Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jun 28, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments
Still Another Recommendation for Burkey Marine Group, West Palm Beach, FL
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
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (3)

ben roberts -  July 9, 2019 - 2:09 pm

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.
Reply to ben

James Gatch -  December 21, 2015 - 9:49 am

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
Reply to James

Ted Davis -  July 30, 2015 - 4:55 pm

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!
Reply to Ted
Jun 28, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 28.4077,-80.62899999
Port Canaveral Lock on Restricted Schedule, off AICW Statute Mile 894

View In Chartview

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 View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For The Ocean Club at Port Canaveral
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Ocean Club at Port Canaveral
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (3)

Travis Zimmer -  April 24, 2016 - 10:52 am

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?
Reply to Travis

Elizabeth King -  March 27, 2016 - 12:12 am

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.
Reply to Elizabeth

Capt Mike -  April 27, 2016 - 10:28 am

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.
Reply to Capt
Jun 17, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 28.8362,-81.32799999
Reeves’ Reports: Boat Tree Marina, St. Johns River, Sanford, FL

View In Chartview

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 View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Boat Tree Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boat Tree Marina
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)

Cpt. Bill - June 21, 2015 - 9:03 pm

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.
Reply to Cpt.
Jun 10, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Restrictions on Anchoring Events in the Keys Considered
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.
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 10, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.276,-81.71559999
Another Good Visit to Ortega Yacht Club Marina, St. Johns River, Jacksonville, Fl

View In Chartview

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 View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Ortega Yacht Club Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ortega Yacht Club Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 8, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.6425,-81.63159999
Good Visit to Boathouse Marina, St. Johns River, Palatka, FL

View In Chartview

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
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 7, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.6314,-81.47749999
Report from Amelia Island Yacht Basin, AICW Statute Mile 720.5

View In Chartview

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 View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Amelia Island Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Amelia Island Yacht Basin
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 7, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.5083,-81.67789999
New Owners at Acosta Creek Marina, St. Johns River, Satsuma, FL

View In Chartview

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 View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Acosta Creek Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Acosta Creek Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 3, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 29.3802,-81.62819999
Report from Georgetown Marina and Lodge, Lake George, St. Johns River

View In Chartview

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 View the St. Johns River Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Georgetown Marina and Lodge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Georgetown Marina and Lodge
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)

Dick Lawson - June 6, 2015 - 11:05 am

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.
Reply to Dick
Jun 1, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 28.3575,-80.72539999
Good Visit to Cocoa Village Marina, Cocoa, FL, AICW Statute Mile 897

View In Chartview

Cocoa Village Marina occupies the mainland side of the Waterway, just north of the Cocoa bridge and only a few quick steps from the downtown Cocoa business district! Our thanks to Skipper Herl for these photos!
Coco Village Marina, Coco, Florida
Nice place to stop. Only spent one night. So did not get to do much. A place we would like to spend some time at on the way back home.
Phil Herl

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Cocoa Village Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cocoa Village Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
May 30, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.9173,-81.29919999
More Praise for Inlet Marina, St. Augustine, FL, AICW Statute Mile 775.5

View In Chartview

Inlet Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, borders the eastern banks of the Waterway, immediately south of the Vilano Beach high-rise bridge. Skipper Herl adds to the many good things we continue to hear about Inlet Marina and their personal service.
Inlet Marina, Florida
Inlet Marina, the friendliest place we have stopped at yet. We talked to Jay about fuel earlier and he told us to come in late PM and we could stay on the dock for the night. So we did.
Jay made sure we ate at the restaurant by giving a discount on our meal. The meals were very good.
This is a great stop for fuel and grub. We were able to top off with fuel, walk to Publics for groceries. All set for another 500 miles.
The tide in that area can be strong, but don’t worry, Jay will let you know the direction and speed when you call for the approach. Like I said up front, Jay is very helpful.
Phil Herl

Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Inlet Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Inlet Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
May 30, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.1612,-80.19549999
A Pleasant Night at Sailfish Marina, Stuart, FL, near AICW Statute Mile 988

