With a name like “Hawg Wash,” this BBQ has to be good! For a 2013 report on Waleka, FL, see /?p=110746.
If you visit Welaka make sure you get to Hog Wash for THE Best smoke hog in the STaTe. U will not be disappointed. I promise uuuuuuu
Pete Baleyko
Address:413 Elm St, Welaka Fl, 32193. Tel: 386-524-4036. E mail: hawgwashbbqjoint@gmail.com.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Welaka, FL
Loggerhead Club Marina lies west and a bit south of the AICW’s marker #122 in Vero Beach, FL. Burkey Marine Group is out of West Palm Beach
Nice Marina great staff and big help from local marine repair firm Greg Burkey Marine aka bigdieselmarine.com
Ted Davis
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Loggerhead Club Marina-Vero Beach
“No charge” – sweet words to any boater! These guys are building a solid reputation, one boater at a time. Bravo Burkey Marine Group!
We feel the same way! These big diesel guys helped us over the phone telling us what to look for and once we located the problem they talked us through the repair at no charge. (After hours)
We are fans!
Ted Davis
We arrived in Stuart Florida with engine problems at Sailfish Marina and were told to call Greg Burkey Marine group. After contacting Burkey Marine aka Big Diesel Marine we were on our way soon! Happy to pass on the number to our community Burkey Marine group at 772-215-7663 burkeymarinegroup@gmail I feel safe recommending them!
Our thanks to Mike Ahart, Editor of Waterway Guide for this news:
Waterway News Updates
Florida East Coast
Has anyone seen this stolen yacht?
Date Reported: Jul 15, 2015
Reported by: Kevin Crago
Changes-Of-Latitude.jpgHas anyone seen me? My name is Change of Latitude. I am a 2002 Ocean Alexander 60′ Pilothouse Motor Yacht. I was stolen Sunday at 1:30AM from Harbour Towne Marina in Dania Beach FL. I am most likely in the Bahamas.
Please notify Kevin Crago, the Bahamas Defence Force, US Coast Guard, US Customs, US Marshals, or Broward County Sheriff if you see me.
Ed. note: WG has verified that this yacht has indeed been stolen. Information has been posted elsewhere on the internet suggesting that the boat is missing due to a repossession. The boat had been repossessed a few months ago.
View location on the Waterway Explorer
Source: Cruising Boater
CLICK HERE for the full story from Waterway Guide Latest News
UPDATE: The yacht has been located, no details are currently available. BOLO (Be On the LookOut) has been canceled.
Astor Bridge Marina is located in a cove on the eastern shore of the St. Johns River, south of the Astor Highway Bridge. Here is another of Skipper Reeves’ reports from the St. Johns – thank you Sonny!
Easy stop on the river! Owners will give you a map to the awesome creeks and beautiful springs to explore in your small boat. Blue Creek is like the Amazon! Laid back old Florida marina. Limited supplies at ship store but the store across the creek has some grocery items and will take larger orders and fuel. Great people on the River! The marina is well protected, more of a basin, easy in and out. Turn in beside the Castaways Bar and Grill just South of the bridge. Can’t give the local restaurants a high mark at this time, check Trip Advisor for my reviews. Ask the dockmaster how to take your dink to Parramore’s for lunch. Town is a little more than a walk away. The focus here is on fishing and it is very good here for bass and more. Watch for gators. There is a large field for walking the dog. Some liv a boards very helpful! There are cabins for rent and the owners are good people. When we stayed during May 2015 the office is closed on Wednesdays.
Sonny Reeves
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Astor Bridge Marina
Acosta Creek Marina lies on the east side of the St. Johns River between markers #41 and 42A, south of Seminole Grove, FL. New owners, Bob and Jane Simons have made many improvements and we wish them the very best with all their plans. Skipper Reeves continues his exploration of the St. Johns River.
Great stop on the river. Good people, nice small laundry. Good people on the docks. Beware of current! and the wakes of idiots that fly by. We enjoyed our short stay . The dog walk and trails are nice but watch for snakes. Nearby creeks are great for bass fishing and exploring. The boatyard services are nice and we saw some quality work being done. Old Florida laid back with some amenities, Pool and Wifi, Ship’s Store. A few miles to shopping center. Will need car!
Sonny Reeves
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Acosta Creek Marina
Georgetown Marina and Lodge lies north of marker #72, a short hop north of the St. Johns River’s northerly intersection with Lake George. Our thanks to Skipper Reeves for this report and photos.
