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

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 say 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

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

The Hillsborough River winds through the heart of downtown Tampa, but, north of the Davis Islands, I have never thought of this stream as being commercially important. I must be error, as the lengthy dredging project, described below, will commence near the southern mouth of Hillsoborough River, just north of the Davis Islands. All pleasure craft operating on these waters until at least March 9, 2012, should proceed with caution!

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-TAMPA- HILLSBOROUGH RIVER: Dredging Operations
Johnson Bros., has commenced dredging operations on the Hillsborough River at the overpass of Brorein Street and the over pass of the crosstown expressway. The operations began June 7, 2011 approximate completion date March 9, 2012.
A barge will be on scene 24 hours a day – 7 days per week the dredging operations will take place between 7:00am and 7:00pm with some weekend work monitoring VHF channels 16. There will be a spud barge, material barge, push boat and small skiff equipment on scene. The spud barge will have a 50 ton crawler crane aboard. The crane will be marked and the barge will have lights. All mariners are to proceed with extreme caution while transiting the area.
For further information please contact Mr. Paul Duchene at (321) 239-3868, or Mr. Tom Charles (407) 467-1112. Chart 11416

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Southern Mouth of the Hillsborough River

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

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

I certainly wish the USCG could have been a bit more specific about the location of the semi-sunken vessel described below. It looks like to us that the derelict sits somewhere north of the Pineallas Bayway “E” bridge, and not too far from the Western Florida ICW. All vessels northbound on the ICW, north of Tampa Bay, please take note!

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-PINELLAS BAYWAY: Hazard to Navigation.
The Coast Guard has received a report of a sunken 40 FT recreational vessel with an aluminum bimini top exposed 3-4 FT above the waterline S of
Isla Del Sol near the Pinellas Bayway Bridge Echo. All mariners are advised to transit the area with caution!

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position Near the Semi-Sunken Vessel Reported Above

We have charted the reported sunken craft featured in the Local Notice to Mariners extract below. The derelict seems to lie hard by the southern flank of the official ICW channel, south of Point Pinellas, and between markers #6 and #7. Many north or southbound captains, who do not wish to enter Tampa Bay, bypass this portion of the Western Florida ICW, by following the so-called Sunshine Skyway Channel. In fact, many think this latter route is actually a leg of the ICW.
However, tons of cruisers on Tampa Bay make use of the ICW channel to exit Tampa Bay, cruise under the Misner Bridge and then cut north towards Clearwater on the Western Florida ICW. ALL cruisers plying this route will want to make note of the sunken vessel described below.
And, if you have more information about this derelict, or have seen it, PLEASE click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information!

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-PINELLAS POINT: Hazard to Navigation
The Coast Guard has received a report of a sunken sailing vessel in 8ft of water with approximately 3ft of the bow sticking out of the water in the vicinity of Pinellas Point in approximate position 27-41.692N 082-38.291W. All mariners are requested to use extreme caution while transiting the area

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Reported Site of the Sunken Vessel, South of Point Pinellas

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

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

The so-called Sunshine Skyway Fishing Piers were originally part of the approaches to both side of the old bridge which used to span the mouth of Tampa Bay. This was the structure that was tragically struck by a barge many years ago in a blinding rainstorm. The center span collapsed, and several cars and one large bus drove right off the bridge, due to the almost complete lack of visibility.
Anyway, presumably these old roadways have deteriorated, and are being removed. A check of chart 11411 reveals that work on the north side “pier” will come somewhat close to the southerly genesis of the Sunshine Skyway Channel, while removal of the southern “pier,” will probably be of less concern to cruising captains. However, ALL boats cruising under the Skyway Bridge should be alert of barges and other equipment while this removal project goes forward.

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-TAMPA BAY-SUNSHINE SKYWAY FISHING PIER: Bridge Demolition
Misener Marine Construction, Inc will be removing the existing Sunshine Skyway Fishing Piers using conventional means and methods. The Piers will be removed in sections utilizing multiple work floats and spud barges, which will be staged in the area during the duration of the project. The TUG TEDDY will be on scene facilitating the movement of the barges. The project will begin the week of June 20th, 2011 and is expected to continue until November, 2011. There is no impact to the navigable channel but mariners are reminded to exercise extreme caution and give the work crews ample room when transiting the area and may contact Misener Marine on VHF Channels 13, 16, or at 813-325-1599 for further details. Chart 11416

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

The terse statement below, taken from the Local Notice to Mariners, seems to specify the addition of a new aid to navigation on the marked Manatee River entrance channel, leading from Tampa Bay. We have plotted the reported position of this new marker, and it seems to lie just north of charted, lighted marker #4.
Clearly new marker #3 has been placed to warn of shoaling along the northern flank of the Manatee River approach cut. We are establishing an SSECN Navigational Alert here until the NOAA charts begin showing this aid to navigation.

