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. Still Clueless is definitely not clueless about Marineland Marina!
Had a wonderful stay here, once again! Eric and his staff are awesome 🙂 They go out of their way to ensure you, and your boat are comfortable! Super clean marina, and waters thanks to their efforts. Thanks again for a nice stay 🙂 Still Clueless
If you are a boater or resident in the area and are familiar with the history of the Port Canaveral Lock system, maybe you could address Travis’ questions. I think we would all like to hear from you.
From the Atlantic, Canaveral Barge Canal, with a single 600X90ft lock, crosses Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island and intersects the Waterway at statute mile 894. The lock has been closed Monday – Friday from 7AM to 5PM since June of 2015. See /149146.
I would like to know how we could get the locks open to assist the lagoon as well, and what is the reasoning behind the lock system? Travis Zimmer
As I understand it, the purpose of the Port Canaveral lock is to isolate the port from the Lagoon to avoid strong tidal flow through the port and the attendant shoaling and difficulties for large ship maneuvering that come with strong currents. The lack of strong current on the ebb tide in the entrance channel does make the Port one of the safest entrances on the east coast in rough weather (no “stacking” of waves at the entrance).
Opening the locks to improve tidal flushing of the lagoon has been considered and has been modeled by coastal engineers, but would probably compromise the port operations and maintenance.
Located south-southeast of AICW marker #27, Titusville Municipal Marina is one of the best medium-sized municipal marinas on the Eastern Florida coastline. And now, as praised below by Robert Sherer, has a super WiFi system. It is also only a short driving distance from Dixie Cross Roads Seafood Restaurant, one of the best in the south!
This marina had WiFi professionally installed and I no longer need a WiFi amp. I can stream Netflix with no stuttering. Tested speed runs between 6 and 10 Mbps. This is the only marina I’ve been in along the ICW that I can stream Netfix in the evening. The staff is friendly and competent, the docks are super sturdy, laundry is only $1/load, there’s a nearby dog park and downtown is a short walk away. At $1.44/ft (fourth day free) or $10/month, it’s a great value. Robert Sherer
Who: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Why: As boating season in Florida gets underway, boaters can choose to have fun and stay safe on Florida’s waters. And the FWC can help.
Background: As the boating capital of the world, Florida leads the nation with nearly 1 million registered vessels across the state and is known as the prime boating spot for residents and visitors. The FWC wants everyone to enjoy boating opportunities safely. It conducts boating safety education campaigns to support this goal by encouraging boaters to wear a life jacket, 360-degree operator awareness and sober boating. FWC officers assist and educate vessel operators year-round.
Shocking images of Florida’s Indian River Lagoon show hundreds of thousands of dead, rotting fish floating in polluted water as far as the eye can see.
The lagoon system includes the Indian River, Mosquito and Banana river lagoons that make up the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway along eastern Florida. It’s home to more than 3,000 species of plants and animals, and is the most biodiverse lagoon ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere, according to International Business Times. CLICK HERE for the full story from OpposingViews.com.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is providing status updates each weekday to keep people informed on the state’s cooperative efforts in response to a brown tide event in the northern Indian River Lagoon/Banana River. These updates will help residents stay informed of the conditions in the lagoon, as well as the latest actions by the State of Florida.
Last week, agency leadership from FWC, Department of Environmental Protection, St. Johns River Water Management District and Department of Health toured the Banana River near Cocoa Beach down to Patrick Air Force Base. They were joined by Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Senator Thad Altman. In addition, they met with Brigadier General Wayne R. Monteith and other partners at the base. They observed the brown tide event and discussed current status with experts and health officials as well as witnessed local, county, SJRWMD, FWC and DEP crews assisting with cleanup led by Brevard County related to fish mortality.
There are no new reports of fish mortality via the fish kill hotline (1-800-636-0511) as of April 5.
Fourteen water samples were collected April 6 from northern Indian River, Middle Banana River, Thousand Islands at Ramp road, Eau Gallie Causeway, Melbourne Causeway, W. Cocoa Beach Causeway and Sykes Creek (80 total samples). Results are expected the end of the week.
DEP Deputy Secretary Drew Bartlett and SJRWMD Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle visited Brevard County April 6 to discuss the current state of the Indian River Lagoon. They heard from local representatives about the issue and shared with those individuals what each agency is doing to help with improvements.
Northern Indian River Lagoon Brown Tide Event
Water from Lake Okeechobee does not reach Brevard County through the Indian River Lagoon; therefore, there is no evidence the brown tide event is related to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ freshwater discharges from Lake Okeechobee.
