In July of 2016, several popular Miami area anchorages, including Sunset Lake, were declared to be Banned Anchoring Areas by the FWC. See Bill Murdock’s article and chart on these banned zones: /163814
Cruisers’ Net would like to know if any of you south Florida cruisers have attempted to anchor in Sunset Lake and, if so, what were the results? Is the ban being enforced? Let us hear from you.
We anchored north of Sunset Lake near Mount Sinai Hospital for three weeks last spring. The only boats we saw anchored in Sunset Lake were local motor boats stopping in the calm water for the afternoon to swim, sit in the sun, or frolic. We saw no cruising motor or sail anchored there and nothing anchored overnight.
I assume all anchoring spots not shaded on Waterway’s chart are still open to overnight anchoring.
Dinghy access is problem. The only two ‘legal’ spots are the dock at the police station with its 20 minute limit and the dock at the older Publics store on Collins Canal. We have been told that the Publics dock now has a time restriction. Bill Murdoch
A SALTY SOUTHEAST 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!
Upgrades, Updates, and More!
Here at Harbortown Marina – Canaveral, we are dedicated to providing a beautiful, comfortable marina for our residents and visitors to enjoy. Harbortown Marina – Canaveral has undergone several improvement projects, including new landscaping, bathroom renovations, a new marina store, and more! These changes, and the changes that are still to come, are all part of why Harbortown Marina – Canaveral is the place to be!
Introducing New Harbortown Marina – Canaveral General Manager: Bill Friedrich
“I am truly excited to be part of the Harbortown Team and appreciate the warm welcome to the community. During my first month at the marina, I saw that we do a lot of things really well. However, continuous improvement in all aspects of our daily operation will be the key to our future success.
I have been delighted with the facility upgrades, which were one of the first steps to enhancing both the customer and the team member experience at Harbortown Marina – Canaveral. I can definitely say there will be more enhancements to come as we strive to be the Space Coast marina of choice.”
Stick on a decal to show support for Florida’s manatees, sea turtles
There are more manatees and sea turtles in Florida than in any other state. More than 6,000 manatees swim in its coastal waters, rivers and freshwater springs, and thousands of sea turtles nest and hatch on its Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches.
It’s easy to show support for these iconic Florida species by sticking on a decal.
Every July the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) introduces new manatee and sea turtle decals available with a $5 donation.
The colorful, waterproof decals are designed to look great on a vehicle’s bumper or the side of a boat. Get them when registering or re-registering a vehicle or boat at local tax collectors’ offices across the state.
“Florida is home to more manatees and sea turtles than anywhere else in the U.S.,” said Carol Knox, who leads the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management Section. “Public support has been critical in helping us conserve these imperiled species. So please ‘stick on a decal’ and show support for our manatees and sea turtles.”
Decals generate funding for research, rescue and management efforts that help Florida’s manatees and sea turtles survive. For instance, when someone calls the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) to report an injured, entangled or sick manatee or sea turtle, FWC staff responds with efforts to rescue and rehabilitate the animal.
The decals also address important conservation issues:
“Look out for manatees” is the message on the new manatee decal, which shows boaters in the distance as a manatee mother and calf swim along with only her back above water.When boating or using a personal watercraft in Florida waters, it is important to look out for manatees. Mature manatees grow to 1,000 pounds or more, but can be difficult to see when they’re swimming, grazing or resting underwater. Wear polarized sunglasses, and then watch and listen carefully to detect the signs of manatees nearby. Look for circles on the water’s surface indicating their underwater movement and snouts sticking out of the water as they surface to breathe. You may also hear huffing noises when they come up for air.
“Helping sea turtles survive” is the message on the new sea turtle decal, which shows a green sea turtle. Green sea turtles nest on Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches, and until recently were classified as endangered. Now after years of conservation efforts, the number of nesting green turtles has increased substantially. This species has been reclassified as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. That’s a major step in “green” recovery. Remember, “Hands off” is the best policy for beachgoers encountering any species of nesting or hatchling sea turtles. Watch from a distance, do not disturb them and never use a cellphone or camera to shoot flash photos.
Oh, my aching back and arms! Our thanks to Sue Morgan for sharing this story. A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Old Port Cove is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7.
Rowing to New York from Miami – What a Daunting Journey! By Sue Morgan, Marketing Director, Old Port Cove Holdings, Inc.
