EASTERN FLORIDA – All Cruising News | Cruisers' Net

New Docks Open at Fort Pierce City Marina, AICW Statute Mile 966.5

December 17, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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The entrance channel leading to Fort Pierce City Marina, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, runs to the west, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge, and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188.

Subj: The First Set of New Docks Are Now Open!
12/17/2014 09:43 AM
1600 Linear Feet of new dockage is now available!!!!!

Anne Maurer
Fort Pierce City Marina
772-464-1245
FPCM@city-ftpierce.com

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Fort Pierce City Marina

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Hazardous Red Marker in Manatee Pocket, near AICW Statute Mile 988, Stuart, FL, 12/6/2014

December 6, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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Markers in Manatee Pocket are not plotted on most charts, but Marker #16 is on the eastern boundary of the larger Manatee Pocket Anchorage. See http://cruisersnet.net/?p=107612 for information on the Manatee Anchorage markers and boundaries. Manatee Pocket exits southwest off the St. Lucie River, near Mile 988 of the AICW.

Cruising News
We are anchored in the Pocket and #16 Red marker has been recently hit and is leant right over towards the head of the Pocket. It is around one foot above the water at high tide and so low that any strangers coming in especially in the evening could easily miss seeing it.
Sue Ward

12/17/2014 And here is the Week 50/14 Local Notice:

FLORIDA – AICW – ST LUCIE INLET TO FORT MYERS AND LAKE OKEECHOBEE: Private Aid/Hazard to Navigation
Private aid Manatee Pocket Channel Daybeacon 16 (LLNR 50678.5) is destroyed and partially submerged. Mariners are advised to use caution while transiting the area. Chart 11428 LNM: 50/14

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Manatee Pocket

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Manatee Pocket

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Broad Causeway Bridge on Single Leaf Opening, AICW Statute Mile 1081.5

December 4, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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Broad Causeway Bridge, located just north of Miami, and with a closed vertical clearance of 16ft and a horizontal clearance of 80ft, crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 1081.5, south of marker #13.

USCG Report Vessel Traffic Restriction on ICW
Vessel traffic on the Intracoastal Waterway near Bal Harbor, Florida is restricted following an incident involving a yacht and the Broad Causeway bridge. Due to the incident, only the bridge’s west leaf is able to open.

And the news story and video from Waterway Guide:
http://www.waterwayguide.com/waterway-updates/news/FLEC/4568/VIDEO-Drawbridge-closes-on-mega-yacht

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Broad Causeway Bridge

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REMINDER: Comments and Background Info from BoatUS on Anchoring Survey

December 3, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy 11 Comments

Reminder, if you have not yet participated in the online anchoring survey, please do so before the 12/7/14 deadline.

SSECN sent out this Anchoring Survey via an email Alert as soon as it was received. This posting is to publish comments we have received about the survey. Because a wide response is in the best interest of boaters, we ask that you not be deterred from completing the survey by negative comments about the language and format of the survey. This should be one of those “just do it!” moments. And the survey is pertinent to all cruising boaters, not just Florida residents. If you did not receive our Alert, the link to the survey is below.

And this admonition from BoatUS:

November 25, 2014

Dear BoatU.S. Member,

Florida is once again considering a change in their anchoring regulations. Whether you live in Florida or just want to cruise there someday, now is a critical time to share your views on this topic with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Please click on the link below to take FWC’s survey. We recognize it’s long, but we’d like to make sure that active, responsible cruising boaters help the state understand what works and what doesn’t when it comes to anchoring laws in the Sunshine State:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AnchoringSurvey

Background:
In 2009, the Florida Legislature enacted legislation that stopped local governments from placing inconsistent and often onerous restrictions on anchoring. During the 2014 Florida legislative session there were strong attempts to repeal part of this prohibition. While these changes were defeated, there will likely be new legislation introduced in the spring that would grant local governments the authority to regulate anchoring in their municipalities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is now asking for comments on possible changes to Florida’s anchoring laws. It is important to take the FWC survey to register your opinions on anchoring restrictions to help influence what could be allowed by the state legislature.

