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    • Inlet Trivia for the Holiday – Peter Swanson

      I found this article to be fascinating since I have entered many of these inlets while cruising up and down the East Coast.  It is interesting to read about the rich history of many of them.

      Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe. $7 a month or $56 for the year, and you may cancel at any time.

         
       
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      Inlet Trivia for the Holiday

      Doom for Confederate Hopes and Pirates, Too

        
      Ocracoke Island villagers salvage lumber from the shattered hull of the schooner Nomis in the summer of 1935. Nomis was carrying 338,000 feet of lumber from Georgetown, South Carolina, to New York City.

      Okay, its Fourth of July weekend, so the theme of this Loose Cannon installment is light and playful: Trivia related to various inlets along the Atlantic Coast from Virginia to the Florida border. I was digging for something in my archives, and I found historical summaries written over a decade ago but never published.

      Not all inlets are mentioned, and Charleston is omitted altogether because of its historic significance defies pithy summarization. And please do not assume that just because an inlet is included it is recommended for navigation.

      Enjoy.

      Virginia

      Rudee

      What is now Rudee Inlet began as a manmade drainage culvert. In 1968, the state created the current inlet, part of a $1 million plan to attract boaters. Now regular dredging is part of a cycle of a system to replenishment sand on the beaches of Virginia Beach. You can often see East Coast Navy SEAL teams launching boats for training exercises here.

        
      Navy SEAL stealth boat goes for a spin at Rudee Inlet, Virginia Beach.

      North Carolina

      Oregon

      In 1873 Congress approved and appropriated funds for the building of 29 lifesaving stations, one of which was the Bodie Island Station, located on the south side of Oregon Inlet. In 1883, the station on the north side of Oregon Inlet (also known as Tommy’s Hummock) was officially named the Bodie Island Station and the “old” Bodie Island Station (south of the inlet) was renamed as the Oregon Inlet Station. These are the antecedents to the current Coast Guard Station on Bodie.

      Hatteras

      The first Hatteras Inlet was formed south of the current inlet, but closed around 1764. The modern Hatteras Inlet was formed on September 7, 1846 by a violent gale. This was the same storm that opened present-day Oregon Inlet to the north. This became a profitable inlet, because it gave the Inner Banks,  a quicker and easier way to travel to and from the Gulf Stream. It was easier to come into this inlet from the north.

      Because of the increase of commerce, Hatteras Village Post Office was established in 1858. The initial invasion of the North Carolina coast, on Hatteras Island, during the Civil War called Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries came from Hatteras Inlet. The two Confederate forts guarding the inlet quickly fell. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is  also located here. Need we say more?

      Ocracoke

      The residents of this area have stoutly resisted modernization and change and a visit here is very much a trip back to the way it used to be. Ocracoke is part of the area known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, due to the many shipwrecks over the centuries—more than 600, according to some sources.

      Share

       Lookout Bight/Barden’s

      Home to whalers and Spanish privateers in the 18th century, Cape Lookout Bight is the location of the distinctively diamond patterned Cape Lookout Lighthouse. The wreck of the schooner Chrissie Wright occurred here on Lookout Shoals, where the entire crew but the cook perished in view of shore, rescuers unable to reach them until the next day due to the large breakers.

      Beaufort

      Pirate Edward Teach, popularly known as Blackbeard, lost his ship Queen Ann’s Revenge in 1718 after running aground at Beaufort Inlet. There is a fascinating multimedia display at the Beaufort Maritime Museum on his story, and the continuing excavation of his vessel. Blackbeard was later killed by naval forces off Ocracoke, but his head came home through Beaufort inlet, hanging on the bowsprit of the ship which captured him.

      Mason

      In March 2002, Mason inlet was cut through at a location about 3,500 feet northeast of what was then Mason Inlet. A week after the successful opening of the new inlet, the old Mason Inlet was closed. This engineering work, sponsored by local interests, was in response to the southward migration of Mason Inlet over the years to the point were it was threatening to undermine the Shell Island Resort and community to the south.

      Masonboro

      In November 1862, Union warships forced blockade running British schooner F.W. Pindar aground at the inlet, and sent a boat crew to destroy the vessel. The boat swamped and the crew was captured after successfully firing the schooner. In the same month, the Union Navy ran the British bark Sophia aground and destroyed her near the inlet as well.

      Carolina Beach

      Shoaling closed the original inlet in the early 1900s. It was blasted open again with explosives in 1952. In 2007, $1.2 million in federal funds were allocated for dredging Carolina Beach Inlet.

      Cape Fear River

      Cape Fear’s moniker comes from the fearsome Frying Pan Shoals offshore. This area marks the southern border of the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Bald Head Lighthouse, long known as “Old Baldy,” was North Carolina’s first lighthouse, dating back to 1796. Legendary 19th century singlehander Joshua Slocum came ashore in this region while returning from South America in a small vessel he built and wrote about in his book “Voyage of the Liberdade.”

