Face Masks Required in St. Augustine, FL
Our thanks to Michele Bennett of St Augustine Cruisers Net for this Facebook posting.
Our thanks to Michele Bennett of St Augustine Cruisers Net for this Facebook posting.
Broward County, FL, includes Waterway communities such as Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. These actions follow in the wake of a surge in COVID-19 cases in south Florida.
Broward to shut down businesses that don’t comply with social distancing and mask rules
Sun Sentinel
As COVID-19 cases surge, let’s hope this requirement is not too little, too late.
Masks to be required in public places in Palm Beach County
Sun Sentinel
Fort Pierce City Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a public facility, is located west of the Waterway, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188. See FOCUS ON for more on this excellent facility.
Click here for Video Report from Fort Pierce City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Pierce City Marina
Our thanks to Gene Faatz for sharing his navigation of Lake Okeechobee. Few of us cruisers ever get to see 26kts, so it is interesting to read his report.
Other than a couple of canoes and crew boats we saw very, very little boat traffic on the St. Lucie River to the St. Lucie Lock. After locking through with a 10 ft. lift it was smooth cruising at 26 kts. all the way to the Port Mayaca Lock which was open for pass through. When clearing the lock and entering Lake “O” it is VERY shallow with depths going down to about 4 ft. and you MUST favor the green markers and idle for about 3/4 of a mile to deeper water. The lake has plenty of water even though it was officially at 11.3 ft. all the way to Clewiston at 26 kts., but at the junction of the rim canal it has shoaled on the NW corner but all was good to the Moore Haven Lock which at this time is about a 1 ft. drop.
Gene Faatz
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For St. Lucie Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the St. Lucie Lock
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Moore Haven Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Moore Haven
At the intersection of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Okeechobee Waterway, Martin County, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is home to Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast and a hub of boating activity and events of interest to boaters.
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Cruisers Net is always grateful for Greg Allard’s observations and willingness to share his vast experience with our readers. Be sure to read and view his several Letters and photo journals from the Bahamas. Harborage Yacht Club Marina is in Martin County, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, and a major hub of boating activities.
Harborage Yacht Club and Marina
Stuart, Florida
772-692-4000
https://harborageyachtclub.com
In February of 2020 we spent two weeks at the Harborage, which is just northeast of the three bridges in the center of Stuart.
In past years we had docked there a couple of times, and had found it to be just ok, but not great. During that period it was a Loggerhead marina and between deferred maintenance and a hurricane, it had suffered. All of that has changed, and I’m pleased to report that the marina has been virtually redone and is now a solid choice for boaters and cruisers.
The northerly set of fixed docks are like new, with composite decking and new electrical and water supplies. From what we observed, most transient boats are assigned to the fixed docks, where you are permitted to stay aboard for any length of time. The southern section of the marina consists of floating docks which can also be rented for transient or longer term; staying aboard there is limited to four consecutive days, and nine total days, per month. The southern section is a much further walk to reach the pool and clubhouse area. The marina has a total of 300 slips, 150 are fixed and the rest are floating.
One of the issues with this marina, in the past, has been the depth of water in the basins and slips. When we were there almost two months ago, dredging was underway full time. The dockmaster now reports that the dredging has been completed (except for a couple of slips which had boats in them), resulting in 7.5’ depth at MLW in both the slips and the fairways. While some marinas in the area have issues with current, we observed none of any significance here.
The shore side facilities are excellent – pool and spa, outdoor fire-pit lounging area, free OnSpot wi-fi, a laundry,
Captain’s lounge with TV, new bathrooms and showers, fitness center, boatside (golf-cart) pumpout, poolside bar and grill, and good security. They offer golf-cart rides from your boat to landside. There is an easy-approach fuel dock, with competitive prices and pump out.
On site is the TideHouse restaurant, not operated by the marina. We had a very good bar-menu meal on the outside deck, with live music. There is a full dinner menu for inside.
Across the street from the marina, in a shopping center, is a casual Italian restaurant, Uncle Giuseppe’s, which is easy to recommend – a comfortable place, reasonably priced, with good Italian dishes and pizza.
