road patrol units in cars or 4x4 F150s. Public safety is first and foremost. Unless a violent felony has occured, PBSO will pursue just long enough to verify the subject is refusing to yeild to lights and siren and to get a clothing/vehicle description.

 I understand . I worked the exotics in the Catchment area for a long time and I understand the importance of protecting these areas but this problem is only going to get worse . I have hit so many dead ends trying to get the area in Indian town I get frustrated . Over the last 5 years I worked with the US Army Corps Of Engineers on the St. Johns river and I know there are many places we could use without destroying the ecosystem but still it is just frustrating !

Yea, Mullet, your right, but I'll leave that up to someone higher up the food chain then me.

Thanks to FWC and PBSO for signing on and shedding some light on the subject of riding in PB county.

Now that we are all communicating and have answered the question more than 100 times...It's our turn to take some action and find out how we can put more pressure on the State to get these places that FWC spoke about approved..

Hey FWC, is there some place we can go to monitor the progress of these proposals to approve land use for ATV's?? Why does this seem to be such a secretive thing?? Is it just the red tape, or can we really have a influence on making this process speedy by lobbying?? Who do we lobby to?? Is your fine estimation and knowledge of the system, will we be heard and will our efforts get any response???

It seems like both you and PBSO have a wish list that includes having a place where we will not be making you look like "bad guys". Perhaps all of our collective efforts can bring some real justice to this situation.

ATV's are a real blast and us riders, families and members of ATV Florida are the most concerned individuals you can approach. All we want is to be left alone so we can ride and have fun...

Maybe you guys from FWC and PBSO can meet with some of us and discuss a direction we can take legally to make some real progress...I'd love to get involved in this forum.

tvman  

I second that !

Your right JD, I do understand the frustration. Try being the one doing the enforcement!! The problem is getting worse because ATV sales have boomed and places to ride them is falling. Thats why FWC-LT and I chose to open lines of communication so that everyone would understand the situation from all aspects. Speaking of enforcement, it looks like I'm going to get wet today. Hint Hint.......

 8)  [smiley=ThumbsUp.gif]

Your right tvman, we'll see what we can work out. Until then, try to understand, FWC-LT and I are more at the enforcement level of the "food chain" and getting those higher up involved sometimes takes some manuvering. Getting my poncho out, hint hint......

PBSO, ok you were the one that wrote the report. Now I know which one you were. Yes, you and your partner were cool with us! It still stinks it cost me $190 and a day off of work. I could of spent the money on my little boy and spent the day off having fun with him, instead I spent it with a bunch of low lifes. Next time will send the lawer. It was funny , my buddy and I could tell exactly who was there for riding quads compared to the others there. It would be these guys dressed descent and acting respectfull, compared to these real criminals. Pretty sad. We all need to get on the same page to figure something out.

PBSO, stay dry.

Hey PBSO:

Have a wet day...

Keep the lines of communication open...

Hey..who's the first guy on the top of the "food chain" we need to start yanking???

tvman

Well that does not seem to be fair for the FWC which right now is the only agency that is giving ORV users a legal place to ride in Broward and Palm Beach County.  Some of this money should be going to FWC to help maintain current ORV areas and maybe even open new ones.  Anyways thank you FWC-LT for responding and your information.

So bigger vehicles like Buggies are allowed in Corbett WMA?  How do we petition to get a rule like that changed to allow smaller vehicles?

That is what i am still confused about also. Maybe FWC could chime in again and clear that up because in my world driving a HUGE swamp buggy with 60" tires is going to do a lot more harm than the atv's ever will. Riding buggies in corbitt has  been going on long before today's atv's have been around.  I personally have been going out there for 25+ years in 4 wheel drive trucks and buggies so maybe they wont let atv's out there because the rules have just never been updated in the  past 30 years?

Let us know what we can do to HELP with that manuvering [smiley=Tongue.gif] (http://fool.exler.ru/sm/unknw.gif)

You might need a little more than just a Poncho....The radar looks BAD!
Have a Grand O'l Day   [smiley=Wink.gif]

Yes it blows my mind what they allow there  :o You can ride there if you have a 60' wheel base ATV.

They could have a designated area just for ATV's ONLY! where it would be Environmentally OK and we would not have to deal with the Tree Huggers  :P

Well, I spoke to the Regional Biologist today about the rule limiting ATV's in Corbett WMA.  The response that I got was that Corbett gets a large amount of vehicle pressure with the current rules allowing buggies and other off road vehciles.  Currently there are no plans to address the vehicle rule but if they do address vehcile issues it will be in an attempt to limit the number of vehciles in the area.

If you want to start petioning people to open more ATV places I would start with the Off Road Vehicle Advisory Commitee.  Their names are on the web site that I posted last night.  Most of them are State Employees, if you follow this link:

http://411.myflorida.com/411/www_tel.public_employee.employee_search

It takes you to a search engine for every state employee in the system.  Most of the entries contain email address along with office phone numbers.

If you want more info on Corbett feel free to contact the Regional Office at 561-625-5122 and speak to one of the biologist that covers the area.  They are the ones that create most of the rules for the WMA's and they would be the ones to talk to.

We will have to build these. I knew the guy who built this. His name is Carlos and it is a four wheeler and a suzuki samuria combination. It is really cool. He is known to go to M,S&G and goes to corbett with this. I had to put a helmet on him so I could post the pic.

i've seen that thing, i've wondered what the hell it was.

