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
Lake Park Harbor Marina is on the west side of the Waterway, one mile north of Lake Worth Inlet. Our thanks to Skipper Silvio for this good report.
This is a wonderful little marina. The super nice staff stayed past closing to help us get settled on the dock. We never saw less than 8 ft in the entrance channel or in the marina. The bathrooms and laundry were clean and well kept. And there is in fact a Dunkin Donuts two blocks away….. Silvio
We were required to leave Lisa Marie at this marina for 4-5 weeks a few years ago due to a family crises. The Dockmaster – Mike (I believe formerly from LI) was FANTASTIC.
Peter Conway is inquiring about Hurricane Harbor on the southwestern shore of Key Biscayne. There is no charted channel into what appears to be a well-sheltered anchorage. If you have local knowledge of this harbor, let us hear from you.
What happened to the anchorage at Hurricane Harbor? Is it not still a permitted anchorage? Peter Conway
Larry, Thanks for your help. This is a pristine spot in a posh neighborhood on Key Biscayne. I have anchored there a number of times in the past and never a problem. There was a few issues with a particular homeowner who harassed some boats for anchoring off his house. This was a couple of years ago and that may have scared others from going in there. I always anchored in the middle to be as far from land as I could and never had a problem. It used to be shown in guidebooks and on your net site as an anchorage, but now I don’t see it listed. I recently completed my 46th ICW trip from Massachusetts and try to make sure that I only use allowed anchorages. Any clarification would be most helpful. Thanks again. Peter Conway Pemisu
We hear so many good things about this group; they must be doing many things right! These are not the first words of praise we have received for Burkey Marine and will not be the last.
We had a great experience over the phone being walked through our problem by Big Diesel Greg Burkey. All was well and the trip was salvaged! Some people care and yes we recommend the Greg Burkey Marine Group. Several phone calls later at no charge and we were fixed! Capt J
Arriving in West Palm Beach I had realized the engine was acting up before a crossing so we called Greg Burkey and Burkey Marine Group to assist us. We were told the gasket was not seated properly on the impellor housing. After a quick snug on the screws we were off and free of charge at that, I would say my wife and I were happy and to date all is well. I would call them again given the need! I’ll list their number Burkey Marine Group 772-215-7663 A Thomason
With apologies to Shakespeare, Fred Braman wants to know the history of the lake’s name. Since very little is mentioned in Wikipedia, we’re hoping someone of you might have answer. For a recent report from Lake Sylvia, see /?p=134325.
Do you know the history of the name `Lake Sylvia,’ in Ft Lauderdale? Who was Sylvia? Fred Braman
Happily, Bo Taylor’s experience ended without injury or damage, but it will certainly add fuel to the rented mooring versus personal anchoring tackle, which has been an ongoing debate since municipal mooring fields began to be installed along the Waterway. See /?p=135395. The Titusville mooring field lies south of the Titusville harbor entrance channel leading to Titusville City Marina.
One hour ago, as we were returning to our boat, Sunburst, my daughter said “our boat’s moving”. I said no way, I can see the mooring ball beside it. In the distance, when I saw our boat move past another boat I almost fell out of the dinghy. We caught up and boarded. Five hundred feet adrift without damage to our boat or others that Sunburst had passed. Mooring ball had come loose. Beware! Bo Taylor s/v Sunburst
As first reported in this from WPBF 25 News these containers are now confirmed to be adrift east of West Palm Beach and will require a sharp lookout for vessels sailing offshore. Our thanks to Jeff Graham for this submission.
Coast Guard responds to container barge accident At least 25 containers believed to have fallen off barge RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. ‘”Coast Guard crews responded to reports of multiple containers falling off a barge Sunday off the coast between Port Canaveral, Florida, and West Palm Beach, Florida. The U.S. flagged 136-foot Capt. Latham, was headed to Puerto Rico as it tugged a 340-foot barge, Columbia Elizabeth. The crew noticed several cargo containers hanging over the port side of the barge and believed more had fallen into the water while in transit. The Capt. Latham terminated their course toward Puerto Rico and diverted to the Port of Palm Beach for further investigation. A Coast Guard MH-65 helicopter crew from Air Station Miami and a crew from the Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell responded to the report to assess the barge. At approximately 3:00 p.m., the vessel moored safely in the Port of Palm Beach. It was then determined that up to 25 containers were unaccounted for, with an undetermined amount falling overboard. Several of the containers were confirmed to be carrying batteries. One of the containers washed ashore in Port Canaveral. The Coast Guard is investigating the incident and plans to launch an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft to begin searching at sunrise.
