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
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
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.
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 – Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, this Palm Coast, Florida, eatery — which is accessibly by boat — pairs mouthwatering meats with al fresco dining.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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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.
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
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?
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
Manatee Pocket is off the St. Lucie River between the AICW intersection and downtown Stuart, FL. There are two official anchoring areas, one on the waters of the large bay indenting the western banks of Manatee Pocket and another smaller area just to the south. See /?p=107612 for charts showing the official anchoring areas. And for a webcam shot of Manatee Pocket, see /?p=124827.
Gas prices are cheaper the deeper you go into the pocket. Christmas week 2014. Great breakfast place whistle stop on the main street (A1A? I don’t recall, ask anyone) short walk from the end of the canal by Manatee Island bar and grill, tiki hut style bar (fun place). Twisted Tuna restaurant, great, really great sushi, at the head of the same canal, behind the second anchorage-deeper into the pocket. The Grove for your eye opener hole in the wall place. Other restaurants we did not have enough time in the pocket. RPink
Here is a well-written, insightful letter to Florida legislators that should serve as a model for those of you who plan to write in opposition to SB 1548, see /?p=147754. Thank you Captain Healy.
Chairman Hon. Alan Hays Vice Chairman Hon. Oscar Braynon Senator Hon. Thad Altman Senator Hon. Charles Dean Senator Hon. Tom Lee Senator Hon. Gwen Margolis Senator Hon. Wilton Simpson
Dear Chairman Hays and members of the Senate Committee on General Government Operations:
I am writing in reference to SB1548, titled `An Act Related to Vessel Safety.’ I am a legal resident of Green Cove Springs, Clay County, and an active boater. I have previously written to Sen. Rob Bradley requesting that he decline to support Senate Bill 1548 in its present form. While I do not object to the core safety-related provisions of SB1548, I do object to the anchoring setback provisions contained in the bill. The setback provisions reduce the availability of safe anchoring locations all across Florida, thereby acting against the goal of promoting safety in navigation on state waters. Furthermore, the setback provisions represent revocation of lawful pubic access rights to public trust lands. These lands are held by the state in trust for use by the public, not for the aesthetic preferences or personal use of adjoining waterfront landowners or for the promotion of waterfront business interests.
Although limitations on anchoring may favor certain business interests, the origin of the setback provisions in the bill appears to be isolated disputes between waterfront landowners and occupants of anchored vessels. Some of these disputes have been highly publicized, but do not justify a sweeping statewide law which would restrict the rights and freedoms of hundreds of thousands of boaters throughout the maritime waters of coastal Florida. These disputes are not based on safety concerns. They can and should be resolved on a case-by-case basis through noise and nuisance proceedings in the judicial branch of municipal, county and state government.
House Bill 7123 deals with derelict vessels without changing current Florida-wide anchoring rights. When we first moved to Florida in 2004, there was a confusing and inconsistent patchwork of local, city and county laws that restricted or disallowed anchoring in Florida’s intracoastal public trust waters. Compliance with that patchwork of local ordinances was impossible. Florida Statute 327.60 ended that inconsistency in anchoring policies and local manipulation of navigation rights and rules. At this time, HB7123 creates an `at risk’ category of boats and gives local governments new tools to manage these situations. Because local governments sometimes seek to promulgate anchoring restrictions as a means of managing problems with “at risk” and derelict vessels, I strongly believe that HB7123 is an excellent step to deter vessels from becoming derelict in the first place.
