Last June there was a HUGE row here on the Cruisers’ Net, begun by reprinting a letter fellow nautical writer, Captain Wally Moran, sent to the Miami Beach Chief Mayor (check out – /?p=59515). It seems that one property owner in this area objects so strongly to boats being anchored behind his house, that he shines bright spotlights out over the water, and plays loud music. Captain Wally even experienced a local law enforcement office stopping by his boat, and, after acknowledging that he had no right to do so under Florida state law, Wally was asked asked to move his vessel elsewhere.
Since then, the battle between cruisers and the property owner in question on Sunset Lake has continued! Captain Kettlewell’s comment below refers to the original posting on this subject.

Dennis, by all accounts the abuse has been solely on the part of one property owner, to the point that his shenanigans have been reported toe police numerous times by his land neighbors. He is the one who blasts loud music, shines spotlights, throws wakes, etc. The cruisers just anchor there and get this treatment. Cruisers are fighting back by reporting his illegal actions, like creating excessive noise that disturbs everyone. It is clear that this fellow thinks he owns the water behind his house. He does not. It is a public waterway for all to share.
John Kettlewell

And, the latest from Captain Wally Moran, as of 1/27/12

I’ve received an additional email from m/v Refuge since the above. There are now an additional five small boats anchored out behind Karlton’s property. The local police and, I understand, the FWC, have been around.
I’ve contacted the mayor’s office several times now and requested that the situation be dealt with, since Karlton is not only breaking the law, he is denying to others their rights. The city has not responded directly to me (yet), but I’ll wait a bit yet to see what they might do. They just might not want to speak with me ‘“ I seem to antagonize them, if you can imagine that!
Interestingly enough, Karlton is also proving that boaters DO have the right to anchor in Sunset Lake by his actions with his little boats. The irony is palpable, as Claiborne might say.
Karlton has had 8 visits from municipal code enforcement officers in the past 18 months or so, and two tickets. A $250 ticket remains unpaid as of today according to MB records.
My suggestion? Anchor behind Karlton’s place, and when he plays his rap music, call the city. Make sure you give them a valid celphone number, because Karlton is bright enough to turn down the music before they arrive, hence only two tickets out of 8 calls.
The fines run up to $5000 for subsequent offenses. Perhaps after this idiot has paid a few thousand dollars in fines, he might smarten up. Or maybe not. I know how I’ll bet.
btw, look for the red sailboat anchored there in a couple of weeks. I’m heading into Florida now and plan on stopping by to wave hello to Karlton and spend a couple of days at least ‘“ it’s a nice anchorage. Would hate to miss it, and I’ve got some great noise cancelling earphones I want to try out.
Wally Moran

With some misgivings about anchoring in Sunset Lake today and dropped the hook.
It’s our first time here and were surprised to see at least a third of the anchorage taken by a fleet of small sailboats. I’m assuming it was the homeowner, confused about our rights to anchor, who has anchored a fleet of used `Pico’ sail boats (total of 19), apparently behind his property. Each boat has been carefully anchored and fitted with a short PVC mast with a lawn LED light.
It would appear he has succeeded in making it impossible to anchor behind his house. The boats are under 16’ with no motor so don’t require Florida Registration, but I’m not sure the lawn LED lights meet the USCG requirements for 2NM viability.
There are two boats anchored to the south of `the fleet’ with us and there is room for may one or two more. There is also still room to the north for a couple more boats. It’s just kind of sad.
Here is are the links to a couple of photo that show the `fleet’.

[IMG]http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac166/Brilliant425/P3020016.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac166/Brilliant425/P3020015.jpg[/IMG]

Pete Peterson

I’m not familiar with the anchorage Captain Randy outlines below. Can anyone else shed some more light on this overnight haven? If so, please click the “Contribute Cruising News” link found near the top center of this, and most Net pages.

Just before you get to Miami you will find a nice anchorage on the ICW, almost opposite Bakers Haulover Inlet. Double-check your charts but I’m pretty sure that as you pass MM1080 turn right between 6A & 6B and you will enter a beautiful anchorage carrying between 8 & 16 ft. of water. On the west side of the anchorage is a quiet campus of Florida International University (I think)
and the other side is a pleasant, wooded park…I think it is Oleta State Park. There is a great view of the ICW within viewing distance of Miami Beach. It is a great place to set out for Key Biscayne or Virginia Key. The last time we were there we left early in the morning, transited through Miami and were tied up at Boca Chita Key in time for lunch.
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
MORNING STAR

Here’s a bit of additional info on this anchorage from Captain Pascal:

Subject: Anchorage North Miami/haulover
Message: I see your comment about the anchorage mentioned by Randy P. It’s a popular small boat/week end anchorage behind Beer Can Island. there is always a lot of shoaling in the ICW behind Haulover Inlet so beware of the depth and feel your way in, Never tried it…
Pascal

Subject: Oleta State Park
Message: I hate to recommend our favorite anchorage in Florida for fear that it will become overcrowded! South of the Sunny Isles bridge opposite Baker’s Haulover Inlet in North Miami is a quiet, well protected anchorage between a state park and Florida International University. Leave marker 6A to port and head west past a fishing dock and a public beach. The anchorage is around the point to the north or anywhere in the bay. People dinghy into a small beach on the eastern shore of the north anchorage (landing is prohibited at the college)and walk over to the beach or a couple of miles north to shopping. Other shopping is available by dinghy by heading up New Arch Creek to the south. There are outdoor cold showers and restrooms near the beach.
Allen Ames

And more:

Nice anchorage But’¦.not dingy friendly’¦.No good place to dingy in the park’¦No motors allowed in the park area’¦no dinging in or around the University’¦.a guy got a ticket just for landing on the property’¦.Lots of boats but lots of room to anchor. 10-15 feet of water. NOT pet friendly area. A lot of restrictions for going ashore to the park.
Tom Hamman

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