Last Thursday, on a hot and sticky June evening, Old Port Cove Marina had the pleasure to host Greg Dougherty, President of the Covington Diocese World Apostolate of Fatima Division in Kentucky and his 18’ rowboat. You see Greg, is on a rowing excursion, a mere 1400 or so miles, from Miami to New York in an 18’ rowboat named the “Santa Maria de la Fatima.” Upon meeting Greg, of course, my first question was “Why would you undertake such a monumentous trip.? In a gentle voice filled with purpose he explained a great desire to raise awareness, show his dedication to and inspire children and families to have a relationship with Our Lady of Fatima. His desire was born following an event that occurred while in the tail effects of Hurricane Bertha in an ocean row boat 100 miles off the coast of Barbados. I can only imagine…or maybe I can’t! I found Greg to be an inspirational man with humor and wit and we joked about how skinny he’d be at the end of the trip. Suffice it to say, we were thrilled to contribute albeit it in a very small way his big journey. While the row boat was docked for the night, Greg stayed at the Passionist Monastery Retreat nearby. I’m certain he was much more comfortable there than the previous when circumstances led up to him sleeping onboard in West Palm Beach. Greg does have a rowing partner Gerald Sargent, a British Catholic but he had been delayed due to his duties with the Royal Marine. They trained together in the English Channel. I’d like to take the opportunity to encourage our marina neighbors along the eastern seaboard, to welcome Greg and his team with open arms to help them along their way. Also, please take pictures and post them to your social media channels to help spread the word! The entire crew here at Old Port Cove Marina wish Greg & Gerald fair winds and calm seas for the remainder of their inspirational rowing adventure! To learn more, click the following website, Rowing4Fatima.com
A SALTY SOUTHEAST 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!
Our Fully Stocked Marina Store is Now Open!
Harbortown Marina – Canaveral is happy to announce that our remodeled Marina Store is now open! Enjoy easy access to all of your boating needs, located right here on the Harbortown Marina – Canaveral property.
You Have the Boat. We Have the Parts!
The marina store carries a variety of parts, nuts, bolts, and fluids for your boat. Whether you are working on a D.I.Y boating project, or a repair, the Marina Store has what you need in-stock or available by special order.
Tell us why you love keeping your boat at Harbortown Marina – Canaveral. Or, if you do not currently keep your boat at Harbortown, tell us why you love boating!
Winner drawn at random. Winner to be announced on 6/28/2017.
You must comment on the original post on the Harbortown Marina – Canaveral Facebook page by 12:00 PM (noon) on 6/28/2017 to enter!
*This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
Our thanks to Kim Russo for sharing this good news via AGLCA‘s Forum and also to Mike Bodin of MTOA. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that in the future this law will stand up to the pressure on legislators from wealthy landowners to restrict anchoring.
Great news! I was just notified by our lobbyist that HB 7043 was approved by the Governor. It is law. As of now, no local municipality or county in the state of Florida may ban, restrict, or otherwise regulate an anchorage in Florida coastal waters. Loopers’ interest in this issue and financial contributions helped prevent the enactment of any setbacks that could have resulted in the elimination of any existing anchorages state wide.
Congratulations to all Loopers, members of MTOA, SSCA, and others who supported this effort, stuck with it, and made your voices heard! You have made a difference to the boating community. Special thanks goes out to Jerry Paul of Capitol Access for his diligent efforts on our behalf. His guidance and hard work made all the difference.