I ask that SB1548 be aligned with HB7123. I also ask that as the opportunity presents itself in the future, that the committee act to maintain the statewide consistency of anchoring rules the legislature previously established in FS 327.60, and act to prohibit local or regional exceptions to this state wide policy. Thank you for your consideration. James B. Healy Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Daytona Beach, FL http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com Monk 36 Hull #132
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – If you were anywhere near the Intracoastal Waterway Thursday in West Palm Beach you probably saw a strange sight ‘“ a boat just sitting there apparently stuck. It prompted quite a few calls to our newsroom. NewsChannel 5 made some calls and found out that it ran aground earlier in the day. We also learned that a tow company, Boat U.S., was at the scene trying to help the boat out, but it was unsuccessful. It was the topic of the day for people walking along the Intracoastal. Much of the speculation focused on what happened to the boat and the people on board. `They’re in West Palm Beach somewhere,’ says Geri Vistein, who watched the boat from the shore. `They could be listening to the music over there at a fancy restaurant’¦who knows what they’re doing?’
Fort Pierce Inlet remains closed to navigation for vessels over 6ft draft. See /?p=147108 for the events related to this tragic incident. Our thanks to Captain Baier and Anne Maurer for these updates.
We just wanted to give you a heads up on the Fort Pierce Inlet. The inlet will be closed beginning @ 9AM on Saturday morning for boats that have a draft bigger than 6 foot. All leisure and fishing boats will have no problem getting through. Anne Maurer Fort Pierce City Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
When in doubt, call SeaTow [or TowboatUS] on CH16 ahead of time. They gave us the green light on March 30th when we were headed to Vero Beach after the Palm Beach Boat Show… when earlier warnings had been issued. No problem. Bob Johnstone on AGLCA Forum
Inlet Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, borders the eastern banks of the Waterway, immediately south of the Vilano Beach high-rise bridge. We continue to hear good things about Inlet Marina and their personal service.
These people are fantastic!! We got our first fuel since we left home. Overnight on their dock. Wonderful restaurant. Phil and Sandy on board m/v Options
Here are a number of well worded essays from Florida residents, some opposing SB 1548, a Florida Senate bill restricting anchoring, from newspress.com and some explaining the need for such restrictions.
Insane bill proposes to strangle Florida cruising W. DeHaven Porter 2:48 p.m. EDT March 29, 2015 Oh, the ignominy of it! Me, a lifelong Republican, about to take up pen and castigate a sitting member of the Florida Republican Party. The subject of my discontent? It is Florida SB1548, a proposed draconian bill that would absolutely destroy the reputation of my home state as a cruising mecca for thousands of boaters who relish the freedom to anchor their vessels in a wide choice of beautiful and convenient anchorages. The unintended byproduct of which, I am sure, will be their departure to more welcoming cruising destinations such as the Bahamas or, if opened, the crystal clear waters of Cuba. Loss of their patronage at Florida businesses and marine facilities will certainly exacerbate already tough times and result in layoffs and countless job losses in Florida’s multimillion-dollar marine industries. State Sen. Charles S. Dean’s spiteful bill would remove thousands of Florida’s finest anchorages from cruisers’ itineraries. He obviously means to placate self-absorbed coastal residents who get upset when they awake to see a boat anchored anywhere within their range of vision. Indeed, the bill restricts boaters from anchoring overnight within 200 feet of developed waterfront property (single family, multifamily, townhouse or condo.) 200 feet! Good grief, when did God reserve enjoyment rights for thousands of miles of Florida coastline for fat cats living in waterfront gated communities? Ah, but you say surely if cruisers are denied anchorages, they will flock to the marinas and thus inflate the pocketbooks of marina operators and local businesses. Not so my friend. It may be so in the landlocked brain of the Republican Dean, a career politician who hails from landlocked Inverness. But most cruisers will simply go elsewhere. It is Sen. Dean who has launched this monstrosity of a bill. Of course, he lives too far inland to smell salt air, so perhaps he should be excused for his ignorance of the thousands upon thousands of U.S. and Canadian boaters who annually enjoy the coastal waterways of our gorgeous state. Anyone who lives near a coast is well aware of cruisers’ presence and the millions they contribute to local economies. Having been among their numbers for over seven years of cruising life, I hasten to point out that most cruisers not only patronize Florida marinas, but also alternate between renting a slip and hanging overnight on the hook (anchoring for you landlubbers). Indeed, my fondest memories are of many enjoyable anchorages and other congenial boaters enjoying a quiet spot in space and time. Empirical evidence indicates that most cruisers do the same. Local water Nazis will ticket offenders. The miscreants are then ordered to physically report to the county court for fining (up to $250). When? Put yourself in the position of a cruiser who must put off your well-planned cruising expectations, rent a car and find the county courthouse at some future specified date, not to mention finding a marina slip in which to leave your vessel. Of course you could just pick up the hook and depart, but that would mean a second-degree misdemeanor charge and a fine of $500. Government out of control? You bet. Sen. Dean’s misguided bill is filed under the heading of water safety. It has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with stroking wealthy campaign contributors who think their purchase of waterfront property has granted them exclusive rights to the enjoyment of water views and sunsets. Write, email or call your Florida senator and demand equal rights for boaters by defeating SB 1548. I am. W. DeHaven Porter lives in Fort Myers.