While the marina facility is now first-rate, this is also now a well-managed marina. The Dock Master, Scott Fletcher, is a true professional, and has his hand on the pulse of the place. The dock staff he has assembled are exceptional and understand customer service. They could just not do enough for you. We had the most contact with excellent dockhands Nick and Jim. The general manger of the facility, Allison Ackell, gave us a warm welcome as we checked in and provided a detailed tour of the facility.
The long term dock rates are 17-$18 a foot, per month, with metered electricity. Daily rate is $2.95 a foot, plus flat fee electric. The long term rates makes sense for a stay of more than about two weeks. A full list of rates is on their website, listed above.
There is a Sam’s Club, a West Marine and a Publix market a couple of miles north on Federal Highway, along with any other stores you might ever need. Enterprise delivered a rental car to the marina for us. On Saturday mornings, in the neat historic section of Stuart, there is a small but quality farmer’s market.
From the GIWW, to enter the marina you leave the main channel at marker 23, (which is northeast of the high, fixed New Roosevelt bridge) and steer for the green buoy which is just outside the entrance to the marina, between the breakwaters; that heading is approximately 310M. From 23 to the green buoy the depth was around seven feet at MLW. If you are uncertain of your track, the dock staff will “talk you in” to the marina on VHF.
Is everything perfect? They need to add more dock carts – there always seemed to be a shortage. Additionally, since parking spaces are really tough to find, it would be a welcome service if the marina provided a van type shuttle to Sam’s, West Marine and Publix a few days a week.
A couple of people have commented about the noise from the nearby railroad. Yes, there is some noise, but every marina in the area, including the nearby Sunset Bay, is subject to the same thing.
The Stuart area is a hub for boaters on the east coast of Florida, and dock space is invariably hard to find. The rebirth of this marina makes for a great new facility in the area.
The Harborage Marina is open and running during these difficult times, with a number of boats having arrived from the Keys and from the Bahamas.
Greg Allard
M/V Meander
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Harborage Yacht Club Marina
Fort Pierce City Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a public facility, is located west of the Waterway, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188. See FOCUS ON for more on this excellent facility.
4/18/2020
Just wanted to update you. We are fully open for fuel and pump outs. We are also taking boats for 1-6 nights (basically those that are waiting for a weather window. We will take new monthlies; but only as a “drop and go”. They can stay for a day or two to get there boat secured and then they will have to leave. We are not letting anyone besides our regular tenants use the facilities, in an attempt to try and contain any germs.
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Anne Bowen | Marina Concierge | City of Fort Pierce
City Marina
Phone: 772.464.1245 | Fax: 772.464.2589 |1 Avenue A Fort Pierce 34950
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Pierce City Marina
A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Harbortown Marina lies off the southern shores of the Canaveral Barge Canal between Sykes Creek and the Banana River. This fine facility has now expanded their ship’s store!
Harbortown Marina – Canaveral (Merritt Island) COVID-19 UPDATE
Fort Pierce City Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a public facility, is located west of the Waterway, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188. See FOCUS ON for more on this excellent facility.
4/9/2020
BIG NEWS!! Our fuel dock will be open on Saturday 4/11!! Fuel prices are as follows: Diesel 2.269 discounts applied with BOAT US and quantity amounts. Gas price is 2.769 all taxes are included and the same discounts apply.
We are also allowing overnight transients, but they will need to use the facilities on their boat. We are trying to help those boaters that are on the go, but also trying to protect our own tenants.
Also, we are allowing what we call a “Drop and Go”. If a boater needs to leave their boat for a month or more they can bring it in and stay one night and then they must depart the Marina.
Our pump outs are also up and running.
Thank you for sharing our update with your readers and stay safe and HEALTHY!!!
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Anne Bowen | Marina Concierge | City of Fort Pierce
City Marina
Phone: 772.464.1245 | Fax: 772.464.2589 |1 Avenue A Fort Pierce 34950
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Pierce City Marina
At the intersection of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Okeechobee Waterway, Martin County, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is a hub of boating activity and of events of interest to boaters.
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Westland Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on the southeastern shore of Titusville’s semi-enclosed harbor.
We are still open, however we are keeping our gates closed & asking customers to stay away if possible. We are still taking transients, space is limited.
Thank you,
Chase Falonk
Westland Boatyard & Marina
419 N Washington Ave.
Titusville, FL 32796
321-267-1667
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Westland Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Westland Marina
Earlier reports today of a malfunction were correct, thank you Russ Rackliffe, but as 10:30 AM, the bridge is now fully functional.