      Lockwood’s Folly

       Lockwoods Folly Inlet was the scene of several Civil War confrontations. In an area noted as the Cape Fear Civil War Shipwreck District (shown here from a U.S. Army Corps survey chart), which crosses the inlet itself, are found the wrecks of Lisa MarieElizabeth, Iron Age and Bendigo. The name ‘Lockwood’s Folly’ came about when a certain Mr. Lockwood built himself a boat, which happened to have draft too great to transit the inlet. Some things haven’t changed. 

      Shallotte

      The entire coastal area was a hotspot of activity during the Civil War. The Union gunship Penobscot, at 158 feet and 10-foot 6-inch draft, destroyed her first Confederate vessel, the schooner Sereta, which went aground and was abandoned off Shallotte Inlet in June 1862. In November, the Penobscot forced the British ship Pathfinder aground at Shallotte Inlet, then destroyed her. Penobscot was known as the “90-day gunship” for the length of time it took to build her.

        
      A “90-day-gunship,” sister ship to the USS Penobscot.

      South Carolina

      Little River Inlet

       Because of the marshes surrounding Little River, the area received little land traffic until roads were built in the 1920s. Along with the safety afforded by the harbor, it thus became somewhat of a haven for pirates and smugglers. Following the arrival of some ‘northerners’ after the War of 1812, the town was known as “Yankee Town,” certainly not a name fondly accepted by those born there.

      Murrells Inlet

      Close by Murrells Inlet lies Drunken Jack Island—and Drunken Jack. Legend has it that a pirate was accidentally marooned with nothing but a supply of rum. When the ship finally returned, all they found were empty bottles of rum, and the bones of poor Jack. The island is also another of those reputed to contain Blackbeard’s treasure.

      Winyah Bay

      The first Europeans to settle the banks of Winyah Bay were actually the Spanish, but after failing as farmers, they built a ship from the towering cypress and oak trees lining the swamps, and sailed off to the Spice Islands of the Caribbean, where there was a ready market for their slaves.

      Stono River

      Union naval forces controlled the Stono River during the Civil War, but got their comeuppance when a Confedate artillery unit set up on the banks by cover of darkness, bombarded a Union warship and forced her officers to row ashore to surrender.

      North Edisto River

      The North Edisto River inlet was often used as a back door for Union vessels to attack Charleston, as any vessel proceeding through the Charleston inlet was a sitting duck, unable to return fire with while inbound with Fort Moultrie forward of the alignment of her guns.

      St. Helena Sound

      St. Helena Island is considered the center of African American Gullah culture and is also the site of several forts which have been extensively excavated. During the Civil War, Fort Walker fell early, leading to the capture of Port Royal. The slaves were freed and measures, including land grants, were undertaken to assist them. Black history is such a powerful force in this area that those supporting the Gullah culture have been able to prevent the building of condos and gated communities on St. Helena Island.

        
      Portrait of a Gullah community after the Civil War.

      New River Entrance

      Camp Lejeune is located nearby and one will often see Marines on exercises. Kids will be thrilled as they roar by in their inflatable vessels, complete with weaponry, or operating tanks on the east side of the ICW or artillery towed behind trucks. Skippers knowing that this gear constitutes targets for shooting exercises may be a little less sanguine about them.

      Port Royal Sound

      Most mariners are aware that the Parris Island Marine Corps base is here. What most won’t know is that Cat Island, at the anchorage at Mile 544, was at one time a nudist colony. Hilton Head Island was at one time a prominent outpost of the Gullah community. (The nudist colony closed prior to World War II in case you were wondering!) 

      Calibogue Sound

      This entire area was fought over by the Spanish, French and British for years, and the coast was a favorite hunting ground for pirates, including Blackbeard. The area is noted for its Gullah heritage. Today, most of the coast is a major resort region, with golf on Hilton Head Island. being one of the biggest draws. The red-striped replica lighthouse at Harbortown Yacht Basin is one of the most photographed sights on the Waterway.

      Georgia

      Savannah River

      This entire area was fought over by the Spanish, French and British for years, and the coast was a favorite hunting ground for pirates, including Blackbeard. The area is noted for its Gullah heritage. Colonial Savannah, an early “planned city” (by Gen. James Oglethorpe), is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the United States.

      Wassaw Sound

      Thunderbolt was supposedly named after a lighting bolt struck there, creating a spring and giving native Americans a reason to settle there.

      Ossaba Sound

      Archeological evidence indicates Ossabaw Island has been inhabited for 4,000 years. During the last century it was a hunting retreat and then, a privately held scholarly and artistic retreat. When the owners could no longer subsidize the cost, they sold the island to the state of Georgia, thus preserving its natural beauty for the enjoyment of future generations.