From AGLCA’s Forum: In the interest of trying to present both sides of an argument, let me try to explain why the Florida anchoring ban surfaced again in this year’s Florida legislature. First of all let me begin by saying I am a jet skier that has completed over half the great loop. As a member of both the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U S Power Squadron, I have been teaching boating safety over 30 years. In my boating safety classes I always say “There is no such thing as a bad jet ski. . . . There are only bad Jet skiers”. You know, the jet skiers who don’t take a boating safety course, don’t obey the rules of the road and leave wakes everywhere they go. As a current owner of three waterfront properties and former owner of two others, I definitely see the land owner’s desire to restrict the area adjacent and directly behind their waterfront property. Public waters are held in the public trust but, unfortunately, there are a few (only a few) “bad” boaters who anchor out, play loud music, throw trash into the water and party hardy into the wee hours and abuse their public trust. You are welcome to come by my dock any Saturday night and spend the night. I will let you listen and experience what it is like to live on waterfront property with a live band and bar that plays loud music 1/2 mile away. It is because of these “few” bad boaters (or bad bar owners) that waterfront property owners want them banned after normal quiet time hours. Not banned all the time just after “reasonable” quiet hours. Several members in this forum believe this is a “rich land baron” issue. This is not a “have” verses the “have nots” clash. This is about restoring peace and quiet to public waters after the sun goes down. Just like most marinas have “quiet” hours, land owners are asking for similar civil rules. I hope responsible boaters like the members of AGLCA will find a way to help the waterfront owners restore civil behavior and tranquility to the public waters we all love and respect. Douglas Townes Atlanta, GA
I can certainly understand your frustrations. HOWEVER, there are laws and ordinances already in affect that that address ALL of these issues. As a homeowner, why are you not outraged that local law enforcement is not doing their job to enforce these regulations? Instead of taking a negative statewide stand against all boaters. If cars speed up and down the street in front of your house, will you push for a law forbidding cars from using your street? I doubt it, yet you advocate the same treatment for boaters. The obvious answer would be for the police to enforce the speed limit. And there in lies the problem with both these regulations and the “excuses” used to push them forward. Chuck Baier and Susan Landry AGLCA Forum
April 13, 2015 First, as a member of the MTOA which doesn’t seem to want to get in the fight over FL anchoring, I applaud and thank you for picking up the slack. I am already a member of BoatUS and will be joining AGLCA shortly. Second, I have made my donation to help you in this cause. I’d like it to be more, but as you know a boat is an expensive hobby, lifestyle. Third, I don’t know if SSCA is a membership organization and if so I have looked all over your site for the ability to join and couldn’t find anywhere to do so. Please advise. Thanks again and keep up the fight. Charles Williamson April 14 I am pleased to say the MTOA has sent their letter to the politicos voicing the power of MTOA membership (5000+) and it’s opposition to the anchoring debacle in FL. Charles Williamson
Editor’s Note: You may join Seven Seas Cruising Association by going to their Homepage and scrolling down the left hand column to SSCA MEMBERSHIP JOIN TODAY
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Comments from Cruisers (11)
Gary- April 3, 2015 - 7:39 pm
The 200 foot rule from shore makes sense, anchoring closer than 200 feet just plain lacks manners. I see people dumping human waste in the 200 foot range and because some people just give old junk boats away they have become far too common for bums to use with Antique registrations it is like a free place to stay and most are non boaters. I have no problem with boaters that moor at a safe yet respectable distance from shore.