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. ‘”Thousands of coffee containers are washing up on beaches in Central Florida and South Florida, officials tell WESH 2 News. Thousands of bright yellow cans of coffee are washing ashore in Brevard County, many people rushing to pick them up. The cans may have fallen off a passing cargo barge, WESH 2 News has learned. Along the coast of Indialantic, bright cans of coffee that likely were on their way to Puerto Rico, are finding their way ashore. Early in the day, the first beach visitors were stunned to find cans of coffee and bricks of coffee thickly strewn on the sand. The United States Coast Guard reports that the containers were from the barge Columbia Elizabeth, which reported losing multiple containers between Cape Canaveral and Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday. Marine prevention teams from Coast Guard Sector Miami and Marine Safety Detachment Lake Worth were dispatched to the Port of Palm Beach, where the barge is currently being unloaded.
Reports of shoaling south of Fernandina Beach have been coming in for several years and prompted a USCG Hazard Warning in May of last year (/?p=140702). Our thanks to geologist, Bill Aley, for sending these surveys to assist in guiding you through the shoals. See /?p=153488 for further advice.
And, thanks to Robert Sherer, we have the lat/lon locations of the turns indicated in the survey below with WP1 being the first heading south:
Note corrections to WP 2 and 4 below, thanks to Mike. Note also that our chart centers on WP 4.
Hi Larry, This posting is what prompted me to email Taylor Engineering asking for more detail, namely the waypoints for the route turns. I wanted his numbers rather than trying to interpolate from the chart. He was gracious enough to provide them. Perhaps we can nail this section of the ICW so it will never again cause agitation for boaters! Bob
At the request of the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), I’d like to share the attached figure with you. The figure illustrates an area of shoaling in the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway within Nassau County, FL that is a potential navigation hazard.
The PDF file depicts some very recent mapping that shows naturally deep water to the west and south of the currently marked channel in this area. Taylor Engineering is currently working with the FIND, US Army Corps of Engineers, and US Coast Guard to relocate the federal channel and corresponding red channel marker #18 and green channel marker #1 to direct navigation traffic towards the deeper waters. Regards, Bill Aley, P.G. Professional Geologist Taylor Engineering, Inc. 10151 Deerwood Park Blvd. Bldg. 300, Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Phone (904) 731-7040 Direct (904) 256 -1313 www.taylorengineering.com
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
mike- December 27, 2015 - 3:27 am
I know it’s probably just a typo and obvious when you try to plot it, but waypoint 2 needs correcting. I suspect it came from converting the engineering co-ordinates that were in dd-mm-sec to dd-mm.mm, but the correct Longitude for 2 should be 81-29.073
Our thanks to Mike Ahart of Waterway Guide for posting this information. Collins Canal runs northeast from Biscayne Bay near AICW Statute Mile 1088. This article was first posted in August of this year. Let us hear from you if you have experienced this enforcement./p>
Miami Beach cracks down on dinghy access Date Reported: Aug 6, 2015 Reported By: Mike Ahart, News Editor Source: WG Staff Miami Beach’s anchorages have a lot to offer to cruisers, including good holding, protection, and a beautiful view of the Miami skyline. Another benefit is the Collins Canal, which allows boaters dinghy access to the beach, stores, and restaurants ‘“ well, maybe not so much anymore.
The City of Miami Beach passed an amendment to an ordinance which now makes it unlawful to tie a dinghy to the canal wall to visit the city. Signs were installed all along the public sections of seawall on May 15, 2015, according to Nannette Rodriguez of the Miami Beach City office. SeaTow has been removing “many boats,” according to a SeaTow representative, who also said that the city is strictly enforcing the 20-minute limit for the dinghy dock at the end of 17th Street.