For additional information on anchoring in Florida please visit:

http://myfwc.com/boating/anchoring-mooring/
http://www.boatus.com/gov/floridaanchoring.asp

Thanks for helping us get some valuable information to the FWC.

And thank you for being a BoatU.S. Member!

Margaret Podlich
President
GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com
703-461-2878 x8363
BoatUS.com/Gov

Hello,
You have been identified as an interested party on potential anchoring regulations on Florida waters. This message is your invitation to contribute your thoughts on this subject through an online survey FWC has developed in response to feedback received at three prior public meetings this year. This survey has crucial explanatory language in the form of a video and audio messages (text options are available). To minimize the risk of confusion please listen to the messages in their entirety. Immediately following each video or audio message are questions specifically related to the information contained in that message. It is our desire to obtain the most widespread response possible from all parties with an interest in this subject. Thank you for your time and interest in completing this survey.

The survey may be accessed at this site: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AnchoringSurvey

This survey will be active from 4:00 P.M. EST November 21, 2014, through 11:59 P.M. EST December 7, 2014.
Report from St. Augustine Northern Mooring Field, AICW Statute Mile 778

November 29, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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The two St. Augustine mooring fields are north and south of the Bridge of Lions in the heart of St. Augustine. The northern mooring field is nearest the St. Augustine inlet and is more often subject to wind and wave action. Skipper MacKay is responding to inquiries about maximum vessel length in the mooring field. St. Augustine Marina states that the field is designed for vessels up to 120ft.

Anchored just [south] of the Castle last week (Nov, 2014) at the advice of harbor staff since there were no moorings available. No problems. As for size in mooring field, I’ve seen some 60 plus foot boats in there. Shouldn’t be an issue.
John MacKay

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Southern St. Augustine Mooring Field

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Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Northern St. Augustine Mooring Field

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Grounding in Melbourne Harbor Marina Entry Channel, AICW Statute Mile 919

November 29, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

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The Melbourne Harbor Marina entrance channel cuts west, abeam of unlighted daybeacon #6, south of the Melbourne twin, high-rise bridges.

We tried to get into the harbour last night and hit bottom in the middle of the channel with our 5 ft draft. We had told them we were 5 ft and was told that there was plenty of water. The marina response to our telling them that we were aground was “Call Sea Tow or Boat Tow” it was late afternoon and blowing 18-20. Eventually we got off and were told to keep to the red markers.. We said no thank you and asked for the nearest marina south which was 15 miles so we went four miles back to Telemar which was very welcoming.
Paul Robson

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Melbourne Harbor Marina

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Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Telemar Marina

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Recommendationfor Burkey Marine Group, West Palm Beach, FL

November 20, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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This recommendation comes from Skipper Jones who had diesel service while berthed at Fort Pierce City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Burkey Marine Group is out of West Palm Beach, FL.

The best thing is we had a company come out and service our diesel engines onsite last minute! We do suggest Burkey Marine Group 772-215-7663
Tom Jones

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Fort Pierce City Marina

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Fort Pierce City Marina Update, AICW Statute Mile 966.5, November 14, 2014

November 14, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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The entrance channel leading to Fort Pierce City Marina, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, runs to the west, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge, and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188.

Just a quick note this week to say that we WILL BE OPEN on Thanksgiving day for fuel and dockage from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Also, diesel is now $3.549 and gas is $4.059.
Anne Maurer
Fort Pierce City Marina
772-464-1245
FPCM@city-ftpierce.com

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Fort Pierce City Marina

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Murphy Island Free Dock, St. Johns River, Palatka, FL

November 12, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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Murphy Island is on the south shore of the St. Johns River, south of Palatka. In addition to the free dock described by Skipper Gorham, there are two recommended anchorages in Murphy Creek (see links below). For more on Murphy Island, go to: http://www.sjrwmd.com/recreationguide/murphycreek/