FL West Coast Tampa Bay
Shoaling has been reported – Manatee River DBN 3 (LLNR 21870) has been established in position 27-32-10.760N 082-40-08.436W to mark shoaling. Chart 11425 week 1911

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Reported Position of New Marker #3 on the Manatee River Approach Channel

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

We sincerely thank captain and crew of the vessel “Fairwinds” for supplying the Western Florida ICW shoaling report below. A study of chart 11425 does indeed suggest shoaling along the Waterway’s western flank, south of the Tom Adams Bridge (follow “Chart View” link below), but we are not able to confirm the “head directly toward the moored boats/mangrove” advice at this time.
If ANYONE has more info about this shoaling, PLEASE click the “Contribute Here to Submit Cruising News” link on the upper right of this page, and share your information!
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is declaring a “Navigational Alert” for these waters!

Beware shoaling south of T. Adams Bridge along the west edge of the ICW. To avoid this shoal that has formed further north than shown on the charts, turn toward the moored boats immediately after clearing the bridge (if southbound) and head directly toward the moored boats/mangrove. Note the additional shoaling north of the mooring field.
Fairwinds

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on the Western Florida ICW, south of the Tom Adams Bridge

The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has already established a Navigational Alert for this errant inlet, which lies south of Venice, Florida, due to an absence of navigational aids, and a remarking project in progress. Now, we hear that there is a real danger of one’s keel finding an underwater pile of “junk.” All cruisers making use of Stump Pass need to proceed at MAXIMUM ALERT, or better yet, make use of deep rand reliable Venice pass to the north!
We are establishing a second Navigational Alert for these waters!

There is a large tangle of gear on the bottom in the anchorage just S of the stump pass entrance on the inside. It consists of a large (approx) 700 lb. mushroom anchor and a helical ground anchor tangled with a section of large chain and 1″ wire rope. This, apparently left by the recent dredging operation lies 55-75 yards SE of the first dock one will pass upon heading into this anchorage and passage to the Knight Island anchorage and docks, in 7-10 feet of water. I became tangled in this on Saturday, 27 August and had to leave my anchor. The obstruction was observed by my diver when we retrieved the anchor. This was reported to the Coast Guard, but I don’t know if they have any responsibility in this area.
Rick Cass

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Stump Pass

The Western Florida ICW channel through Lemon Bay has always been notorious for shoaling along its edges. However, the shoaling discovered the hard way, described below, by Captain RB, calls for extra attention by ALL captains cruising this section of the Western florida ICW.
We are establishing an SSECN Navigation Alert for this section of the Western Florida Waterway. Please follow the link below to open a Chart View page zoomed to this Alert!

We ran on the inside to Cape Haze Marina and for the first time in over 30 years of boating I had to get commercial help (Tow Boat US) to get pulled off a sand bar. The spot is between 11 and 13 in Lemon Bay very near Stump Pass. A shoal is encroaching in the channel on the red [East] side. So definitely slow down and favor the green [western] side. I draw 5 feet and ran aground about 2 hours before high tide but there had been that Northern wind that was blowing that day and the 2 days prior. The tow boat driver (very nice) said that the day before he towed a 55, 46, & 39 footer from that same spot. So I don’t think I made a major error. Fortunately I knew I was in trouble and had slowed down and was out of gear so no apparent damage. The tow was $972 (13/ft plus 160/hr). Did not wish to spend the money but I am glad they were there as I was not getting of by myself and it took him a solid hour of pulling to get us to about 150 feet to the channel. Any way let your readers know so they can be prepared for this problem area.
RB

Came through this section on 1/31/11 at 13:30 with 0.8 ft tide. Stayed center channel and saw no less than 9 ft.
John Vierra

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on the Lemon Bay section of the Western Florida ICW

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

We have plotted the position of the vessel reported sunken in the notice below, and it seems to lie well east of the Western Florida ICW, near where the norther reaches of Pine Island Sound melt into Charlotte Harbor. Follow the Navigational Alert below, and take a look for yourself where this derelict is located. All Western Florida cruisers are strongly advised to avoid these immediate waters.

FLORIDA-WEST COAST-SAN CARLOS BAY-BOCA GRANDE: Hazard to Navigation.
The Coast Guard has received a report of a 42 FT vessel completely submerged in 9.5 FT of water 2NM E-SE of Boca Grande Pass in position 26-
42.345N 082-13.245W. All mariners are advised to transit the area with caution. Chart 11420

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Reported Position of the Sunken Vessel Detailed Above (near northern Pine Island Sound and St. M. 25)

A check of chart 11427 reveals that marker #45A denotes the western flank of the Western Florida ICW, and is normally located east of North Captiva Island. Thankfully, according to the note below which is extracted from the Local Notice to Mariners, a temporary lighted buoy. Even so, ALL mariners should exercise maximum caution while navigating the Pine Island Sound portion of the Waterway.
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is declaring a navigational alert at the site of #45A!

FLORIDA- INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY-ESTERO BAY TO LEMON BAY-PINE ISLAND SOUND: Hazard to Navigation.
Pine Island Sound Light 45A (LLNR 55900) is destroyed and sitting approximately 2ft above the waterline. The aid has been temporarily replaced with a TRLB displaying Q Fl G characteristics and set 15 yards channel ward in position 26-35-35.682N 082-11-42.640W. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution while transiting the area.
Chart 11426 and 11428

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Marker #45A on the Pine Island Sound Section of the Western Florida ICW