Kim Russo Director America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association krusso@greatloop.org
And this from Mike Bodin, MTOA Public Affairs:
Thank you AGLCA, SSCA, MTOA and DeFever, for your continued support. Florida’s anchoring Bill now is law. Florida’s new Mooring & Anchoring bill has become law. The Governor just approved HB 7043. It is law. As of now, the new law explicitly states no local municipality or county in the state of Florida may ban, restrict, or otherwise regulate an anchorage in Florida coastal waters. This plainly worded section of the new law eliminates each community from setting its own regulations. If this section was not plainly worded it would have resulted in many lost anchorages over time with boaters challenging cities for the right to anchor. Instead, we got the pre-emotion provision … preventing any local government from banning an anchorage. It was important for us to ensure there were no unreasonable setbacks in this bill. But, as I have said in the past, the single most valuable piece of this bill is the preemption provision. This seals off local governments. The only way that a new anchorage can be banned is by an Act of the entire Legislature and Governor. We can almost always kill such a bill. Moreover, we can likely kill any future effort to overturn the preemption or add new band and ranges in state statute. With the state level preemption and no local control, we are now in a position of strength. It is a home-field advantage for our side. Without preemption, however, the entire issue is a home game for all the anti-cruisers in EACH of their local communities… an infinite number battles that we would not be able to fight piecemeal. Moreover, SSCA, AGLCA, MTOA and DeFever prevented the enactment of any setbacks that could have resulted in the elimination of any existing anchorages state wide. Finally, you did a lot to rehabilitate some of the negative imagery about anchoring cruisers that had made its way to the Capitol. Congratulations to each of you, this team, and all the members of MTOA, SSCA, AGLCA, DeFever who supported your effort, stuck with you, and made your voices heard… to protect the freedoms of cruisers. The above is from our Tallahassee “Boaters Rights” Lobbyists Jerry Paul of Capitol Access who skillfully guided this legislation through six committee hearings with unanimous approval. Of major importance was the fact this was the accumulation of Florida’s 9-year, multi-million dollar, anchoring study resulting in a 256 page report. It was thought Florida’s new law may be a precedent for other states along the waterway. This was a primary cause to eliminate as much as possible harmful to boater’s language which would be in the new law. Counties, cities, waterside home owners and condominium groups were for local control to establish nonanchoring zones. Local control was totally defeated. Today the new law requires very high standards for counties to satisfy to even approach the state to establish new non-anchoring zones. Another major accomplishment, within the original FWC report, waterside residents were insistent for non-anchoring setbacks of 150’ up to 300’ along the waterway. This would have eliminated many now popular anchorages. The new law eliminated these setbacks for boaters. During this same time, we were instrumental with Florida’s new Derelict Vessel law, the previous bill was defeated because we felt it was too harsh for the boat owner, fines to high and did not give adequate time for owner removal. The new Derelict Vessel Law corrects these items. Mike Bodin MTOA Public Advocate
And this from BoatUS
NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria VA 22304 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
Florida Bill Strengthens Derelict Vessel Fight,
Promotes Environmentally Sound Public Access
BoatUS thanks governor and legislature
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., June 27, 2017 – The results of an eight-year pilot program are in, and Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature have acted. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) congratulates the governor and legislators on Friday’s passage of HB 7043 that promotes environmentally sound public access and helps address the issue of improperly stored, abandoned or derelict vessels. “These are sound regulations supported by responsible boaters,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy.
When the pilot program was enacted in 2009, a patchwork of local anchoring regulations sometimes made stopping difficult. Some boaters reported fearing a visit from law enforcement advising that they had “overstayed” their visit and needed to move on.
Conducted by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and five local governments including the City of St. Augustine, City of Stuart/Martin County, City of St. Petersburg, City of Sarasota and Monroe County/Marathon/Key West, the pilot tested a variety of methods of regulated anchoring, while still protecting the anchoring rights of the active cruising public. It also sought to reduce the growing population of derelict vessels in the state.
BoatUS expressly thanks Gov. Scott, Reps. Matt Caldwell (Lee County) Holly Raschein (Monroe County), Sen. Lauren Book (Broward County) and the FWC for their work on the bill.
Some of bill’s measures include:
providing commonsense anchoring regulations in and around mooring fields and waterway infrastructure. broadening the definition of a “derelict vessel”; for boats in use, adding new penalties for those whose vessel registration is expired beyond six months; and making it illegal to affix a vessel to an unpermitted, unauthorized or otherwise “unlawful object,” affixed to the bottom of the waters of the state. This could include an unpermitted mooring or an old engine block. giving local governments the option to require proof of pumpout after vessels have been anchored for 10 days or longer in federally managed no-discharge-zones (portions of the Florida Keys and waters off Destin).
That sounds like great new for boaters, just to clarify when you say no bans, restrictions etc. on coastal waters does this include the ICW or not? Thanks, Bill Cole.
If you are headed for the Bahamas this summer and would like company, give John and Judy a call.
Looking for buddy boat(s) to cruise the Bahamas. John and Judy are sailing a 35 ft Heritage, departing the Miami area the end of June or early July, looking for the company of other boats to join us on the trip. We find that sailing with a “buddy” or 2 increases the enjoyment. The cruising area will be the Abacos and Bimini. We are a retired couple and are not licensed boat captains, but John has extensive experience in the Bahamas, but not recently. If you think you would like to take the trip, give us a call at 863-655-4153 and we’ll talk about it. John and Judy Egizi
Our thanks to Kevin Koehl for this report and photo.
