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

For cruisers planning offshore travel, these maneuvers range from .5 mile to 15 miles offshore:

SEACOAST-FLORIDA-FORT LAUDERDALE-PORT EVERGLADES: US Navy Operations.
The US Navy, South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility (SFOMF) will be conducting surface maneuvers within a period beginning 7:00 am February 26 to 6:00pm March 2, 2012. The M/V Richard L Becker operated by TOW Boat US will be conducting the operations in the water immediately east and south of Port Everglades Inlet. The vessel will be working between 600-1500ft of water approximately 2.5NM to 15NM offshore, and from ½nm south to 4 miles south of Port Everglades Inlet. Mariners are advised to stay well clear of the M/V Richard L Becker.

The US Navy, South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility (SFOMF) will be conducting surface maneuvers within a period beginning 7:00am February 27 to 6:00pm March 2, 2012. The M/V Liberty Star operated by NASA in the water immediately east and south of Port Everglades Inlet. The vessel will be working between 300ft – 1500ft of water approximately 1.5NM to 15NM offshore, and from ½NM south of Port Everglades Inlet to 4 miles south of the Port Everglades Inlet. The M/V Liberty Star will be deploying a ROV and will be restricted in maneuverability. Mariners are advised to stay well clear of the M/V Liberty Star.

The US Navy, South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility (SFOMF) will be conducting surface maneuvers within a period beginning 7:00am March 3 to 6:00pm March 12, 2012. The M/V Liberty Star operated by NASA in the water immediately east and south of Port Everglades Inlet. The vessel will be working between 60ft -600ft of water and approximately ½NM to 4NM offshore, and from ½NM south of the Port Everglades Inlet to 3 miles south of the Port Everglades Inlet. The M/V Liberty Star will be deploying a ROV and will be restricted in maneuverability. Mariners are advised to stay well clear of the M/V Liberty Star.

This notice is a concern for captains that pilot sailcraft needing more than this span’s closed, reduced vertical clearance of 61 feet. The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge (US 17) crosses the Cape Fear River well off the AICW in downtown Wilmington, NC, a popular side trip for many Waterway cruisers.
The opening restriction, outlined below, means that those who pilot sailcraft needing more than this span’s closed clearance, will be effectively barred from the downtown Wilmington City Docks, and Bennett Brothers Yachts – Cape Fear Marina, between March 1 and May 31 of this year, unless the three hours notice procedure, briefly outlined below, is instituted!

NC – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – MYRTLE GROVE SOUND TO LITTLE RIVER – CAPE FEAR RIVER
Mariners are advised that the Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation at the Cape Fear Memorial (vertical-lift) Bridge, at mile 26.8, across Cape Fear River, at Wilmington NC. Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will be closed to vessels requiring an opening beginning at 7 a.m. on March 1, 2012 until and including 11 p.m. on May 31, 2012; except that vessel openings will be provided if at least three hours advance notice is given to the bridge tender at (910) 251-5773 or via marine radio on channel 18 VHF. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating regulation set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.5. Mariners should exercise caution when transiting the area.
Chart 11534

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Fear Memorial Bridge

Keewaydin Island is just south of Naples and Gordans Pass is a narrow channel connecting the Gulf to channels into Naples Bay. Shoaling has been recently reported in Gordan Pass prompting a Navigation Alert for the channel.

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-GORDONS PASS-KEEWAYDIN ISLAND: Construction Operations.
Florida Marine Construction will commence operations on or about February 13, 2012 on the north end of Keewaydin Island south of Gordon Pass to construct erosion control structures in the near shore area of the Gulf of Mexico. The hours of operations are 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday through Saturday ending approximately June 13, 2012. Florida Marine will construct two (2) detached breakwaters. Vessels/work boats used: One (1)-25′x15′ Push Boat “Case”, Two (2)-24′x60′barges. The barges point of contact: Mr. Rodney Troost, vessels contact information: Florida Marine
Construction 239-283-1728. Chart 11430

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

This dredging project is scheduled for the West Turning Basin on the north side of the Canaveral Barge Canal well east of the Waterway. The Canaveral Barge Canal intersects the Waterway at statute mile 894 and navigation in the Waterway will no be affected. However, cruisers joining the Waterway via the Barge Canal should be on alert for anchored barges and scows in the Canal.

