Besides somewhat chilly temperatures in south Florida right now, here’s another reason to think twice before you dive!
Great white shark ‘George’ spotted off Gulf coast of Florida
According to OCEARCH, ‘George’ was spotted Sunday near the edge of Everglades National Park
Author: Associated Press
Published: 11:40 AM EST February 6, 2018
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY from wtsp.com
Be on the lookout for manatees! 2017 was the third highest mortality rate for manatees and tied with the all-time record for watercraft deaths.
More Than 6000 Manatees Counted In Florida
The survey serves as a loose population count. It’s conducted during Florida’s coldest days as manatees gather for warmth near deep canals, natural springs and power plants.
READ MORE from Amy Green, WUSF News
Manatee Rescued from Life Vest from CTVnews
Old Port Cove Marinas, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old Port Cove Marina
Causeway Cove Marina is east of the Indian River channel immediately south of the 65ft fixed bridge connecting Causeway Island with downtown Fort Pierce.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Causeway Cove Marina
Old Port Cove Marinas, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7.
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old Port Cove Marina
Sandpiper’s Cove Restaurant and Bar is a premier restaurant at Old Port Cove Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7.
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old Port Cove Marina
Here’s a free update from Navionics for boaters who assist in re-charting the Keys. Fun and Profit all in one offer!
Wanted: Your Help With Post-Irma Chart Updates from Florida Sportsman Editor
Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “Exhibit of Bahamian Art” plus 2 more
Exhibit of Bahamian Art
Posted: 19 Dec 2017 02:48 PM PST
If you are in the Stuart, FL area from now until February 25, 2018, you won’t want to miss a fabulous exhibit of the work of several Bahamian artists. The exhibit is at the Elliott Antique Automobile Museum at Stuart Beach. A variety of artists, some of whom were born in the 1800s, will bring joy to your eyes and heart. While you are there, you can also see numerous vintage vehicles as well as wooden speedboats, motorcycles, and lots of other antique artifacts. Enjoy!
Treasure Cay Christmas Events
Posted: 19 Dec 2017 02:42 PM PST
Development on Great and Little Stirrup Cay
Posted: 19 Dec 2017 02:39 PM PST
At the top of the Berry Island chain construction continues to turn Great and Little Stirrup Cays into a tourist fantasy land. A tower is under construction near the cruise ship beach on Great Stirrup Cay and the report of a pier to be built is on Little Stirrup Cay along with a large water park. Little Stirrup Cay (Co Co Cay) is owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and Great Stirrup Cay is owned by Norwegian Cruise Lines. Vessels in the area should use caution and expect cruise ships approaching and departing this area.
The City Marina has re-opened after being severely damaged by Hurricane Irma and is accepting transients. The marina has no fuel at this point, but the marina is staffed 24/7, has ice and the dinghy dock is open. Call ahead, 904-825-1026 to request services or make a reservation.
St. Augustine Municipal Marina losing half of its revenue
CLICK HERE FOR THIS VIDEO REPORT by Jessica Clark of WTLV
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Augustine City Marina
If you are familiar with these two channels, located south of Key Biscayne, into Biscayne Bay, let Kevin and us hear from you.
Is anyone familiar with entering Biscayne Bay via the Cape Florida Channel or Biscayne Channel? I draw 4.5 feet. What are the currents like? Thanks.
You shouldn’t have any trouble with either channel. Key Biscayne channel is better marked and perhaps a little deeper, but neither is a problem for your draft. Enjoy the trip through Stiltsville. The Cape Florida channel is not as well marked, but again no problem. However, be cautious of the sportfishers that run through it on plane. Some sails chose to anchor near the channel for a quick start to a Bahamas trip – not a good idea. Also, on weekends there is a lot of traffic here going to and from No Name Harbor and its restaurant. Currents on each are not an issue for boats under power.
Great advice Bill. Thanks for helping a fellow cruiser .
Despite opposition from Florida’s marine industry, see All Aboard Florida RR to Impact OWW Boaters the new high-speed rail service in south Florida is on schedule to begin operating. How severe the required RR bridge closures will be on navigation is yet to be known.
Florida Set To Launch Country’s First Private High-Speed Train Service 
December 7, 20174:25 PM ET by Samantha Raphelson of NPR’s Here and Now
I love how these morons try to justify their pet projects! They claim it can take up to five hours, West Palm Beach to Miami! I normally do that in an hour, in a tractor trailer!
A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Harbortown Marina lies off the southern shores of the Canaveral Barge Canal between Sykes Creek and the Banana River. This fine facility has now expanded their ship’s store!
Harbortown Marina – Canaveral – 12/7/17 Marina Update
Diesel Fuel Pump Outage
Our diesel fuel pump has been out of service for several weeks. Our fuel
tank and fuel pump service provider has been working to identify and correct the problem(s) but repairs have taken far longer than we ever anticipated.
The technician that will be completing the final re-wiring of the system
will be here again on Friday, December 8th. They believe they will have the
pump up and running within the next 24 hours, however, this time frame may change.
We truly apologize for any inconveniences this may have caused for our loyal diesel customers. Once the pump is back in service, we will send out a follow up communication.
If we can be of any assistance, please call us at (321) 453-0160 or stop by the office.
Celebrate Everglades’ 70th birthday with 10 interesting facts about the national park.
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Old Port Cove Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7. Looking for that special place to eat where you dock? Sandpiper’s Cove Restaurant is another great reason to visit Old Port Marinas especially during the Holidays!