For those who cruise Florida’s East Coast on the ICW near Ormond Beach, the large rusting tug featuring The Pink Panther on the smoke stack has been an ICW icon for longer than most can remember. The tug was no longer afloat and was an environmental hazard. On June 2, the Coast Guard had the tug raised by a large crane and placed on a barge. The tug will be transported to Texas where it will be cut up for scrap. The ICW was closed during the day long removal operation. Kevin Koehl
David and Jaculeyn continue sharing the log of Elske via their delightful blog, The Voyage of Elske on America’s Great Loop. Today’s page recounts their visit to Palm Cove Marina in Jacksonville Beach. Palm Cove Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies south of unlighted daybeacon #31, off the western shores of the Waterway, in the heart of Jacksonville Beach.
David and Jaculeyn continue sharing the log of Elske via their delightful blog, The Voyage of Elske on America’s Great Loop. This page recounts their visit to the historic St. Augustine LightHouse which stands 161ft on St. Augustine Beach east of the Waterway.
The St Augustine Lighthouse is well worth visiting on Anastasia Island. The Museum is highly educational for all ages. If a person is inclined, the 14 stories can be climbed- 219!steps! David & I enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the exhibits but did not attempt the climb … perhaps some other time.
We learned about the history of the many shipwrecks, hurricanes and even an earthquake affecting St Augustine over the centuries. This Lighthouse saw Loyalist refugees from Charleston arrive after the Revolutionary War. The Civil War had immense influence here. It was directly affected by German UBoat submarines in WW2. Much archeological investigation is continuing here into the life local inhabitants such as the Lighthouse Keepers.
Another part of the property was devoted to the promotion and preservation of wooden boat building skills. The boats being built were exquisite.
Elske departs At 0705 on Memorial Day. We hate to leave after a long sojourn.
It is a very low “astronomical” low tide. The Bridge of Lions usually has a clearance height of 18 ft but today the side board registered 23 ft.
Mayport is at the mouth of the St. Johns River east of the St. Johns/AICW intersection.
News Release May 25, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Jacksonville Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Jacksonville Office: (904) 714-7606/7607 After Hours: (305) 318-1864
Media Advisory: Coast Guard Auxiliary to hold vessel safety check demonstration in Jacksonville
WHO: Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary
WHAT: A Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel safety check demonstration
WHEN: Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Media interested in attending are asked to RSVP no later than noon Friday with Coast Guard Public Affairs at 305-318-1864.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary are scheduled to hold a vessel safety check demonstration Saturday for the media at Mayport Boat Ramp.
The event is being held as a part of National Safe Boating Week.
A VSC allows Auxiliarists to ensure a boat, kayak, canoe or even a paddleboard is seaworthy. Auxiliarists also check other equipment aboard, such as fire extinguishers and signal flares, to ensure their proper function and make recommendations to boaters on what they should have aboard.
This service is offered to the public for free. Anyone interested in scheduling a VSC can do so at the following link: http://cgaux.org/vsc/
National Safe Boating Week is an annual campaign held toward the end of May to reemphasize the importance of safe boating practices and the use of boating safety equipment. Events are held throughout the country to educate the boating public and offer boating advice.
At the intersection of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Okeechobee Waterway, Martin County, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is a hub of boating activity and of events of interest to boaters.
Fish Where the Fish Are… in Martin County, Florida
Martin County, Florida, is popular with fish. Lots of fish. More than 800 different species within a ten-mile radius of the St. Lucie Inlet, to be exact, according to Dr. Grant Gilmore, a renowned marine scientist.
On the Atlantic coast, Martin County is just 85 miles north of Fort Lauderdale, in the overlap of two climate zones. This environment, along with a healthy reef system and the warm Gulf Stream current, bring lots of fish to these waters.
Which makes for excellent fishing here, regardless of what type of angler you are and what type of fish you like to catch.
Stuart, the county seat, has been called “Sailfish Capital of the World” since the 1950s, and with good reason. A 1949 Palm Beach Times article tells the tale of a fishing captain who ran out of bait and had to turn back after boating 19 ‘sails in a single outing. Sailfish are the fastest marine predators, and in winter months, it’s not uncommon to hook multiple sailfish at one time.
