[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 87 (Friday, May 3, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36673-36675]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09762]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2024-0138]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zone; Panama City, FL

AGENCY: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for 
certain navigable waters of the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City, FL. The 
safety zone is needed to protect mariners from the hazards associated 
with the 2024 Gulf Coast Salute Airshow. Entry of vessels or persons 
into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the 
Captain of the Port Sector Mobile (COTP) or a designated 
representative.

DATES: This rule is effective from May 3, 2024, through May 5, 2024, 
from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2024-0138 in the search box and click ``Search.'' Next, in the Document 
Type column, select ``Supporting & Related Material.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this rule, 
call or email Lieutenant Larry Schad, Waterways Management Division, 
U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 251-382-8653, email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code
GICW Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
USACE U. S. Army Corps of Engineers

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary rule under authority in 5 
U.S.C. 553(b)(B). This statutory provision authorizes an agency to 
issue a rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment when the 
agency for good cause finds that those procedures are ``impracticable, 
unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.'' The Coast Guard 
finds that good cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) with respect to this rule because it is impracticable 
and contrary to public interest to delay the effective date of this 
rule. Immediate action is needed to protect people and property on the 
waterway from potential hazards associated with the 2024 Gulf Coast 
Salute Airshow. The Coast Guard was unable to publish an NPRM because 
we must establish this safety zone by May 3, 2024, and lack sufficient 
time to provide a reasonable comment period and then consider those 
comments before issuing the rule. Furthermore, delaying the effective 
date would be contrary to the safety zone's intended objectives of 
enhancing maritime safety and security while ensuring protection of 
people and property on the navigable waterway.
    Also, under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good 
cause exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after 
publication in the Federal Register. Delaying the effective date of 
this rule would be impracticable because immediate action to restrict 
vessel traffic is needed to protect life and property and mitigate 
potential

[[Page 36674]]

maritime hazards involved with the 2024 Gulf Coast Salute Airshow.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C. 
70034. The COTP has determined that potential hazards associated with 
the 2024 Gulf Coast Salute Airshow beginning on May 3, 2024, will be a 
safety concern for anyone within the safety zone. This rule is needed 
to protect persons, vessels, and the marine environment in the 
navigable waters within the safety zone during the 2024 Gulf Coast 
Salute Airshow.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

    This rule establishes a safety zone on certain navigable waters of 
the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City, FL beginning 500' from shore within 
the following coordinates: 30[deg]13'17.88'' N; 85[deg]53'42.32'' W, 
thence southeast to 30[deg]12'16.44'' N; 85[deg]51'46.60'' W, thence 
southwest to 30[deg]11'55.47'' N; 85[deg]52'01.09'' W, thence northwest 
to 30[deg]12'56.60'' N; 85[deg]53'55.85'' W. Enforcement of this safety 
zone is from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., daily, from May 3, 2024, through 
May 5, 2024. The duration of the zone is intended to protect personnel, 
vessels, and ensure maritime safety and security in these navigable 
waters during the 2024 Gulf Coast Salute Airshow. No vessel or person 
will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission 
from the COTP or a designated representative.

V. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses 
based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders, and we 
discuss First Amendment rights of protestors.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits. This rule has not been designated a ``significant 
regulatory action,'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, as 
amended by Executive Order 14094 (Modernizing Regulatory Review). 
Accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB).
    This regulatory action determination is based on the size, 
location, duration, and time-of-day of the safety zone. This safety 
zone will be enforced on three days for approximately 7\1/2\ hours each 
day and prohibit vessel movement on a portion of the Gulf of Mexico in 
Panama City, FL. Moreover, the Coast Guard would issue a Broadcast 
Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine channel 16 about the zone, and the 
rule would allow vessels to seek permission to enter the zone.

B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities. While some owners or operators of vessels intending to 
transit the safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated 
in section V.A above, this rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on any vessel owner or operator.
    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this rule. If the rule would affect your 
small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have 
questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please 
call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small 
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or 
action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

    This rule will not call for a new collection of information under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the 
relationship between the National Government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government. We have analyzed this rule under that order and have 
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 
13132.
    Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive 
Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in 
such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere 
in this preamble.

F. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, and 
Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), which guide the Coast 
Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have determined that this action is one of 
a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a 
significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves a 
safety zone lasting three days for approximately 7\1/2\ hours each day 
and prohibit vessel movement on a portion of the Gulf of Mexico in 
Panama City, FL. It is categorically excluded from further review under 
paragraph L60(d) of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-
01-001-01, Rev. 1. A Record of Environmental Consideration supporting 
this determination is available in the docket.

[[Page 36675]]

For instructions on locating the docket, see the ADDRESSES section of 
this preamble.

G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to call or email the person listed in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so 
that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or 
security of people, places, or vessels.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 
33 CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051, 70124; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-
1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 
00170.1, Revision No. 01.3.


0
2. Add Sec.  165.T08-0138 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T08-0138  Safety Zone; Gulf of Mexico, Panama City, FL.

    (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All navigable 
waters of the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City, FL, beginning 500' from 
shore within the following coordinates: 30[deg]13'17.88'' N; 
85[deg]53'42.32'' W, thence southeast to 30[deg]12'16.44'' N; 
85[deg]51'46.60'' W, thence southwest to 30[deg]11'55.47'' N; 
85[deg]52'01.09'' W, thence northwest to 30[deg]12'56.60'' N; 
85[deg]53'55.85'' W.
    (b) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative 
means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain, 
petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a 
Federal, State, and local officer designated by or assisting the Sector 
Mobile Captain of the Port (COTP) in the enforcement of the safety 
zone.
    (c) Regulations. (1) Under the general safety zone regulations in 
subpart C of this part, you may not enter the safety zone described in 
paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the 
COTP's designated representative. No person may anchor, dredge, or 
trawl in the safety zone unless authorized by the COTP or the COTP's 
designated representative.
    (2) To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or the COTP's 
designated representative on VHF-CH 16. Those in the safety zone must 
comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the COTP 
or the COTP's designated representative.
    (d) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced May 3, 2024, 
through May 5, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. The enforcement 
period will be announced via marine broadcast, local notice to 
mariners, or by an on-scene oral notice as appropriate.

    Dated: April 29, 2024.
U.S. Mullins,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector Mobile.
[FR Doc. 2024-09762 Filed 5-2-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P