Larry, We had heard rumors of towing dinghies. I hadn’t seen any news so I called Seatow and the Miami marine patrol. Seatow said they are towing dinghies on orders from the police. There are signs posting this policy on the Collins canal and some sea walls. I spoke with the police and the policy is a result of the derelict boats. They are aware that it “may cause ” an inconvenience to the transient population. He reported some of the difficulties they have dealt with,most recently a 16 month old drowned after falling overboard. He said you can tie at the police dock for short periods. The sign says 20 minutes but also said they have some latitude with that number. He also said the dock at the old Publix can be utilized. That dock is problematic at low tide. The officer also said the whole situation is a moving target and recommended speaking with the marine patrol when we get there. Jim O’Shea svKismet
December 8, 2015 Well we finally made it to South Beach after being pinned down in West Pam Beach and Ft Lauderdale. I haven’t spoken to the police yet but after talking to a local liveaboard it seems that everything I posted earlier is still true. That is, there is some leniency at the police dock and the only “legal place “tot tie your dinghy is at the old Publix on the Collins Canal. It may sound inconvenient but it isn’t as bad as it may sound. The problem is people tying too close too the dock so you can disembark.. This isn’t that unusual so we can adapt. I went a bit further down the wall and walked the small ledge back to the dock. The water is quite high from all the rainfall so I can’t attest to low tide conditions. Another thing would be to have one dinghy take multiple boats in and then pick them up, If they have large loads they could come back and get their dinghy and get the mate and packages from a convenient spot. All in all it is not worth crossing South Beach off the itinerary. Jim O’Shea svKismet
We are anchored off Hibiscus Island in Miami Beach. No visits from police or problems with anything! Boats are anchored off Star Island and the Collins Canal, no hassle. Many more derelict looking boats are anchored on the north side of the East Venetian bridge, but they also seem to be left alone. We saw one trawler named Lady J get pulled over by the water police…the officials are especially protective of the sea grass seedlings in this area and the No Wake zone in Maloy Channel, so crawl along those shores! Sunset Lake remains boat free; as well as free of the dingies that were anchored around to obstruct cruiser’s anchoring. How ’bout if we all just leave that spot alone until the “unwelcome” (caused by the fellow who considers himself a Cuba expert who sails a near derelict red boat) wears off (and do let him know if you see him that none of us Snowbirds have appreciated the mess he’s caused for us down here). The good news, that we have not seen posted anywhere on the www, is that there is a wonderful dinghy dock up the Collins Canal across the street from the boater-friendly Publix….not just a chain, a real dock! But, fellow cruisers, please, PLEASE stop jamming your trash into the waste recepticle on the street by the dock! It’s beyond comprehension that anyone thinks this is an appropriate spot for trash bags; and, you are risking this spot to tie up for all of us! The police docks and park wall under the bridge (on the other side of the canal) are all posted Tow Away Zone or 20 Minute Loading Zone No Mooring. Let’s all be welcome visitors and do something helpful while we are here! Pick up your dog’s waste, keep your stereos down, anchor well off folk’s backyards and go somewhere else if you can’t handle the wakes. Best regards, Janice Callum, “Calamus”
I just sent an email to Sea Tow head office informing them that I will use BoatUS for our southern voyages from now on due to their collusion with the City of Miami. Suggest all do the same.
Telling the Politicians and homeowners in Miami that we as cruisers are going to go elsewhere to spend our money is self defeating. That is exactly what they want us to do. The issue of dinghies in the Collins canal has little to do with abandoned boats and all to do with homeowners not wanting any cruisers anchored in the way of their view. If they can limit the places where a dink can be tied up to access the shore, then they can make it difficult for cruisers to stay anchored. If the rule was that no dinghy be tied up in the canal between the hours of 3AM and 5AM that would solve the abandoned dink issue and still allow cruisers to have access to shore facilities. There is also the issue of the Seatow company agreeing to do this towing of dinks. Have they forgotten who they were created to serve.
So sorry to read of this ! This WAS a favorite spot to reprovision, but with all of this activity in Florida to restrict anchoring again and to limit shore access, I feel that FL. Has become cruser un-friendly and will for me be just a place to pass through on my way to somewhere that makes me feel welcome !!! I will vote with my wallet since I can not cast a vote here.
We have enjoyed visiting South Beach on Magic Carpet many many times since first sailing there in 2000. We have always used the Publix cable to secure our dinghy in the Collins Canal and consider it essential to cruise there. Frankly, I am not sure where else to tie up along that canal. Prior to our first visit stepped up enforcement of using of the boat ramp dinghy dock eliminated a safe place in that area. It just gets tougher and tougher to get ashore in Florida.
We gave up on Miami years ago. We now cross the lake and base in Ft. Meyers. Lots to do with prices a lot lower than Miami and a straight shot to Key West.
Errrr, Miami is a giant festering tent city cess pool with colonized causeways, why would anyone go there in the first place? Interfering with the right to navigation is a crime too, it is time for a class action lawsuit based on the US constitution, also I will not be renewing with Seatow ever again.
Is the City of Miami Beach elected leaders not interested in the boating community? What are the names and positions of the elected officials who voted in the spring to not allow dinghies to dock on the Collins Canal apparently because of some unsightly live aboards. What about all the cruisers who provision their boats at the Publix and other stores in Miami Beach before heading to the Bahamas or the Keys? Ft Lauderdale elected officials support the Marine Industry and I will take my business to Ft Lauderdale.
