As part of the discussion of new Florida Keys Anchorage regulations (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=96458), we noted:

“3. In Marathon and Keys West, “no anchorage buffer zones” have been established around the city mooring fields.”

This factoid prompted the following, well considered question from Captain Peter TenHaagen:

Curious about the status of Sister Creek south of Boot Key Harbor as a legal anchorage spot?
Peter TenHaagen

That got us to thinking that we really should research the location and size of all the “no anchorage buffer zones” established by the new Florida Keys anchorage regulations. So, after some digging, below we have reproduced the wording from the actual ordinance:

So, to answer Captain TenHaagen’s question directly, it looks as if the waters of Sister Creek, are NOT included in the “No Anchor Buffer Zones,” as these are more than fifty feet from the Boot Key Harbor mooring fields.

And, finally, here is a very hard to read map, which, if you can see them, shows where the official mooring fields are located in Boot Key Harbor. This map does NOT show the “no anchorage buffer zones,” but clearly the waters of Sister Creek are more than 50 feet from the fields.
Notice, HOWEVER, the map does show that Sister Creek IS PART OF THE MANAGED ANCHORAGE AREA, so, conceivably, the creek’s waters could be further regulated in the future!

Not an expert on the area, but my recollection of Sister Creek is one of VERY limited swing room.
Bill Dixon

We anchor in Sister Creek Regularly to let the Boy Scouts on our Eco Adventure trips with Florida Seabase Kayak the amazing loop trail through Whiskey Creek. For a temporary anchorage it is fine, however you must be careful not to block the channel, there is a lot of boat traffic. There is also a strong tidal current.
Captain Harold Ochstein