FWC continues to work closely with the DEP, SJRWMD, DOH and other state, regional and local agencies to assess and respond to the large brown algal bloom in the Indian River and Banana River lagoons, including monitoring environmental conditions.
While brown algae is non-toxic to humans, it can reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, impacting fish and other wildlife.
Response efforts:
FWC continues to take and analyze water samples to monitor conditions associated with the fish mortality event; primarily low dissolved oxygen levels.
DEP and SJRWMD deployed staff and boats to assist Brevard County with their local recovery and clean-up efforts.
Local Department of Health offices continue to monitor for human health impacts and provide assurances regarding public safety.
SJRWMD continues to regularly collect water quality monitoring samples to track movement and trends in the bloom activity and to monitor for changes in the algal species type. In addition to on-the-ground response and monitoring efforts, state and local agencies also continue to focus on longer-term water quality restoration efforts for Indian River Lagoon.
The SJRWMD and partners continue to support oyster reef restoration efforts in northern Mosquito Lagoon.
On March 30, the SJRWMD hosted a cost-share workshop in Palm Bay encouraging communities to apply for dollars for projects benefiting the Indian River Lagoon. More information on the cost-share program is available at http://www.sjrwmd.com/funding/FY2016-2017/
Governor Rick Scott’s office distributed a press release on Friday, March 25th expressing strong support for the state, regional and local agencies assessing and responding to the algal bloom.
FWC Response
FWC is taking weekly water samples from 8 to 10 sites in the Indian River Lagoon.
The highest concentrations of brown tide were observed in samples taken on March 16 from Riverdale Drive and from March 25 at the Saint John Boat ramp in the northern Indian River Lagoon.
Samples have been provided by FWC’s Fisheries-Independent Monitoring staff and volunteers.
The FWC has received nearly 400 calls and online reports allowing them to document the size and duration of this extensive event, coordinate a response and disseminate information about the cause of the fish kill.
Calls can include information requests, fish kill clean-up, and reports of fish mortality and disease.
Report a fish kill, diseased fish or fish with other abnormalities to 1-800-636-0511.
The SJRWMD routinely monitors water quality in the Indian River Lagoon and its tributaries, collecting and managing data from 58 sites monthly to provide reliable data about current water quality conditions.
To monitor specifically for algae species, the SJRWMD partners with FWC and the University of Florida to sample and analyze five sites monthly and provides additional event-driven support when algal blooms are reported.
In addition, the district maintains five stations that provide continuous water quality monitoring, sending the information electronically to the agency’s headquarters.
In addition to on-the-ground response and monitoring efforts, state and local agencies are also focusing on longer-term water quality restoration efforts for the Indian River Lagoon. These restoration projects and management strategies are essential to reducing nitrogen and phosphorous levels, which will help to decrease the intensity and duration of algal bloom events.
To address elevated levels of nutrients in the lagoon, in 2013, DEP adopted three basin management action plans (BMAPs) to implement the projects and activities necessary to bring the lagoon back to health.
In addition, DEP has adopted the St. Lucie BMAP, which will also help the Southern Indian River Lagoon.
To date, the stakeholders have achieved all obligations outlined in the BMAPs.
Restoration Funding
Including the recently signed Florida First budget, the state will have invested nearly $80 million dollars in projects in Brevard County to restore the lagoon during the past, current and upcoming fiscal years.
For the upcoming fiscal year, nearly $26 million from the Florida First budget will be invested in 10 water quality improvement projects.
This includes $21.5 million in a muck dredging project – a key component of long-term lagoon restoration.
This includes funding in three key areas to lagoon restoration:
Wastewater: $2,872,500
Dredging: $61,500,000
Load Reduction (storm water): $14,221,788
Additional projects may be funded through DEP’s and SJRWMD’s budgets; for example, both DEP and SJRWMD are contributing partners to the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program.
In addition, DEP encourages local governments and communities to reach out to their Division of Water Restoration Assistance, which provides grants and loans for water quality and quantity projects.
Additional cost-share funding and other restoration projects are also funded by the SJRWMD.
Local communities are also encouraged to engage with the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (NEP), a unique local, state and regional partnership to protect the lagoon.
The Boynton Inlet intersects the Waterway at statute mile 1034 and access is restricted by a fixed 18ft vertical clearance bridge. Our thanks to Win Blodgett for sharing this experience which is posted here to remind cruisers of the risks involved with small boats and dinghys in inlets.