One recent angler tells the story of reeling in a mahi when a marlin came up and ate it. An hour and a half later, the fisherman landed the marlin on a line meant for a mahi. Other salt-water species that lead to mighty fish tales include Wahoo, pompano, grouper, snapper, cobia, sea bass and kingfish.
Martin County is renowned for its fresh-water fishing, too. The county stretches from the Atlantic Ocean on the east to the fresh waters of Lake Okeechobee on the west, with a rich system of rivers and canals in between. It’s possible to fish from Stuart all the way to Fort Myers and the Gulf of Mexico via the Okeechobee Waterway. Snook, tarpon, bass, redfish and seatrout are just a few of the fish that are plentiful and fun to catch inshore.
They call this area Florida’s Treasure Coast. Fishing enthusiasts who visit know why. It’s enough to make you say Wahoo!
David and Jaculeyn continue sharing the log of Elske via their delightful blog, The Voyage of Elske on America’s Great Loop. This page recounts their visit to St. Augustine, a popular north Florida stop for Waterway cruisers.
This notice is shared with us by Brad Pickle, Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association.
From: Janet Zimmerman Date: May 16, 2017 at 1:58:31 PM EDT To: Undisclosed recipients:; Subject: Town Meeting tonight 5/16/17: Jupiter speed zone change request.pdf
An item on tonight’s Town of Jupiter Town Council meeting agenda is a resolution of support for adding additional slow speed zone to the ICW in North Palm Beach County. Please see the attached agenda item and the link below for the overall agenda.
RESOLUTION NO. 44-17 A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF JUPITER, FLORIDA, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE “MINIMUM SPEED/NO WAKE ZONE” IN THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY NORTH FROM THE C.R. 707 BRIDGE TO THE NORTHERN BOUNDARY OF CORAL COVE PARK FOR A DISTANCE OF 0.8 MILE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, the Indian River Lagoon between the C.R. 707 Bridge (South Beach Road) and the northern boundary of Coral Cove Park is a popular location for boating, kayaking, paddle-boarding, snorkeling and general recreational swimming; and WHEREAS, current Intracoastal Waterway regulations allow powerboats to travel at speeds up to 25 miles per hour in the navigable channel and at “slow speed — minimum wake” outside of the channel in this area; and WHEREAS, powerboat acceleration and deceleration, along with the wake generated by boats traveling at such speeds creates a variety of issues harmful to the public health, safety and welfare, including physical danger and injury to snorkelers and swimmers, dangerous bridge navigation by multiple competing boats of varying sizes, accelerated degradation and erosion of adjacent and near-by shorelines, loss of mangrove islands, harm to special status species (e.g. West Indian Manatee, and Johnson Seagrass),and damage to infrastructure and personal property such as docks and other boats; and WHEREAS, an extension of the “minimum speed/no wake zone” (which currently terminates at the C.R 707 Bridge) north to the northern boundary of Coral Cove Park would impose a boating restriction in this area requiring boats in the navigable channel to travel at slow speed and produce minimum wake, and would further require boats outside of the navigable channel to travel at idle speed and produce no wake; and WHEREAS, the imposition of such boating restrictions in this area would increase boater safety especially related to bridge navigation; would, on average, only increase travel time through this area by a matter of minutes; and would reduce, minimize, and even eliminate the above referenced dangers to the public health, safety and welfare by current powerboat acceleration and deceleration, along with the wake generated by boats traveling at the higher speeds that are currently permitted; and WHEREAS, the Town Council has been made aware of a current local effort to extend the “minimum speed/no-wake zone” (which currently terminates at the C.R: 707 Bridge) north to the northern boundary of Coral Cove Park: for the reasons articulated above; and WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to express its support for this effort as an important means of protecting the public health, safety and welfare. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF JUPITER, PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1: The above recitals are true and correct, and are incorporated into this Resolution and are hereby specifically made a part hereof. Section 2: The Town Council of the Town of Jupiter hereby expresses its support for the local effort to extend the “minimum speed/wake zone” (which currently terminates at the C.R. 707 Bridge) north in the Indian River Lagoon from the C.R. 707 Bridge (South Beach Road) to the northern boundary of Coral Cove Park, thereby requiring boats in the navigable channel of the Intracoastal Waterway in this area to travel at slow speed and produce minimum wake, and thereby further requiring boats outside of the navigable channel in this area to travel at idle speed and produce no wake. Section 3: The Town Manager is directed to do all things necessary to effectuate the intent of the Town Council as expressed herein. Section 4: The Town Clerk is directed to provide a copy of this Resolution to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Palm Beach County, the Village of Tequesta and Jupiter Inlet Colony, and the Marine Industry Association of Palm Beach County. Section 5: This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its execution.
