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.
This is a report on an anchorage not listed as such in SSECN’s directory and is in response to a 2012 report on the site, see /?p=81100. The anchorage is in northern Biscayne Bay on the west side of the Waterway between the campus of Florida International University Biscayne Bay to the west and Oleta State Park to the east.
Took the turn toward Oleta park anchorage off of the ICW at red marker 6A. Keep red marker 6A on your port side as your coming in and head west for the docks. Kept 10 feet of water the whole way through off the ICW and anchored in Oleta park in 10 feet of water. Beautiful protected anchorage before Miami, didn’t go to land however. @wickedsaltywes Stay Salty
Skipper Reeves continues his exploration of the St. Johns River, stopping at spots a bit off the beaten track – good for you Sonny! (See /?p=147232.) Bryant’s Wharf is on the east shore of the river where “Ramp” is charted.
Locals very friendly. Nothing here. Other than a nice metal concrete floating dock that is well lighted at night. Small 20 x 24 ft slips. Good depths, Most boats on River slow down but wakes are minimal. The town appears closed up there is a convenience store a few blocks East. Restaurant onsite is closed. A grill and cafe is a hike. We did not go there. Restrooms reported at top of hill in a recreation park. Old Florida small town pop 586. Dock is free with no electric, water or trash pick up. Sonny Reeves
Murphy Island is south of Palatka and separated from the mainland by Murphy Creek, making for good exploring by dinghy as Skipper Reeves mentions in this report which makes picturesque Murphy Island sound so nice compared to the commercialism of large marinas.
The dock is short for our 40 ft boat. Water depth is 6 ft at dock and over 30+ ft in river. But it is a nice floating dock with ramp to picnic and camping. We stayed two nights and saw no one except fishermen going fast on the river that waked us. The island has a marked trail that winds around. Very nice! The bugs did not bother us. We were fogged in both mornings until 10ish. Did not see any sign requesting fee. There is one porta potty and some fire pits for campers. The treat is a dink ride around the island. Lots of wild life, alligators and eagles. Would not want to be here in heat of summer. Exposed to North. Georgia Boys Marina on Dunn creek to East. Sonny Reeves
Our thanks to Skipper Reeves for this thorough review of Crystal Cove Marina which lies on the western banks of the St. Johns River with a well marked entrance channel.
Laid back with Southern hospitality. Don the dockmaster could not be more helpful. The crew is very nice Jerry and Billy handled the lines and met us late Sunday. We stayed the week, very quiet. There is a pool we did not try due to the weather. Restrooms showers, etc all here. Old docks but safe. Easy approach with 5-6 ft depths. Very little current or tide. The electrical was good and the wifi worked for us to watch movies. Rental car from enterprise. Gas on site. Diesel by truck. Town is a few miles to shopping center. $5.00 a ft is quoted price for a month. Pets welcome. Lots of liveaboards. The 45 slips were full when we got there. They rent pontoon boats and the boat ramp is used by fishermen. One restaurant at hotel was closed for renovation, A Grill Cafe is open, Hotel onsite with laundry. The grounds are kept up clean. We will be back! Sonny Reeves
I agree with skipper Sonny about the 5-6 foot approach depths to the main pier at Crystal Cove…however the 4.5 foot keel on my Cal 29 sailboat grounded about 60 feet before reaching the much shorter fuel dock last year. Now I use the end of the long pier when visiting Crystal Cove.
What a great service! Thank you Port of Call St. Augustine, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! As you take advantage of this new convenience, send us a review. St. Augustine City Marina overlooks the western shoreline, just south of the Bridge of Lions and Hidden Harbor Marina lies on the western shores of the San Sebastian River, northwest of marker #37.