I ride with Carlos, He builds some incredible machines  ;D  Great Guy  ;)

I have been reading this site for over a year, and I just recently got 2 ATV's, one for me and one for my wife.  I have been riding on and off since 1984.  This is my very first post on here.  I am also a Deputy Sheriff, although not for Palm Beach County.  I have been reading this thread with great interest.  My county (Seminole) has lots of issues with illegal riding.  However, I choose to deal with more serious problems, such as speeders, red light runners and people driving with suspended licenses when it comes to traffic related complaints.  Ask anyone in your neighborhood what their #1 complaint is, and they will tell you it is people speeding down their street.  I have taken the stance that if a person complains about a dirtbike, ATV, airboat, etc- that a warning is enough.  I have not yet had to warn the same person twice.  Until there are enough legal riding areas, I choose not to make arrests or issue citations (and am able to do so by the use of officer discretion), unless there are extremely extenuating circumstances.  Count me in on the side of the ATV riders.

 [smiley=ThumbsUp.gif] Welcome to the Site Andy  ;)

Great thread.

That's all I have to say.  ;D

bmp ;D

Andy I hope some of tax dollars go to  you I think you have a good grip on the big picture ! Instead of " Hay let's chase that kid until he hurts himself then we can have his quad " Damn hoodlums !

I went to a ladies house today to pick up a quad that needs some attention . When I walked through her horse barn there was a big YELLOW sign on the wall that said ." Under Florida law any owner of land where an equestrian event is being held,Will not be held liable for any damages or death of participants . WTF.... Why cant good ole florida do this for us ? I guess we dont have enough cash or connections . Pi$$es me off bad!

I was wondering where you were ;)

I hope this whole topic isn't a waste ! ;)

oh no..not one of these guys..

Thanks gofast, I got wet anyway. At least it wasn't from paperwork this time. As for the traffic enforcement YFZ450Andyh mentioned, Our unit issues written warnings to first time offenders for riding on public roadways. We believe in education and compliance. In the last 65 days, our unit stopped 30 ATVs/Dirtbikes/golfcarts and issued warnings. Of these, only 2 of those were stopped a 2nd time and issued citations. When the citation is fowarded to the clerks office, the pink copy of the warning is attached to show the judge a warning was issued and when. ATV enforcement has been stepped up in this area, due the the number of citizen complaints and vehicle verses ATV injury crashes. In rural areas where traffic isn't heavy, an officer/deputy has more descretion on how much enforcement is done. Unfortunately, our area has become very congested with vehicular traffic and requires more enforcement. FWC-LT put out some good info as to who needs to be contacted. Lets hope this does some good.

fun comes in all types, may it be boating,fishing,riding a waverunner,horse riding,bmx biking,camping/parks,airboat riding,street bike riding, car racing,all these types of fun have the land/places to do there hobbie but our hobbie is not  easy to do unless we travel to croom or ocala national forest some of us dont have the time or money to travel to those places to enjoy the nature of riding on gods green earth that in the united states its suppose to be free but the way i see the comon hard working middle class person dont have the money to own there own land to ride like the rich would hell its hard just to get the atvs for the family to enjoy a good day in the woods looking at the nature but every body thinks we are criminals for wanting to enjoy the nature but we cant afford nature this way we would have to go to a nature trail and walk around what fun is that
        JUST THINK WE COULD BE DOING A HELL OF A LOT MORE THINGS WRONG (YOU KNOW WHAT THOSE OTHER THINGS ARE) THAN WANTING TO TAKE THE FAMILY OUT FOR A NICE WOODS RIDE
         sorry the post is so long i hope you understand my points WE ARE NOT CRIMINALS

For as LARGE as Florida is you'd think there would be more options for riding :-/

J.D.- Thanks for the kind words.  I treat people the way I exptect to be treated, and it has never done me wrong.  Coincidentally, on my way to work yesterday, I heard another deputy on the radio saying that he just had two 4 wheelers flee from him.  Thats what will give most law enforcement officers a negative view of ATV's.  

yfz450psycho, Those of us who do the enforcement know 90% of ATV/Dirtbike riders are family oriented, law abiding citizens trying to find legal places to ride and enjoy the sport safely. It's the other 10% which are the bad apples giving the sport a black eye.  You can find this 10% riding on public roadways, private property of which they do not have permission to be on and protected natural areas. They are the ones fleeing police, cutting fences and tearing down "no trespassing" signs that property owners have posted. Many property owners do not want the liability of a rider being injured on their property and face a lawsuit. Because of this, the property owners contact us and request their property be patrolled.

thank you officer for your input i have already wrote to the proper authorities on trying to get a place closer than the croom riding areas and the ocala areas thank you for your input on this site we could use the help in getting the right facts so we can get a riding place and the input from all the law officers to make it safe and run smoothly thank again

by the way officer i might have met you out at corbit area a couple of years ago my brother inlaw had his bach. party out there when we camped out and had our jeeps a couple of officers came on our camp site and talked to us friendly about the proper ways to have fun with out doing the wrong things such as where we could drive without running over natual areas it was all fine no probems then they told us that we were crazy for having a bach party in the woods than having it at a strip bar we said we rather spend our time away from trouble was that one of you that day thanks, yfz

yfz450psycho, It was probably one of my partners, as I was in Iraq most of 2003. I have Afghanistan to look forward to later this year......Anyway, thanks for your responses. I hope the info FWC-LT and I have provided will help the sport in some way. Also, we've just started posting green "Sheriff" signs next to the "Natural Area" signs at some of our patrol areas. We hope these signs will alert riders that they are about to enter a Natural Area that is patrolled daily at varied times. So PLEASE!!, if you see one of the green signs, GET OUT OF THERE QUICK!!!

