The boat located in the Suwannee River near Hatchbend will be removed. This picture was taken almost a year ago.

MAYO — The Lafayette County Board of County Commissioners approved a $17,500 bid to remove a derelict boat from the Suwannee River at Monday’s meeting.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is requiring the county to remove the boat by the end of May.

The FWC will provide 75 percent of the funding for the removal.

The boat is located in the river near Hatchbend and has been there for at least a year.

According to Clerk of Court Steve Land, the owner of the boat cannot be found so it is the county’s responsibility. 

The bid was awarded to Sammy Royal for $17,500.

Land said the cost of removal was higher due to the boat being filled completely with sand making it unmovable unless removed.