Good stop on the river at North end of Lake George. Great people and fuel prices. Limited supplies. This is a fishing marina set up for fishermen and small boats. Large boats will be in slips out side and open to wakes, weather and boat traffic to the South. A good place to explore Salt Run Spring and to enjoy the fishing. Good laundry service. You can see no where from here and if you do not have a car very little is close. Old Florida style marina with southern hospitality.
Sonny Reeves
Georgetown Marina exposed to wakes from speeding fishermen.
Georgetown Marina is nice people and good fuel prices. Lots of fishing boats.
Georgetown Marina, You can see nowhere from here and visit Salt Run Spring
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Georgetown Marina and Lodge
The moral of these boaters’ experience is GET IT IN WRITING! Telemar Bay Marina guards the Banana River’s easterly banks, just north of the Eau Gallie fixed bridge and Dragon Point.
My husband and I rented a month to month slip for our boat at Telemar Bay Marina for 3 months during the period of November, December 2014 and January 2015. I had communicated with the manager Karen of Telemar Bay Marina many times by email and phone before we arrived indicating to her what we were looking for during our 3 month stay and she explained their rules and we were told that if we did not stay on the boat more than three days at a time we would not be considered live-aboards and would NOT be charged the additional fees. The Marina was very willing to rent us a slip for month to month and required a deposit.
We returned to the boat 3 or 4 times and never stayed over the 3 day limit. We always followed all the rules of the Marina even though the staff changed them verbally each time we came to check on our boat and stay overnight. We were never given written rules. We always checked in at the office each time we arrived to stay overnight. We were told that the owner was watching all activities at the marina by camera and from his condo across the street from the Marina. We were fully aware that we were being watched and had no issue with that as we were following all the rules that we were given.
We checked out with the Marina manager Karen on our departure and was told everything was good and they would mail us our deposit.
After we left in January 2015 we called numerous times inquiring about our deposit. We were told over and over it would be returned soon, or our deposit refund was in the mail.
After more than 3 months and many phone calls, we were told that they were keeping our deposit because we were LIVE-ABOARDS. The reason they determined we were live-aboards was because THEY gave us a bathroom key when we first arrived. This was not the case because when we left after setting up the boat at the marina and then we returned we checked in at the office and they took the bathroom keys back. When I contacted the marina before we arrived I was told we could use the bathroom during business hours. Later that changed and we were told we should use the head on our boat, and that the bathrooms were for live-aboards or transients only. I guess this is why we witnessed several people urinating off the docks. They seem to change the rules to suit their needs, and in this case a reason to keep our deposit. The Marina will no longer answer our phone calls (caller ID).
Since leaving I have read other bad reviews about Telemar Bay, so we are not the only people that the Marina treated this way. We will be headed South again next year and we will avoid Telemar Bay Marina. There are plenty of other marinas in the area. My advice is to avoid this dishonest business.
We did try resolving this issue with the Marina about not returning our $460 deposit in many different ways including the Better Business Bureau and the Marina would not respond. This is one of the reasons they have a D+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We are also working with Boat US regarding this matter and plan on taking this issue to small claims court. At this point it is on principle and protecting other boaters from being taken advantage of. We plan on continuing our warnings to others and in many different ways and until our deposit is returned. Thank you.
Vivian
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Telemar Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Telemar Marina
Thank you for this commit; as a delivery Captain I will certainly pass it on. Good luck in small claims court and good for you for not letting the issue drop
Have a heart! Let them live!
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Personal fireworks don’t mix with nesting shorebirds
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) asks the public to help protect beach-nesting shorebirds across the state this holiday weekend by giving them space and keeping personal fireworks off the beach.
Shorebirds are nesting on beaches along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida, with many still watching over flightless chicks during the busy Independence Day weekend. The snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer, American oystercatcher and Wilson’s plover are several of the state’s beach-nesting shorebird species that face conservation challenges and need people’s help to survive.
`Fireworks launched too close or toward a nesting colony can cause adult shorebirds to flush off their nests and chicks to scatter, leaving the chicks vulnerable to predators, the elements and the potential of getting accidentally stepped on by beach-goers,’ said Nancy Douglass, who works on shorebird conservation for the FWC. `Leaving personal fireworks at home and giving the birds space are ways that residents can still enjoy the beach while helping to keep shorebirds and their chicks safe.’
Ways to protect beach-nesting shorebirds this holiday weekend and beyond:
Leave personal fireworks, including sparklers, at home and attend an official fireworks display instead.
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 or divebombing are giving signals for you to back off.
Never intentionally force birds to fly or run. They use up energy they need for nesting, and eggs or 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.