Visiting Yachtsmen: Please contact the Old Port Cove Marina Office well in advance for Dockage Reservations 561-626-1760 and to make your dinner reservations, please call Sandpiper’s Cove Restaurant 561-626-2280
LET’S CELEBRATE, OUR 5th ANNIVERSARY TOGETHER!
Sandpiper Cove Restaurant
OLD PORT COVE HOLDINGS, INC. MARINAS
Sue Morgan, Marketing and Public Relations Director
www.OPCH.com
www.SANDPIPERSCOVE.com
“Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit.” B. Atkinson <“))))><(
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old Port Cove Marina
Our thanks to Vicki Lathom for this brief, but informative, report. Fernandina Harbor Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, was damaged by Matthew, but is now offering limited service as Vicki Lathom notes below. The Marina docks and restaurant are right in the heart of the many wonderful things to do and see in this special port. For latest dockage information, call 904-310-3300.
12 mooring balls. Five slips available. Restaurant open. No fuel
Vicki Lathom
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
We just anchored at Fernandina Beach for 3 nights and had a wonderful visit. New is a Island Hopper Shuttle which picks you up at City Hall and can take you to beach, Walmart, Publix and Winn Dixie for $1.00. A great improvement for crusiers! The hours are limited to 10am to about 4 PM. Another great find was a new bicycle rental place for $15 a day with delivery to the marina. Call Steve at 904-742-4740.
Fuel is available a few miles south at Amelia Island Marina, also check with them or Tiger Point for overnight slip with power
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is announcing the opportunity to apply for Derelict Vessel Removal Grants. The application period for the Bulk Derelict Vessel Removal Grant Program will begin on January 8, 2018 at 8:00 AM (EST), and end on February 21, 2018 at 5:00 PM (EST).
Applications received after February 21, 2018, will not be eligible for consideration in round one, but may be considered for a potential subsequent round, if funding remains available. All removal applications must demonstrate proof that due process was provided for each vessel’s owner. At a minimum, this would include an opportunity for the vessel owner to challenge the derelict vessel determination, either in criminal court or in an administrative hearing. Vessel cases not demonstrating that these opportunities have been offered to the owners of the vessels will not be considered for state funding assistance. Should funding be available for a second or subsequent rounds of applications, new announcements will be made. The grant guidelines and application form may be downloaded at: http://www.MyFWC.com/DVGrant.
You may also receive the guidelines and application by contacting Phil Horning at (850) 617-9540 or email DVGrant@MyFWC.com.
Applications that meet the requirements for the Rapid Removal Grant Program may be submitted at any time after the opportunity announcement start date, but no later than November 31, 2018 at 5:00pm (EST) (based on available funding). Rapid removal cases must also meet due process requirements. Total funding allocated for derelict vessel removal for fiscal year 2017/18 is $488,550. Applications may be mailed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Boating and Waterways Section, Derelict Vessel Grant Program Administrator, at 620 S. Meridian Street – Room 235, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600 or emailed to DVGrant@MyFWC.com.
For further information, please contact:
Phil Horning, Derelict Vessel Program Administrator, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, Boating and Waterways Section, (850) 617-9540 or email Phil.Horning@MyFWC.com
A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Old Port Cove is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7. A great place to spend your winter!
Ahoy Boaters:
Season has returned and we are thrilled to be welcoming so many of you back to the beautiful Palm Beaches! While both Old Port Cove and North Palm Beach Marinas are very full, we may have transient dockage available from time to time. Here’s the tip: Call as close to your ETA date as possible. It is very hard for us to know when a boater who has a lease on a slip will be away, that’s the reason.
With so many events and activities planned for the winter season at Sandpiper’s Cove Restaurant & Bar which is located on site at Old Port Cove Marina, we hope you will join us. In the meantime, Happy Cruising – Happy Holidays! Upcoming Events
All the best in cruising,
Sue Morgan, Marketing Director
Old Port Cove Holdings, Inc.
www.OPCH.com
www.SANDPIPERSCOVE.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old Port Cove Marina
We always have a wonderful time at Sandpiper Cove Restaurant located at Old Port Cove. Our North Palm Beach Yacht Club has fun every month for our dinner meetings. Food is fantastic and the service is lovely. Thank you!
Dr. Tringali – on behalf of the entire staff , THANK YOU, for your kind words. We appreciate that you took the time to write about your experience at Sandpiper’s Cove Restaurant located at Old Port Cove Marina. Have a wonderful Holiday Season!
A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Old Port Cove is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7. Looking for that special place to eat where you dock?
Sandpiper Cove Restaurant is another great reason to visit Old Port Marinas!
While You Were Sleeping, Our New Menu Rolled Out!
Sandpiper Cove Restaurant
CLICK HERE FOR SANDPIPER’S COVE’S NEW MENU!
OLD PORT COVE HOLDINGS, INC. MARINAS
Sue Morgan, Marketing and Public Relations Director
www.OPCH.com
www.SANDPIPERSCOVE.com
“Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit.” B. Atkinson <“))))><(
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old Port Cove Marina
Fort Pierce City Marina, a CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located west of the Waterway, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge, and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188.
Anne Maurer
Fort Pierce City Marina
772-464-1245
amaurer@city-ftpierce.com
fortpiercecitymarina.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fort Pierce City Marina
Comments from Cruisers (2)
Nick Johnson
Good thing it’s on the other side of the state. There were some sharks hanging out in south beach a few weeks ago too