FLORIDA-PORT CANAVERAL HARBOR-CANAVERAL HARBOR: Dredging Operations
Norfolk Dredging Company will commence dredging operations in Cape Canaveral Harbor in the vicinity of the West Turning Basin on or about March 3, 2012 by the dredge “VIRGINIA”. As part of the project, tug boats will be towing scows from the designated dredging area to the offshore designated disposal area. These operations will be conducted 24 hours per day seven days a week. This project is expected to continue until August 1, 2012. The dredge operator will standby on VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. Vessel traffic should call 30 minutes prior to expected time of passage.
Mariners are to stay clear of the dredge, barges, derricks, and operating wires about the dredge. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that the barges are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors can be located. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Rules of the Road when approaching, passing, and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, buoys, cables, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crab pots, and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must remove these from the area where tugs, tender boats, and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Since the project will be conducted 24 hours a day, all fishnets, crab pots, and structures in the general area must be removed prior to the commencement of the work. For further information contact the Norfolk Dredging Company at 757-547-9391 Chart 11478

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of West Turning Basin

The Coast Guard is inviting comment on this proposed 3-day boat race on the Waterway in Stuart, FL. Contact information for comment is at the end of the LNM. Stuart Causeway is a Martin County Park near Ocean Blvd. Bridge crossing the Waterway at Mile 985. The effect of spectator boats and race boats on vessel navigation is not projected in the proposal.

FLORIDA-INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY-JENSEN BEACH: Stuart Sailfish Regatta High Speed Boat Race
The Coast Guard is proposing to issue a marine event permit for the Stuart Sailfish Regatta High Speed Boat Race in Jensen Beach, FL. The event is to be held on the north east side of the Stuart Causeway on the Intracoastal Waterway between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., April 13 through 15, 2012. There is expected to be 30 to 60 participating vessels, with approximately 50 spectator vessels. Only one to several boats will race at a given time. The Coast Guard is currently engaged in consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service regarding potential environmental issues as well as any impacts to endangered species that may be impacted by the event.
The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from local waterways users for this proposed event. Any interested party wishing to provide comments should contact: Commander, USCG Sector Miami, 100 MacArthur Causeway, Miami Florida 33139 Attn: LT Jennifer S. Makowski, by phone at (305) 535-8724, or E-mail Jennifer.S.Makowski@uscg.mil no later than March 10, 2012.

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Stuart Causeway Park

St. Marys River flows into the northern tip of Cumberland Sound and the path of the AICW, just north of Fernandina, FL, and serves as the coastal state line between Georgia and Florida. The town of St. Marys is an easy trip up the St. Marys River, departing the Waterway at flashing green marker #29, statute mile 713.

GEORGIA AND FLORIDA-ST MARYS RIVER: Temporary Aton Established.
Due to shoaling, St Marys River Temporary Buoy 6A has been established in position 30-42-51.900N 081-32-00.600W. Mariners are advised to exercise caution while transiting the area.Charts 11489 and 11503

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position in St. Marys River

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To St. Marys GA

The Causeway Drive Bridge (SR 74) crosses the AICW in the heart of Wrightsville Beach, and has a closed vertical clearance of 20ft.

NC – AIWW – NEUSE RIVER TO MYRTLE GROVE SOUND – NEW RIVER-CAPE FEAR RIVER – BRIDGE INFORMATION
To accommodate the Wrightsville Beach/Quintiles Marathon scheduled for Sunday, March 18, 2012, mariners are advised that the S.R. 74 Bridge, across the AIWW, mile 283.1, at Wrightsville Beach, NC will remain in the closed position from 5 a.m. through 8 a.m. Mariners able to pass under the closed span (20 feet MHW) may do so, and should adjust their transits accordingly. Chart 11541.

