Sunset Cove is one of the most popular anchorages in the northern Florida Keys. This haven is located on the waters of southeastern Buttonwood Sound, in charted Sunset Cove, near statute Mile 1143 off the Florida Keys Inside Route.
We consider the report below by Captain Nelson to reflect a very unfortunate situation. It appears as if the local government is doing its best to try and make dinghy access from the Sunset Cove anchorage as difficult as possible. Not exactly a welcoming attitude for the cruising community.
Then, turning the coin to the other side, Captain Bill’s remarks about those aboard what I call, the “live aboard hulks,” points out the very real problem in Florida involving this type of “vessel” and derelicts (abandoned vessels). By the way, please remember, I define “live aboard hulks” as boats that people are living on, that will probably never move again, except possibly downward to the bottom.

There is a new 6′ fence across the county access so you can’t come ashore unless you go to the hotel or Bayside.
My last time there will be my last time ever. Seems that some drugged out vagrants live on a few derelict sailboats. One sang and yelled for hours and hours keeping us all up until 3 am. Wish I had my red rider in these situations.
For now this place is cruiser unfriendly and vagrant friendly.
Bill Nelson

I can understand the problems that Florida is having with its drugged out and substance dependent types – they’re no different than elsewhere.
The problem is that Florida has not figured out that you and I and other snowbird cruisers are NOT the problem.
Until they do, I’m simply either staying out of Florida, or spending as little time and money as possible there. This trip, I’ll tank up in Georgia, and fill my diesel jerry jugs before crossing the border. If they want to treat us this way, we can retaliate with our wallets.
Wally Moran

ASSUMING THERE ARE REGULATIONS BY FISH & WILDLIFE AND/OR COAST GUARD GOVERNING: THE LENGTH OF STAY, NOISE AND WHATEVER ELSE, WHY DON’T THESE REGULATORY BODIES SIMPLY ENFORCE THEM THEIR REGULATIONS AND NOT BE HOSTILE TO THESE VISITORS TO OUR FABULOUS FLORIDA KEYS??
Bill Anderson

Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Sunset Cove

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Cove Anchorage