I grew up sailing from Maine to the Chesapeake Bay and have used a Boston Whaler Super Sport 170 (17′) for the past 15 years which I use primarily on the intracoastal. On really flat days it’s great to take it out of the Palm Beach inlet and along Palm Beach or Singer Island. Recently, I made a big mistake of trying to go out the Boynton Inlet at low tide with ocean waves of 2′ to 4′ Some breaking waves at the mouth of the inlet were easily 6′ and although I tried to take the waves bow first at an angle I was drenched head to toe and took on several inches of water before quickly turning about and heading back in. For a small boat in these conditions, that Boynton Inlet is quite treacherous! Win Blodgett
From the Atlantic, Canaveral Barge Canal, with a single 600X90ft lock, crosses Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island and intersects the Waterway at statute mile 894. The lock has been closed Monday – Friday from 7AM to 5PM since June of 2015. See /149146. Elizabeth King asks your political advice on changing these restrictions.
I am a Merritt Island resident. I’ve lived here since I was eleven years old. I would just like to know what we can do as a community to get the Port Canaveral locks opened on a consistent basis, the purpose of which would be to clean our rivers and breathe life back into our estuary. Thank you for any advice. Elizabeth King
Take it easy through the Manatee Areas, as well as on all inland waters. These slow moving mammals need your assistance. Read the recommendations below for spotting the manatees.
For immediate release: March 23, 2016 Look out boaters – manatees are on the move
Taking their cues from the warm spring weather, Florida manatees have begun leaving their winter retreats and heading north along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and through inland waters.
So if you’re a boater enjoying spring days on the water, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) cautions you to look out for manatees and follow posted manatee zones.
From April 1 through Nov. 15, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being struck by motorboats or personal watercraft.
FWC law enforcement officers will be on patrol in state waters to remind boaters of the seasonal manatee speed zones and will take enforcement actions when necessary. Manatee zones and maps are available at MyFWC.com/Manatee, where you can select “Protection Zones” for links to county maps.
“Our officers do their very best to support conservation of this species,” said FWC Capt. Gary Klein. “We ask that boaters take notice of the zones and do their part as well by increasing their awareness of the possible presence of manatees.”
Because manatees are large, slow-moving and difficult to detect when underwater, operators of boats and personal watercraft need to take basic steps to avoid causing injury to manatees:
Wear polarized sunglasses to help spot manatees. Look for the large circles on the water, also known as manatee footprints, indicating the presence of a manatee below. Look for a snout sticking up out of the water. Follow posted manatee zones while boating. The FWC also asks anyone seeing an injured, distressed, sick or dead manatee to call the agency’s Wildlife Alert Hotline, 888-404-3922 (FWCC) or dial #FWC or *FWC on a cell phone.
You can watch manatees without disturbing them if you follow “Guidelines for protecting native wildlife – Florida Manatees,” a brochure that includes tips for canoers, kayakers, paddle boarders, snorkelers and scuba divers. It’s available at MyFWC.com/Manatees, click on “Boat, Personal Watercraft and Paddle-sport Operators” and then on “Paddle-sport Operators.”
Support the FWC’s manatee research, rescue and management efforts by purchasing a “Save the Manatee” Florida license plate at BuyaPlate.com, or by donating $5 to receive an FWC manatee decal by going to MyFWC.com/Manatee and clicking on “Decals.”
This Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission news is for our beach combing friends who love to dinghy ashore and explore all the beautiful beaches of our east and west coasts.
For immediate release: March 22, 2016
Help beach-nesting shorebirds by giving them space
Shorebird nesting season is underway along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds beachgoers to watch out for and to avoid disturbing birds and their young. Shorebirds build shallow nests out of sand and shells on beaches in spring and summer, hatching chicks that are difficult to see. Shorebird nests, eggs and chicks are well camouflaged and can easily be missed and even stepped on unless people know to look out for them. The snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer, American oystercatcher and Wilson’s plover are several of Florida’s beach-nesting shorebird species that face conservation challenges. Despite these challenges, shorebirds can benefit from increased awareness by the public. “People visiting Florida’s beaches and coastline can really have an impact on whether shorebirds have a successful nesting season,” said Nancy Douglass, who works on shorebird conservation at the FWC. “Following a few simple steps while enjoying the beach can help nesting shorebirds succeed, giving future generations of beach-goers the opportunity to see these iconic birds along our coasts.”
