New boat speed zone coming to Hell's Gate in Bonita-Collier area

The state last week established a new speed zone in north Collier County in an area that's near where two people died in a boating accident earlier this year.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted unanimously May 1 to adopt the new zone, which is in Little Hickory Bay in an area known as Hell's Gate.

That section of spoil and mangrove islands has at least five blind corners, according to an FWC report, in a relatively small area just inside Barefoot Beach.

"The year-round presence of boats and personal watercraft in this area coupled with the numerous blind corners creates a significant risk of collision at higher speeds and a threat to boating safety," an FWC staff report reads. "The creation of a slow speed minimum wake boating safety zone in this area will improve boating safety."

Two deaths reported recently near Hell's Gate

John C. Moulder and Judy M. Eaton, both 71, suffered fatal injuries March 17 when the 21-foot Cobia boat they were on crashed into mangrove trees near Little Hickory Bay and Hell's Gate.

Nearby: Naples man, Bonita Springs woman die in Little Hickory Bay boat crash in North Naples

The new zone will extend about 1,500 feet and is approximately 1 mile south of the Lee County-Collier County line.

"The year-round presence of boats and personal watercraft in this area coupled with the numerous blind corners creates a significant risk of collision at higher speeds and a threat to boating safety," the staff report says.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: FWC commissioners add new speed zones to Little Hickory Bay, Hell's Gate