The sunken vessel reported below in this article cherry picked from the “Local Notice to Mariners,” flanks the Waterway adjacent to Holly Hill, just south of Ormond Beach.

FLORIDA-ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY-MATANZAS INLET-MOSQUITO LAGOON-HALIFAX RIVER: Hazard to Navigation
There is a partially submerged white 29ft S/V named Antares in approximate position 29-14.598N 081-01.765 in the vicinity of Halifax River Daybeacon 29 (LLNR 39995). Mariners are advised to use caution while transiting the area. Chart 11485

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Sunken Vessel Near Holly HIll, Florida, Reported Above

Kings Bay Submarine Base lies on the west side of the AICW’s run through Cumberland Sound and just north of the GA/FL state line. Approximate completion date of the project detailed below is June 1, 2012.

GEORGIA-FLORIDA-CUMBERLAND SOUND-FERNANDINA HARBOR TO KINGS BAY: Dredge Operations (UPDATE).
Cottrell Contracting Corp has commenced dredging operations at Kings Bay Submarine Base, from Cumberland Sound Lighted Buoy 37 (LLNR 6915/37765) to Kings Bay Light 62 (LLNR 7040). Mariners are advised to remain a safe distance away from the dredge, pipelines, barge, booster, buoys, cables, derricks operating wires and other related equipment. The dredge and pontoon lines are held in place by cables attached to anchors from the dredge and pontoons. Buoys are attached to the anchors so they may move as the dredge moves. Submerged lines should be avoided. Mariners are to exercise extreme caution when approaching, passing, and leaving the dredge plant. The dredge “LEXINGTON” will monitor VHF channels 13 and 16. Dredge operations will be conducted (24) hours a day, (7) days a week with an approximate completion date of June 1, 2012. Fishnets, crab pots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work; a slow “NO WAKE” speed is advised of transiting vessels. All vessels are requested to contact the dredge prior to passing. Further information contact Mr. Benjamin Cottrell (757) 547-9611. Chart 11503

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Kings Bay Entrance Channel

State Road 312 Bridge-crosses the AICW at Statute Mile 780, south of the Waterway’s intersection with the San Sebastian River. This fixed span normally has a 65-foot vertical clearance.

FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – ST SIMONS SOUND TO TOLOMATO RIVER – AMELIA RIVER BRIDGE
Gemstone Contracting has advised this office that they will start painting the East Bound SR 312 Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mile 780.0, Lake City, St Johns County, Florida on March 26, 2012. This work will reduce the vertical clearance of one half of the bridge by four feet. This work is expected to be completed by July 11, 2012. Mariners are advised to exercise caution when transiting the area. Chart 11489

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Bridge Directory Listing For SR 312 Bridge

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the SR 312 Bridge

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

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

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

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

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

Despite dredging in August of 2011, shoaling is occurring again in Ponce de Leon Inlet which intersects the AICW between Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach. Note that this shoaling is impinging on the inlet channel, NOT the inlet’s two intersections with the AICW.

NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 03/12
FL-Ponce de Leon Inlet – Ponce de Leon Inlet Temp Buoy 5A has been relocated to 29-04-38.365N 080-54-54.150W (08, 11/11) Chart 11485

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Buoy 5A

HEADS UP for those mariners following the Hawk Channel south from Miami to the Florida Keys. The cryptic excerpt below taken from the Local Notice to Mariners, week 44/11, gives notice of a sunken wreck lying just 5 feet below the waters surface.
We have carefully plotted the position of this dangerous derelict, and it lies some .45 of a nautical miles east of the center of Hawk Channel, between Hawk Channel markers #4 and #7, west of Ledbury Reef and east of the Ragged Keys. Click the “Chart View” link below to view the position of the reported sunken wreck.

FLORIDA KEYS-FOWEY ROCKS TO ALLIGATOR REEF-HAWK CHANNEL: Hazard to Navigation
The Coast Guard has received a report of a 58ft P/C sunk in position 25-32.5N 080-08.6W. This unmarked wreckage is approximately 5 ft below waterline at mean low tide. All mariners are advised to transit the area with caution. [Ref MIA BNM 318-10] Chart 11462

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Reported Position of the Above Described Sunken Wreck off Hawk Channel

AICW flashing Green Marker#85 is south of the AICW/Matanzas Inlet intersection.

FLORIDA-ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY-TOLOMATO RIVER-PALM SHORES-MANTANZAS RIVER: Hazard to
Navigation
Matanzas River Light 85 (LLNR 39560) is reported missing with the steel pile visible at low tide. A temporary lighted buoy displaying FL G 4s is in place. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. Chart 11485

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marker #85

Lighted Buoy 6 is just north of Fernandina Beach and opposite Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park.