I’ve been fighting anchoring and live aboard laws for over 40 yrs, For every complaint there is another solution other than banning anchoring. But let’s be honest: who anchors overnight within 200′ ?
Mr. Townes, if noise is the problem, why not a tightened up noise regulation instead? Frankly, in 35 years of cruising up and down the coast I can’t ever recall being disturbed by a noisy group of sailors, so why not simply outlaw powerboats? Of course that is absurd, but I am just trying to point out how the remedy proposed here is absurd too. Regulate the offensive activity. Don’t ban all boaters because a very few make too much noise and party all night. In fact, there are already laws on the books that regulate pollution, excess noise, boats in unsafe conditions, etc. It is not a lack of laws but a lack of commonsense enforcement. A bill requiring better education and training for marine law enforcement would make a lot more sense and would actually do something useful, while still leaving the public waters of the state available to all responsible boaters.
After our discussion captured in a recent AGLCA podcast Kim was kind enough to invite me to participate in this forum. Seven Seas Cruising Association, a small volunteer-driven organization, is leading the charge against restrictions on the rights of cruisers to anchor in Florida. We have been working on this issue for many years. We work closely with BoatUS and NMMA and now with AGLCA to carry the voice of boaters to Tallahassee (as we have on similar issues in Maryland, Connecticut, and California). SSCA publishes updates on the evolving situation on our website, our own Forum, and on our Facebook page. I’ll do my best to keep the AGLCA up to date through this forum as well, although Kim may be faster than I – she is now on our distribution list. It was great for our team on the ground in Tallahassee for Kim to join us at the Senate hearing on Tuesday this week. regards, dave Dave Skolnick S/V Auspicious SSCA Immediate Past President SSCA Concerned Cruisers’ Committee
I am wholly against the proposed regulations and think the cruising public should be more emphatic in our response. My family and I have been cruising Florida for more than 30 years and avoid shoreline residences wherever possible feeling that they are the ones who are degraded our enjoyment of anchoring in quiet coves surrounded by nature. One of the comments to the FWC survey was “If they want to share my view, let them pay for it”. Since many of us started cruising before the mansions were built, perhaps we should consider seeking compensation from them for the damage they have wrought. We were there first!!!
The proposal that anchoring be prohibited near docks is even more absurd. Many mega-mansions somehow (I wonder how?) convinced regulators to permit the construction of docks extending hundreds of feet from the shore to deeper water for their boats and now want us to stay 200′ from those docks. Perhaps actions should be taken against agencies for their lax enforcement of environmental regulations and allowing the destruction of ecosystems they are charged with protecting
The Florida legislature should be embarrassed to be wasting tax payers time on such an absurd bill. How many of those shorline residents really support more government regulations? Any Tea Party members among them?
Sir or Madam, The boating public heaves yet another collective sigh as our protective government ponders yet another theft of the public trust. You seldom hear the boating public cry out in anguish as low vertical clearance bridges close off navigable waters to commerce except for the smallest craft, nor do they protest when private property owners fill in Florida wetlands and destroy the native habitat so that they can have a private view of what was previously enjoyed by the boating public only. Private property owners are allowed to build permanent structures out over navigable public trust waters so that they can have private access to the waterway and then some will insist that they also purchased the water under their dock and the view above the water as well. If private property owners do not want to have the public anchoring a boat near their private property, do not buy waterfront property. I am a waterfront property owner in Florida with private access to the public’s navigable waterway and reject the idea that most of the public’s safe anchorages are being considered off limits to boaters because the shoreline has been polluted by turning wetlands into private property and I expect my views to be represented by my elected officials who will reject SB 1548.