Good reports keep pouring in for SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Marineland Marina which lies south – southeast of AICW marker #87, along the Waterway’s eastern shore. Our thanks to David and Jaculeyn for sharing their delightful blog.
Folks at Vero Beach has recommended Marineland Marina to us as a “must do” layover. We are very glad we did. This marina is undergoing renovations. Brand-new floating docks have been installed. A new dock-master’s office is under construction. The staff are delightful highly customer-service focused young men who are enthusiastic about meeting the needs of boaters.
The Atlantic Ocean is directly across the road A1A from the Marina. We were able to enjoy walking on the sand but did not go in the water as it was quite rough.
We toured Marineland. The experience can best be described as a “blast from the past.” It is a simple place full of history and yet an active living aquatic experience for visitors today. Jackie remembers going to Marineland as a child, so this was a bit of a memory jogger for her. We had the honor of a “private” 45-minute tour with 2 delightful young women who clearly love what they do. Marineland was started in 1938 as a movie studio and then grew and changed over the years. It was the sight for WWII Naval training exercises. It was the first oceanarium and provided early training of dolphins. The first of whom was Nellie who lived to a very old age, the oldest known dolphin in captivity. Marineland now has an educational and research focus thanks to funding by the Vanderbilt Whitney family, the University of Florida and the Georgia Aquarium. There are no longer “dolphin shows” like Sea World or other amusement parks. It was fun to see pictures of the old TV shows and movies that have been filmed here. Jackie’s favorite was SEA HUNT with a very young Lloyd Bridges. We also got to see the educational part in action with a group of elementary school children on a field trip. They clearly were learning about the aquatic world and showed great enthusiasm for the dolphins and the other sea creatures here. David and Jaculeyn
Our thanks to Captain Chris for this notice of dredging and shoaling near Fort Pierce City Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!. The entrance channel runs to the west, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge, and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188.
South of temporary buoy 188A. Sand bar off FP City Marina Discharge pipeline goes north to ship channel then out to sea and onto beach south of jetties. Captain Chris Caldwell
This water hazard warning comes to you from John Ellor via AGLCA’s Forum. Thank you John. Loggerhead Club Marina lies west and a bit south of the AICW’s marker #122 in Vero Beach, FL.
We entered the channel to the marina. We had to slow down for a rowing crew that cut in front of us. We were pushed to the south edge of the channel by a strong current and NW wind. All of a sudden we hit something and were unable to move. It was the submerged concrete daymark # 11. We had to be towed to Ft. Pierce having sustained a bent prop. Evidently the marker has been down for some time . There is nothing to mark this hazard, nor did anyone warn us of its existence. The maximum depth of the channel is 6′ with solid rock under the layer of silt. The daymarks have been tipped over twice in the last year because there is no way to anchor the posts on the underlying rock. We will NEVER stay here again. Marina took no responsibility whatsoever. John Ellor
Interesting no one suggests reporting to the Coast Guard so that they can publish in a Notice to Mariners and also take appropriate action. Private nav aids must have a permit to be erected. The permit is issued by the Coast Guard. The permit states that the nav aid must be maintained by the permit holder. The enforcer is the CG. Ted Stehle, AGLCA Forum
The Daymarks to Loggerhead Marina in Vero are listed on the Chart as Private Aids. The Coast Guard does not maintain private aids. It does make note of their presence, location and condition and the Coast Guard should be notified if the Daymark is damaged or destroyed to note the hazard in the notice to mariners. Someone in Vero is responsible for maintaining these private aids. The Coast Guard probably has a record of who is responsible for maintaining these so they can be notified if they receive a report of a damaged or missing private daymark.
The Marker Mr. Ellor refers to is sitting outside the channel. His boat came to lie on top of the marker after not following instructions to stay center channel. I understand he had to avoid some rowers that entered the channel yet did not maintain control of his vessel to stay within the channel. Any one wishing a clear photo of his vessel out of the channel only need ask. we have hundred of vessels in and out of our facility every year without any problem.