Ways to protect beach-nesting shorebirds:
Keep your distance, whether on the beach or paddling watercraft along the shore. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close. A general rule is to stay at least 300 feet from a nest. Birds calling out loudly and dive-bombing are signals for you to back off. Respect posted areas. Avoid posted nesting sites and use designated walkways when possible. Wildlife photographers should ensure that no camera equipment extends beyond posted area strings or signs and limit photography to no more than 10 minutes to avoid stressing nesting birds. Never intentionally force birds to fly or run. This causes them to use up energy needed for nesting, and eggs and chicks may be left vulnerable to the sun’s heat or predators. Teach children not to chase shorebirds and kindly ask fellow beach-goers to do the same. Shorebirds outside of posted areas may be feeding or resting and need to do so wihtout disturbance. It is best not to take pets to the beach, but if you do, keep them leashed and avoid shorebird nesting areas. Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows, which can prey on shorebird chicks. Litter on beaches can entangle birds and other wildlife. Spread the word. If you see people disturbing nesting birds, gently let them know how their actions may hurt the birds’ survival. If they continue to disturb nesting birds, report it to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on a cell phone or by texting Tip@MyFWC.com. You may also report nests that are not posted to Wildlife Alert. For more information, go to MyFWC.com/Shorebirds and download the “Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting Birds” brochure. Read the FWC’s plan for four imperiled beach-nesting bird species, part of the broader Imperiled Species Management Plan: http://myfwc.com/media/2720106/Imperiled-Beach-Nesting-Birds-Species-Action-Plan-Final-Draft.pdf. Or go to the Florida Shorebird Alliance at www.flshorebirdalliance.org.
In addition to other migratory birds, all shorebird and seabird species found in Florida are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This year marks the centennial of the first Migratory Bird Treaty, which the United States signed with Great Britain on behalf of Canada. This treaty, along with three treaties that followed with Mexico, Japan and Russia, set the stage for the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act and solidified international commitment to migratory bird conservation. Learn more about the Migratory Bird Treaty Centennial at www.fws.gov/birds/mbtreaty100.
Our thanks to Perry McDonald for sending us this notice of a public meeting on April 4 in Fort Pierce. Fort Pierce is home to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Fort Pierce City Marina.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is currently revising rule language for the implementation of its Derelict Vessel Removal Grants Program. The FWC is awaiting the Governor’s signature on a $1,400,000 appropriation for the removal of derelict vessels within Florida’s public waters. FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section will be distributing these funds to state and local governmental entities over the course of the 2016-2017 state fiscal year. To effectively distribute these funds, FWC is revising its grant rule 68-1.003, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) to remove obsolete language and incorporate the revised program guidelines. A public rule development workshop will be held to introduce the draft rule and guidelines language and to solicit input from the public and stakeholders before the rule and guidelines are taken to the Commission. Your participation is encouraged.
This public meeting will be held April 4, 2016, 1:00pm – 4:00pm St. Lucie Board of County Commission Chambers 2300 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, Florida, 34982
For further information pertaining to the FWC Derelict Vessel Removal Grant Program, 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
Jupiter Inlet intersects the Waterway near statute mile 1005 at Loxahatchee River and was last dredged in February of 2014. Jupiter Inlet is prone to shoaling and passage is not recommended without local knowledge.
FLORIDA – PALM SHORES TO WEST PALM BEACH – JUPITER INLET: Hazard to Navigation/SHOALING Shoaling has been reported in Jupiter Inlet. Depths as low as 5 feet have been reported at low tide. A white Danger Shoal Buoy displaying a FL QW light has been set where the most significant shoaling has been found in position 26-56-53.617N/080-04-45.846W (26°56.8936N / 080°4.7641W, 26.948227 / -80.079402) . Mariners are strongly encouraged to use extreme caution while transiting the area. Chart 11472 LNM 11/16
Seven Seas Marina & Boatyard lies east-northeast of AICW marker #56 and just north of the Port Orange high-rise bridge.
This our second time here. This time we had an oil leak on one engine and there just happened to be a mechanic available. He found a leaking fitting and fixed us up. The marina has been here since the 80’s and has a mixture of fixed and floating docks. They are a bit worn but in good condition. The channel is narrow but very well marked. We are on the fuel dock for the night. Everyone is helpful and friendly. We will stay here again. Dave Boxmeyer
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.
Another great stay at Marineland. These folks really know how to make you feel welcome. Easy access to the ICW, nice facilities, friendly people, and reasonable prices…what more can you ask ? Our second time and hopefully we’ll have many more. We recommend it highly. Capt Jack B-H and First Mate Steve O. Delivering the trawler “Whatever” from New Bern, NC to Daytona Beach
Dinner Key Marina is located at the western end of Dinner Key Channel on the western shore of Biscayne Bay. For more typical comments on Dinner Key Marina, see /25334.