Sincerely,
David Burnham s/v Morning Star…Synergy…Sweet Life
In addition: banning boaters because of a few noisy after hours problems in your back yard will not bring you peace. Move to the mountains…there you will find peace.
I attended a town council meeting a few years back, the meeting was in reference to anchoring rights adjacent to the town, Gulfport, FL. One of the property owners stood up to say, “I pay thousands in taxes every year, so when I wake up in the morning, fix my cup of coffee, and sit down to relax on my back porch, I don’t want to look out over the water and see boats.”
Evidently this is the crux of this entire issue. Sen. Charles Dean, has crony’d up to please his donors, who believe that where ever they plant their fat bottoms, they’re entitled to control the entire line of sight. They want to make the world their masterpiece, at the expense of everyone else.
Not one consideration was paid to those that have enjoyed Florida waters for generations. Not one consideration was given to the boating public. Not one consideration was given to Florida tradition and the huge marine industry that keeps Florida, afloat, so to speak.
Isn’t it so predictable? As soon as someone takes the helm of their own little patch, they are eager and ready to control everything else to force-fit their own little vision.
Frankly, I am sick and tired of government mandating every-single-matter of life. And it does so by taking things away from anyone it wants to, only to please a cherished few.
And, frankly, I am a born native of Florida, and you’re taking away my State!
Mr. Townes might just as well be annoyed by bad neighbors, or bad people using the street in front of his house. WIll he ask for a 200 foot buffer zone around all sides of his property, not just the waterfront side?
It is clear that Mr. Townes point about inconsiderate boaters is valid. There are some inconsiderate boaters. It is equally clear that confiscation of public trust waters is not a proportional corrective action. Most communities have noise ordinances; certainly that’s true in Florida. Local landowners barraged by nose can call local authorities and expect a remedy in local justice courts. A statewide ban on anchoring is simply not an appropriate remedy.
I think Douglas Townes misses the point. If the problem is noise, ban noise. If he can hear the bar half a mile away, it is obvious that keeping loud boats 200 feet from his dock won’t help him. We who anchor out don’t like the noise any more than he does.
This anchoring rights issue matters to us. Right now we are deciding whether to spend another winter in Florida, or to ship our boat back to the Caribbean where we have spent 13 winters. Anchoring rights are just one factor in our decision, but we have spent a lot of money on Florida marinas, marine services and restaurants this year. If we go, we would be a good example of lost business for the state.
The introduction of a senate bill restricting anchoring rights has raised many voices in opposition. See /?p=147397. This report on yesterday’s committee hearing in Tallahassee by Kim Russo was posted on AGLCA’s Forum, www.greatloop.org.
There were no surprises at today’s Florida Senate Committee hearing on this issue. Testimony was kept to an absolute minimum because votes on six bills were scheduled for a two hour time period, and the bill with the provision to prohibit overnight anchoring was the last on the agenda. The committee voted unanimously in favor of the bill. But AGLCA’s voice was heard, as was that of SCCA and Boat U.S., who had lobbyists and representatives there. Chairman Dean’s comments during the hearing, and in a brief conversation afterward, suggest that he is willing to work to find a compromise that meets all parties’ needs. Senator Dean has been a proponent of maintaining the rights of boaters to anchor in the public waterways in the past, so the next step is to work with him to make sure he understands our opposition to anchoring restrictions. The next step in the process for the bill is a vote before another committee, which is likely to happen next week. I’ll keep you posted. Kim Kim Russo Director America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association
Renowned author and longtime cruiser, John J. Kettlewell, addresses the many contradictory issues raised by a current bill before the Florida legislature, SB 1548. To read the bill, go to: /?p=147397 and /?p=147455. While the restrictions to anchoring found in this bill pertain only to Florida, those restrictions, if enacted, might well find their way into restrictions imposed by other coastal states.