View In Chartview

Sailfish Marina of Stuart on Manatee Pocket (not to be confused with Sailfish Marina near Palm Beach and Lake Worth Inlet), is the first facility encountered after entering the Pocket entry passage. Thanks to Skipper Herl for the photos of the popular fishing grounds.
Sailfish Marina, Stuart, Florida
Very nice and clean. Because of the spring break we were put on the fuel dock. That was no problem. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. It is a big fishing area so lots of fishing boats in and out. The area is also a no wake zone and everyone pays attention, so it was a pleasant night even on the fuel dock.
Phil Herl

Fishing Boats at the Mouth of Manatee Pocket
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Sailfish Marina of Stuart
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sailfish Marina of Stuart
Share:
Be the first to comment!
May 24, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.6702,-81.46619999
Early Morning, Fernandina Beach Mooring Field, AICW Statute Mile 716

View In Chartview

Here’s an article with which we can easily identify and a nice tribute to our friends at America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association. Published by Joe Weston in the Columbia Daily Tribune, Columbia, Missouri. Fernandina is home to Fernandina Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Early morning on the Intracoastal Waterway

Fernandina Mooring Field
By JOE WESTON
Sunday, May 24, 2015 at 12:00 am
Columbia native Sally Tull Logan and her husband, Clay Logan, are in the midst of an ambitious boat journey called the Great Loop. The Loop involves circumnavigating the eastern half of North America by water, with most of the passage being on the Intracoastal Waterway, or ICW.
Loopers, as they are called, live on their boats for the entire journey, which might be in the 3,000- to 5,000-mile range, depending on side trips. I was fortunate to join them in the Florida Keys last year and on the ICW from Jacksonville, Fla., to Charleston, S.C., this year.
Being on the water affords opportunities for many spectacular sunrises and sunsets, as well as treacherous storms. This scene was more subdued but still beautiful, as sailboats in the lifting fog reflected the sunrise at Fernandina Beach, Fla. The only motion was a solo bird hunting for unsuspecting breakfast at dawn.
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Fernandina Beach Mooring Field
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fernandina Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
May 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 29.6159,-81.20399999
Top Ten BBQs, including Captain’s BBQ on the AICW! Statute Mile 800

View In Chartview

Palm Coast is between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach and Captain’s BBQ is at Bing’s Landing on the east side of Mile 800. Sounds delicious!!
CNN) ‘” There’s more than one bone of contention in the great finger-lickin’ barbecue debate. Pork or beef? Vinegar- or tomato-based sauce? No sauce ‘” or maybe something mustard-based?
Travel site TripAdvisor has waded into hotly contested territory with a list of the best BBQ restaurants in the United States.
6. Captain’s BBQ, Palm Coast, Florida Â– Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, this Palm Coast, Florida, eatery — which is accessibly by boat — pairs mouthwatering meats with al fresco dining.
CLICK HERE for the rest of the list from WGNO TV.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Captains BBQ
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)