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 43/11
The Coast Guard has received a report of shoaling channelward of Amelia River Lighted Buoy 6 (LLNR 7070). Reported depth at low tide is 6ft. All mariners are advised to exercise caution while transiting this area. [Ref: JAX BNM 358-11] Chart 11489

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Lighted Buoy 6

The Florida East Coast RR Bridge in downtown Jacksonville runs parallel to the Acosta St. Bridge and has a vertical clearance of 5ft when in closed position.

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 41-11
FLORIDA – ST JOHNS RIVER – FEC RAILROAD BRIDGE: Bridge Closure.
The FEC Railroad Bridge across the St Johns River mile 24.9, Jacksonville, Florida will be closed to navigation from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from November 1 through November 30, 2011. There will be an opening for mariners to pass between 12 noon and 1:30 p.m. daily. MSIB 35-11 Jacksonville can be found at http://homeport.uscg.mil Jacksonville. Ref: LNM 38 through 41-11, MSIB 35-11 –JAX Chart: 11491

Click Here To View the Most Recent LNM on Restrictions

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of FEC RR Bridge

This lighted buoy which is the subject of the message below is part of the channel markings in Lake Worth Inlet which is actually 10 nautical miles north of Lake Worth.

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 40/11
Lake Worth Lighted Buoy LW (LLNR 745/10175) is sinking. A Temporary Red Unlit Buoy has been attached to Lake Worth Lighted Buoy LW even bail. Mariners are advised to use caution while transiting the area as the Temp Buoy may move approximately 10-20 yds from assigned position [Ref Miami BNM 182-11]. Chart 11460 and 11466

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Lake Worth Inlet

St. Lucie Inlet, where we have posted a Navigation Alert, intersects the AICW near Stuart, Florida at Statute Mile 987. See photos below..

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS:Week 33/11
The entrance to St Lucie Inlet is subject to dangerous frequent changes in depth and direction due to dangerous and shifting shoals. Passage through the inlet is not recommended without local knowledge. Chart 11472

As of 8/22/2011 The Saint Lucie Inlet is passable by boats drawing under 6′. MUST, Must, must hug tight the GREEN can nearest the south jetty. Do Not attempt in outgoing tide or Low tide with seas much over 3′. The shoal is right in the middle of the inside of the inlet right between the can and the nun.
Make sure your filters are clean and engine does not cut out on you. www.DirtyFuelFilter.com
Capt. Rob

Hey..took some pics of the inlet on Friday…the tide was pretty good so it makes it easy to see the problem….hope they’re helpful..
Boyd E. Gunsalus, Lead Environmental Scientist
Martin/St. Lucie Service Center,
South Florida Water Management District

I came through here yesterday [4/26/2011], about halfway down on a falling tide. I saw seven foot minimums – not a big deal, although these photos would have had me shift over a bit for better water.
The rest of the inlet was 12 feet or better. Other than in really rough conditions, I wouldn’t hesitate to use this inlet – and for the record, this was my first time there.
Skipper Wally aboard s/v Gypsy Wind

The photos do indeed appear to show bad conditions. We exited St. Lucy Inlet on February 2 and went to West End. The channel was well marked and we spoke with TowBoat and SeaTow before leaving and obtained some local knowledge. Ft. Pierce Inlet is better nevertheless.
Skipper Bill Brubaker

As I stated in my last posting, favor the Green cans and all should be just fine. I use the inlet all the time and the closer you are to the south breakwater the better.
Outgoing tide and 4′ + seas you must slow down and wait for the inlet to clear of boat traffic before coming in, so you can favor those green cans. And make sure your Filters are clean and not going to stall your engine at a real BAD time.
Capt. Rob
http://www.DirtyFuelFilter.com

While laying over in Manatee Pocket waiting for a weather window for a run to the Bahamas, I took the opportunity to run out and back through the St. Lucie inlet this morning at high tide, 1.0 FT above MLLW. I found the information about hugging the south, green side, breakwater on the ocean entrance to be accurate. However, just inside the inlet, a shoal with only three or four feet of water over it protrudes from the southside between markers “7″ and “9″. You must go over at least midway to the red nun to clear the shoal. Otherwise, 7 1/2 to 8 feet was available.
Bill Gravely, GW28 “Laura Jill”

I came through the inlet tonight, May 4th, 2011, returning from the Bahamas. The tide was +2 feet and rising. Winds were 9 knots out of the ESE. Seas were pretty much flat. We draw 4 feet and the least I saw was 6 feet 4 inches. This was right beside the center jetty, about half way between the jetty and the floating red marker. There may well have been more water closer to the jetty as suggested in the alert. I was following another boat that draws a bit more than ours so, I was comfortable in his track. This was the first time I have ever used this inlet and I would not hesitate to use it again under similar circumstances. Other than this one hump, the channel was generally 12 feet or deeper. I actually wish I had used the inlet in the past. I’m not sure where the negative reputation comes from.
I forgot to mention that I would probably not have dared to use the inlet without the “local knowledge” that the aerial photos provided. Thanks!!
Alan Sodergren

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 LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS, Week 32/11 is of interest to those of you who navigate offshore of eastern Florida. No comments please about how our Navy could lose a piece of equipment in only 3 foot seas!