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For SR 74 Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of SR 74 Bridge

This relocated buoy is in the Matanzas Pass Channel, out of San Carlos Bay. Note that the LNM lat/lon given does not appear to be accurate, so our chartview given takes you to the charted marker #4.

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 05/12
Due to encroaching shoaling between Matanzas Pass Channel DBN 4 (LLNR 18095) 11/10 11427 0512 and DBN 6 (LLNR 18110) DBN 4 has been relocated to position 26-27-54.046N/081-58-07.981W

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marker #4

Temporary marker #14 lies alongside the St. Lucien Inlet channel, east of the Inlet’s intersection with the AICWW.

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 05/12
Set TEMP Buoy 14 in position 27-09-92.639N 080-10-07.118W due to shoaling observed on the 11472 0512
north side of channel east of DBN 16 (LLNR 10165).

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at St. Lucie Inlet

St. Lucie Inlet, where much shoaling and shifting of channel occurred in 2011, intersects the AICW near Stuart, Florida at Statute Mile 987. We have had a Navigation Alert posted here since August of 2011. See photos below..
Also note this placement of a temporary buoy in the inlet:
Set TEMP Buoy 14 in position 27-09-92.639N 080-10-07.118W due to shoaling observed on the 11472 0512
north side of channel east of DBN 16 (LLNR 10165).

FLORIDA-ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY-PALM SHORES TO WEST PALM BEACH-ST LUCIE INLET: Dredging Operations.
Norfolk Dredging Company will commence dredging operations in the St Lucie Inlet on or about February 19, 2012. The dredge “CHARLESTON” will be working in the Federal Navigation Channel of the St Lucie Inlet and the Impoundment Basin in the north side if the channel. A pipeline will be placed from the dredging area to the vessel PULLEN which will be stationed near the south bank of the St Lucie Inlet. From the vessel PULLEN, the pipeline runs to St Lucie Inlet State park near South point. The project will continue until approximately April 10, 2010. The dredge operator will standby in VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. Vessel traffic should call 30 minutes prior to expected time of passage. Mariners are to stay clear of the dredge, booster, floating (including pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires about the dredge. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that the dredge and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the “Rules of the Road” when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipelines, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crab pots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must remove theses from the area where tugs, tender boats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. The operations will be conducted 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. All fishnets, crab pots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of the work. For further information contact Norfolk Dredging Company at 757-547-9391. Charts 11428, 11472

Yay! It’s about time and it is very welcomed. Went out a few weeks ago with friends and had a rough time trying to come back in the narrow channel with all the boats trying to come in at the same time. Talk about major traffic jam!
The Leafs

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at St. Lucie Inlet

Click Here To View An Earlier Posting on St. Lucie Inlet

This much needed dredging project will begin at AICW marker #60 where the St. Augustine Inlet intersects the Waterway between Vilano Beach Bridge and the Bridge of Lions. As the project goes forward, the dredge will word its way seaward

FLORIDA-AMELIA ISLAND TO ST AUGUSTINE-ST AUGUSTINE INLET/BEACH: Beach Renourishment.
Marinex Construction Inc will commence dredging operations in the vicinity of the St Augustine Inlet on or about February 5, 2012. The work will extend from inshore Tolomato River LB 60 (LLNR 38910) to offshore St Augustine Inlet Buoy 2 (LLNR 9480). Submerged pipeline will extend from the inlet in a southerly direction and land at St Augustine Beach north of the St Augustine Pier. The dredge operations will continue on a 24 hours per day, 7 days per week basis until approximately June 15, 2012. The dredge “SAVANNAH” will monitor VHF radio channels 13 & 16. Further
information contact the Operations Manager, Mr. Thomas Payne 843-722-9083. Mariners are requested to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. Charts 11485 and 11488

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at St. Augustine/AICW Intersection

Recent Local Notices to Mariners and our own on-site observations, the have reported severe shoaling in Oregon Inlet passage. This passage is NOT recommended for ANY mariner without very specific, up to date, local knowledge, and, even then, only for those piloting shallow draft vessels of less than 4 ft. We have had a Navigational Alert set for this inlet since June of 2011.