No one seems to measure the money we cruisers spend but the marinas and marine services will notice if we no longer stop in the Miami area. We will no longer stop at Coconut Grove, shop at Publix in Miami or Key Biscayne, West Marine? Not in Miami. Miami boat show in Feb? Nope. A favorite mechanic is in Miami… sorry Lenny. Have to go somewhere else. Maybe these businesses will pressure their polititians if their customers move on. The pols are not interested in us. Not advocating a boycott. We’re just not spending any of OUR money in Miami.
WELL…. these laws are so limiting for cruisers, that wish to stop in Miami Beach, and provision the vessels, or spend money there… I guess we’ll skip Miami, and Miami Beach… and just go straight to the Bahamas, Keys, or the west side of FL. You can’t even get a burger at the B&B in less than 20 minutes… much less shop at the Publix, and return to the dinghy dock.
Seven Seas Marina & Boatyard lies east-northeast of AICW marker #56, and just north of the Port Orange high-rise bridge. And Skipper Charleston is correct, their transient dockage rate is $1.10 for the first night and $1.20 per foot for succeeding nights.
2nd time we have stayed here, same as the first. Cooperative staff. We have a 21 ft beam CAT so we were placed on the fuel dock which is fixed and with a good NE wind, we are rocking a bit. Their fenders are keeping us off the dock adequately. PUBLIX is about a mile, restaurant on site was OK. Nothing is fancy but everything is OK. I will stay here again. Price was $1.20 per foot, not the 0.90 listed here. Bill Charleston
We have stayed at Seven Seas several times and think it is near the top of places in Florida. The cost is very reasonable, and the onsite restaurant is superb for breakfast. We will certainly return on our next trip south.
Thank you Skipper Clueless for sending what amounts to a retraction to your earlier report. SSECN is glad to hear of the needed improvements to be made. Hollywood Municipal Marina lies south of AICW marker #40, on the southern shores of North Lake.
I’ll start by saying, this is beyond `you get what you pay for!’ Spend the money, and go somewhere else! When we made the reservation, we were told that they had 50 amp electric. NOT! We pulled in late (at dusk), and there was know one to answer the radio. I had called ahead, and was given our slip assignment. Once in the slip, we discovered that they only had 30 amp. We found the `security’ guard that checked us in, and asked about moving to where they had 50 amp service. He laughed and said: `don’t know what to tell ya, except you won’t use much fuel to run your generator!’ Since it was dark at this point, we had no choice than to stay in the slip, and run the generator for power. This place is ridiculous! They also would not take cash! LEGAL TENDER!! Had to use a credit card!! Also, had to fill out 3 pages of legal mumbo jumbo! They insisted on a copy of our insurance! All this, and NO POWER! Ugh! Never again. Still Clueless
Happy Ending!
I would like to add (or subtract) from my previous post: Since writing this review, I was contacted by the NEW dock master who explained and addressed each and everyone of my issues. Has also provided a full refund for the stay. This marina is in dire need of several upgrades, and he has assured me that everything addressed will be in the works (if not already) for updating and change. They will immediately start taking cash! I promised, I would return once I have heard of the changes. They are a very inexpensive marina, and in a wonderful location. If you want to give them a try, just ASK about power prior to booking 🙂 Still Clueless
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.
Thanks to our tropical weather, boating and beaching opportunities never end here in the Palm Beaches. Take advantage of these handy links and enjoy all that our local waters have to offer whether on or off your boat.
Dive Palm Beach! What is an Artificial Reef? Palm Beach County has sunk 54 ships, about 105,000 tons of lime rock and about 77,000 tons of concrete to build about 100 reefs. Deep-water reefs several miles offshore are for certified divers, while snorkelers can see all kinds of sea life at underwater sheltered parks recently built at Phil Foster Park and Peanut Island. Artificial Reef Map
How did Peanut Island get it’s name? Learn more below and explore all things “Peanut.” Download the PDF at our link.
Explore All Things Peanut Island The park is a favorite destination for boaters and provides numerous recreational opportunities for visitors. Fishing and snorkeling are popular activities in the beautiful clear waters that surround the island.
Are your Kids or Grandkids visiting? Beaches and State Parks are a great way to spend the day if you’re not taking the boat out. Check the handy links including web cams.
BEACHES & INLET CAMS OF P.B.CTY.