Photo courtesy of Captain Chris Caldwell, 5/10/2017
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Haulover Canal
At the intersection of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Okeechobee Waterway, Martin County, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is home to Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast and a hub of boating activity and events of interest to boaters.
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This is an absolitely foolhardy idea and the MIATC should know better. It has been shown over and over that people don't control themselves especially weekend party boaters. The closure of ramps and marinas in Miami, Broward and Palm Beach counties was due to the poor behaviour of boaters AFTER they had been asked to do the same thing without avail. It's sad to say but if you truly wanted to help stop this virus, you would be requesting the closures to help protect people from themselves.
Originally scheduled for March 26-29, the show has been rescheduled for May 14-17 in West Palm Beach.
PBIBS20: New May dates picked for Palm Beach boat show
The Triton
HOPEFULLY NOT TO SOON TO HAVE RESCHEDULED AGAIN
The potcake dog is a mixed-breed dog type found on several Caribbean islands. Its name comes from the congealed peas and rice mixture that local residents traditionally eat, as the overcooked rice that cakes to the bottom of the pot would be fed to the dogs. A worthy cause! Donate, or better yet…adopt!
Click here for Pennies for Potcakes
Donate at Nassau Humane Society
See also St Augustine Cruisers Net Facebook Page
Closed since Hurricane Matthew, Fernandina Harbor Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is now officially open for business and is receiving transients. The Marina docks and restaurant are right in the heart of the many wonderful things to do and see in this special port.
Fernandina Harbor Marina Re-Opens after Extensive Remediation following 2016’s Hurricane Matthew
24 February 2020, Fernandina Beach, Florida: Westrec Marinas and the City of Fernandina Beach, Florida announce the re-opening of Fernandina Harbor Marina located in the heart of Fernandina Beach on historic Amelia Island in northeastern Florida. In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew provided a direct blow to the island, her residents and the thriving marina.
Now accepting overnight reservations, rendezvous group outings, short stays and day-docking again, the marina celebrated finalizing much hurricane remediation on Friday, January 24, 2020.
“Damage yielded an opportunity for enhancements,” comments Dale L. Martin, City Manager, Fernandina Beach. “In partnership with Westrec and many local, state and government agencies, we have incorporated even better services and structures at the facility.”
Marina reconfiguration: side tie docks that run parallel to the current flow
Southern basin docks removed
Southern basin dredged to an 8’ depth
1500’ of side tie Crescent Floating Docks installed with new piles
Sections of old floating dock repurposed for a 400’ dinghy and day dock
Wave attenuator
804’ of Marinetek floating dock installed
New 80’ steel piles installed
1608’ of side tie installed
Infrastructure
New power distribution
New docks with new pedestal
30Amp, 50Amp, 100Amp and 440Amp available
Pump out available
Amenities
New docks
Boater’s lounge
Laundry
Easy access to “Island Hopper” transportation buses circling the City on the hour
Office hours 7:00am – 6:30pm
Walking distance to over 20 restaurants
Contact Joe Springer, Fernandina Beach Marina Manager, for more information and reservations. jspringer@fbfl.org. 904.310.3300. www.fhmarina.com.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
Watermakers reverse osmosis desalination equipment of Fort Lauderdale was developed by Joe Hocher, who also founded Staniel Cay Yacht Club, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. This Miami Boat Show special pricing ends tomorrow, Feb 21.
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Always good to get positive recommendations for emergency repairs. Thank you Captain Skip.
We were down in Jupiter and needed a tow to safety only to find out that the motor may have been blown. I contacted Big Diesel Marine @ 772 215 7663. The repair guys came out at night and found a bent push rod and repaired the motor the next day on a holiday. I strongly recommend this firm and am glad we made it home safe. Again! BIG DIESEL MARINE 772 215 7663
Captain Skip Jacobs
This staff report is on the FWC February agenda and includes details outlining restrictions on anchoring in Florida waters. These setback distances are pertinent in light of Georgia’s recent extreme setbacks.
MEMORANDUM
To: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioners
From: Colonel Curtis Brown, Director, Division of Law Enforcement
Date: February 20, 2020
Subject: Staff Report – Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program/Derelict Vessel Report
Purpose:
Provide a report on the results of the 2009 Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program and the status of the
Derelict Vessel removal efforts.