NC – CURRITUCK BEACH LIGHT TO WIMBLE SHOALS – OREGON INLET – BRIDGE REPAIRS
Mariners are advised that steel repairs, cleaning and painting operations will be performed from March 5, 2012 through June 15, 2012 at the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge across Oregon Inlet, at mile 0.9, in Dare County, NC. To facilitate the work at Span 145, the navigation channel, a decking platform will reduce the available vertical clearance to approximately 61 feet, above MHW. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting the area. Chart :12204

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Oregon Inlet Bridge

The Local Notice to Mariners for week 04/12 has a long list of Florida bridge closures for upcoming charity events. Some are only 30-45 minute and some are several hours. Make notes on your calendars and plan accordingly. Some of the listings duplicate earlier LNMs. NB: Main Street Bridge in Jacksonville is US 1, US 17.

FLORIDA – ST. JOHNS RIVER – MAIN STREET BRIDGE – JACKSONVILLE: Bridge Closure.
The Main Street (US 17) Bridge across the St. Johns River mile 24.7, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida will be closed to navigation from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. on January 28, 2012 to accommodate the “Run 5 Keep Kids Alive” event.
Chart: 11491 CG File: 2715

FLORIDA – ST. JOHNS RIVER – MAIN STREET BRIDGE – JACKSONVILLE: Bridge Closure.
The Main Street (US 17) Bridge across the St. Johns River mile 24.7, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida will be closed to navigation from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. on February 18, 2012 to accommodate the “Sulzbacher Center 8k and 1
Mile Run/Walk” event. Chart: 11491 CG File: 2715

FLORIDA – ST. JOHNS RIVER – MAIN STREET BRIDGE – JACKSONVILLE: Bridge Closure.
The Main Street (US 17) Bridge across the St. Johns River mile 24.7, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida will be closed to navigation from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on March 10, 2012 to accommodate the “Gate River Run” event.
Chart: 11491 CG File: 2715

FLORIDA – ST. JOHNS RIVER – MAIN STREET BRIDGE – JACKSONVILLE: Bridge Closure.
The Main Street (US 17) Bridge across the St. Johns River mile 24.7, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida will be closed to navigation from 7:00 p.m. on July 4 through 1:00 a.m. on July 5, 2012 to accommodate the “Freedom, Fanfare & Fireworks” event. Ref: LNM 01 and 02-12 Chart: 11491 CG File: 2715

FLORIDA – ORTEGA RIVER – ORTEGA RIVER BRIDGE – JACKSONVILLE: Bridge Closure.
The Ortega River Bridge across the Ortega River mile 0.3, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida will be closed to navigation from 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on February 25, 2012 to accommodate the “Daily’s Ortega River Run” event.
Chart: 11491 CG File: 2376

FLORIDA – BOCA RATON INLET – OCEAN BOULEVARD (SR A1A) BRIDGE: Bridge Closure.
The Ocean Boulevard (SR A1A) Bridge, Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, Florida will be closed to navigation from 7:10 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 15, 2012 for the Annual Wellness Triathlon. Chart: 11467 CG File: 2304

FLORIDA – MIAMI RIVER – BRICKELL AVENUE AND 2ND AVENUE BRIDGES: Bridge Closure:
The Brickell Avenue and 2nd Avenue Bridges across the Miami River, Miami, Florida will be closed to navigation from 6:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on April 26, 2012 for the Miami Corporate Run. Chart: 11468 CG File: 2591

FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – WEST PALM BEACH TO MIAMI – HILLSBORO BOULEVARD BRIDGE: Bridge Closure.
The Hillsboro Boulevard Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Hillsboro, Florida will be closed to navigation from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2012 for the Annual Founders Day Celebration.
Ref: LNM 02-12 Chart: 11467 CG File: 2179

FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – WEST PALM BEACH TO MIAMI – EAST LAS OLAS BRIDGE: Bridge Closure.
The East Las Olas Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida will be closed to navigation from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 19, 2012 to facilitate the Annual Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon. LNM 02-12 ssbnmChart: 11467 CG File: 2444

FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – WEST PALM BEACH TO MIAMI – NEW RIVER – SE 3RD AND ANDREWS AVENUE BRIDGES: Bridge Closure.
The Southeast 3rd Avenue and the Andrews Avenue Bridges across the New River, Fort Lauderdale, Florida will be closed to navigation from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2012 to facilitate the “Riverwalk Run” event.
Ref: LNM 51-11 through 03-12 Chart: 11467 CG File:

FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – WEST PALM BEACH TO MIAMI – NEW RIVER – SE 3RD AND ANDREWS AVENUE BRIDGES: Bridge Closure.
The Southeast 3nd Avenue and the Andrews Avenue Bridges across the New River, Fort Lauderdale, Florida will be closed to navigation from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2012 to facilitate the “Fort Lauderdale Corporate Run” event. Chart: 11467 CG File: 3017/2128

FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – WEST PALM BEACH TO MIAMI – ING MIAMI MARATHON: Bridge Closures.
The East Venetian Causeway Bridge across Miami Beach Channel will be closed to navigation from 6:00 a.m. to 9:24 a.m., the West Venetian Causeway Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway will be closed to navigation from 6:10 a.m. to 9:56 a.m., the Brickell Avenue (US 1) Bridge across the Miami River will be closed to navigation from 6:25 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and the South Miami Avenue Bridge across the Miami River, Miami, Florida, will be closed to navigation from 6:25 a.m. to 10: 35 a.m. on Sunday, January 29, 2012 from the ING Miami Marathon Event. Ref: LNM 51-11 through 03-12 Chart: 11468 CG File 2591/2351B/2351A/2118

FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – WEST PALM BEACH TO MIAMI – MIAMI BOAT SHOW: Bridge Closures.
Due to the high volume of vehicle and vessel traffic movement during the Miami Boat Show the East and West Venetian Causeway Bridge, Miami, Florida will be placed on a half-hour schedule. The bridges will open on the top of the hour and bottom of the hour from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, Monday, February 13 through Tuesday, February 21, 2012. At all other times the bridges will open on demand. Vessels that may pass without an opening may do so at any time.
Ref: Docket Num USCG-2012-0002 Chart: 11468/11467

Now, here’s a notice cherry picked from the latest Local Notice to Mariners (as of 1/25/12), which demands the attention of every cruiser bound for the popular mooring field at Fort Myers Beach (or one of the many marinas in this region). The provided position, below, for the partially sunken vessel plots out as being just east of the Fort Myers Beach entrance passage, between markers #7 and #8.
I suspect every effort will be made to remove this potential navigational obstruction as soon as possible, but, until that happy event, ALL mariners bound for Fort Myers Beach should be aware of this derelict, and navigate accordingly!
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is declaring a Navigational Alert for these waters!

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-FORT MYERS TO CHARLOTTE HARBOR AND WIGGINS PASS-SAN CARLOS BAY: Hazard to Navigation.
There is a 38ft white sports fisher partially submerged and aground approximately 200 yards north of Bodwitch Point, San Carlos Bay in position
26-27.994N 081-57.889W. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution while transiting the area. Chart 11427

I passed through there at 0800 yesterday, and did not see the vessel, though it may have been removed. It was also not present at 1300 the day before.
Donovan

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Reported Position to the Partially Sunken Vessel Described Above

The report below is cherry picked from the lastest Local Notice to Mariners as of 1/26/12. We have plotted the position of this abandoned vessel, and it seems to lie almost due east of Anclote River’s outermost channel marker, #1. I can’t imagine that this vessel will be allowed to stay in this disadvantageous position for long, but in the intervening period, all navigators bound for Anclote River should watch out for this potential hazard!
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is declaring a temporary Navigational Alert for these waters.