"I was wondering where you were"  ~ Asphaltdragon

I'm here. Just no longer wasting my time. I'm enjoying reading these types of threads. It's fun.

peace!

deputy #4 thanksfor all your info and by the way stay safe in in IRAQ and return home safe GOOD LUCK

FWC-LT, Do you know of anyone in Indian River Co. that I could talk to about the WMA around here? We really have to travel to find a place to ride. We have at least an hour drive just to go for an afternoon ride. There are a lot of us up this way that are very frustrated. We have tons of open land but no place to go. Thanks for listing the areas you did. Big Help!

Your last post was not negative and you said "fun" in this one. I think you are almost ready to ride. I know you are correct in alot of what you say. You have made good points. We want you to stay around but lets ride also. I will PM you next time I ride.

Thanks for the message Customrubicon. I appreciate it. It is nice to see law enforcement taking an active part in this board. I think we can all agree they have a tough job to do at times and it's nice to see they really care.

The solution to our riding area woes begins and ends with ourselves. This site can be an awesome tool in developing ideas and discussions that will benefit all of us.

Don't forget to PM me. Love to ride with all of you sometime.

Indian River County is managed out of our North East Regional Office in Ocala, you can call them at 352-732-1225.

You can also visit this web site:  

http://wildflorida.org/hunting/

Look for the link to the WMA Regulations for the Northeast Region.  You can view the different areas regulations on line then if you have specific questions you can call the Regional Office for clarification.

Good Luck

FWC I appreciate what you did earlier in the topic . You can really feel yoour concern in your posts ...and your frustration .I hope that our lawmen are really lawmen . Just limit the numers of vehicles allowed , sounds like a biologist we need to collectively can . Rules change to fit demands !

Its is good to see that FWC and PBSO are visiting the site, and offering input.  Again, as a deputy, myself and many others own ATV's and ride.  We are in the same boat as far as limited riding areas.  These contacts between the riders and the FWC, and local law enforcement can only help in the long run.  

 [smiley=ThumbsUp.gif]

FWC,  Thanks for the info. :) Web site is a lot of help. May be a long ride to get someplace but now we know there are a couple out there we won't drive hrs. to just to be run off. You and SO4 have really been helpful. Really appriciate it! Please hang in there thru the bashers! We need your input. [smiley=Clap.gif]

Thanks for the positive replies!! We're not to worried about bashers Shotoftequila, we just throw on a helmet and ride through it. FWC-LT and I met up and discussed the issues. Just remember, FWC-LT and I are more at the enforcement level and we rely on all of you to voice your opinions to your local government officials about limited riding areas. Only by doing that, and reducing the amount of "black eyes" the sport is getting, will you see positive results.

gee i wonder if they ,lawofficers, used the full resources that they use to catch a family rideing atvs.on the case of that little angel who was raped ,murdered   maybe she would still be here???????




       didnt verify that a sex offender address, was there chopper up and out to look for her??? probably not to busy chasing those damn atvers... :-[

From what I've read in the papers, that !!@*% broke the law requiring him to re-register when he moved there. I saw on the news cops and volunteers on quads trying to find her. Seems it's easier to point a finger than pick up a shovel....Rather than criticize the police, lets stay focused on the problem of having nowhere to ride and why. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.

THE POLICE ARE SUPOSE TO VERIFY AND KEEP TRACK OF THEM!!!! THEY DROPED THE BALL TO BUSY CHASING THE ATVERS!!!!!! WHAT A WASTE :'(

Jeez, I can only imagine what a meeting of our minds would be like to establish our cause.  I bet that we would start out on the right foot, and in a matter of minutes a few would go off on a tangent about how bad cops are.  Funny how those people are the first to call when they have a problem.  Polaris is right, they are their own worst enemy.  

not me ,i dont dial 911   rob me ill shoot back 8)

la la la la la la
???

I live in St Lucie and we had a canal right of way that you could sneek in and ride , not any more ! I would like to say thank you to whomever installed this blockade . My 3 year old daughter an myself had a great time riding on the roadways instead of the canal bank . And to whoever is busting out the fence down the side of Rosser , I dont agree but I understand . I have never been arrested for anything in my 33 years but now I am a Lawbreaker " Thanks " I will continue to be one until our state and counties do somethin to protect our rights . I will be the one in the orange jumpsuit riding a brand new Arctic Cat 500 down the roadway . Oh yeah ... I forgot to tell everyone I finally got me a Big Ole Ute .See you in the mud sometime soon .