Respect posted shorebird nesting areas. Avoid posted sites and use designated walkways when possible.
It is best not to take pets to the beach, but if you do, keep them on a leash 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’ chances for survival. If they continue to disturb nesting shorebirds, report their activities 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.
For more ways to share the beach with nesting shorebirds, go to MyFWC.com/Shorebirds and download the `Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting Birds’ brochure. Additional information can also be found at the Florida Shorebird Alliance website: www.flshorebirdalliance.org.
Skippers Thomas and Kelly are looking to rent a house with a deep water slip. If you have suggestions, please respond to this posting. Thanks!
We want to move our Boat + Family to the East Coast of FL’“ we are looking for a way to find Condos or Houses for rent with a 50′ Dock on a canal for a 6′ DRAFT Sailboat’¦ Any Suggestions?
Thanks’¦
Thomas & Kelly
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor is located just off the Waterway’s western shoreline, south of unlighted daybeacon #7 and north of the Vilano Beach Bridge.
Stayed three nights. Very protected marina. Staff was very helpful. One of two courtesy cars were always available for short trips into town or the nearby Publix. Clean restrooms and showers. BoatUS discount was a plus. Saw a sea turtle swimming around my boat one day and a manatee getting a drink of water.
Captain Vic Wilreker
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor
These are not the first words of praise we have received for Burkey Marine and will not be the last.
Great day until our diesel engines ingested and something the boat overheated. A local dealer came out and couldn’t repair the boat for two days. Then we called a group called Big Diesel aka Burkey Marine on a Saturday after 7pm. These guys came out, fixed the blockage in our systems and we were on our way! My wife and I will always keep the number; you should too as they travel where ever the boat is! You may have to pay for airfare but Burkey Marine is our number one diesel service center for our boat. Sincerely Captain Tim Jensen
FYI Burkey Marine Group 772-215-7663
I had a engine over heat and this crew can out same day and checked on us underway. As with every business I’m sure they are not perfect, but we had a bad day and they made it better. We do say thank you to Big Diesel Marine. I’m sure they wont mind me posting their number 772 215 7663.
We had a great expierience over the phone being walked through our problem by Big Diesel Greg Burkey all was well after the trip was salvaged! Some people care and yes we reccomend the Greg Burkey Marine Group several phone calls later at no charge we were fixed! CaptJ
We feel the same way! These big diesel guys helped us over the phone telling us what to look for and once we located the problem they talked us through the repair at no charge. (After hours)
We are fans!
Ocean Club at Port Canaveral lies on the “Canaveral Barge Canal” east of the single 600X90ft lock. From the Atlantic, the long canal crosses Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island, then intersects the Waterway at statute mile 894. Our thanks to Harbor Master Humphrey for this update.
The locks at Port Canaveral Florida are closed indefinitely Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM -5:00 PM. Open on demand weekends from 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM and M-F open 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM-9:30PM only
Clayton Humphrey
Harbor Master
Ocean Club – Port Canaveral
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Ocean Club at Port Canaveral
I would like to know how we could get the locks open to assist the lagoon as well, and what is the resoning behind the lock system?
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.
I agree, I think opening up the Lock would benefit the Lagoon. Unfortunately you have to look at the reason it was put there the first place. before the Lock there was a lot of sand movement in the inlet and the Subs were running aground. The ACOE in their infinite wisdom decided to stop the water flow and thereby causing the sand bars to stabilize. this fixed the problem in the inlet but I believe like you caused problems in the Indian and Banana Rivers. I’d love to see some kind of “flush” to take place on a regular basis, even if it’s south of the inlet with a huge pipe or something.
Skipper Reeves continues his exploration of the St. Johns, visiting some of the off the beaten path locations. Boat Tree Marina lies just north of the St. Johns’ entry into Lake Monroe. This facility features a well sheltered harbor.
We visited Boat Tree and stayed for a couple of months. Would have stayed longer but the docks are dangerous, in need of replacement. See for pictures web site attached. The people are wonderful. Kristy is awesome ! Taking care of us and all. The marina is about 2 miles from nearest food store and 4 miles to shopping center. Ships store has some supplies. The bicycle trails are not there or they stop just when you need them to stay out of traffic. The restaurant/bar was closed. The showers are clean and the laundry is clean. The pool is nice. There is a cafe with good food & prices for breakfast and lunch on site along with a Hair Salon, Sherry the owner is most gracious allowing us to use her wifi at the cafe otherwise we never saw the free wifi. The leash your pets rule is not enforced and a small dog was bitten by a boater’s big dogs running loose. For pics and more see http://ontheofficewautoteacher.blogspot.com/2015_06_01_archive.html
Sunset @ Boat Tree Marina looking East from the Cafe. We enjoyed our stay at Boat Tree. Kristy made us feel welcome and helped us with any question we had. Kristy took care of us! We would have stayed except we had issues with the dock and safety.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boat Tree Marina
We stayed abut a year at Boat Tree a few years back and agree completely with Skipper Reeves” comments. The staff is terrific but the docks are terrible. That’s the primary reason we left. They could not provide a stable dock for our 50’+ boat. We found the same concern at the downtown Sanford marina.
