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

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 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

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

Bimini Bay and Galati’s Yacht Basin are the very last stop for northbound vessels before venturing out into the wide waters of Tampa Bay. The marked entry channel into this sidewater has always been subject to shoaling, and I’m sure the dredging project described below is designed to relieve this problem. From 1/25/12 to the slated completion date of 2/29/12, cruisers should enter and exit Bimini Basin with extra caution.
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is declaring a temporary Navigational Alert for these waters!

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-ANNA MARIA ISLAND: Dredging Operations.
Florida Dredge & Dock LLC, will commence dredging operations on or about January 25, 2012. Hydraulic dredging and beach nourishment operations will be performed at Bimini Bay/Key Royal Entrance Channel at north end of Anna Maria Island on the Intracoastal side. The dredge “GATOR POINT” and work boats Path Finder & Naple will work 24 hours per day 7 days per week until approximately February 29, 2012. There will be floating rubber and submerged polyethylene pipeline associated with the drege operation. Pipeline and vessels will be visibly lighted and marked. pipeline will traverse northerly from Bimini Bay and key Royale Entrance Channel to designated beach fill location. Pipeline will remain in route from the dredging area to disposal site. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area and to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake, and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made. VHF-FM channels monitored: Channels 13, 16 and working channel 71. The dredge “GATOR POINT” cell phone 727-480-5074. Further information contact the project Manager, Mr. Prasong Buranakitipinyo, 904-451-3216 or the Project Superintendent, Mr. Chester Fletcher, 727-460-9039. Chart 11425

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Entrance to Bimini Bay

The article below has been cherry picked from the Local Notice to Mariners. The reported, capsized vessel seems to lie in the heart of the main Tampa Bay channel, north and northeast of the charted channel cutting southeast to Port Manatee, and hard by the position of markers #4C and #3C. If the reported position of this derelict is correct, all mariners should indeed exercise EXTREME caution while running this portion of the Tampa Bay Channel!
The Cruisers’ Net is declaring a “Navigation Alert” for this hazzard!

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-TAMPA BAY: Hazard to navigation.
There is a 14ft light blue Trek Sail Catamaran with orange sails capsized in Tampa Bay in position 27-41.19N 082-34.34W marked with a black life jacket tied to the anchor. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area (Ref: STP BNM 1225-11). Chart 11416

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

This grounded sailing vessel is in Tampa Bay south of marker #6 in Gadsen Point Cut.

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-TAMPA BAY-LITTLE MANATEE RIVER: Hazard to Navigation.
The Coast Guard has received a report of a 30ft sailing vessel aground approximately 1 NM north of the Little Manatee River Entrance in position 27-44.339N 082-29.263W. All mariners are advised to transit the area with caution. [Ref: STP BNM 1359-10] Chart 11416

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Grounded Sailing Vessel

This missing sign appears to be in a narrow channel just west of the town of Crystal River, FL. Crystal River itself is one of the Big Bend Region’s southerly stream, just north of the Homosassa River, and south of the Withlacoochee River

FLORIDA-ANCLOTE KEYS TO CRYSTAL RIVER: Hazard to Navigation.
The Coast Guard received a report of a manatee sign is broken off and a portion of the piling is sticking up out of the water approximate position 28-54.409N 082-37.600W. Mariners are advised to exercise caution while transiting the area. Chart 11409

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

We have plotted the reported position of the “sunken chain” detailed in the cherry picked “Local Notice to Mariners” below, and it lies some 1.6 nautical miles west, of the westernmost of the barge canal markings which eventually split into two marked passages farther to the east. All these complicated channels are found between the Crystal and Withlacoochee Rivers.
Cruisers plying the Big Bend region between the Crystal and Withlacoochee Rivers should avoid this hazard, and be on the lookout for the “danger sign” described below, which marks this obstruction.
The Salty Southeast Crusiers’ Net is establishing a Navigational Alert for these waters.

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-CRYSTAL RIVER TO HORSESHOE POINT: Hazard to Navigation.
The Coast Guard received a report of an anchor 450ft of chain dropped 20NM west of Crystal River Barge Canal in approximate position 28-55.5N – 082-59.9W. A 24” buoy and a danger sign are marking the hazard. Mariners are requested to exercise caution while transiting the area [Ref STP BNM 1148-11] Chart 11408

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

Sounds like it might be a good idea to enter and exit the Alafia River channel at no-wake speed until this project is complete.

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-TAMPA BAY-ALAFIA RIVER-SUNKEN ISLAND BANK BIRD SANCTUARY’S WESTERN ISLAND: Installation of Wave Attenuation Devices
Audubon of Florida will be installing concrete Wave Attenuation Devices on the shoreline of Alafia Bank Bird Sanctuary’s western island, south of the Alafia River Entrance Channel. This installation will commence on Monday September 26, 2011 and is expected to occur daily from 7 A.M. to 5 P.M. until approximately October 2, 2011. On scene equipment will consist of two barges and a small tugboat. Mariners are to exercise extreme caution when transiting the area so as not to disrupt the construction process and contact the work crews on VHF Channel 68 or at (813) 727-5476 for further details. Chart 11416

Hernando Beach is a small community with a little used (by visitors anyway) channel, which lies north of Western Florida’s Anclote Key, and south of Homosassa River. I sounded these channels some years ago, and found them so shoally, that I have never recommended them to visiting cruisers. So, the dredging reported below in the Local Notice to Mariners, could hardly be bestowed on waters that need such a project more.