Port of Call St Augustine has launched their new Cruisers’ Shuttle servicing Mariners at the City Municipal and Hidden Harbor Marinas. The current schedule will transport visitors to all the necessary provisioning spots and watering holes. Clean and efficient transportation at a great price has finally arrived. Five dollars will buy you an all- day pass and Albert, the extraordinary bus driver, makes every effort to be sure your provisioning is complete. Our Shuttle is designed to meet every requirement of the transient mariner. For example, the West Route can accommodate your propane tanks with the best price in town on refills. As far as purchasing supplies, there is no such thing as buying too much. The back of the Shuttle is designed to stack and carry all the groceries and supplies you can stand to buy. Our eight passenger Scuttle bus will tie up any loose ends with the 10 am Scuttle Run which handles everything from clearing Customs to supply deliveries from the local chandleries. Special handling can be arranged through our office if you call ahead. Tune into the local Cruisers Net Radio at 9am VHF CH 72 for daily information or go to our website portofcallsa.com for the latest information on the Shuttle schedule. PORT OF CALL SAINT AUGUSTINE: YOUR SOURCE ON THE WATER Portofcallsa.com 904-429-5045
3 cheers for Albert and 3 more for Sandy for setting up and providing this service for cruisers. I just cruised over to their website for the first time (with thanks to SSCN for piloting) and bookmarked that page on my android phone. With Saint Augustine Race Week coming next month I’m sure they will be seeing a lot of activity…:D
Our thanks to Skipper Newsome for the link below showing the placement of markers in June of 2013. Since that date an additional red marker has been added, see /?p=145360. With other possible changes in mind, the report Buoy Assessment is a handsome report and still well worth the time to read.
The link below to a power point presentation title STA Inlet Buoy Assessment 01-Jun-2013 seems to correlate to the April 16, 2013 meeting notes and provides a good visual and reference to the buoy positions and inlet in general.
The Seven Seas Cruising Association has long been a strong advocate for boaters’ rights, especially the right to anchor without undue restrictions. SSECN applauds SSCA’s publication of their position on FWC’s recent summary of anchoring rights, see /?p=146797, and urges Florida boaters to contact their respective legislators asking for support for anchoring rights.
PRESS RELEASE For More Information Contact: For Immediate Release Barbara Theisen, Editor 2/12/2015 Seven Seas Cruising Association, Inc. 2501 East Commercial Blvd., Suite 203 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954-771-5662 ‘“ Home Base editor@ssca.org SEVEN SEAS CRUISING ASSOCIATION RELEASES FLORIDA ANCHORING RIGHTS POSITION The Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) has published its position on the new Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Anchoring Survey results. The FWC will propose legislative changes to anchoring rights. Some are positive, but some will prevent Florida boaters from anchoring, only to preserve the waterfront view of a very few landowners. Every Florida Boater needs to contact their elected representatives to preserve their Florida anchoring rights. SSCA approves the following FWC proposal: (Numbering preserved from the FWC Executive Summary. )
3. The storing of vessels on the water in deteriorating condition would be prohibited. (However, SSCA’s position is that Florida legislators must approve funding for the regulation and removal of these `derelict’ boats).
However, SSCA does not approve of the following FWC anchoring rights proposals as reasonable concepts:
2. A setback distance where anchoring of vessels overnight in close proximity to waterfront residential property would be prohibited.
5. If authority was granted to local governments to regulate anchoring in their jurisdiction, an allowance could be created for other anchoring regulations where need is demonstrated.
