Marker #3A, from which the shoaling reported below (cherry picked from the Local Notice to Mariners) extends into the Charlotte Harbor/Peace River channel, lies just north of the Punta Gorda waterfront, and a short hop northwest of the marked entry passage to Fishermens Village Marina. While most of us can cruise through 7-foot soundings without any problem, a look at chart 11426, does suggest these shallows are encroaching from the north and northeast, southwest of Live Oak Point. Someday, the 5 and 6-foot soundings adjacent to this point of land could shelve into the main channel, but, fortunately, that day is not yet here.
Nevertheless, in an abundance of caution, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is declaring a Navigational Alert for these waters.

FLORIDA-CHARLOTTE HARBOR TO TAMPA BAY-CHARLOTTE HARBOR: Shoaling.
Shoaling has been reported to depths of 7ft extending from the vicinity of Charlotte Harbor Channel Buoy 3A (LLNR 19915) channel ward to the center of the channel. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution when transiting this area. Charts 11425 11426 11427

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Marker 3A on the Charlotte Harbor/Peace River Channel