Free dock stopover on the St. John’s River at Murphy Island
We came upon a nice little stopover on our recent river cruise. On the river between Dunns Creek and the railroad bridge at Buffalo Bluff, the St John’s River Water Management District has built a nice little floating dock that allows access to Murphy Island and its picnic area and several miles of nature trails. The dock is right next to marker 22 at 29 degrees 35.756′ N by 081 Degrees 39.292′W. There is very deep water on the approach and about 6 feet along the 40 foot long floating face dock. We found it a nice quiet spot to overnight, and it is also a very quick and easy stop for both human and canine crew to stretch their legs for a bit on the trails.
Jonathan Gorham

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Murphy Creek Eastern Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Murphy Creek Eastern Anchorage

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Murphy Creek-Murphy Island Anchorage

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Murphy Creek-Murphy Island Anchorage
A Boating Adventure off the St. Johns River, near Palatka, FL

November 12, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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Maybe it is all the “gunk-holing” we used to do in the Chesapeake or the river-running we did in coastal Georgia, but this is the kind of boating adventure my family loves. And as Skipper Gorham attests, unmarked waterways like Dunns Creek are often very beautiful and just require slow travel and a sharp lookout. Good for you Skipper Gorham! Dunns Creek exits the St. Johns southward between Murphy and Rat Islands, south of Palatka.

A St. Johns side trip down Dunns Creek to Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake is the third largest Lake in Florida, and is connected to the St. Johns River by Dunns Creek. It doesn’t get many visits from cruising size craft, probably because Dunns Creek is a bit intimidating, but we recently took an overnight trip to the charming town of Crescent City, and it was worth the trip.

Dunns Creek joins the St. Johns near marker 16 upstream of Palatka and winds for about 5 miles through beautiful hardwood swamp to the north end of Crescent Lake. Most of the creek is quite deep at 20 to 40 feet, but there are no navaids, and in places the depth rises very sharply to shallow sandbars that you cannot see due to the tannin stained water, which can cause a little anxiety. By favoring the outside of the creek bends and paying attention to the very accurate bathymetry on our Navionics chart chip, we never saw less than 6 feet. There is a broad shallow area at the north end of the lake, but we also never saw less than 6 feet crossing that.

Once in Crescent Lake, there is a uniform depth of 10-12 feet all the way to Crescent City. At 29 degrees 25.822′N by 081 degrees 30.338′ W, there is a public ramp and landing with about 6 feet of water and a 50 foot face dock. Also here is the restaurant 3 Bananas, which has docking for dinghies and small craft. We had a fine dinner there and were allowed to overnight on their dock. Just offshore within dinghy distance to the docks is Bear Island, which has 7-10 feet of water 360 degrees around the island and good holding in sandy mud for an overnight anchorage.

The town of Crescent City is very pleasant to walk around, with huge live oaks and a lot of antique stores. Also don’t miss the 600 year old white cypress right behind 3 Bananas – it is one of the largest and oldest trees of its kind in Florida.
Jonathan Gorham

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Dunns Creek Anchorage

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ICW Dredging to Improve Access to Riviera Beach Municipal Marina, AICW Statute Mile 1018

November 11, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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Riviera Beach Municipal Marina lies west of AICW marker #42.

FEDERAL, STATE AND RIVIERA BEACH OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE MAJOR DREDGING PERMITS TO TAP INTO WATERFRONT’S BUSINESS POTENTIAL