If the customer service in most places in Miami is subpar, then the service at Dinner Key Marina is absolute garbage. The kind of service that makes you immediately regret having moved to Miami (and I speak fluent Spanish). The kind of service that forces you to set aside ample time to sit down and write a juicy, one star review just like the one that you are about to read. So you do not mistake this review for one coming from a non-credible source, I should probably mention that I am a USCG licensed Captain (50 ton Master) and a Cambridge engineering graduate with 20 years of boating experience. Also for the record, I have never really written a review before, but this nightmare could not have gone unpublished. Here is the sequence of events:
1. I signed a one year contract with the marina for a commercial slip in August of 2014. The plan was to run charters to small groups of elite guests aboard my 41-foot Maxum. Having endured a 3-hour long trip down from Fort Lauderdale, my father and I finally pulled into our allocated slip. The very next morning, we were rudely woken by a bunch of goons banging on the fiberglass, asking why we had parked there. They had chained the boat to the seawall. I kindly replied that I had signed a one year contract for that spot. They later unchained the boat and barely made an apology. That is Dinner Key Marina’s idea of a welcome, apparently. 2. One week following my arrival, I drove up to Orlando for a few days. There, the local police came knocking on my door announcing that they had found a boat registered to my name up on a beach in Fort Pierce (about 125 miles north of Miami). Long story short, a ring of drug smugglers stole my 41 Maxum from Dinner Key Marina. I still wonder if it was not someone from the marina who tipped off my absence. It took 3 months of investigations by the USCG, DEA, and the local Sheriff’s department, and an additional 3 months of quoting repairs before I recouped the money from the insurance company (the boat was declared a total loss). Dinner Key Marina did not help out with anything and did not even express their sympathies for what had happened. I later suggested that they install a camera to monitor that pier (Pier 9) and they really could not have cared less. 3. I returned to the marina with a new Concept 36. Why do you ask? Because none of the other 30 odd marinas in Miami had availability for commercial vessels. I should also mention that although Dinner Key Marina welcomes commercial vessels, they are not zoned for commercial use. I found that out following a visit to the City Hall trying to get my zoning permit. So technically, everyone there operating commercially is illegal. The operations lady at the Dinner Key Marina, Maria Busto, one of the most impolite, ill-intentioned, dysfunctional individuals I have ever had the displeasure to meet, had promised me following the theft of the 41 Maxum, that she would give me priority on my original slip. Sure enough, when I returned to the marina with the Concept 36, she had given it away to somebody else and left me with a slip amidst a bunch of shrimping boats. Just for the record, all of the frustrating experiences delineated above were delivered almost exclusively by her, Maria Busto. Do not waste even a second of your time with her. Talk directly to Stephen Bogner, the manager, anytime you need assistance. I found this out too late. He is of great character and although he does not have much control over what goes on in his marina, he means well. 4. My dad fell ill in early 2016 and I was forced to move back to Orlando to tend to him. I terminated my contract with Dinner Key Marina under this premise. My dad just passed away from heart failure at the age of 55. Even knowing about these circumstances, it took Dinner Key Marina nearly 4 months to refund my deposit. E-mails went unanswered almost every time. Every time I called in, no one was around even during business hours. Simply unbelievable. 5. Summarizing, this was the worst experience I have had with any company in my entire life. I failed to mention the countless times I had to fend off people trying to steal my stuff at the dock (and they did), obnoxious fishermen tossing garbage around and having to pick up after them, birds crapping shrimp guts all over my boat, vandalism, and daily encounters with ill-tempered employees of the marina (with a few exceptions, including Renato, an awesome security guy). Come here at your own peril. This place is a disaster. It will drain you emotionally and ruin your life! Alexander N Endlein
Only a mile or so upstream from downtown Jacksonville, Ortega Landing is the first facility on your starboard as you enter the Ortega River from the St. Johns. Sonny Reeves’ blog report is so good, it could easily be one of our FOCUS ON postings. Detailed descriptions and beautiful photos. Enjoy! And thank you Sonny!
As posted in this article from Soundings’ Trade Only Today section, Dania’s Marine Flea Market will be March 3-6 in Hallendale Beach just south of Fort Lauderdale.
Florida marine flea market returns in March Posted on February 9th, 2016 The Dania Beach Marine Flea Market will be held March 3-6 at the Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla. The 26-acre parking lot of the casino at U.S. Route 1 and Pembroke Road will once again become a nautical swap shop. Organizers said private individuals and marine-related businesses will sell used marine equipment, coral-encrusted antiques, new and used boats, fishing tackle, diving gear, marine artwork and other boating-related items at low prices. “Some shoppers to the Marine Flea Market travel hundreds of miles to find that elusive part for a 1946 vintage outboard motor,” event coordinator Jennifer Dudas said in a statement. “Others are looking for antique fishing tackle. Over the four days, thousands of boating- and fishing-related items are bought and sold through a system of dickering and dealing at a fraction of their retail value.”