SEACOAST-FLORIDA-FORT LAUDERDALE: US Navy (SFOMF) Lost Equipment
The United States Navy, South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility (SFOMF) lost equipment offshore Fort Lauderdale, Florida at 1424 EST on July 27th, 2011. The lost equipment is an ”Unmanned Underwater Vehicle” (UUV). The vehicle is 6 feet long, 6” in diameter and is colored yellow and black with “WARD” stenciled on the side. Last known position of the UUV was Lat 26 03.336 Lon -080 03.918. Seas were 3’ or less the day of loss, winds out of the east, and 4 knots of current to the North. Vehicle is positively buoyant and contains no hazardous materials. Should the vehicle be found, please contact SSC Pacific: POC: Peyton Hall 619-221-5245 e-mail: peyton.hall@navy.mil Alt POC: Chris Young 619-553-5387 or 619-607-9000

This research operation barge will be stationed between the Waterway and Watson Island near marker #20 and should not affect navigation.

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 29/11
Professional Service Industries Inc., (PSI) are scheduled to start work within the Watson Island northern side of the channel. The operation will begin Monday, July 18th with an approximate completion date of Thursday, July 21st. There will be a barge stationed between Watson Island and the port conducting core boring work. Please contact Mr. Drew Badri, Project Manager at (305) 471-7725 x21 for further information. Chart 11468

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

Recent dredging in this AICW Problem Stretch seems not be holding, and the USCG has reset the buoys to mark the shoal as indicated below:

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 25/11
Biscayne Bay Buoy 6B (LLNR 47823) will be Temporarily Disestablished. Temporary Aids Biscayne Bay Buoy 7B and Biscayne Bay Buoy 7C have been relocated to mark edge of shoal. Chart 11467
Buoys reset to mark shoal:
Biscayne Bay Buoy 7B reset from 25-54-07.201N, 080-07-51.005W to 25-54-06.940N, 080-07-51.855W
Biscayne Bay Buoy 7C reset from 25-54-04.417N, 080-07-52.849W to 25-54-04.739N, 080-07-53.514W

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Reset Markers #7B and #7C

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 21/11
Severe Shoaling has been reported on Biscayne Bay along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway west of Bakers Haulover Inlet –Biscayne Bay Buoy 6B (LLNR 47823) is off station due to shoaling; last known position 25-54-08.219N 080-07-52.126W and TEMP Biscayne Bay Buoy 7B last known position 25-54-07.4537N 080-07-51.189W
Shoal had encroached about 10 yards to the west. Chart 11467

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Section” Listing For AICW Bakers/Haulover Inlet Intersection

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To The AICW Bakers/Haulover Inlet Intersection Problem Stretch

As if the Okeechobee Waterway didn’t already have more than its share of problems with low water levels on Lake Okeechobee. Now, in the extract below from the Local Notice to Mariners, we hear about shoaling and “narrowing” of the channel, east of this Waterway’s easternmost lock. In other words, this reported shoaling is NOT the result of low water levels on Lake Okeechobee, but apparently the product of good, old fashioned silting.
We have studied chart 11428, and discovered that the channel shoaling reported below, lies some 1.4 nautical miles south of Stuart’s Sunset Bay Marina, well north of the St. Lucie Canal, which leads to the Okeechobee’s easternmost St. Lucie Lock.
Note the notice’s advice to favor the “green” (eastern) side of the channel when passing between markers #29 and #30.
We are declaring a “Navigational Alert” for these waters

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 25/11
All mariners are advised to use extreme caution when transiting in the vicinity of St. Lucie River (South Fork) area between St. Lucie River South Fork Daybeacon 29 (LLNR 51085) and St. Lucie River South Fork Buoy 30 (LLNR 51090). Due to Shoaling the channel has been narrowed by approximately 30 yards. Best water is near the green side of the channel. Chart 11428

That shoal has been there for years, it extends into the western side of the channel just north of the Palm City bridge. It’s the only place I’ve ever run aground in a channel and I draft less than 2 feet in my powerboat.
Skipper Jeff Dafoe

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on the South Fork St. Lucie River Portion of the Okeechobee Waterway, For the Waters Described Above