BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Fifty identified derelict boats are currently being removed from the Indian River Lagoon by a hired contractor from the Brevard County Natural Resources. 

One large sailboat along the shoreline has been an eyesore and danger to the public for nine months.

When Hurricane Nicole battered the Space Coast last November, the boat almost crashed into Mike Rowland’s dock.

“It’s moving — in the right direction — this time,” Rowland said.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Tourism Development Council is funding the removals through grants. However, if the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office can identify a boat’s owner, they will be responsible for the cost of removal.

Rowland’s “boat” is adding up to $9,000.

“About nine grand on this one. So we do have people paying us back. Some people paying us $30 a month for 10 to 20 years. But at least the effort is there,” said Matt Culver with Brevard County Natural Resources.

After they demolish the boat, they will send it to the landfill, along with all the potential hazards like fuel and oil on board, so they do not spill into the lagoon.