The entrance channel leading to Fort Pierce City Marina, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, runs to the west, just south of the Fort Pierce high-rise bridge, and well north of unlighted daybeacon #188.
Big Weekend!!!!
Pirate Fest!! I have attached a layout of the activities with a schedule of events for all three days.
Friday night is Friday Fest from 5:30 to 9. Parking is at a minimum.
Saturday is Farmers Market 8-12. Parking is at a minimum
As reporter Branon Edwards relates in this article in the Broward/Palm Beach New Times, HB1051 is being presented today (1/26) by a group of Florida legislators. Bill is reported on 1/27 as passed with 12 Yea votes. Click Here for related opinion.
February 3 UPDATE from our friends at AGLCA Forum
UPDATE ON FLORIDA ANCHORING LEGISLATION An amended version of the HB1051 (now CS/HB1051) passed a committee last week. SSCA and AGLCA members, along with our other boating partners, spoke against the amended bill which included a safe harbor provision and the ability for law enforcement, government boats and rescue boats to anchor overnight. The prohibition on overnight anchoring remained, which we don’t support. We are working to modify that provision. At present calls and emails should be directed to members of the House State Affairs Committee stating the following:
“I am (a Florida resident/Florida tourist) and cruise extensively in Florida waters. I oppose the present language in CS/HB1051 because the bill does not give cruising boats the ability to anchor for a reasonable time while in navigation under federal law. We are also concerned that this bill opens the door for communities to pursue similar legislation without adequate justification which would result in unfair, random and unreasonable anchoring restrictions. A better way to address the issues in these areas is to pursue enactment of a comprehensive mooring/anchoring planning and adoption process that would apply to all communities, not just selected ones.”
If you are a Florida resident, please look at the member list below, if you live in one of the member’s area, you should send a separate note to them stating you are a constituent.
Yachts anchored in Fort Lauderdale’s Middle River basin, which would be illegal if proposed legislation passes. Branon Edwards
BY BRANON EDWARDS TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016 | 3 HOURS AGO A battle is heating up between rich owners of waterfront property and boaters who, instead of docking, use anchors to keep their boats cheaply (free!) in the Intracoastal Waterway. The rich have argued that these anchored boats ruin their view — especially vessels that have been abandoned and become decrepit. Many boaters, however, contend that they are responsible and have rights to use the waterway.
As they say, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” In this case, the squeaky wheel appears to be wealthy property owners along Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway, and the grease is a nasty bit of proposed legislation known in the House as HB1051 and in the Senate as SB1260. Both bills in Tallahassee aim to make it illegal to anchor overnight in parts of the Intracoastal Waterway despite the waterway having been used for this purpose since its inception.
Unfortunately, boaters like to complain and bitch but when it comes to picking up the phone or e-mailing Florida Representatives or Senators, boaters did not care enough to contact the legislators.
K would like to hold to all of you Greg Staub who serves in the Florida House. Greg’s e-mail and phone calls was against the boll and he voted against the bill.
Even now you should contact members of the Florida Senate and House. We dropped the ball on this and now we have to live with it. Plus other communities will want to anchoring areas.
Editor’s comment: Rick’s comments are related to a posting on Edgewater Lake from 2011, but his argument is pertinent to the ongoing discussion of anchoring in Florida.
That is a good point, and only slightly misses the mark. You see, Edgewater Lake has been an anchorage… a Florida FWC designated anchorage, for a long. long time. So in light of this, here is a slightly better analogy. Suppose you spent your hard-earned retirement savings on a Florida home right next to a beautiful campground. One with an unpolluted, peaceful and rustic scenery that would inspire an artist to weep. Then suddenly, in April, some campers and motor homes start parking within your cherished and serene view. Some, of course, only park for a night or two. But others stay for the season. A few even leave their caravans behind and only visit on weekends. Of course this is all within the State legal limits of the camper owner, and the campground. Here is the question: Does the offended home-owner who lost his peaceful view have a legitimate and valid case against the camper owner? Rick Ritchie
OK, let’s be fair and intelligent about this issue. Sure, I can understand the objection to having “plainly obvious derelict boats” permanently moored in view of anyone home, on the other hand, transient boats and those owned by Florida property owners who moor their boats which are well maintained should not have the right, under traditional federal law, taken away. As for transient boat, passing through Florida waters, as a compromise, why not have a time limit, say 1-3 days at mooring, longer for needed repairs. It seems to be forgotten, transients go ashore to replenish supplies and such to spend money in the Florida economy. As for me on my trips to the South coasting along Florida should this a Bill of total mooring prohibition pass, I will prepare to by-pass Florida while sailing off-shore all the way. But, what about refuge in extreme weather? There is a lot of question and considerations in this issue.