Florida anchoring rights are important to all boaters. Florida is a bellwether state for water rights, and if Florida restricts federal rights of boats to travel and anchor on public waters, just to preserve the view of a few landowners (residential setback), other states may follow. Also, proposal 5 (approval of local regulation) would create an impossible patchwork of differing regulations across the state, subject to the whims and enforcement of local cities and counties. This is what the current mooring field regulations were enacted to eliminate. But SSCA agrees with FWC’s proposal to define and remove derelict boats, if funding is also approved for this regulation and removal. Seven Seas Cruising Association, Inc. is the oldest and largest non-profit organization of voyaging cruisers in the world. SSCA has nearly 8,000 members sharing the dream of sailing the seas as a lifestyle. The goals of the original founders are still the goals of SSCA today: sharing cruising information, camaraderie, and leaving a clean wake. For more information, go to www.ssca.org
The arguments around so-called “derelict” vessels are disingenuous. The FWC already has a detailed and effective plan in place for identifying and dealing with truly derelict vessels. There is even funding available for this, but it is often used up with several really expensive problem vessels each year–sometimes commercial vessels that are abandoned. It is not a problem of lack of laws and regulations, but a lack of will and enforcement. Unfortunately, the smoke screen of derelict vessels has been used to negatively impact cruising boaters who locals don’t like the look of for one reason or another. By the way, Seven Seas was a strong supporter of the trial anchoring and mooring program which has been used to essentially outlaw anchoring in communities that install mooring fields. This was exactly the result that some of us predicted when the anchoring and mooring plan was hatched. It had nothing to do with improving access to waterways, and everything to do with outlawing anchoring.
This excellent report by Skippers Valentine comes to us via the AGLCA Forum. The entrance channel to Daytona Marina runs west-southwest from the Waterway south of marker #39A and the southerly entrance cut for Halifax Harbor Marina.
I would like to report excellent service that we received at Daytona Marina and Boatworks (http://www.thedaytonamarina.com). After an unplanned meeting with the bottom we limped into their yard with damaged running gear. Both Kevin Mooney, the manager at Daytona Boatworks and Mark, the owner of Tomoka Propeller were very responsive and efficient. They were also considerate of our status as transients, and went out of their way to keep us floating while work progressed, including a couple of short hauls. We can’t say enough about how pleased we were with this facility and with the entire staff. If you are a cruiser needing some maintenance do yourself a favor and consider having it done here. They did what they said, when they said, and, even with a couple of surprises, stayed pretty darn close to the estimate. The transient docks are in great condition- fixed wooden lay alongs, the laundry and showers are clean and the dockmasters are efficient and helpful. If you need repairs or maintenance consider this your stop. If you just want a nice stop, with a restaurant on the premises and a short walk from the downtown area, give them a try. Larry & Theresa Valentine m/v Lauren Grace
One of three municipal docks in Fort Lauderdale, the Las Olas docks lie off the Waterway’s eastern shoreline immediately north and south (mostly on the north side) of the Las Olas bascule bridge. Skipper Finley’s report is in contrast to other reviews posted on SSECN. However, with municipal budget cuts, it is possible that conditions at the marina have deteriorated in the last year or so.
This facility is not being maintained in accordance to the prices being charged. The restrooms are NASTY and not being cleaned regularly. Feces on the toilet seats for 3 days now. toilet paper out. Security I have seen 2 times in 10 days.. People come in at night by walking in with paying customers. Boats come in after dark and leave before dawn. I had a guy urinating off the bridge behind my boat and called security, he was at the fisheries and I never saw him that night. Boaters communicate through the web. I like to be persistent to foster change for a better future for the mariners. I cannot agree I paid $1500 to park a 34ft. boat for this kind of treatment. We need to do better people! Scott Finley
Scott’s comments are over board. I have been into Las Olas many times over the years and know that the facilities are excellent. The Dockmaster is excellent, attentive and if, and I say if, those conditions were true, a simple comment to him would have had an immediate response. Scott is simply bashing here. Not nice!