I may be able to shed some light on the canal bank blockade. Along with Natural Areas, our unit patrols the canal banks of the SFWMD and the Southern Indian River Water Control District in PB county. The reasons we keep people off the canal banks are because of the lack of guardrails to keep vehicles from crashing into the canal, and washouts. In short, they don't want injuries or liability. These canal banks are posted " No Trespassing by motorized vehicles." JD, you may want to check on whether your canal bank is posted and who owns it. In most cases, a gate is installed to allow access for maintenance/utility crews. We've already had several ATVs crash into non-patrolled canals here, one in which the rider was seriously injured and had to be flown out. Most times, I find myself in a no win situation. We're either criticized by riders for doing to much enforcement, or chastized by the public/press for not doing enough enforcement when someone is hurt........

As for bluesman's replies, I would like to thank polaris and AndyH for responding. While everyone has a right to voice their opinion, I feel it was in very poor taste to capitolize on such a tragic event.

Let's Ride !!! I was going to ride today at holeylands. The area that is open. I was not able to because the storage place that I keep my bikes at was closed. What a bummer !! I took my family to John Prince Park and we had a blast. I am ready to ride.

Im ready to ride this week. Work pissed me off today and yesterday so I believe im geting sick this week.  ;D

PBSO What I don't understand about the canal banks are they are owned by the property owners, they are easements that the county has the right to access for maintenance of the canals. As a homeowner I can fence it in as long as I leave access for the county. So what gives the county any right to charge anyone with trespassing. How do you know that person does not have permission from that homeowner. I'm sure my neighbors wouldn't want me to be in trouble for riding down the canal bank. What if I were fishing, I could fall in just as quick. The county's not liable they don't own the the property just allowed to use it. I still think the county has better things to do with our tax money. I understand you are just doing your job, but it still stinks!!!!!!

gofastmatt2 I do believe there is a right-of-way on all canal banks?  I live on the Earman River and Yes I have a fence down to the water and a dock, and I do not have to have a gate for access, but when we had all of that rain back in 98? my yard collapsed, giant sink hole along the river.  The were 7 homeowners on the river trying to figure who owned the land?  Who was going to PAY to fix the holes?  We had Channel 12 out there and SFWMD Big shots asking them?  Finally SFWMD sucked it up and fixed our yards.  These holes were huge and SFWM did not want the expense but they admitted it is there responsibility, kids were playing, jumping a big hazard.  PBC has nothing to do with the canals.

We should be able to use some of the canal banks that are in less populated "for now " areas , along with powerline trails , some fire roads . It seems that a little fresher way of looking at these areas for OHV use on a simple designated trail could really help !

The state should take the efforts of other states in mind. There are many other states that profit from ORV's. Take Michigan for example, they get tax, title and $ 16.50 per year for an Orv sticker. I buy 5 stickers per year,. One for the 4x4 truck and the other four for the bikes. They use this money to buy land and maintain the trails. Many companies and clubs volunteer for the trail maintenance but get money for supplies. They also have county parks of 250 acres to ride and they charge $ 9.00 per vehicle per day or a yearly pass of $ 50.00 per vehicle. It is worth it and you can only ride half of the year. Think about the fact that here you could ride all year long. Michigan has 3,100 miles of legal trails and some trails you can still ride on the dirt roads to get there. They are adding trails all the time to make more money.

That's what I don't understand. There are states with great trail pass systems that are PERFECT models for Florida. The land used would also further protect it from environmentally destructive gated communities.

I agree don't even have an atv yet. Need to have more public places to ride. I would pay 50 a year plus tag or sticker money. even going to get insurance on the atv when i get it. just would like more places to ride. I think we have enough golf courses in florida already.

 We patrol the SFWMD's C-18 canal, the City of West Palm Beach's "M" canal, and the South Indian River Water Control District canals that border Natural Areas. The canal bank easements/right of ways of these particular canals are owned by the above. They are gated and posted and do not have residential property easements over them. As kawGIRL mention, some canal banks are shared with residential property easements, which allow the homeowner to post fencing/gates. This is why when I replied to J.D., I asked him to check on who owned the canal banks and how they were posted. Then it could be determined whether the state/county/city or a property owner blocked it.

gofastmatt2, your correct about most of the canals that run through the Acreage. We don't do enforcement on those unless the property owner files a complaint. Unfortunately, these unpatrolled canal banks are where everyone out there is getting hurt. Lot's of washouts after big rains. One rider was flown out not long ago because he hit a washout. Had another break his leg over Easter weekend. The reason we "met" was you were on the "M" canal that rainy day. Had you been on one of those side canals, I would have just waved and stayed under my poncho.

You all need to get together and start pettioning some of the governing boards that own a lot of these canal easments in "rural" areas where you will not run too close to residential houses.  

Indian Trails Improvement District owns most of the canals in the Acreage.  There is also Lake Worth Drainage District that owns some canals in the central part of the county that run out west to State Road 7 that can be used for riding.  There is also South Florida Water Management District.

The biggest thing that needs to be done is to get organized and start sending represenitives to the meetings with these boards and keeping asking the same question.  You know what they say about the squeky wheel.

Maybe someone can do some reasearch on how these others states run their ATV ride areas and present a plan to the State OHV Board with some ideas and recommendations of areas other than just saying that they need to give you somewhere to ride.  