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. (November 11, 2014) – The federal government has cleared the way for a deepening of the Intracoastal Waterway, more than six years in the making, that will unlock the true economic potential of businesses along Riviera Beach’s waterfront.
U.S Rep. Lois Frankel, D- West Palm Beach, announced November 11 in a joint press conference with officials from the City of Riviera Beach, mega-yacht refit and repair facility Rybovich and the Florida Inland Navigation District that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had issued the permits necessary to dredge about 3,500 linear feet of the Intracoastal Waterway. The dredging will happen in the channel west of Peanut Island from the area near the Port of Palm Beach to Rybovich’s Marine Center at 2010 Ave. B in Riviera Beach just south of the Blue Heron Boulevard Bridge.
“This is a transformational game changer in Riviera Beach that comes with new jobs and huge economic impact in South Florida,” Frankel said.
Riviera Beach Councilwoman Dawn Pardo, who has been working on getting the project approved for six years, said the dredging will allow Rybovich to bring in bigger yachts and more of them for service and refitting. It will also allow nearby defense contractor Lockheed Martin to bring larger U.S. Navy vessels into its facility directly for work. Currently those vessels can only be taken to the Port of Palm Beach for service.
“This will open the door for more jobs for Riviera Beach residents and related businesses, as well as a multi-million dollar boost to our economy in general,” Pardo said. “Coupled with the redevelopment of our marina, this dredging will completely reshape the future of business along the water in Riviera Beach.”
Rybovich Chief Executive Officer Wayne Huizenga Jr. explained that his business, which is a world leader in servicing and refitting yachts, has been severely limited in the size of vessel they could get into their Riviera Beach facility because of the shallow depths of the Intracoastal leading to his facility. The dredging will facilitate a planned expansion of the Riviera Beach yard that will allow Rybovich to service larger yachts up to 330 feet.
“It was the tireless efforts of Congresswoman Frankel and Councilwoman Pardo over the past several years that made this dredging a reality,” Huizenga Jr. said. “We are also thankful to the Florida Inland Navigation District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for seeing the enormous economic potential that could be realized by deepening the channel. Rybovich is an international destination for mega-yachts from around the world and we welcome the opportunity to expand our current operations into Riviera Beach.”
The Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) will oversee the dredging. Contractors working for FIND will remove about 95,000 cubic yard of dredge material to lower the bottom of the channel to about 15 feet below the mean low water line, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits issued on Friday. Contractors will use erosion controls and floating turbidity barriers to preserve the environment and all of the dredged material will be deposited at FIND’s existing Peanut Island Dredge Materials Management Area. FIND Executive Director Mark Crosley said he hoped to have the dredging done within a year.
For more information about the dredging project call Florida Inland Navigation District Executive Director Mark Crosley at (561) 627-3386.

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Rivera Beach Municipal Marina

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New Lighted Red Marker in St. Augustine Inlet, near AICW Statute Mile 776

November 6, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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Because of its shifting channel and the required frequent dredging, Green Only markers in the St. Augustine Inlet have sometimes been a source of confusion. This new lighted red marker will be a big improvement. Our thanks to Commissioner Jay Bliss for his Port Meeting report and to Chuck Baier and Susan Landry for the article below by Stuart Korfhage in the St. Augustine Record.

Selected proceedings at yesterday’s Oct 14 2014 Port meeting: USCG Chief Bosun Mike Tomasi reported our USCG has finally been able to allocate a Large LIGHTED RED channel marker #6 for the StAugustine Inlet channel. Until last Thursday, mariners entering our inlet at night had no red lighted markers, only green ones. Thus a few unintentional landings on Porpoise point over the years….
Jay Bliss

New illuminated marker should make for safer boating in St. Augustine Inlet
Posted: November 5, 2014 – 10:54pm
By STUART KORFHAGE
stuart.korfhage@staugustine.com
Master mariners might still use the stars to chart their course, but boaters slipping through the St. Augustine Inlet at night now have an even better aid.
Last month, at the urging of the St. Augustine Port, Waterway and Beach District, the U.S. Coast Guard added a lighted red buoy (No. 6) to keep boaters from accidentally running aground at Porpoise Point.
There are already reflective red markers and lighted green markers that show boaters the safest way to enter the Inlet. But without the illuminated red marker, night trips by those unfamiliar with the area have led to costly failures to navigate the Inlet.
“The Inlet is not a good inlet to go in and out of without local knowledge, and it’s more challenging at night,” said Sam Adukiewicz, harbormaster at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. “The new marker will definitely make it better.”
Commissioner Jay Bliss of the St. Augustine Port, Waterway and Beach District said one of the dangers of the old setup was that captains would sometimes line up between the green markers of the Inlet and illuminated marker No. 60.
The problem with red No. 60 is that it’s actually in the Intracoastal Waterway, not the Inlet. And lining up with the Inlet greens and the ICW No. 60 will put a boat right into the sand.
“You see green on the left, and on the right side you don’t see squat at night,” Bliss said of entering the Inlet before the new marker. “A lot of people have wound up landing at Porpoise Point, and it’s been a pretty tricky maneuver.”