Winston Fowler - May 21, 2015 - 1:19 pm

If you ever get to Osprey Marina on Waccamaw River north of Georgetown, SC, get a car and drive over towards Pawley’s Island on US-17, where you will find ‘MOE’s Original BBQ” ….. now these boy’s know how to make BBQ. Here’s a link to it: http://www.moesoriginalbbq.com/lo/pawleysisland
Reply to Winston
May 8, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments
Possible Tender Solution to “All Aboard Florida” Railway Bridge Closures
Remember the many discussions among boaters last year concerning the proposed All Aboard Florida high speed trains? See /?p=143201. The addition of a full-time tender may be a solution, as reported in this article by Michael Turnbell in The Sun Sentinal.
For the first time in years, boaters have a full-time tender to communicate with at the New River railroad bridge in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
It’s part of a six-month test by the U.S. Coast Guard that, if successful, could ease boater concerns about All Aboard Florida, which plans to run 32 trains a day on the Florida East Coast Railway tracks.
The marine industry insists All Aboard Florida’s trains will keep the bridge down too long, choking access for boats and damaging a key industry in an area known as the yachting capital of the world.
A draft study by the Federal Railroad Administration found the new trains will have a negligible effect on boating. All Aboard Florida vowed to coordinate schedules with other trains, publish timetables and invest in new equipment to cut average crossing times from 18-20 minutes to 10-12 minutes.
The test will determine if having a tender present will improve the speed of the bridge’s opening and closing. It also will see if improved communication will allay boater concerns over when the bridge will be closed and for how long.
The Coast Guard said in a posted notice its new test “will promote equal usage of waterways and railroad for all parties involved.”
The New River bridge, built in the 1970s, is currently kept open for boats and only closes when a freight train passes — up to 14 times a day. But when the new high-speed passenger service starts in late 2016, the bridge would be required to close 16 additional times a day.
That is a problem for boaters because at high tide, the closed bridge sits about four feet above the water, making it hard for even a kayak to pass underneath.
Under the test, which will run through October 16, the bridge will be closed for not more than 60 minutes in any two-hour period.
“We’re excited to see how it works,” said Phil Purcell, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. “It’s been unpredictable so this should add more reliability for people who use the river.”
While the bridge is still controlled by operators in Jacksonville, Purcell said the new tender will be able to tell them to slow trains if a boat needs more time to make it through. Towboat operators hauling large yachts can be warned ahead of time when the bridge will be down. And the tender can tell dispatchers to more quickly raise the bridge once a train passes.
“Sometimes the bridge is currently shut when there is no train, or after the train passes, the bridge isn’t raised right away,” Purcell said.
Click Here for the full article.
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (2)

Rick Emerson - May 8, 2015 - 11:32 pm

I’m confused. If a bridge, with a vertical clearance of less than 65 feet is closed, it has no impact on boat traffic? If a bridge is closed for no more than 60 minutes out of two hours, is this not closing a bridge for an hour. and for 50% of two hours? And this, too, means no impact on boat traffic?
The notion of a tender “slow[ing] trains”, “[t]owboat operators hauling large yachts [being] warned ahead of time when the bridge will be down” by a tender, and tenders telling trains to slow down or hurry up… who, in their right mind, can believe this? “Big choo-choo” will be OK because of posting bridge tenders? Nevermind there will still 30+ bridge closures daily. And FEC plans additional freight trains in addition to their present schedule.
In the end, this is all more smoke and mirrors for a rail plan that many people view as unneeded, unwanted, and unnecessary. Talk of railroad bridge tenders is nothing more than an attempt to put lipstick on a particularly ugly pig.
Reply to Rick

Kevin Koehl - May 8, 2015 - 4:53 pm

Railroad bridge tenders are a definite improvement. I cruised eastbound through Stuart in March. I approached the Roosevelt bridge requesting an opening. The FEC railroad bridge immediately behind was open. The Roosevelt bridge responded saying they would open in 5 to 10 minutes. No problem, right? While waiting the siren sounded on the railway bridge and the Roosevelt Bridge indicated they would not open with the railway bridge preparing to cycle. We waited the about 20 more minutes with the FEC railway bridge remaining open with its red light on and the Roosevelt bridge refusing to open. With no railroad bridge tender we had no clue why the railroad bridge was not closing but showing a red light. Finally, after 30 minutes total wait time, the railroad bridge closed and a train passed. It took about an hour in total to finally make it through the railroad bridge. As I passed under the FEC railroad bridge I thought “They want to do this another 16 times a day?” At least with a tender, we might have had someone to talk to understand timing and maybe they wouldn’t have had to take so long to cycle. I remain a skeptic.
Reply to Kevin
May 7, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 29.9879,-81.629999
Question re Possible New Shands Bridge over the St. Johns River