This web site is a great place to get organized and start putting preasure on the people that make decisions to get more areas opened to riding.  It will not happen if people do not get involved.

those are some great ideas i have been sending e mails to all the county,state,and city government officals thank you for your every ones input on the subject

I got a letter back from Mr. Bronsons representative about our problem . He informed me that they are working very hard on the problem we have . He said a 150 mile trail system is opening up soon in the panhandle.Also there will be a meeting in dania in april . I am going . I left the letter at home but I will get the info on the meeting and post it .
PBSO the canal I reffered to is South of Gatlin Blvd in ST LUCIE . I think it was a govt agency that closed it .

[smiley=ThumbsUp.gif]




>:( 150 miles of trails in the Panhandle!  >:(
They are so close to Georgia and Alabama, [smiley=Angry.gif] NOT FAIR [smiley=angry2.gif] It takes me 6-8 hours to drive there.[smiley=Cry.gif]

FWC-LT I beg to differ with you about who owns the most of the canals in the Acreage. It sure isn't Indian Trails. It's the land owners. Take a look at a property survey and see most people own to the middle or the whole canal. They just have the right to access it for maintenance. Trust me, I have a 2.2 lot and I lose 1/3 of it to easement. My property on one side goes across the whole road, over the drainage ditch and into the orange grove. They don't own it.

JD- I'd bet it was the two crotchey old farts that ran out yelling at me that got that canal closed down. Now keep in mind I was putting along at 5 MPH... not racing around, making tons of racket, etc. I got stopped and threatened with having my quad taken, etc by PSL cops, so I quit. Now nevermind the guy around the block from me that rides his new 4 stroke motocross nike up and down the streets, banging gears like it's going out of stile..... >:(

I am considering a stealth muffeler and some real dim headlight bulbs . I wont cut any fences or anything but if I can find a way around , who knows .It is a shame to see boats riding up the canal but we cant ride the right of way  that goes through the middle of no where .

BCConviber that bike you are talking about if it is a new blue raptor it is my friend he just got it.Just think if he had a place to ride he would not be in the streets riding and i know a way to get on the canal bank you go down becker a little way and there is no ditch

PBSO:

Good to have you here!  Now I know what to expect.  A few questions.....

What activities ARE OK in the nature areas?

Hiking?
Walking the dog?
Bicycles?
Wheelchairs?
Horseback riding?

YFZ-
Nahh... This bike is a Kawasaki four stroke two wheeler that the kid rides at Thundercross most of the time. I've got no problem with him, I just get aggravated that I get threatened like a hardcore criminal for putting along in the dirt, and this guy is flying around on the pavement and has no problems... And there are several ways to access that canal bank...  ;D

Natural Areas are open to the public for environmental education, scientific research, and passive recreational activities such as photography, nature walks, and bird watching. Vehicles, including bicycles are only permitted on posted/marked, designated paths, driveways and roadways. Horseback riding is permitted at designated natural Areas. Domestic Animals are prohibited. The specifics for each Natural Area in Palm Beach County can be found at this website: http://www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/erm/

Click on "Natural Resource Stewardship", then "Land Management and Monitoring. Once there, you can click on "Natural Areas" to see all the different areas/details. Click on Natural Areas Ordinance No. 94.13 for prohibited activities.

one day i was washing up my yfz and i took it for a ride beside my house on the edge of the road and a cop passed by skidded and whipped around in front of me almost hit me and told me to get off and come to him i told him that it was my yard he said that i was on the wrong side of the black covert pipe the way he stoped you think i was selling crack

Just like people who ride like morons give us a bad reputation, a badge heavy cop will do the same for them.  People, if youre treated badly or rudely by the police, there are ways to complain about their behavior if it is that bad.  

I have to agree. I have no negative problems with law enforcement as long as they are doing thierassigned jobs.It is the officers who have a big head that go on power trips. I live in a small part of Fort Lauderdale called Wilton Manors.  This small police dept, has a big chip on thier shoulders, due to the large police force and small amount of crime. They spend the majority of their time (everyday) performing traffic stops on speeders. They also spend just as much time in court defending the tickets. The residents actually refer to them as the "Gustapo". The Ft.Lauderdale police are so much more respected, since they
have actual complaints to respond to. It can be a shame that those who are out there to protect us, can sometimes be the ones we need protection from.  Just remmebr to watch your speed in Wilton Manors.

you know this topic started by saying....where to legally ride in palm beach!!!!!!!!!so here's the question........is there any legal riding area's in palm beach?????????????

No
Only on private property WITH the OWNERS permission.

Yes, it did start out by asking the question of where to ride legally.  Then, some started to bash and ridicule law enforcement for doing their job.  I believe that not everyone on this site realizes that there are law enforcement officers that also ride, and are in the same boat as everyone else.  

Yes.  Holeyland and Rottenburg WMA.  U.S.27 and the Broward/Palm Beach County line.  Its basically the last legal riding spot for Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County.

We do appreciate the law enforcement on this site. I do have to disagree with you when you say that you are in the same boat as us. I have friends that work for PBSO and when we ride we do not get hassled. It is like all the police that you see speeding by you, doing illegal lane changes, etc. You do not see them getting ticketed. I know in every sport/occupation you have bad apples that ruin it for the rest of us. The badge does bring fringe benefits. I know this may sound like I am bashing but I am not just stating fact. I have never seen a police officer being ticketed by another police officer.


Let's Ride !!!

