We continue to hear only good words for SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Marineland Marina which lies south ‘“ southeast of AICW marker #87, along the Waterway’s eastern shore.
One of the BEST little gems on the ICW! Eric and Chris do their best to help you with any of your needs..very clean’¦the beach right across A1A’¦Plenty of water..definitely would go back! Thank you! Payrick n Jae Kellogg
I agree this is a wonderful marina. The staff was helpful and friendly. Marineland is definetly worth a visit, and the beach is right across the road. Not much shopping, but can’t have everything. A cab will get you to shopping.
You can help, especially if you do any anchoring or shore exploring between Canaveral and Miami.
MELBOURNE, Fla. – A zoo in Brevard County needs your help tracking the East Coast Diamondback terrapins, a unique subspecies that lives along Florida’s Atlantic coast.
The Brevard Zoo wants everyone from the Space Coast to Miami to report sightings to them.
The terrapins are usually found in brackish coastal waters like the Indian River Lagoon.
As local commissioners struggle to fund the current free pumpout service, it becomes apparent that those costs may soon transfer to boaters, as reported in the article below by Kevin Wadlow in KeysInfoNet.com.
Boat sewage pumpout costs likely to be assessed on the boaters BY KEVIN WADLOW A boat-pumpout program launched to protect Florida Keys nearshore waters from sewage discharges stands as a model for the state, but state funding for the program is drying up.
Money from the state’s Clean Vessel Act “dropped significantly this year,” Monroe County Marine Resources administrator Rich Jones told county commissioners Wednesday at their Key Largo meeting. Local contractor Pumpout USA “had a lot of trouble making ends meet this year,” Jones said. Monroe County in 2015 will spend about $367,000 on the program, with the state funding around $319,000 toward an estimated 18,000 vessel sewage pumpouts. The county’s share works out to $21.10 per pumpout. Overall, average total per-pumpout cost is about $40, down from $55.70 in 2014. The state Department of Environmental Protection now seeks “throughout the state to build sustainable pumpout programs, using Monroe County’s pumpout program as a model,” Jones said in a report to commissioners. To reduce the number of illegal sewage discharges in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary waters, the pumpouts are offered free of charge to boaters. However, commissioners have urged staff to work toward some type of fee system for boaters. “I am concerned about the long-term viability of free pumpouts,” Commissioner Heather Carruthers said. “We can’t count on the state for anything.” Commissioner Sylvia Murphy said her office receives “a constant supply of comments” from land residents “who pay for sewage” while anchored liveaboard residents “are not paying taxes or rent or anything else, and we’re paying for their sewage.” “I like doing something to keep sewage from going in the bay or ocean but sooner or later we’re going to get on the stick and make them pay,” Murphy said. Pumpouts are mandatory inside local managed anchoring areas, where Jones said compliance “is close to 100 percent.” Commissioners asked about extending the pumpout requirement to all nearshore Keys waters, but questions about jurisdiction and enforcement were cited as potential obstacles. Staff is “looking at any and all alternatives,” Jones said.
Old Port Cove is located on the western shore of the northern Lake Worth channel, near unlighted daybeacon #7.
Ahoy Boaters!
September is right around the corner and it will not be long before the search for warmer waters, coconut palms, rum libation, and sea food dining will be the driving forces for the courses we set each day. One of our seasoned sponsors, the Old Port Cove marinas, and yes there are three, North Palm Beach Marina, New Port Cove Marina and Old Port Cove Marina are all ready to add to your full pleasure, comfort and enjoyment. Old Port Cove Marinas are encouraging skippers and or first mates to make advance reservation for slips. After a sell-out season last winter, they don’t want their boating friends to be disappointed!
Old Port Cove Marina is located off the I.C.W. (Intracoastal Waterway) at Coast Guard Channel Marker #27, four miles north of the Lake Worth (Palm Beach) Inlet. No waiting for bridges and just minutes from the finest cruising grounds in Florida make this location the perfect jumping off spot for the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Bahamas. Marina features include: Proudly 5 Star Boater Rated, State of the Art Floating Docks, Casual Waterfront Restaurant On-Site, Fitness Room, Complimentary Shuttle to Publix and West Marine, BoatUS Member Discount.
Please make reservations today, we are waiting to welcome you in with a bottle of wine! Old Port Cove Marina certainly is an elegant alternative to the hustle and bustle of the marinas to the south. Latitude: 26°49.937’N Longitude: 080°03.248’W Call 561-626-1760 or go on line to www.opch.com
Located south-southeast of AICW marker #27, Titusville Municipal Marina is one of the best medium-sized, municipal marinas on the Eastern Florida coastline. It is also only a short driving distance from Dixie Cross Roads Seafood Restaurant, one of the best in the south! Our thanks to Skipper Parker for this report.
Stayed a few enjoyable days at the Titusville Marina. The staff is very courteous and accommodating. The boatside pump out is a plus. Susan Parker
“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
Recently used a repair firm to handle an engine shut down situation which was quite scary. The mechanics from bigdieselmarine.com aka Burkey \Marine Group came out right away “as stated several times elsewhere” they handled our big problem easily with minimal cost and lost time! We are passing it on as we should! The number for Big Diesel direct is 772-215-7663 Tim Daily
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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.
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
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.
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.
Comments from Cruisers (1)
I agree this is a wonderful marina. The staff was helpful and friendly. Marineland is definetly worth a visit, and the beach is right across the road. Not much shopping, but can’t have everything. A cab will get you to shopping.