Why:
How vessels are stowed, parked, and moored in Florida waters is a topic of great public interest across
Florida and staff want to ensure Commissioners are kept apprised of current activities in this area and the
most recent information on Derelict Vessel removal efforts.
Top Points:
1. The 2009 Anchoring and Mooring Pilot program resulted in the capture of best practices in order to
recommend statewide changes to address issues legislatively.
2. Legislation was passed in 2017 as a direct result of a 242-page report sent to the Florida Legislature
and the Governor in January of 2017.
3. The status of FWC Derelict Vessel removal efforts is good, with the Grant Program receiving a
marked increase in participation after FWC grant rule changes went into effect on November 29, 2019.
Affected Parties:
The general boating public, local residents and waterfront property owners and many county and municipal
government partners responsible for derelict vessel removals within their jurisdiction
Summary:
The Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program began as an effort to address growing conflicts between the
enjoyment of Florida’s waterways and the activities of anchoring and mooring upon state waters. This effort
began in 2006 when stakeholder concerns were brought to the Commission. Staff sought the advice of the
Florida Boating Advisory Council (BAC) in April 2007. The BAC suggested that the Commission seek
clarification from the Florida Legislature on the appropriate roles of local and state authority to regulate
vessels.
At the June 2007 Commission meeting, staff was directed move forward with requesting clarification from
the Florida Legislature as recommended by the BAC. Public input on anchoring and mooring issues was
collected through 6 public meetings throughout the state attended by 273 stakeholders and a number of
common concerns were identified. Further stakeholder engagement with over 700 additional stakeholders,
resulted in a final recommendation which was approved by the Commission at their December 2008
meeting. This recommendation was submitted to the Legislature during the 2009 Legislative session and as
a result s.327.4105, Florida Statutes (F.S.) was enacted establishing authority to conduct an Anchoring and
Mooring Pilot Program.
FWC was required to submit a report on the pilot program findings and recommendations to the Governor,
the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by January 1, 2014. The pilot
program and all ordinances adopted under the program would have expired on July 1, 2014; however, it was
reenacted and extended by the Legislature with a new expiration date of July 1, 2017, and a requirement for
an updated report to be submitted by January 1, 2017. The 2017 legislative session produced s. 327.4109
F.S., which regulated anchoring or mooring by:
• Establishing a 150-foot setback for anchoring around marinas, boat ramps, boat yards and other
vessel launching or loading facilities;
• Establishing a 300-foot setback from anchoring around any superyacht repair facility;
• Establishing a 100-foot setback from anchoring around the outward boundary of a marked public
mooring field. Anchoring within a public mooring field was prohibited outside of the established
exemptions within the statute.
• Prohibited tying to an unpermitted object attached to the water bottom (to prevent the proliferation
of unpermitted moorings statewide).
• Making all of these new violations noncriminal infractions punishable for a first offense, up to a
maximum of $50, for a second offense, up to a maximum of $100, and for a third or subsequent
offense, up to a maximum of $250, and included them in the list of mailable citations.
In addition, other legislative changes included the addition of the effective means of propulsion for safe
navigation test as a way to reduce the change of a vessel becoming derelict and increasing the penalty
section for expiration of vessel registration to require a mandatory court appearance and a $500 fine for
second and subsequent violations after 6 months. Local governments were also given authority to
implement a proof of pumpout ordinance for vessels at anchor in a public mooring field for a period of 10
consecutive days of more. This provision was contingent upon the availability of pumpout facilities within
the jurisdiction establishing the program. Finally, changes were made to the derelict vessel statute to allow
for actual notification of a derelict vessel in person as opposed to notification by certified mail and the
ability to freeze the title of a derelict vessel to prevent the sale of the vessel while in a derelict condition.
The update on Derelict Vessels will include an overview of the Grant program including the number of
Grant applications received, executed contracts, vessels scheduled to be removed and the amount of funding
obligated for removal.
Staff Recommendation:
No action is requested at this time, but input from Commissioners is welcomed.
Staff Contact and/or Presenter:
Major Robert Rowe, Section Leader, Division of Law Enforcement, Boating and Waterways Section
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