                       AND YOU NEVER WILL 8)

yeah it's called the brotherhood code,,they can haul a** down the highway passing by you like you were sitting still with no lights on and its ok..like pines police dept.,i've seen these guys on the turnpike up north way out of there jurisdiction and speeding down the highway like supercops.....or the ones who turn on there blue lights to go thru intersections and then turn them off...i followed a cop once who did that,just to see him pull in his driveway...

Unfortunately, we have our 10% to........What's worse, is we all pay for their misdeeds.

so true!!!but if the world was perfect we would be bored..lol

CustomRubicon, by saying that we are in the same boat, I mean about our riding area situation (or lack thereof).

Nothing frosts me more than to see a cop driving mach one down the road, only to stop a "speeder" for doing 10 miles over the speed limit.  That is hypocrisy (sp?) at its best.  

Now, to the driving fast without blue lights or using blue lights to clear a traffic light and then turning them off- we sometimes have to respond "silent" to calls.  A burglar will run if he hears sirens, if we respond silent-we have a better chance of catching him.  

As far as the cop that btf saw use blue lights only to go to his house?  Well, if it was his house, and he gets caught doing that, it wont be fun for him.  

Custom, I know you didnt post all of those issues, Im just responding all at once.

Dude, Get alife!  ::)  So what if they speed, Geez that's one of the only perks they get. Your lucky you didn't get shot following a cop home. Sound like your just another COP hater.

PBSO,
I am working on getting some places for Broward County, but not being a resident of WBP, I am unsure of the area. What can be done and who should we be speaking up to?

Axo, who are you referring to?

I would start with the County Commissioners/local government officials.

From my quotes "BFTCLUB"

Just some FYI for acreage riders,not all the deputies are against riding out here,there was a group of us riding tonight(18 bikes)rode out 60th and made our way to the L-8 and back to near where 60th y's and there while sitting waiting on the rest of our group to catch up a deputy stopped,asked if we lived out there,said he had a complaint,but that he didnt really mind,told us just to respect homeowners etc......and away he went,no warning,didnt tell us to go home,nada,we had coolers on the bikes,never even looked at ONE D/L........he was very cool!

yea not all cops are bad about bothering the average person trying to go out and have some fun in the woods we went out last nite rode out from ft pierce from a friends house down the tracks to the dunes when we got back at around 12  one of the guys crossed the road in front of the cop and he pulled in the yard to tell us to just stay out of the road and that was it  :o

Wow, this thread has really stirred the pot.  

stolen we should kind of watch what we call some body when you dont know the person and by the way who is the idiot with the name stolen go figure :-X

it's no secret......whats the chances of you meeting this idiot face to face at MS&G this weekend,belive me the acreage is no "secret"

Thank you! I will look into it!  ;D

ILL BE AT RODMAN 5 LOOK ME UP 4XPLAY!

hey guys if anyone ever goes on a night ride in PBC i'm up for it. Most of the time i have monday and wednesdays off after 1pm ( i work 2 jobs) so i can ride after 1pm. Sundays i get off every now and then either at 5 or 7pm. So count me in next time if its one of them days. Thanks.

So.... um, where were we ?  What happen to the topic ?

my posts and others are being deleted making it hard to follow. 4play, this topic is about legal places to ride in PBC. There are none.
You know the trouble we have sneaking around and you are not helping by throwing the "cool cops" under the bus.The cops here on this very thread even said to watch what you say about your "spots" and you steer them right to one of my spots.
You then insult a fellow member and refer to him as an idiot.
I then remind you of who might and IS reading and throw your own insult back at you, and ... you want to fight? You ARE an idiot! And if you kicked my a s s all over Florida, you'd still be the same idiot! If you want to fight, fight for your right to ride. Not people in here.
I've met a lot of people from here and have made some good friends. We have fun riding and camping. I would hate to think that you would want anything less.
ps I still hurt from my last fight. See you at MS&G
BRIAN aka STOLEN- thanks to the thieves who stole my quads

Natural areas.What a joke! I live in Palm Beach and over the last year I have ridden all over & I mean everywhere! The nature preserves located between Okechobee/441 all the way up to northlake are nothing more than undeveloped swampy land, just like the rest of southern Florida. When we rode this particular area many times (I no longer do it though) we rarely saw any wildlife, I see more in the back yard of my town house! And talk about a waste of money....Somebody has built walkways into the so called nature areas. How many people do you thing will actually go on the walkways to get bitten by mosquitoes and have a posible chance of seeing an egret. Big Deal. I love nature, I'm an avid outdoorsman, but the last thing I want to do is walk down one of these catwalks in the middle on nowhere to see what. Not even a pretty tree or flower, just mud, weeds and bugs. What a Joke!!! This whole matter is assinine. The police are just doing thier jobs and we just trying to have a little fun. Just remember that the Everglades is not big enough to preserve wildlife in southern florida, we need every 1/4 acre to keep the wildlife from perishing... P.S. I remember when I used to drive down A1A at night in palm Beach and see Rabbits, what happened to them, oh I guess that they were not important enough as was the Sea Oats to mandate that there be acres and acres of Nature preserves along A1A. o for the most part they have vanished

One last thing.You ATV's thinkg you have it tough, at least you have the Holylands and some other areas, I ride a motorcycle and there is NO PLACE FOR ME TO RIDE!!! The Cops should help us so they can put thier knowledge and skills to good use protecting the citizens of this county as opposed to chasing us because we left a tire print. What a joke!