Anti-Anchoring Bill is Anti-Safety John J. Kettlewell
Once again Florida boaters and cruisers from all over are fighting an ill-conceived anti-anchoring bill (SB 1548 [link to: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2015/1548/BillText/Filed/PDF]) that purports to be about “safety,” but in reality would limit the number of safe harbors to a handful in much of the state. The main thrust of the bill prohibits overnight anchoring within 200 feet of most developed parts of Florida. As has been discussed here and in many places online, this measure would essentially outlaw all overnight anchoring in many popular places such as Manatee Pocket, anywhere in Ft. Lauderdale, most of Miami, Marathon, and most of North Lake Worth.
All of these locations, and many more, are where cruisers routinely anchor safely while waiting for a weather window to cross to the Bahamas, or just to ride out a stretch of bad weather. I have done so in all of these places. During the peak winter season it is highly likely that there would be no marina berths available in these same locations, mooring fields would be full, and there would be no alternative but to keep moving night and day despite the weather. Even with the current availability of anchorages it is very difficult to find a marina berth or a mooring in high season.
Sure, there are safety exceptions in the proposed law, for “mechanical breakdown or when imminent or existing extreme weather conditions impose an unreasonable risk of harm.” Who is to judge whether or not the weather is “extreme,” and whether or not it poses an “unreasonable risk of harm?” Am I supposed to move on in a gale because it isn’t “extreme?”
Even in good weather what would an ordinary cruiser do? It is impractical and dangerous to run the ICW 24/7, and sometimes even if the weather isn’t “extreme” it is very difficult and uncomfortable to proceed outside down the coast while fighting the Gulf Stream. In short, this bill makes safe and comfortable cruising all but impossible in south Florida, and makes it very difficult in the entire state.
Cruising boaters are above all else safety conscious. We spend thousands of dollars on safety equipment far in excess of any Coast Guard or other regulations. We do so to protect our lives and property, often valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
At the same time, we enjoy visiting new places where we can anchor safely, go ashore, enjoy restaurants and shopping, re-provision our vessels, and purchase marine equipment. On various trips to Florida I have spent many thousands of dollars specifically on safety equipment: liferafts, epirbs, radios, safety harnesses, anchoring gear, satellite phones, etc. etc. Most cruisers will not go where they would be forced to operate their boats in an unsafe manner, which is what this law would do.
To anyone who has cruised Florida it is obvious that this bill would “impose an unreasonable risk of harm” to boaters on a regular basis. This is more than an anti-anchoring bill–it is anti-safety and anti-boating.
John J. Kettlewell Author of Intracoastal Waterway Chartbook Norfolk to Miami, 6th Edition
Skipper Reeves continues his exploration of the St. Johns River with a visit to Hontoon Island State Park Marina/Dock, south of Lake George and north of Lake Monroe near Deland, FL. located east-southeast of flashing daybeacon #53 and the northeasterly mouth of Hontoon Dead River.
Very quiet and laid back. Lots to explore here with many creeks to visit in the dink.We are planning on moving our residence to Florida next week and we can visit here for half price $10 a day all inclusive. I wanted to stay here for ever. There is a marina across the river that does not have good reviews and is very high on fuel prices. Right around the corner is Holly Bluff Marina that has better prices and service. Rick in the shop found me a hose to fix a problem and was very helpful. Rick carries a lot of parts and can get anything you need. Several boaters in little trailer tugs came by and said they stop here all the time. This is not nowhere but you can see nowhere from here.
Anchored at Lungren Island with the dink at the island for a dog walk.
Hontoon Island State Park has a lot of slips but only the T dock has enough water for our trawler and we plowed a little soft mud at 5 ft on the T dock to the West. We picked up WiFi from across the way and the dock has 50 amp service, water and is almost new. Very nice park with hot showers and clean restrooms. The rangers are super nice. No groceries or laundry. All this for $20. a night. Only $10 if you are a Florida resident. https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Hontoon-Island
Docked at Hontoon Island only 5 boats were there the week we were there.