View In Chartview

The fixed Shands Bridge, lying southeast of Green Cove Springs and marker #20, sets the vertical clearance limit for the upper St. Johns River with its height of 45 feet. Sailcraft that cannot clear this span must forego exploration of what is to our collective minds, the most beautiful section of this lovely stream. Many a sailor has shaken a fist and employed colorful language while coming about at the Shands Bridge! Perhaps even Skipper Bosque? Our thanks to Skipper McDonald for the official response.
Any updates on the construction of a new Shands Bridge? Are they building one with a 65′ clearance?
Raul Bosque
Approved, but not funded. Where have we heard this before?!?
May 11, 2015
Larry
This is a recent reply I received about the FDOT plans to replace the Shands Bridge on the St Johns river in Green Cove Springs. Unfortunately, for those of us with a mast height in excess of 45′ we will remain restricted from traversing the river.
Perry McDonald
The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) current plan is to replace the existing Shands Bridge with a new bridge that will have 65 feet of vertical clearance. However, the project is not funded in FDOT’s Five Year Work Program and will likely not be replaced for ten or more years. Replacing the bridge is a high priority to FDOT and the replacement could be advanced if funding were to become available.
Thank you for your interest in the First Coast Expressway project. If you have any questions or comments, please call or email.
James M. Knight, P.E.
Urban Planning and Modal Administrator
Florida Department of Transportation District 2
2198 Edison Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Shands Bridge
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)

Kevin Koehl - May 8, 2015 - 6:04 pm

The portion of the First Coast Expressway that includes a new 65ft. bridge across the St. Johns River south of Green Cove Springs is currently in the design phase. The bad new is the funding and construction of this outer belt which will connect I-10 to I-95 in a connector well west and south of the current I-295 has been limited to the northwest portion of the project and the bridge is in the southeast part of the project. The good news is this bridge is being built to relieve I-95 congestion as it passes through St. Johns County, the fastest growing county of Florida. This one of several highway projects designed to handle current and future growth. The state has been funding many new highway projects in this area, so hopefully, this will be funded as the design phase is completed. I live in the heart of this growth and about 10 miles from the proposed bridge. The housing growth and highway construction is at a very rapid pace. You can follow the project at http://www.firstcoastexpressway.com.
Reply to Kevin
May 2, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 27.4031,-80.29159999
Report from Open Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 970

View In Chartview

Open Anchorage, located four statute miles south of Fort Pierce, is not your typical cove style anchorage, so we are grateful for this report from Skipper Hundley.
Great holding. Comfortable night anchored south of marker #9 with winds from north/northwest.
Kris Hundley
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Open Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Open Anchorage
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)

PassePartout - May 4, 2015 - 5:52 pm

A lovely anchorage for easterly and even westerly winds.
Avoid the nearby cove at sundown– the mosquitos are the worst I’ve ever seen.
Can walk dogs on west shore in some spots.
Reply to PassePartout
Apr 30, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.6153,-80.04379999
Lake Avenue Bridge back to On-Demand Openings, Lake Worth, Eastern Florida AICW Statute Mile 1029