Know before you go! Check in with Cam! Play in the waters and the waves! Our beaches offer a little bit of everything for everyone.
Harbortown Marina sits on the northern banks of Taylor Creek, which cuts into the Waterway’s western flank, south of unlighted daybeacon #184, just north of the Ft. Pierce Inlet.
This marina is reasonably priced, clean and well managed. The staff is very friendly and always willing to help. The best part is they care. You can tell by how clean everything is. And if something is broken, they fix it! Douglass
Buoyed by his success at influencing the Coast Guard in regard to the closures of the Belt Line RR Bridge in Norfolk, boating advocate, Jim Healy, has addressed the issue of RR bridge closures in south Florida as part of the new All Aboard Florida train schedules.
When you threaten with civil forfeiture for no veritable legal reason, you really are doing “something” and you should have considered the legal consequences. This as was witnessed by roughly 45 some people at the FWC meeting in Bradenton. (McClash comments at FWC meeting/statements made in front of law enforcement officers who did absolutely nothing, did not even admonish or correct)
Charles said, “The actual company (http://www.allaboardflorida.com/) who is building out the route may not be aware that some of their intended plans will have any impact on the boating community, after all they are train people not boat people and I would guess that bridge closures are for building out the plant.”
You’re a bit behind the curve. They had public hearings in Jupiter and Stuart last fall, specifically to let boaters have their say. Many boaters attended and voiced their concerns. There were some good bridge opening schedule compromises suggested that claim to minimize inconvenience for boaters.
This will be old news by the time I am anticipating being able to cruise anywhere in Florida, BUT, I need to ask the question, has anyone tried contacting the All Aboard Florida company about these issues? The actual company (http://www.allaboardflorida.com/) who is building out the route may not be aware that some of their intended plans will have any impact on the boating community, after all they are train people not boat people and I would guess that bridge closures are for building out the plant. If contact, as is going on with the Coast Guard, phrased in the same context didn’t work, or a favorable response, compromise wasn’t able to be reached then a few letters to the editors of the local papers might help. This company doesn’t want bad publicity as they want to sell seats on their trains. The wrong kind of publicity will have an impact on those sales. Just a thought.
This will only make the traffic jams worse than they are now, in the heart of the City. When the current runs hard, it is very difficult to maintain your position. This will lead to increased collisions and safety concerns.
One of our MTOA friends has a good point about these bridge closures. I suggest that if you were involved in any of these closures, please write to the Coast Guard. Our boating community provides a lot of taxes and financial benefits to all the communities along the ICW. Larry Moser
Thank you Jim for a well thought, fact based response. I personally have experienced the frustrations at Titusville and St. Lucie with closed bridges for extended periods of time with no one to talk to……all before All Aboard Florida. I personally don’t want to experience swift currents, narrow channels, many boats trying to maneuver closely, and short tempers due to no one knowing when the torture is going to end. A bridge tender with a radio and no bridge control will be a little help to calm nerves of cruisers when you experience a closed bridge for extended times with no train crossing. Your letter calmly makes a compelling case that I would make with less facts and more anger.
Harbortown Marina sits on the northern banks of Taylor Creek, which cuts into the Waterway’s western flank, south of unlighted daybeacon #184, just north of the Ft. Pierce Inlet.
Awesome restaurant and tiki bar at the marina! WiFi was so/so even being docked in front of the marina office! Advertisement stated that they have loaner bikes for transients’¦. they had one that was working. Different pricing for being on the wall vs. in a slip’¦. found this weird and backwards! More expensive to be exposed? Also had to listen to the bar noise and pay more? ASK to be in a slip!! Less per foot!! No grass for dogs’¦.. all area’s that were green had signs for NO DOG WALKING. Strange place, but the tiki bar was the bomb! 🙂 Still Clueless
The entrance channel leading to Amelia Island Yacht Basin, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, cuts into the Waterway’s eastern shore, immediately north of the Kingsley Creek Railway Bridge and just south of Waterway marker #13. Only gasoline pumps are out of service!/p>
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.
Such an awesome little marina! Very nice staff, helpful and went above and beyond to ensure we were happy. Even provided a loaner car for a run to the Public. Beach is just a 2 minute walk!! Quiet, and deserted, we had it to ourselves! Can’t wait to stop back in the Spring! Still Clueless
All of the glowing reviews posted previously are very well-deserved. Easy in and out. Staff VERY friendly and helpful. Facilities were very clean, also. By far, the best value we found traveling from NC to FL. Capt Jack Henry & 1st mate Steve Oakley
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