At Blue Spring you can beach and tie up to the South of the swim area. Do not dock on the dock. Self serve on park fee of $1.00 per person. We want to come back when they allow swimming in the spring . The water is 72 F year round. Looks green to me but they call it Blue Spring. The board walk goes all the way down to the “Boil” of over a 100,000 gals per hour.
Additional Information from Skipper Reeves on 6/15/2015
A most excellent place to be on the river. The rangers are hard working and very helpful. The deep water (we saw 5 ft) is at the T dock as you approach from the North it is first one on your starboard. Do not get too close to the shore when you come in. The nice floating docks are self serve. Rangers are not allowed to help you dock. The T dock has 50 amp power and water. $10 a nite if Fl resident, $20 if not. The inside docks are for small craft only. We stopped for a few days going to Sanford and a few more on our return trip. From here you can visit Blue Springs and take a trip in your dink or kayak all the way around on Snake Creek. The Rangers rent canoes. Just like the Amazon with all the wildlife. We visited in winter. Watch your pet around the shore. Alligators everywhere. The park trails, the fishing, all is Good! We had some wifi from across the river on our booster. The park has limited supplies, more across the river. It is a no wake zone but idiots will blast through sometimes. Very quiet and laid back at night and week days. You can anchor in the creek to the North if you wish. The showers are hot and clean. Day use is allowed for a small fee. See more and pictures http://ontheofficewautoteacher.blogspot.com/2015/03/hontoon-island-state-park-has-lot-of.html
While not a secret, this is one of the least known areas on the St. John’s. Take your dink and explore the “Hontoon Dead River” that runs behind the island. It is too shallow in places for anything deeper draft than your dink, but you will be rewarded with the most spectacular display of wildlife anywhere on the St. Johns. You will see alligators, turtles, beavers, wild turkeys, raccoons, birds of all kinds, and the list of wildlife goes on and on including a very large population of manatees. Start your trip by going in a counter-clockwise manner around the island. There are three canals that connect the St Johns with the “Dead River” but only a couple are navigable. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! Then finish with a stop at Blue Springs before returning to your boat at Hontoon Landing. Plan on at least an entire day for a round trip you will not forget.
Many fond memories of Lungren Island. Back in the ’60s, Dad and I’d camp on Lungren Isalnd over the weekend and fish for Specks on Lake Dexter. As a kid, I’d explore the marshy north 2/3 of the island with a Daisey BB gun in hand…felt like I was exploring the Amazon River basin – to a 10 year old.
This article by Angel Streeter in the Palm Beach Sun Sentinel outlines plans for a new drawbridge to replace the Southern Boulevard drawbridge, which has a closed vertical clearance of 14ft and crosses the Waterway and southern Lake Worth at Mile 1025 in West Palm Beach. Flagler Memorial Bridge, Royal Park Bridge and Southern Boulevard Bridge always present a challenge to a skipper’s patience if an opening is needed, especially during these continuing periods of construction.
State makes plans to replace Southern Boulevard Bridge in West Palm Beach By Angel Streeter Sun Sentinel Construction on new Southern Boulevard Bridge in West Palm Beach will begin in 2016.
The Southern Blvd Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway looking west from Palm Beach. The Florida Department of Transportation is unveiling its plans for replacing the Southern Boulevard Bridge. The new Southern bridge will cost about $78 million, and work is expected wrap up in late 2016. (Mark Randall, Sun Sentinel)
Another drawbridge is coming down in Palm Beach County ‘” but just until its replacement is built. The Florida Department of Transportation is unveiling its plans for replacing the Southern Boulevard Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway in West Palm Beach while it’s still in the midst of building the replacement for the Flagler Memorial Bridge. Both bridges connect West Palm Beach to Palm Beach.
This time, the state hopes to avoid the pitfalls that have come with replacing the Flagler bridge. The state transportation department plans to build a temporary bridge to the north of the existing Southern Boulevard bridge to keep traffic moving between the mainland and the island.
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