A three-person crew based at E.G. Simmons Conservation Park in Ruskin maintains more than 1,000 waterway signs across Hillsborough County. The team has helped pull more than 100 derelict vessels from local rivers and Tampa Bay over the past six years.

The Hillsborough County Marine Safety Unit (MSU) outlined its operations at the Tuesday, Aug. 18, Hillsborough River Board Technical Advisory Committee meeting, according to a Plan Hillsborough summary published Thursday, Aug. 27. The unit, part of the county's Code Enforcement department, covers the Alafia River, Little Manatee River, Tampa Bay, Lake Thonotosassa, and the Hillsborough River.

For Apollo Beach and Ruskin boaters, the MSU's work is visible every time they pass a channel marker or idle-speed sign. The unit builds, maintains, and repairs navigational signs and markers that weigh 18 to 38 pounds each. On the Upper Hillsborough River, shallow and rocky conditions make idle-speed zones critical for protecting both boaters and the river environment.

Derelict vessel removal

The unit's most complex work involves pulling abandoned boats from the water. Each vessel is different. In partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and Tampa Police Department, the MSU has removed more than 100 vessels over roughly six years.

The process can require divers, lift bags, pumps, cranes, and specialized boats. Divers first assess a sunken vessel's condition before lift bags raise it. The team then removes fuel, oil, and other environmental hazards before dismantling the vessel for disposal.

"Lifting or floating larger vessels and each case being unique is a constant challenge," Stephen, a Marine Safety Unit team member and retired Sheriff's Office deputy, said in a June 25, 2026, HC Trailblazer profile of the unit. "… Stepping back to re-evaluate is necessary to avoid injury or damaging equipment."

Post-hurricane restoration

After the 2024 hurricanes, Hillsborough County ranked second among all Florida counties in the amount of waterway debris recovered. Crews pulled damaged pilings, navigation signs, furniture, appliances, and other storm debris from local waterways.

Following major storms, the MSU shifts focus to clearing hazards, repairing infrastructure around boat ramps and docks, and reestablishing navigational markers.

A small team with broad duties

The unit's three members bring distinct backgrounds. Stephen and Alan are both retired from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office with decades of marine operations experience. Blake came from the private sector with years of commercial salvage and marine towing along the Gulf Coast.

Beyond sign maintenance and vessel removal, the crew conducts boat ramp inspections, assists boaters, watches for injured wildlife and environmental concerns, and identifies vessels at risk of becoming derelict.

Residents can view the Aug. 18 Hillsborough River Technical Advisory Council meeting, including the Marine Safety Unit presentation, on YouTube.