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-ANCLOTE KEYS TO CRYSTAL RIVER-HERNANDO BEACH-HERNANDO BEACH CHANNEL: Dredging Operations (UPDATE September 6, 2012).
B.C. Peabody Construction Services dredging operations ongoing through January 1, 2012 in the Hernando Beach Channel, Hernando Beach, Florida. The mechanical Dredges “800” (orange 800 Hitachi excavator) and “400” (yellow 400 Komatsu excavator) will conduct operations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will monitor channel VHF 68. Hydraulic Dredge and all associated pipeline has been removed from the channel. Associated workboats are material barges, push boats skiffs and a secondary barge with smaller yellow excavator “200”. Barges will continue to be spudded down in the channel and material barges will be constantly moving material. All watercraft will be lighted and clearly marked. Hernando County Parks & Recreation is working closely with B.C. Peabody. For further information please contact the Project Manager, Mr. Wayne Konga, 941-545-6188. Chart 11409

The waters west of Hernanco Beach are extremely shallow and Hernanco Beach Channel leads westward to depths of less than 3 feet. The daybeacons mentioned below do not show on Chart 11409. Dredging is in progress in this area until September 2, 2011

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-ANCLOTE KEYS TO CRYSTAL RIVER-HERNANCO BEACH CHANNEL: Hazard to Navigation.
The Coast Guard received a report of a sunken 25ft S/V with 2 masts showing above the waterline in approximate position 28-29.9N 082-40.1W in the channel between Hernando Beach Channel DBN 64 (LLNR 27770) and Hernando Beach Channel DBN 66 (LLNR 27780). [Ref: STP BNM 877-11] Chart 11409

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Hernanco Beach Channel

The project described below will stretch into May of 2012. All cruisers who venture upstream on the otherwise charming Peace River from Punta Gorda will want to keep a sharp eye out for construction equipment, and be wary of any on-the-water warning notices.
The Cruisers’ Net is establishing a Navigational Alert on these waters!

FLORIDA-CHARLOTTE HARBOR-PEACE RIVER: Install Subaqueous Waterline.
Ed Waters & Sons Contracting Co., Inc. will be installing a subaqueous waterline across the Peace River east of the Interstate 75 Bridge during the week of August 1, 2011. Equipment used will be (2) 40′x80 barges, (3) 40′x40′ barges, (1) 20′x40′ barge and (2) small push boats. They will be installing a sheet pile trench along the path of the waterline. The trench will be approximately 450′ in length. The floating equipment will be working in the vicinity of the sheeted trench and will be crossing the river from north to south and anticipate moving 40′ to 50′ each work day.
Hours of operations will be 7:00am – 5:30pm, Monday through Friday and will be monitored on VHF Channel 16. The work site will be surrounded by floating turbidity barrier and marked with lights at night. The project is expected to be completed in May 2012. For additional information please contact the Project Manager, Mr. Van Hogan 904-823-8817. Chart 11426

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on Peace River at the Interstate 75 Bridge

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS: Week 43/11 This alert refers to an area of shallow water west of the Gulf Waterway near statute mile 90.

FLORIDA-GULF INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY-ANNA MARIECHANNEL: Hazard to Navigation
The Coast Guard has received a report of a unmarked piling in approximate position 27-30-39.066N, 082-42-35.070W. All mariners are advised to transit this area with extreme caution. Chart 11425

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

We have plotted the position of the partially sunken vessel reported in the Local Notice to Mariner’s below. It seems to lie some .67 nautical miles north of Egmont Channel’s marker #17. This cut is Tampa Bay’s primary entrance channel, even for large, ocean going raft. Fortunately, the derelict is positioned so that it would take a gross navigational error for craft running the Egmont Channel to find it, but, nevertheless, we are declaring a Navigational Alert for these waters.