Although the party style anchoring reported here is not the anchoring done by cruisers, the issue of restriction is very much a part of Florida’s focus on the control of anchoring throughout the state. See /?p=148212 for background on recent Florida legislation on anchoring.
Restrictions on boating events mulled
Sanctuary said races, parties taking toll
BY KEVIN WADLOW
kwadlow@keynoter.com
June 10, 2015
When too many boaters drop anchor for an on-the-water Florida Keys party, the marine environment may suffer.
On Tuesday in Marathon, advisers to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary will discuss “challenges and issues” created by “marine events and concentrated uses such as party areas, raft-ups, and boat races.”
Members of the Sanctuary Advisory Council requested a session on large boating events, sanctuary spokeswoman Rachel Pawlitz said.
Sanctuary managers have not taken a position on any new regulation, Pawlitz said.
“We understand these types of recreational events are popular, but the sanctuary has to consider effects on marine resources, and try to find the right balance,” she said.
Last November, more than 100 boats in Key West for the annual powerboat races traveled the 14 miles to Boca Grande, an island within the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. Boats anchored on nearby flats and ran aground on the uninhabited island’s sandy beach.
In January, Monroe County Commissioners blocked a recommendation to spend $10,000 in Tourist Development Council funding to promote a new boating raft-up in Key Largo during this year’s Columbus Day holiday in October.
Boat races were among scheduled activities in Key Largo, although organizers with the Florida Powerboat Club said the races were being scaled back in favor of a “cruising rendezvous.”
Nancy Finley, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manager of the Florida Keys Wildlife Refuge Complex, said Friday that organized and promoted events in wildlife refuge waters “do need a permit and a compatibility determination.”
Finley will speak at Tuesday’s sanctuary council meeting at the Hyatt Place Marathon resort, along with representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The Boca Grande situation “has been resolved, from my point of view,” Finley said. “They need a permit. At this point, no one has asked for one.”
“Any event that is expected to draw large interest and focus on one section of the refuge, whether there is money involved or if it’s a non-profit, is going to need a compatibility determination.”
Boca Grande, she noted, has seen significant erosion of its sandy beach that is a critical turtle-nesting area. The island also houses a very rare colony of the protected Miami Blue butterfly.
Some Lower Matecumbe Key residents have complained about noise from boat gatherings off a neighborhood. FWC officers have said that without seeing illegal activity or environmental damage occurring, there was little they could do.
Any recommendations from the Sanctuary Advisory Council would undergo review by federal and state staff.
Located on the Ortega River just above the Roosevelt Blvd. Bridge and just below the intersection of the Ortega and St. Johns Rivers, Ortega Yacht Club Marina is especially convenient to the Riverside section of Jacksonville. Our thanks to Skipper Herl for this report.
Ortega Yacht Club, Florida
Ortega Yacht Club is a bit out of the way if you plan to stay on the ICW. It is 20-25 mile from Sisters Creek on the ICW so if you go, you have to do it on purpose. If you have some time and want to get away from the ICW for a few days the Ortega would be a great place to do just that. Ortega is not affiliated with any FCYC Yacht Clubs.
Paul the dock master is great, tryes to help you in any way he can. One day we needed to get to a Wall Mart, Paul carried us to Wall Mart in his truck so we could replace a TV that stopped working.
We stayed over a week. Completed some chores, did laundry, (and that needed to be accomplished) and were able to get away from the boat for a while to do some shopping. The shopping is within walking distance. Belks, West Marine, Publics, CVS, restraunts and lots more. I was able to stop into a hearing aid place (not my brand) to get my aids checked and cleaned. They were actually exited to help us as well as interested in our trip. Another hint is to buy a real comfortable back pack for the grocery runs.
Phil Herl
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ortega Yacht Club Marina
Boathouse Marina overlooks the shores of the St. Johns River west-southwest of Palatka City Marina and marker #1. As Skipper Herl points out, cruisers docking here are within walking easy distance of the shops and restaurants in downtown Palatka.