For more of the article, see: http://staugustine.com/news/local-news/2014-11-05/new-illuminated-marker-should-make-safer-boating-st-augustine-inlet#.VFvT_vnF9Ko

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Augustine Inlet
Sweet News from Fernandina, FL, AICW Statute Mile 716

November 4, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments

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My family has been vacationing in Fernandina for more than 50 years and it gets better every year, as Skipper Dammeyer confirms with his discovery of a great bakery. And a berth at Fernandina Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, puts you right in the heart of the wonderful things to do and see in this special port.

Larry,
Just made a great find. The favorite bakery of passing cruisers up Center Street closed a couple of years ago, but a new one just opened 4th of July in Fernandina. Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop had lots of treats and sweets. Open from 10-7, and located at the corner of 5th and Ash, one block South of Center street, around the corner from the court house. The crew at Timoti’s Fish Shop sent us over there for desert. Cruisers with a sweet tooth stopping at Fernandina will find it worth the walk from the marina.
Best,
Rick Dammeyer
Promise
Catalina 445

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Fernandina Harbor Marina

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Price Increase at Old Port Cove Marina, North Palm Beach, AICW Statute Mile 1014

November 2, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment

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Skipper Bessent’s information is correct as confirmed today by phone. The slip rate is $2.00 per foot per night for all vessel lengths, plus electric. Their former 25% BoatUS discount is reduced to 15%.

We are planning to stay at Old Port Cove tonight and possibly for the next few days. FYI, they have had a price increase and are now charging $2.00/foot and offering a 15% BoatUS discount.
Robin Bessent

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Old Port Cove Marina

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Main Street Bridge, Single-Leaf Operation, Daytona, FL, AICW Statute Mile 830

October 22, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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With 22ft closed vertical clearance, Main Street Bascule Bridge crosses the Waterway at Statute Mile 830, south-southeast of unlighted daybeacon #32. Completion date of these emergency repairs is unknown as of Week 42/14.

FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – TOLOMATO RIVER TO PALM SHORES – MAIN STREET BRIDGE: Bridge
Discrepancy.
Volusia County, the bridge owner, of the Main Street Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 829.7, Daytona, Florida has advised the Coast Guard that the bridge has malfunctioned and they are currently on single-leaf operations. A manual double-leaf opening is available by contacting the bridge tender. No estimated time of repair has been provided. Chart 11485 LNM: 42/14

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Main Street Bridge

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29 13.357 North/081 01.137
News from St. Augustine, AICW Statute Mile 776

October 17, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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This very welcome information on the navigation aids in the St. Augustine Inlet and on area events is sent to us by our good friend and supporter, Port Commissioner Jay Bliss. During his tenure, Capt. Bliss has provided valuable and timely information on the St. Augustine area. Thank you Jay!

Greetings Port Observers,
Selected proceedings at yesterday’s Oct 14 2014 Port meeting: USCG Chief Bosun Mike Tomasi reported our USCG has finally been able to allocate a Large LIGHTED RED channel marker #6 for the St Augustine Inlet channel. Until last Thursday, mariners entering our inlet at night had no red lighted markers, only green ones. Thus a few unintentional landings on Porpoise point over the years….
Your Port board approved $6500 for the annual Regatta of Lights, which the St Augustine Yacht Club organizes and hosts. This year it will be Saturday December 13th. This evening event provides a spectator draw that closes down the Bridge of Lions and packs the bay front with residents and visitors enjoying the boating parade of lighted craft celebrating Christmas holidays.
Always you’ll find on the Port website a full set of the minutes of any past meeting!
My commission with the Port expires 13 November 2014. It’s been a pleasure to serve. Two very able individuals, Tom Rivers (who has been on the board before) and Conch House Dockmaster Mark Helman will fill board seats 1 and 5.
YOU get to decide the one contested seat 3 on your ballot. I’d urge you to vote for Herb Rippe. He brings balanced judgement and an even disposition as Chairman, an objective viewpoint, and is dedicated to the task.
Our community is favored with a distinguished group of contenders for City Commission seats. We can salute them all, challengers and incumbents alike, for their contributions. That said, this voter prizes the organizational and leadership skills, the integrity, and the data-based objectivity that Nancy Shaver has already brought to our community. She offers her service as candidate for City Commissioner and Mayor. She has our vote.
Respectfully,
Jay Bliss
St. Augustine Port Commisioner