USPower and Sail Squadrons provide valuable local community services with their public boating safety inspections and boat handling courses, as recognized here by BoatUS, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
NEWS From BoatUS Boat Owners Association of The United States 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
(L to R) C/C Robert Baldridge; Cdr. Sterling Wyland, Ocean City; Lt/C. Bonnie Kanoy, North Strand; Cdr. JB Bagby, Ft. Macon; Cdr. Dick Todd, Lake Norman; Cdr. Jim Strothers, Sanibel-Captiva; D/C Mary Dodd, USPS District 8: Ted Sensenbrenner, BoatUS.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
MD, NC, SC and FL United States Power Squadrons Bestowed With Honors
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., February 5, 2015 — At the US Power Squadrons (USPS) Annual Meeting held recently in Jacksonville, Florida, five Squadrons from across the country and one District were honored with Distinguished Civic Service Awards. Sponsored by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the awards are given annually to the USPS District and Squadrons in recognition of exceptional service and public boating safety education and service to the boating community.
`While America’s recreational boaters are enjoying the water with friends and family, Power Squadron members work hard giving up their own time to help make boating safer. They offer boat owners free vessel safety checks, provide boating safety instruction, and more. We greatly appreciate their commitment to ensuring everyone has a safe day on the water,’ said BoatUS Foundation for Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner.
Top Squadron honors went to Sanibel-Captiva Sail and Power Squadron, Florida. Some of their activities included: participating in an on-water wreath laying ceremony honoring lost members of the armed forces, helping a local food pantry, and working to increase safety for paddlers. `They showed how difficult it can be to see kayakers at dusk and in times of limited visibility, and how simply adding white reflective tape to paddle blades can be a real lifesaver,’ said Sensenbrenner.
Second Place for Top Squadron went to Lake Norman Sail and Power Squadron, North Carolina, for their work with youth and bringing a new Sea Scout Ship to the area, as well as support of the `The Dolphin Project,’ a local non-profit that performs surveys to monitor the health of dolphin populations.
Third place went to North Strand Sail and Power Squadron, South Carolina, which hosted shoreline clean up events, collected donations for their local Helping Hands charity and Sea Haven, a residence for homeless teens offering crisis services.
Runners up for Top Squadron included Ocean City Power Squadron, Maryland, for their community participation in parades, clean up events and their work with a respite care home to take families fishing and sightseeing. Another runner up was Fort Macon Sail and Power Squadron, North Carolina, for their work with the local visitors center to spread safety message as well as publishing boating safety stories and reaching out to boating families.
Top USPS District Award, which recognizes the collective efforts of all of the squadrons within a region, went to USPS District 8, which includes South Florida and the Keys. The award is based on the amount of classroom hours logged, community outreach hours and number of vessel safety checks performed. These voluntary and free safety reviews are designed to educate boaters about recommended and required safety equipment aboard recreational vessels and to assess the condition of the safety equipment they have aboard.
US Power Squadrons began with the efforts of Charles Chapman, who in 1914 realized that owners of recreational powerboats needed instruction on how to operate safely and with confidence. Today, the USPS has over 400 regional Squadrons for owners of both sail and powerboats.
About United States Power Squadrons:
Organized in 1914, United States Power Squadrons (USPS) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has nearly 40,000 members organized into over 400 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America’s largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions. Each squadron’s activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. For more, go to USPS.org.
About BoatUS and BoatUS Foundation:
Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its over half-million members with government representation, services such as 24-hour dispatch, on water boat towing as well as roadside assistance for boat trailers and tow vehicles, feature-packed boat insurance programs, money-saving benefits and vital information that improves the boating, fishing and sailing lifestyle. Its 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating, and provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe. For more, go to BoatUS.com or BoatUS.org.
Our thanks to Captain Wright for this first hand report from USCG public hearings concerning the proposed All Aboard Florida railway service from Miami to Orlando, as described earlier this month in /?p=146374.