FLORIDA-TAMPA BAY TO PORT RICHEY-ANCLOTE RIVER: Hazard to Navigation.
The Coast Guard received a report of an unmanned and unlit 19ft Aqua Sport white with light blue trim in the vicinity of Anclote River Entrance Light 1 (LLNR 26135) in GPS position 28-10.388N 082-49.682W. Mariners are to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. Chart 11411

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Reported Position of the Abandoned Vessel Described Above

Big Foot Slough, the primary conduit from Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke, one of the North Carolina coastline’s most popular ports of call, was last dredged in June of 2011. Shoaling is slowly beginning to reappear.

NC – OCRACOKE INLET – BIG FOOT SLOUGH – SHOALING
Shoaling to a depth of 5.0 ft MLW has been reported in the vicinity of Big Foot Slough Channel Daybeacon 10B (LLNR 29070.1). Chart: 11555.

Shoaling on the east side of Big Foot Slough is pretty much a constant situation, particularly in the area of red markers 8, 10, and 12. It isn’t unusual to see shore birds wading only a few feet outside of the channel, and when I was last there the shoal area encroached 15-20 feet into the channel and was quite visible at low tide. I presume the sustained winds from Irene only made the situation worse.
As a “local” who goes out to Ocracoke several times a year, and has a sailboat with 5’6″ of draft, I hold to the center of the channel, or favor the green markers when entering or leaving Ocracoke by Big Foot Slough.
Rick Brass

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on Big Foot Slough Channel Near Marker #10B

Niles Channel certainly seems to be having its problems as of Janaury, 2012. This is the second item cherry picked from this week’s Local Notice to Mariners which concerns these waters.
Nile Channel runs north from the Hawk Channel between Moser Channel (Marathon) and Key West, some 2 nautical miles east of Hawk Channel’s marker #50A. We list at least three anchorages available to cruisers along Niles Channel (linked below).
We have plotted the reported position of the sunken vessel detailed below, and it seems to lie on the Ramrod Key (eastern) side of the Niles Channel, southeast of the “M GRS” notation on chart 11445! Confine your cruising to the channel’s mid-width or favor the westerly side of the passage slightly, to avoid this hazard!
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is declaring a Navigational Alert for these waters!

FLORIDA-BAHIA HONDA TO SUGARLOAF KEY-NILES CHANNEL: Hazard to Navigation
The Coast Guard received a report of a 30ft partially submerged sailing vessel in Niles Channel in the vicinity of Ramrod Key and Summerland Key in position 24-39.114N 081-25.686W. Mariners are advised to stay alert and transit the area with caution. Chart 11445

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position On Niles Channel At the Above Reported Position of the Sunken Vessel

 
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Niles Channel Northern Anchorage

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Niles Channel Southern Anchorage

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Niles Channel–Pye Key Anchorage

Niles Channel runs north from the Hawk Channel between Moser Channel (Marathon) and Key West, some 2 nautical miles east of Hawk Channel’s marker #50A. We list at least three anchorages available to cruisers along Niles Channel (linked below).
The northernmost anchor down spot will be discovered just south of the 40 foot fixed bridge spanning the gap between Summerland and Ramrod Keys. And, the sunken debris, marked by the new aid to navigation detailed in the notice below, cherry picked from the Local Notice to Mariners, lies s short hop south of this northern anchorage.
ALL mariners northbound on Niles Channel, whether to anchor or to continue navigation north of the bridge, need to be aware of the sunken debris marked by the “temporary buoy,” and take all measures necessary to keep clear!
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is declaring a Navigational Alert for these waters!

FLORIDA- FLORIDA KEYS-BAHIA HONDA TO SUGARLOAF KEY–NILES CHANNEL: Temporary Buoy
A temporary buoy has been placed at Niles Channel Bridge in approximate position 24-39-36.0N 081-26-06.0W marking fallen debris from the old Niles Channel Bridge fishing pier deteriorating. Mariners are advised to remain clear of this structure. Chart 11445

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position On Niles Channel Near the Postion of the New Marker Described Above

 
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Niles Channel Northern Anchorage

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Niles Channel Southern Anchorage

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Niles Channel–Pye Key Anchorage