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Augustine Inlet
No Fuel at Riviera Beach Municipal Marina until March 2015, AICW Statute Mile 1018

October 6, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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Due to renovations of the Fuel Dock, the structural portion now completed, see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=104470, the fuel pumps are being installed, but will not be completed until March of 2015. Completion of the Ships Store renovations will also delayed until March. Riviera Beach Municipal Marina lies west of Waterway marker #42.

The whole dock has been renovated and is completed now.
The shipstore and fuel pumps are still being worked on and won’t be finished until March.
Kaye Adams, SSECN Team

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Rivera Beach Municipal Marina

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9/25 UPDATE: FEC RR Bridge Opening on Restricted Schedule, St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL

September 25, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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Our thanks to Michael Lieberum and Chuck Baier and Susan Landry for sending these updates on this 9/16 report by Francesca Amiker of the New4Jax team. This Florida East Coast RR bridge has been the poster child for all that can go wrong with lift bridges. Local Jacksonville boaters and businesses are not happy!! With a closed vertical clearance of ONLY 5ft, the Florida East Coast Railway Bridge crosses the St. Johns immediately west of the Acosta Bridge in downtown Jacksonville. Until someone designs a high-rise, 65ft clearance bridge for railways, we must live with mechanical breakdowns. For more on this issue in south Florida and “All Aboard Florida” railways, see: http://cruisersnet.net/?p=136159

9/25/2014 Latest from 7th District Bridge Management:

Well Good Morning Larry,
It is going to be awhile longer, they are trying to continue the repairs while operating the bridge and it is going slowly.
Mike
Michael Lieberum
Seventh Coast Guard District
Bridge Branch
Bridge Management Specialist

UPDATE: 9/19/2014

Larry, The bridge is now opening on a limited schedule for the next week to 10 days. They have not said what the limited schedule is. Of course there is no assurance it won’t break down again.
Chuck Baier

Railway bridge over St. Johns River stuck in down position
Marine businesses say they’re losing thousands because of malfunction
Author: Francesca Amiker, Reporter, famiker@wjxt.com

The railroad bridge near the Acosta Bridge has been down since last Wednesday.
A spokesperson for FEC Railway said the issue is a mechanical problem with a gear on the track that is preventing the bridge from being raised. The spokesperson said crews are working on the problem and should be finished by Friday. Rail service has not been affected, but marine services have.

For the full story, go to:

http://www.news4jax.com/news/railway-bridge-over-st-johns-river-stuck-in-down-position/28095212

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For FEC RR Bridge

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Petition Concerning Florida Anchoring Rights

September 24, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy 4 Comments

Our good friend Wally Moran is circulating a petition concerning anchoring rights in Florida. The petition will be sent to Governor Rick Scott and the Legislative Assembly of Florida. If you are hesitant to sign petitions, you may choose to withhold your name.

Other states, even other countries, are watching what Florida is doing. If these laws pass, they could have an impact on your cruising grounds. Please sign, and share, and protect all of our rights to the water.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/323/655/890/stop-floridas-attempts-to-limit-access-to-public-waterways/#
Offshore Channel Marker Light Sinking, Government Cut, Miami, FL, 9/17/2014

September 17, 2014 by: Larry Dorminy Leave a Comment

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This sinking light marks the entrance to the channel into Government Cut in Miami. It is located 2.5 nautical miles offshore and sits northeast of the first channel marker.

SEACOAST FLORIDA – JUPITER INLET TO FOWEY ROCKS: Hazard to Navigation
MIAMI LIGHTED BUOY M (LLNR 895/10455) is riding low in the water and sinking. Aid will eventually become extinguished and sink. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution while transiting through the area. Chart 11466 LNM 37/14

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Government Cut Channel