Boathouse Marina, Palatka
Was a very pleasant run from Lake George to Boathouse, 3.5 hr @ approx. 9 knot. We arrived in the pm and were docked and tied by just after noon. This was really different for us, we normally don’t get in until 3:00 or 4:00 pm.
The marina facilities are very clean but rustic. We were able to catch up on our laundry. Boathouse is also within walking distance to good eats and to just see the town. Very nice walk.
We do have friends on the area so we were able to commandeer a car. Publics, WinDixie and a Walmart are within a short drive. We were able to just relax, even took the dingy out for evening cruises on the river. We were also able to visit Ravine Gardens, spent several very pleasant hours there.
Phil Herl
One of the Dockmates
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Boathouse Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boathouse Marina
The entrance channel leading to Amelia Island Yacht Basin, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, cuts into the AICW’s eastern flank, immediately north of the Kingsley Creek Railway Bridge, and just south of Waterway marker #13. Skipper Herl’s report relates a visit before dredging was completed, see /?p=139385
Amelia Island Yacht Basin
The crew there is great and the restaurant `The Galley Pub’ was very good. Just stopped in to get a snack but ended up with a huge juicy hamburger and all the fixins. Yum-yum.
They are in the process of dredging [now completed] the canal and basin to improve the depth but did not know what the time line would be for completion.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Amelia Island Yacht Basin
Acosta Creek Marina lies on the east side of the St. Johns River between markers #41 and 42A, south of Seminole Grove, FL. Congratulations to the Simons and we wish them the very best with all their plans.
Recently, Bob and Jane Simons acquired Acosta Creek Marina (formerly Acosta Creek Harbor) in Satsuma Fl. from previous owners James and Cathy Towles. Eager to bring more business into the marina, Jane & Bob have been working hard planning big improvements and repairing facilities that already exist. For those not familiar with the area, Acosta Creek Marina sits approximately an hour and a half south of Jacksonville, two hours north of Orlando, fifty minutes southeast of St Augustine and an hour east of Gainesville all by car. Those of you traveling by water the Acosta Creek Marina is located within close proximity to channel marker 42.
The new owners of Acosta Creek Marina have very big plans for their new purchase including expanding many of the marina’s services, as well adding to the goods carried by the ship’s store and improving the grounds about Acosta Creek Marina. Their ultimate goal is to make Acosta Creek Marina not just a stop over or place to store your vessel but a destination on this scenic part of the St. Johns River. They currently offer very affordable dockage at only $7.00 a foot per month with electric on a metered basis and have removed the previous length requirement in order to bring in new customers. Transient dockage is $1.00 a foot daily plus $6.50 for electric. Although Acosta Creek Marina is located in a rural setting, the new owners can arrange transportation for you into town to purchase supplies or check out many of the excellent restaurants in the area. One of their personal favorite dining establishments is Hawg Wash BBQ, with authentic excellent smoked barbecue. The marina is equipped with a 25 ton travel lift and a boat yard where you can do-it-yourself or have one of the many skilled contractors work on your vessel for you. The marina features fixed wood piers with finger slips, showers, a laundry facility and a ship’s store that Jane is working hard to improve.
Other amenities on site encompass a full gambit of recreational activities, with cabins, RV spots, picnic tables, and the soon to be installed horseshoe pits and grills. Some of the best bass fishing in the world is located within in a couple minutes of Acosta Creek Marina and the beautiful crystal clear freshwater springs are located only a short beautiful cruise away.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Acosta Creek Marina
Georgetown Marina and Lodge lies north of marker #72, a short hop north of the St. Johns River’s northerly intersection with Lake George.Our thanks to Skipper Herl for this report.
Georgetown Marina, Lake George, Florida
Georgetown Marina, located at the very north end of Lake George. We originally thought about getting fuel there but they were having trouble with their pumps and they were running really slow. George Town is a nice quiet little fish camp type of marina. The people are very friendly and helpful. Since it is at the very north end of the lake, it can be a bit lumpy if the wind is out of the south.
There are not a lot of stores or restaurants within walking distance, so it is probably only for one night stops.
We wanted to stop in Lake George and take the dingy into Silver Glen Springs, but the weather did not cooperate. If your ever in the area Silver Glen Springs is one place you should put on the to do list. On weekends it can get really crowded, especially holidays.
Phil Herl
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Georgetown Marina and Lodge
Every other year we venture up the St Johns. We always spend one night tied up at Georgetown Marina. Limited dock space and amenities, but the friendliness of the staff make up for that. Their fuel prices are always some of the lowest on the river.
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