What it really comes down to is money. That is all. Nothing else really matters. The palm beach county commissoners receive election money, hundreds of thousands of dollars, from big developement companies in order to push rezoning laws, etc. so that all the land in p.b.c. can be developed. in order to not upset everyone they set aside a small piece of land and call it a nature preserve. This makes the bird watchers happy. The audubon society is a large organized group and they have money to lobby for these matters. We unfortunately are a loosly organized group of people and have no pull with our government. That is my 2 cents. What we need is some kind of organization with a board of directors and have monthly meetings etc and monthly dues.       

Stolen.....The acreage is not some "secret spot",it's not like a little patch of woods stuck somewhere that i'm directing people too.........I've been riding out here for over 10 years,you think PBSO doesnt know what goes on out here.

And yes your right I did call someone an idiot........Dont remember the story completely,but i know it had something to do with riding in a residential area in jupiter and that the guy that I referred to as an idiot was saying basically to heck with the homeowners who complained and that they were probably old farts......Hello,does that sound like he really thought that comment through completely?

Hey...I'll man up,your right,I should practice what i preach,I shouldn't have called him an idiot without knowing him first,just seemed like that would not be the way to get the respect that we are striving for as ATV riders.  Am I wrong?

Now,I know it's hard to tell from text as to what someones attitude is,but I NEVER said anything about fighting,YOU DID,yes I did ask if you'd like to meet me,but that was so you could meet me in person,then you can call me an idiot if you still think I'am after we have met and talked in person.

CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG ;D

Maybe we should get 50-100 of us and do what they did in the 60's & 70's. Let have a "sit in" in the woods. A hard to get to illegal location, the we will let pbso now where we are.

Then when they arrive. 2 or 3 of them in the middle of nowhere they will find us all chained together to our machines. Sort of like a good old fashioned sit in...


How would they arrest all of us, seperate us from each other and our machines and then arrest all of us and inpound all of our machines.  It would take unbeleveable resources for PBSO and FWC to actually do such a thing. If they did, it would be an unbelievable waste of money for the county tax payers.

It would get our story told Nation Wide if this actually happened...............Could you inmagine the Nightly News.......

86 people and they vehicles were arrested and impounded in southern Florida Protesting the lack of areas to ride...

Maybe unrealistic......but it sure would be fun.......LOL

What whould they do?? Airlift the ATV's out of the swamp 1 by 1, Handcuff two of us and put us on the back rack of PBSO's atv's and then take us miles thru the woods to a waiting paddy wagon.

This is a bunch of POO!!! All Florida cares about is the retires.
The origional Floridians or non senior citizens do not generate enough revenue for Florida to make our opinions count! We are just here to serve the eldery and their needs!! ;D

4xplay YOU CALLED ME AN IDIOT AND I NEVER SAID ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT OTHER RIDERS ,STOLEN AND OTHERS LIKE ME ARE TIRED OF ALL THE BIKES GETTING RIPPED OFF AND WHEN YOU CALL THE POLICE ALL YOU DO IS GET A SONG AND DANCE.ILL PROTECT MY OWN . BETTER TRIED BY 12 THEN CARRIED BY 6.AND YOU CAN SEE ME AT ANY TIME!

rbx123 that was some good ideas but it would just make us look bad all we need to do is keep sending letters and emails to jeb bush and other officials they will get tired of the problem (I HOPE) AND TRY TO WORK WITH US TO SOLVE OUR PROBLEM the state gave ocala and tampa a legal place now it is our turn this is our sport and we need to fight for our free right and be heard we dont need to be in a pissing match with feiiow members of the sport SO CANT WE ALL JUST STICK TOGETHER AND FIGHT THE STATE WITH THE PROPER WAYS OF BEING HEARD some of you think the law is on here to find our spots i think the official state and government probably are trying to find out if we are worth the time so stop bashing and start being positive maybe it will work out for all of us       PEACE

So much drama.....Anyway, rbx123, we wouldn't waste the tax payers money like that. Given a situation like that, we would just wait until your food/water supply ran out and the daily attack of the sqeeters. We'll be at the Sonny's BBQ across from Target waiting for you. Come in, get some sweet tea(it's good there!) and we can talk about how you should be attending the County Commissioners meeting and addressing these issues there.

This was the last fight I had!

Stolen, Now thats the kind of fight to be in!!

Ok.......I'm ready to get serious!!!!!!!!!!

Hey PBSO and FWC.......Tell us all when and where we can can go to a county or state meeting to pursue this issue.

WILL THE TWO OF YOU ATTEND THIS SAME MEETING A SHOW SUPPORT FOR US IN FINDING A PLACE TO RIDE??

I believe that if you 2 did show up to present your views, and enlighten the politicians that if we were given a legal place to ride that your jobs could be dedicated to getting the bad guys as apposed to those of us just looking to have a little fun without causing trouble.

Your talk is great....But Actions are greater than words!!

Will you help us and Attend????????????????