For whatever it is worth, I sent the following to Bernie Sanders! Bernie, This is a struggle that should be right up your alley and if you would like my vote for President perhaps you could get involved with this issue. There is a bill in the Florida legislature that is essentially a ban on cruising boat anchoring in safe harbors where the wealthy have big houses and don’t want their views obstructed by cruising boats anchoring there! A very typical 2% kind of mentality. I am making my very first trip on our boat down to Florida this winter from VT and have, in fact, just entered Florida waters. The boating community has asked Florida boaters or visitors to contact the members of the Florida House State Affairs Committee stating the following: (I figured I could do one better by asking you to assist since this is definitely an issue with the wealthy not wanting their nice expensive harbor views to be obstructed.) “I am (a Florida resident/Florida tourist) and cruise extensively in Florida waters. I oppose the present language in CS/HB1051 because the bill does not give cruising boats the ability to anchor for a reasonable time while in navigation under federal law. We are also concerned that this bill opens the door for communities to pursue similar legislation without adequate justification which would result in unfair, random and unreasonable anchoring restrictions. A better way to address the issues in these areas is to pursue enactment of a comprehensive mooring/anchoring planning and adoption process that would apply to all communities, not just selected ones.”
What do you say, Bernie – want to fight for the middle class against the 1 and 2% ers?
I’m pretty convinced that nibbling at the heals of the committees will not be productive. I am a Florida resident, and today, I sent the following to my Florida State Representative. I strongly suggest interested boaters who are Florida residents also contact their home representatives. This will ultimately be adopted or stopped in the legislature as a whole, not in committee.
Letter follows:
Dear Representative Van Zant;
My wife and I are Florida residents of Florida, residing at Green Cove Springs. We use our boat to cruise throughout Florida’s wonderful public trust waters. This bill violates the public trust responsibility that the Florida legislature has to ensure Florida’s waters are available for use by all of her citizens and visitors. This bill favors the selfish aesthetic interests of wealthy waterfront landowners who knew, or should have known when they bought their properties, that boats use waters adjacent to their properties. HB1051 targets small, select and wealthy areas of the state. The bill will create confusion among non-local boaters and confusion will greatly complicate voluntary compliance. Finally, I feel that the safety of boaters could be greatly compromised by what effectively amounts to closure of these anchorages.
Please, Mr. Van Sant, honor the public trust responsibility that goes with your office, and vote against this discriminatory bill which clearly favors big money interests. Please, do not succumb to an act of class warfare by supporting a class-based prohibition. Please support the public trust!
Very sincerely yours,
James B. Healy (914) 466-5829
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com Monk 36 Hull #132 MMSI #367042570 AGLCA #3767 MTOA #3436
Additionally, a vote sheet from the January 26 meeting is below: Bill Number: 1051 Bill Name: CS/HB 1051 Action: Favorable With Committee Substitute Committee: Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee Location: Reed Hall (102 HOB) Duration: 2.00 Date: 1/26/2016 12:00:00 PM Sponsor: Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee and C… Subject: Recreational Boating Zones
Y Boyd Y DuBose Y Lee Y Smith Y Sullivan Y Combee Y Edwards Y Pilon Y Stevenson – Watson, C. Y Drake Y Goodson Y Raburn
Total Yeas: 12 Total Nays: 0 Total Missed: 1 Total Votes: 13
Guys, I sent 51 e-mails to Florida Legislators using the e-mail posted below, Google Chrome as my browser and Chroamie(???) which automatically fills out the blanks on their forms in 21 MINUTES!
I just sent this to my Florida State Representative. Took less than 5 minutes.
Would you please vote against S HB 1051, SB 1260: Recreational Boating Zones
Recreational Boating Zones; prohibiting overnight anchoring or mooring of vessels in specified recreational boating zones, etc.
