SAFETY/HALIFAX RIVER/ATON/SEC JAX BNM 0049-26
1. HALIFAX RIVER LIGHT 52 (LLNR 40230) IS REPORTED DESTROYED. BT
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SAFETY/PORT CANAVERAL/ATON/SEC JAX BNM 0048-26
1. CANAVERAL BARGE CANAL DAYBEACON 2 (LLNR 41710) TRUB IS OFF STATION. BT |
SAFETY/INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY (FLORIDA) – SEVENTH DISTRICT PALM SHORES TO WEST PALM BEACH (CHART 11472)/ATON/SEC MIA BNM 0029-26
1. LAKE WORTH NORTH LIGHT 30A (LLNR 46505) RPTD: DISPLAYING IMPROPER CHARACTERISTICS. BT |
Palm Beach may soon see a new addition to its code-enforcement process — a magistrate judge with a focus on coastal and maritime law.
Fueled by the town’s recent efforts to manage the Lake Worth Lagoon, the Palm Beach Town Council on March 3 gave its initial approval to an ordinance that would create a new special magistrate position to oversee violations of the town’s laws regulating its beaches and waterways, as well as boating and other aquatic activities.
It’s an ordinance that may be codified by the month’s end, as Palm Beach Police Department Chief Nicholas Caristo requested the Town Council to hold a special meeting later this month.
Council members agreed to meet at 9:30 a.m. on March 30 for a second reading of the ordinance, which could result in it becoming law.
Caristo’s request came as the Palm Beach Police Department has towed over a dozen boats from the Lake Worth Lagoon — a part of the Intracoastal Waterway — as part of the town’s effort to manage the body of water.
That enforcement effort also has included enforcing a recently passed anchoring rule that prevents boaters from anchoring overnight for more than 30 days within a consecutive six-month period in waters where Palm Beach has jurisdiction. Officers have also issued citations for illegal mooring, lack of anchor lights or expired or nonexistent registration.
Under the potential new law, the Town Council would be able to appoint a special magistrate that would review those infractions and others that fall under chapter 74 of Palm Beach’s Code of Ordinances, titled “Parks and Recreation.”
The special magistrate would have the same quasi-judicial powers as the Code Enforcement Board, including the ability to subpoena alleged violators, take testimony under oath and issue fines as well as lawful orders to bring violators into compliance.
The appointee would be required to be an attorney licensed in Florida who has experience with coastal or maritime law.
The ordinance does not limit the number of special magistrates the town can appoint, nor does it place a term limit on those appointed to the position. However, it does note a special magistrate can be removed via a Town Council vote.
For example, Lighthouse Point in Broward County has a code enforcement board for violations related to residential buildings and a special magistrate for violations related to commercial buildings, O’Connor told the council.
Town Hall Staff recommend the special magistrate specifically for that section of the code, because the Code Enforcement Board may lack the familiarity with complex sphere of coastal and marine law, according to a memo attached to the ordinance.
Diego Diaz Lasa is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at dlasa@pbdailynews.com.
PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — The Palm Beach Police Department has been actively working to enforce new vessel regulations in the Lake Worth Lagoon.
The Town of Palm Beach approved the ordinance in November, under which vessels can no longer anchor within town waters for more than 30 days within a six-month period, and illegal moorings are strictly prohibited.
During a Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, officials gave an update on the recent enforcement actions since the latest Town Council Meeting, which include:
See also: Lake Worth Lagoon boat removals spark backlash from sailing community
Officials stated that these enforcement initiatives are aimed at ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws, addressing issues such as unlawful anchoring, derelict vessels, and environmental hazards that affect the Intracoastal Waterway.
Key objectives of the enforcement efforts include:
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East Coast Major Storm UpdateA major winter storm is forecast to impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast from Sunday, February 22, through Monday, February 23, 2026.A powerful nor’easter is expected to produce widespread snowfall of 1 to 2 feet (12–24 inches) and blizzard conditions along coastal areas, resulting in nearly impossible travel and potential for numerous power outages. Key Weather Hazards
Travel and Safety ImpactsTravel will become treacherous to life-threatening starting Sunday afternoon. Officials have urged residents in major metropolitan areas, including New York City, to stay off the roads. Significant disruptions to travel and infrastructure are likely, including widespread flight cancellations and school closures on Monday. Offshore WatersStorm to Hurricane force winds and seas building up to 9-11 meters within 180-360 nm south of the center during the next 36-48 hours. NOAA US Coastal Waters Forecasts NOAA Weather Prediction Center You’re currently a free subscriber to Fred Pickhardt’s Substack. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription. © 2026 Fred Pickhardt |
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March is one of the most popular months for cruising the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean—and for good reason. It sits right at the sweet spot between winter cold fronts and the start of the wetter summer pattern. For cruisers, that means comfortable temperatures, manageable seas, and very low risk of tropical weather… ![]() Continue reading this post for free in the Substack app© 2026 Fred Pickhardt |
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A 1000 mb low at 36N 72W is moving NE at 25 knots with winds up to 45 knots and 5-meter seas. Within the next 30 hours the storm center will intensify significantly, with central pressure dropping to 966 mb. Winds will reach 55 to 70 knots with seas building 8 to 13 meters (approx. 26 to 43 feet) within 180 nm south of the low center. You’re currently a free subscriber to Fred Pickhardt’s Substack. |
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There is a risk for severe weather across the Southeast through Sunday due to severe thunderstorms with potentially damaging gusty winds and a few possible tornadoes, particularly across northern Florida and Georgia, including the adjacent coastal waters. There is a 5 to 15% risk for wind gusts in thunderstorms to exceed 50 knots producing Hazardous sea conditions over the coastal waters of parts of Florida and Georgia. You’re currently a free subscriber to Fred Pickhardt’s Substack. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription. © 2026 Fred Pickhardt |
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A strong storm system is making its way across the South and East, bringing a threat of severe weather and localized flooding through Monday morning. For Saturday and Sunday, February 14-15th, the Storm Prediction Center indicates a 5-15% risk of severe thunderstorms capable of producing wind gusts of 50 knots or higher for the adjacent marine areas of the Gulf and portions of the coastal waters of Georgia and northern Florida.
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Severe weather is expected to impact the Southern U.S. from Saturday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day) into early Sunday morning. A potent storm system moving from the Southern Plains toward the Mississippi Valley will trigger multiple hazards across the region. There will be at least a 15% probability of damaging thunderstorm winds or wind gusts of 50 knots or higher in the coastal waters of northeastern Texas to the coast of central Louisiana. |
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A powerful winter storm, forecast to intensify into a “bomb cyclone,” is expected to create dangerous marine conditions along the US East Coast and Western Atlantic from Saturday through Monday… ![]() Continue reading this post for free in the Substack app© 2026 Fred Pickhardt |
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