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-TAMPA BAY-EGMONT CHANNEL: Hazard to Navigation.
The Coast Guard received a report of a partially submerged 18FT white and blue Sea Ray with a 90 horsepower engine in approximate position 27-37.3N 082-45.58W. All mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. [Ref STP BNM 775-11] Chart 11415

A lot of local sailors go through this area north of the Egmont Channel, so your posting this alert is very useful.
James Williams

My wife and I came upon this vessel late Sunday afternoon, July 17, shortly after a heavy squall come through. The boat was listing to starboard and partially submerged. As we searched the area for possible occupants we heard faint cries of “help!, help!” We saw a cluster of people floating in the water about a quarter of a mile from the derelict. We went to the group and found a man with seven kids clinging to a boat seat and cushions. The children, four boys and three girls, ranged in ages from about 8 to 12. All seven were in life jackets. The man, father of the boys and uncle to the girls, did not have a life vest. He was clinging to the boat seat and a flotation cushion.
We were in a Chris Craft Corsair 26 I/O which has a stern platform and recessed boarding ladder which we deployed to rescue the party. They had only been in the water about 45 minutes but were pretty happy to see us show up. One of the little girls cried out as we shut down our engine to prepare to inboard them: “It’s a miracle!”
I wouldn’t go so far as to proclaim a miracle, but the outcome was a lot better than it might have been had we not come along.
The skipper of the hapless Sea Ray had just purchased it and had decided to take the youngster tubing off Fort DeSoto Park near the Egmont Channel. We were in the same squall that hit him and wind gusts were well above 50 knots with steep waves of 10 feet or more. (I have sailed cruising boats more than 40 years, have made numerous passages including a trans-Atlantic and seen my share of storms. Though short in duration, this ranked right up there in intensity.
It appeared that the wind and waves just swamped the Sea Ray . (I am not a big fan of bow riders in blue water). The skipper told me he feared his boatvwas going to overturn in the storm and trap the kids and him beneath it, so he abandoned ship.
We called the Coast Guard first, then later Sea Tow/Boat US. The tow service advised the skipper that salvage cost for the still floating Sea Ray was going to be a minimum of $1,800 he balked at first. When I pointed out that a boat that he said he had just paid $8,500 for was likely to sink with no insurance, the salvage charge seemed like a better option.
The last we saw of the hapless skipper and the seven youngsters is when we loaded them all into a very big Towboat US that had come along side. I thought the plan was to find the drifting Sea Ray (it was now dark) and tow it back to the tow boat’s base in Gulfport on Boca Ciega Bay.
Thus, I was a little surprised to see this Note on Cruisers’ Net six days later. The way the Sea Way was drifting Sunday night if she wasn’t towed in, I’d guess she’d be somewhere near Biloxi by now!
Richard Gilbert

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position North of Egmont Channel/Tampa Bay Entrance

The partially submerged “Slow Speed” sign reported in the Local Notice to Mariners extract below, lies right on the path of the Western Florida ICW, north of the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge, and just south of marker #15. ALL mariners transiting this section of the Western Florida Waterway should be on the alert for this potential hazard. We are establishing a Cruisers’ Net Navigation Alert for these waters!

FLORIDA-GULF INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY-TAMPA BAY TO PORT RICHEY-BOCA CIEGA BAY-TREASURE ISLAND: Hazard to Navigation
There is a partially submerged “Slow Speed” sign showing 1FT above the water near Treasure Island Daybeacon 15 (LLNR 61100) in approximate position 27-46.335N 082-45.220W. All mariners are advised to use caution when transiting the area. Chart 11411

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position North of the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge

We have plotted the position of the grounded sailcraft reported in the Local Notice to Mariners extract below, and it lies fairly close to the Caloosahatchee River’s western shoreline, north of Paradise Yacht Club. Considering its position, this derelict will probably affect most cruising craft, absent a rather gross navigational error. Nevertheless, all navigators operating on the waters of the Caloosahatchee River near Paradise Yacht Club, should take extra caution.

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-FORT MYERS-CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER: Hazard to Navigation
There is an aground 27FT white sailing vessel anchored and lit in the Caloosahatchee River in approximate position 26-37.8N 081-54.7W. All
mariners are advised to use caution when transiting the area. Chart 11427

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the General Location of the Grounded Vessel Reported Above

Well, this work couldn’t come too soon, as there have been some aids in these waters for years that didn’t mark any channel at all. Even the main Suwannee River Channel can only be relied upon to carry 4 1/2 feet at MLW.
Once over the entrance bar, however, the Suwannee is one of the Big Bend region’s most delightful streams, with beautiful scenery and multiple anchorage possibilities. So, if new markers can really help captains make better use of this delightful river, so much the better for the cruising community.

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-SUWANNEE RIVER AND SALT CREEK: Repair & Replacement of Aids and Information Signs
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission has contracted for the repair and replacement of the Aids to Navigation (ATON) and Information Signs at Salt Creek, West Pass/Alligator Pass and McGriff Channel (Wadley Pass) at the entrance to the Suwannee River and Salt Creek. This includes the replacement of the channel entrance marine aids to navigation lanterns at GPS: N 29° 14.58222 ‘ W 083° 11.78629′ (entrance to Alligator Pass Channel) and McGriff Channel (Wadley Pass) N 29° 18.57992 ‘ W 083° 12.01615′. The project started on May 18, 2011 and is expected to be completed by mid June 2011.
Any questions, please contact FWC Captain Richard Moore or Dawn Griffin at (850) 488-5600.
Chart 11408

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of A Portion of the Suwannee River Entrance Channel