;D

that is a good loking fish

rbx123, The following link will take you to the PBC website of the Board of County Commissioners. The Board is well aware of our views, however, it's the public views, those of the riders, they need to hear. If I see it come up on the agenda, I'll make every effort to attend.

http://www.pbcgov.com/PubInf/Agenda/

 ;D

Hey PBSO, I am unable to search the PBC web site and find anything. Since you seem sincere, how about YOU (since you are already a county employee, possible with some clout) ask the board to hear all of at a specific date and location, and prove to us that you are in aggreement with us needing a place to ride, BY AGGREEING TO ATTEND with your FWC buddy! Not saying I will try to attend, thats a cop out...LOL ;D

I have no idea if they do or even how to get something like this up for public discussion!!!!

Again words are great...But actions are better

After looking at the pics of the county commissioners on the PBC web site I think the only "4 wheeler" they have ever seen is a Porsche Cayenne. Probably have to give each of them one to get something on the agenda. If someone does manage to get the item on the agenda I will be there though. Anyone know what became of the St Lucie commision meetings on setting land aside for riders? I thought they were working on this late last year. Wasn't one of the commisioners up there a rider? Might have bettery luck than in Palm Beach.

Wow, this post is like a juggernaut.  Is there any stopping it?  LOL.  

let our voices be heard power to the people :-X

by the way the 2 hurricains screwed up our chances on a riding place in st lucie

The issue of the AtV Park in St. Lucie County was postponed due to the Hurricanes. We are going to start getting it more attention next week. Flyers are going to be handed out at the dealers to encourage St. Lucie Co. residents to contact the commissioners to move forward with this. the dealers are hopefully going to post ads in the newspaper encouraging the same. The commissioners are aware of the numbers it can draw from out of the county but we have to show them how many residents are in support and hopefully move forward where we left off.

PBSO is giving it to you straight. I began working on the St. Lucie Co. project over a year and a half ago. The Commissioners need to hear from residents of the county they represent them. PBSO being there and saying opening a place will cut down on illegal riding is already a known factor. The elected officials respond to the voters. Petitions, e-mails, phone calls. But remmeber when approaching the commission, they are going to want to know if you have a place in mind to allow this activity.

That is why we must also approach the state level which is addressed in other topics here. The OHV meeting in Dania, These folks are not against us, some of them are volunteers and active riders. The message needs to be carried to the elected state officials, senators and reps form all the districts state wide. Again e-mails, letters, phone calls this is being talked about on other threads but needs to be better organized. Yes it is a political game but it is the game you have to play.

Yes it is a shame what is happening. Another point how many people belong to organizations like the Blue Ribbon Coalition, Florida Trail Riders etc, that lobby for places to ride????

rbx123, Due to my official position, It's not advisable or wise for me to cross into the political arena. I can only point you into the right direction. Like indianjoe replied, the commission is very aware of law enforcements position. They now need to hear from all of you, the voters.

In reference to not knowing how to speak to local governtment, has anyone just called the county comission to see when their next public meeting is and how to go about speaking at it?  I know for certain that the deputies are not allowed to get involved in any kind of politics.  

Here in Alabama, much of the riding is on private land.  Motocross and offroad parks are common enough.  We also have several areas under the US Forestry Service that are kept up by local clubs.  That's the key.  Locally, there are organizations like the Cheaha Trail Riders that promote responsible operation of two wheel and four wheel equipment.  They are very active in maintaining Kentuck ORV area and opening Minooka Park ORV.  Someone in PBC has got own some land be willing to lease it.  A group with enough arse behind it should be able to get the ball rolling.  One thing I have noticed growing up a surfer in Florida, is that people would litter the side of the highway rather than pay $2.00 to surf Sebastian Inlet.  If it is that important, it is going to cost something other than words.  I think the deputy would agree.  By the way, we do have other things to do here but my brother from the Acreage tells me he would have sold his YZ if he didn't have the hope of riding up here.

Hi guys I am saying that in this forum that i was not found  ATV problem when i was doing same. I can't understand your problem.


Locksmith Palm Beach FL (http://www.BestPalmbeachLocksmith.com)

Very old thread

xswamper any news on the collier plan for an atv park?  they have 6 million dollars from a settlement with SFWM.  last I heard they were putting together some BS blue ribbon panel to discuss potential sites.  BULLSHOT if you ask me!!   just a stall tactic and they will eventually funnel the money back to the coffers. 

It's pretty sad that the only places to ride without anyone messing with you is north Florida if the state was smart they would put up recreation areas for offroad vehicles from Miami all the way to palm beach because of the law enforcement offices shutting down more and more spots this causes everyone to ride where ever we can coming from someone who lives in Miami the law enforcement down here are total asses about riding this is why we ride where ever we can.

Regarding Palm Beach County Florida ATV riders:

I have to agree with the Deputy.  All to often ATV riders trespass on private property, hunt, chase off wildlife, and crime begins.  Riders have started fires, camp out, party all night, leave trash, tear up dirt road access used by residents and often challenge area residents driving in and out of the community only to cause their own accidents.  ATV, big mud trucks, and dirt bikers who experience accidents on private property have sued the property owner for not making their illegal activity safe. Residents who bought large plots of land did so with the intention to enjoy piece and quiet, listen to nature after a busy day at work and don't want to listen to load obnoxious activity.

If the state bought you ATV trails you wouldn't use it anyway because you need insurance and have to pay for access.

After reading your posts you all sound like bunch of babies crying that Mommy won't give you a lolly pop.  If you want an area to ride pool your funds and buy property for just that purpose.  Stop whining.

Google legal ATV trails, I did, they are all over the state USE them.