View In Chartview

Lake Avenue Bridge - Click for Chartview
Lake Worth/Lake Avenue Bridge crosses the Waterway at Statue Mile 1029, south of marker #33 and has a closed vertical clearance of 35ft. Our thanks to Skipper Johnson for this update!
As of May 1, 2015, Lake Worth Bridge is back to On Demand.
Ted Johnson
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Lake Avenue Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Lake Avenue Bridge
Click Here For An Earlier Notice Concerning the Lantana Bridge.
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Apr 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments
Update on Florida’s Anchoring Restrictions Bill
This Florida senate bill restricting anchoring has been much in the news for several weeks, see /?p=147527 and /?p=147397. This update is from Kim Russo on AGLCA’s Forum
Below is an update provided this morning from the team working on defeating the proposed anchoring restrictions in Florida. Thanks to all the Loopers and our Sponsors who have taken steps to help with this issue. We’ve made
a lot of progress!
1. There are 8 days left in the regular session.
2. On the House side, there is currently no remaining bill that includes the anchoring ban. The bill that most logically could have been a vehicle for such a provision passed 119-0 this morning on the House floor (i.e. vote by the full House). This was after the anchoring ban amendment was defeated in its last committee hearing. Therefore, when it was brought up for a vote of the full House (on the floor) it contained no anchoring ban provisions. Unlike last year, no anchoring ban amendment was filed on the floor although our team was poised, ready to respond rapidly ‘¦ as were the House members who have become champions for the boating and cruising
community. That bill is now going to the Senate for a vote.
3. On the Senate side, the bill containing the anchoring ban made it through the 2nd of its 3 required committees 2 weeks ago. With 8 days left, the bill is not currently scheduled for a 3rd committee hearing.
Currently, that 3rdcommittee is not scheduled to meet again, although that could change.
4. We are working continuously to monitor and track every bill and every potential amendment to a bill that could create the anchoring ban. We are in constant communication with a full host of House and Senate members who are with us.
5. At this stage, broad messaging from the boating community to legislators is not an effective strategy. If, however, any threatening bill or amendment emerges, we will again engage promptly with messaging that is tailored, timed and targeted.
6. The boating and cruising community has done a great job throughout this session. It has strengthened its voice and its effectiveness. It has broadened and diversified its sources of messaging. For example, recently
there was effective proactive messaging from the veterans boating community and the Boy Scouts/Sea Scouts boating community that was influential in conjunction with the balance of the boating and cruising community family.
7. We still have 8 days. Readiness is the key.
Kim Russo
Director
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (3)

Dave L -  June 17, 2017 - 5:13 am

Anchoring is an act of navigation, as such it is protected by federal law.
Reply to Dave

Captain Robert S. Viola -  April 25, 2015 - 10:28 am

Florida’s anchoring ban defies reason, lacks economic sense, and embodies a mis-application of logic. Therefore; it is no doubt a dream-child of misguided, but powerful, environmental-zealots. These Draconian regulations limit legitimate and reasonable pursuits. The boating public’s rightful interests are being overrun by a political movement that treats the earth, and what is at the bottom of the sea with a kind of irrational, religious-sanctity. Boaters do not dis-respect the sea-floor – people have some right to its use – and it is certainly a reasonable assumption that the vast majority of boaters don’t have the destruction of our habitat at heart. Most want a piece of our shared-earth to ensure our safety, security, and tranquility – and there surely is enough law-enforcement in place to oversee the security of anchorages. The problem of course is; the zealots will not give an inch, and scream louder, and devote life-long energy to denying traditional, and time-honored practices to a generation of boaters who respect the sea as much as they do! Boating advocates must relentlessly argue that our goals are every bit more-sensible than those who oppose reasonable land and sea pursuits.
Captain R.S. Viola
Reply to Captain

Jerry Villines -  April 24, 2015 - 6:19 pm

So, if I understand your rambling message. The Florida House has chosen not to pass any legislation with changed anchoring restrictions. But that may or may not change. The Senate has completed 2 of 3 required steps to vote on restrictions to anchoring. They have not scheduled action to complete the 3rd step but may do that.
So if the Senate completed 2 steps to increasing anchoring restrictions what are the issues/roadblacks/incentives to address the 3rd step?? Why take 2 steps and not address the 3rd step?? And, should the Senate pass the 3rd step and vote to introduce legislation to restrict anchoring rights does the House need to deal with the proposed legislation before it can go into the books?
This is all very strange and secretive.
Reply to Jerry
Apr 17, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 30.6702,-81.46619999
Praise for Fernandina, FL, AICW Statute Mile 716

View In Chartview

My family has been vacationing in Fernandina for more than 50 years and it gets better every year, as Skipper Pink obviously confirms! And a berth at Fernandina Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, puts you right in the heart of the wonderful things to do and see in this special port.
We never go there without eating at LuLu’s, nuff said.
The palace bar, where the ship captains of yesteryear drank, don’t let the bar (front room) fool you, the opening behind the bar that looks like a kitchen opening leads to other rooms and entertainments. 2-3 years ago now I think when we were there last.
Roy Pink
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fernandina Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!