I keep my 58’ boat behind my condo and do quite a bit of cruising spending Thousands of dollars while I do that. People like me provide a lot of jobs in Florida. This bill is too broadly worded. The real issue is Derelict boats anchored in front of homes. The solution is to have a law defining Derelict boats well enough that either FWC, local police, and the Coast Guard can determine which boats are transient and which are derelict. Once documented by pictures by law enforcement, they can have a contractor who has won a contract to remove the vessels and either sell them or have the owners pay the towing and storage charges. When local officials think that derelict vessels are an issue then they can award a contract to a contractor for the removal of the vessels deemed derelict by law enforcement. Otherwise, the State should not be involved in this issue. Since you represent an area full of boaters and homeowners with water views not to mention people and businesses that earn a living from these boaters, I wish you would inject some sanity into this highly emotionally charged issue. Sincerely,
Guys, Bitching on here has no effect. Go to http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/Find pick either your state senator in Florida or pick one along the Intracoastal.
Would you please vote against SB 1260, SB 1260: Recreational Boating Zones GENERAL BILL by Simpson Recreational Boating Zones; prohibiting overnight anchoring or mooring of vessels in specified recreational boating zones, etc.
I keep my 58’boat behind my condo and do quite a bit of cruising spending Thousands of dollars while I do that. People like me provide a lot of jobs in Florida.
This bill is too broadly worded. The real issue is Derelict boats anchored in front of homes. The solution is to have a law defining Derelict boats well enough that either FWC, local police, and the Coast Guard can determine which boats are transient and which are derelict. Once documented by pictures by law enforcement, they can have a contractor who has won a contract to remove the vessels and either sell them or have the owners pay the towing and storage charges. When local officials think that derelict vessels are an issue then they can award a contract to a contractor for the removal of the vessels deemed derelict by law enforcement. Otherwise, the State should not be involved in this issue.
Since you represent an area full of boaters and homeowners with water views not to mention people and businesses that earn a living from these boaters, I wish you would inject some sanity into this highly emotionally charged issue.
Sincerely,
Do the same thing. If you want to cut and paste mine, at least you are doing SOMETHING. To the naysayers; what you’re doing is working too, right?
Talk about how much money you spend and how many jobs you help support.
Walk around with your laptop and get everyone you can to do the same thing on your computer. Otherwise they will never do it. When Legislators get a lot of mail on one issue, they usually do pay attention. Yes, wealthy water front homeowners do make political contributions and you don’t. This is the only chance we have
Wait a minute… I thought this issue was resolved a couple of years ago…The ICW is a “Federal” waterway, right? SOFlorida cannot regulate…. what am I missing here?
The ICW was officially commissioned by Congress in 1919 (even though Florida began construction decades earlier). The ICW is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers, under the command of Lieutenant General Todd T. Semonite (2016).
For the following rant, please forgive my cynicism. I actually know several impeccably honorable representatives. They do not seem to be running the show, unfortunately.
This issue will, in all likelihood, years from now, come down to a Federal vs Florida jurisdiction argument– a very short argument– with the obvious outcome. Florida legislators know…. or should know… that the passage of this Bill will, ultimately, be found to be in violation of Federal laws. But It seems to be the ‘way of things, now, for legislators to pass obviously illegal laws (so that they can get those donor dollars) and let the courts deal with their legality, later. After all, is it not the primary job of a legislator to cater to their d̶o̶n̶o̶r̶s̶, I mean constituents, regardless of Federal laws, civil rights, reason and logic? Please forgive my cynicism. I actually know several impeccably honorable representatives. They do not seem to be in the majority, unfortunately.
Perhaps if we got out our wallets and simply out-bid the very small number of squeaky-wheel donors….? “How much would it cost us to kill this, Mr. Caldwell ?” “… Mr. Moraitis?” (Strangely, both Republicans? and one of them a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Say it ain’t so!)
Rick Ritchie Sailor Occasional cruiser Florida Waterfront resident Conservative (but not always Republican)
Remember, “ask not what your contributions can do for you, ask what you can do for your contributions.”
It does appear the winds from the land have now increased to such a strength they will blow every boat out of the designated water areas at nightfall. In the past anchoring for weeks or months in a single location was acceptable. Today it’s not. Florida state owns the land under the waterway and it appears they will bend to the stronger winds. Has anyone suggested a compromise to satisfy the landowners and transient boaters?
The rights of mariners once again fall victim to the dollar. ” It’s so pretty here with the trees and the water and boats! I think I’ll build a house.” So they cut the trees and claim the water for themselves. I’m sure they won’t complain about the “HIGHLANDER” parking overnight.
Just heard the bill passed committee 12 Yeas. I have put my Representative on notice she (Stevenson) can forget my vote come re-election. I will work harder than ever to prevent her re-election. Perry Mc
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Jupiter Inlet
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