I attended and spoke at the USCG hearings in Stuart re: St. Lucie River RR Bridge [/?p=5739] closings issue. While the USCG did state that they have no jurisdiction over the railroad, and therefore cannot take a position on the viability (or not) of All Aboard Florida’s (AAF) attempt to add 32 highs speed trains per day to the tracks between Miami and Orlando, USCG did say they are responsible and have jurisdiction over the waterways in so far as safe navigation is concerned. They can (and did in CT at the CT River Amtrak bridge in the 80’s) limit the closing of RR bridges if they interfere with the safe passage of vessels. The proposed AAG 32 high speed trains between Miami and Orlando would increase the `bridge close time’ to a total of 75 minutes every hour (greater than one hour for those not mathematically inclined) which represents not only a navigation safety issue, but is in actuality a `BLOCKADE’. To be successful with the USCG in this matter, we must focus on what the USCG can affect, which is the impact of the bridge closings on safe navigation of the waterways. Capt. Ken Wright, North Palm Beach, Florida
Skipper Starling’s report comes in response to an earlier posting on the heavy-handed practices of some FWC patrol officers, /?p=133874. Despite numerous complaints filed by experienced and law abiding boaters, Florida seems unable to control the over-zealous enforcement present in the FWC enforcement division, practices definitely not limited to the Keys.
Predatory practices by FWCC toward boaters in Key West Being shadowed by a boat with no lights while underway to the dock at sunset is unnerving , but when it turns out to be FWCC , it is worse. Now pulled over by FWCC, they mention running lights so I mention the sunglasses they still have on. No matter that it is literally moments after sunset. Their intention is to write a citation and generate income for FWCC and at the moment I have become that revenue resource. Minor infractions that should warrant a verbal warning are tickets. Worse yet , a few weeks later I receive a certified letter from FWCC . Inside, a citation for a non operational anchor light , which was issued in my absence from the vessel. It was issued at 6:32 , just after sunset when the ambient light was bright enough to keep the photo cell on my Davis auto anchor light from activating. This anchor light is an industry standard and turns on and off automatically . My vessel was not anchored in State waters but Navy bay bottom and not in navigable waters. I have lost any respect for the newly inducted Officers, as they lack the skills necessary to gain the confidence of the Citizens and form relationships that would benefit the FWCC and boating community. Older Veteran Officers do not operate in this manner and know that it creates animosity and results in the boating community not helping FWCC in investigations of serious violations due to bad experiences and distrust. FWCC wonders why the boating community doesn’t trust them , and refuses to cooperate . This is one example of their perception of boaters as a income revenue resource. Lee Starling
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
Rick Emerson- January 30, 2015 - 7:29 pm
Sorry, but never ever not ever tell any officer something like “you’re wearing sunglasses after sunset”. Your ticket for the anchor light was, no doubt, payback for the comment.
Skipper Sonny Reeves is exploring the St. Johns River and, while we normally excerpt his marina reports as posted on his blog, this one is just too complete to edit, so open the link below and enjoy. Boathouse Marina overlooks the shores of the St. Johns River west-southwest of Palatka City Marina and marker #1. Cruisers docking here are within walking easy distance of the shops and restaurants in downtown Palatka.
Huckins Boat Yard is located on the northern shores of the Ortega River off the St. Johns River, just upstream of the Roosevelt Boulevard Bridge with a 45ft vertical clearance. Skipper Reeves joins other skippers in praising Huckins Boat Yard. See /?p=128570
FYI, I can’t say enough about how nice the experience at Huckins was for us. Sonny Reeves
Huckins is the best. We had a fuel tank replaced by them and some more work done to the Leprechaun 440 EB Sea Ray and I can’t say enough about them they are the top of the line service and very reasonabe on there price Richard and Justin were the best and PJ was on top of everthing and Trishia in the office could not have been better. If you need repairs get it there you will not be sorry.
Ditto this positive review of the Huckins Yard. They are a longtime custom boat builder with extensive facilities and equipment. They have weathered the down market in custom new-builds by cultivating their service operation. The workers are high-skill and conscientious, and management is on-site and responsive. Huckins has a reputation for being pricey, but their hourly rates are in-line with many yards, they go the extra mile to serve a customer, and their quality is such that you get full value for every dollar. They have worked on my boat several times, and I always leave satisfied. Alan Bliss
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