Given the currents in the St. Lucie River, should a sudden stop be necessary, as described by Capt. Ellor, current can easily force a vessel out of the channel, And, in this instance, onto an unmarked hazard, the base of a private AtoN installed by the marina. The simple step of buoying the hazard shows anyone, particularly those unfamiliar with the area, the location of a hazard. Blaming Capt. Ellor for failing to see an unmarked submerged hazard, created by the marina, is hardly practicing good customer relations.
Loggerhead Marinas on the east coast of Florida have been popular with boaters for a number of years and SSECN wishes the new owners the very best.
We are proud to announce the acquisition of eleven Loggerhead Marinas by Suntex Marinas, a Dallas based owner and operator of premier waterfront destination properties. Suntex has owned and operated 37 marina properties across the United States and Caribbean, and we are very excited about adding these properties to our current portfolio of 32 Marinas in Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Maryland, Iowa, Oklahoma and Kentucky.
The Properties that will now be part of Suntex Marinas family:
Loggerhead Marina – South Miami Loggerhead Marina – Riviera Beach Loggerhead Marina – Aventura Loggerhead Marina – Jupiter Loggerhead Marina – Hollywood Loggerhead Marina – Vero Beach Loggerhead Marina – South Lantana Loggerhead Marina – Daytona Beach Loggerhead Marina – Lantana Loggerhead Marina – St Petersberg The services and quality standards you are accustomed to will remain the same, sustaining the quality reputation that Loggerhead has built over the years. Additional operational support will be provided to the property by Suntex Marinas, which is led by our team of industry professionals. Everyone will be working to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. It is our goal each day to facilitate unforgettable life long memories.
At Suntex our culture drives our daily behaviors. We have a unique set of core values that are essential in every marina we own and manage.
MAKE IT HAPPEN We hold ourselves and each other accountable. Find solutions, not excuses. Measure performance to drive improvement. Roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and get the job done. MAKE IT RIGHT We act with integrity, especially when no one is looking. Commit to quality. Say what you mean, do what you say. Honor your faith and your word. MAKE IT TOGETHER We succeed as one Team. Put the Team before yourself. Seize opportunities and face challenges collectively. Do what has never been done…together. MAKE IT FUN We love what we do and it shows. Work hard play hard. Bring energy and passion to everything you do. Be the reason someone smiles today. With the change in ownership, many of the properties will see exciting changes in the coming months, such as new dock construction and additional merchandise offerings to name a few. Announcements with more specific information and timing regarding our changes will be coming to you in monthly newsletters beginning soon. We hope you look forward to being part of the Suntex family and partnering together to continue making these marinas THE destination in Florida.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this change, please feel free to give us a call at your local marina office. Sincerely, Stephen Lehn Suntex Marinas, Head of Operations
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)
marty jones- July 10, 2019 - 2:35 pm
BURKEY MARINE GROUP MOBILE MARINE DIESEL WEST PALM BEACH Big Diesel Marine 772 215 7663
PLEASE CONTACT US TODAY FOR ESTIMATES ON THE FOLLOWING Performance checks and sea trials Engine surveys and trouble shooting Boreascope and internal engine analysis Electronic Diagnostics Tests Oil and Fuel sample analysis Preventative Maintenance Packages and servicing Marine gear service Engine and Generator rebuilds Re-power / New installations Engine Alignment Servicing most major brand including Caterpillar, MAN, MTU, Cummings, Detroit Diesel, MTU, John Deere, Twin Disk, ZF, Allison, Northern Lights, Kohler, Westerbeke, Onan and Lugger COORDINATED DIESEL AND ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENTS CAN HANDLE ALL YOUR DIESEL MACHINERY NEEDS
Comments from Cruisers (2)
We anchored north of Sunset Lake near Mount Sinai Hospital for three weeks last spring. The only boats we saw anchored in Sunset Lake were local motor boats stopping in the calm water for the afternoon to swim, sit in the sun, or frolic. We saw no cruising motor or sail anchored there and nothing anchored overnight.
I assume all anchoring spots not shaded on Waterway’s chart are still open to overnight anchoring.
Dinghy access is problem. The only two ‘legal’ spots are the dock at the police station with its 20 minute limit and the dock at the older Publics store on Collins Canal. We have been told that the Publics dock now has a time restriction.
Bill Murdoch
Are you seriously asking people to admit, on the Internet, that they broke the law?