      St. Catherines Sound

      A Spanish fort dating from 1566 was built on St. Catherines Island, which General Sherman awarded to freed slaves after the Civil war along with Ossabaw and Sapelo islands. This state of affairs lasted for two years, after which the island was returned to its former owner, and the new residents relocated to the Georgia mainland. An 1893 hurricane covered the entire island in water. Only one person survived.

      Sapelo Sound

      Sapelo Island’s ownership makes for a fascinating story. Fleeing revolution at home, a syndicate of French nobles purchased it in 1790, followed by a Danish sea captain, then a planter who was the only one who ever managed to make a profit from the island’s soil. In the 20th century, an excutive of the Hudson Motorcar Company, took possession, but the Crash of ’29 forced him to sell to R.J. Reynolds of tobacco fame. In 1969, Reynold’s widow donated part of it to the state of Georgia for a wildlife refuge. Now the entire island has protected status under government ownership.

        
      An old Coast Guard photo of the Sapelo Island lighthouse.

      Doboy Sound

      Cruisers using this inlet may well notice mounds of large rocks not native to the area, particularly on Commodore Island. These are ballast stones from tallships which used these waters in past centuries, tossed overboard to lighten them so they could navigate the shallower waters upstream with their cargoes.

      St. Simons Sound

      Originally built in 1808, St. Simons lighthouse was torn down by Confederate forces in 1862 and replaced in 1872. In 1953, the oil lamps were replaced by a Fresnel lens and the 106 foot structure can be climbed. The view is worth the effort.

      St. Andrews Sound

      The lighthouse on Little Cumberland Island operated from 1838 until its deactivation in 1915. The keeper’s house was destroyed by fire in 1968.

      St. Mary’s Inlet

      Fernandina Beach on the Florida side was founded by Union soldiers, who returned there after having occupied Amelia Island during the war; they were drawn to the area’s climate and natural beauty. That may explain why the city’s downtown resembles a 19th Century New England town.

      LOOSE CANNON is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

       

       

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    • AIWA Newsletter July 2025

      Cruisers Net is proud to be a member of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, whose lobbying work is crucial to keeping the Waterway navigable and safe. Your membership dollars directly support their vital work. Please join and encourage your boating neighbors to do the same, regardless of their home port.

       

       
      Recent Actions and Upcoming Congressional Hearings on 
      FY26 Federal Appropriations
      In contrast to a very busy May for waterway federal funding news, June has been relatively quiet as Congress’s attention is focused on consideration of the reconciliation package, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill. With recent passage of different versions of the reconciliation package by the House of Representatives and Senate, the Senate version was sent to the House for further consideration on July 1st. At present, we await a final vote by the House to pass the Senate version and send to the President for his signature and enactment. Fortunately, the voting on this bill will not impact the timing of consideration for the FY26 Energy & Water Appropriations bill which funds projects along the waterway.
       


      Looking forward

      With the release of the Administration’s FY26 funding priorities for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the next step is for the House and Senate to develop their appropriations bills. On July 7th, the House Appropriations’ Subcommittee on Energy & Water Development and Related Agencies has scheduled a committee hearing to consider the FY26 Energy & Water Appropriations Bill followed by a full House Appropriations Committee hearing on July 10th. Once the appropriations bill clears these two committees, it is eligible for a vote by the full House of Representatives.

      At this time, the Senate has not scheduled committee hearings on FY26 Energy & Water Development Appropriations.

      Below is a table outlining our recent success and the current state of waterway funding. It is possible that we could surpass the $220 million in waterway funding over the past five years with another successful funding cycle in 2026. 

       
      U.S. Coast Guard Releases Two Marine Safety Information Bulletins
      Impacting Waterway Users in
      North Carolina
      The U.S. Coast Guard has recently released two Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB) that will have a direct impact on waterway users in North Carolina. The AIWA was engaged on both of these MSIB’s, and we greatly appreciate the opportunity to participate in the review of the two projects.

      One of the two projects, the Alligator River Swing Bridge Replacement Project (MSIB 09-25), will include multi-day waterway closures, but will allow for temporary deviations for waterway users. Please click here to read MSIB 09-25 for the project.

      The second project, the Onslow Bridge Replacement Project (MSIB-008-25), the waterway will be closed for daily demolition activities but will open daily between noon and 1pm, and outside of normal working hours. Please click here to read MSIB 08-25 for the project. 

      We understand that any closure of the waterway impacts our members and waterway stakeholders, and we are committed to participating in these types of projects to ensure that your voice is heard.

       
      Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association
      Annual Meeting
      November 18 – 20, 2025
      Savannah, GA
       
      Happy 4th of July 💥
       
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      Copyright © 2025. Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association. All rights reserved.

      The AIWA is a national non-profit organization with the mission of securing funding and support for the maintenance of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. We are the only organization dedicated to ensuring the future of the AIWW and proudly represent all stakeholders of the waterway. 

      Contact:
      Atlantic Instracoastal Waterway Association
      5a Market |  Beaufort, SC 29906
      (843) 379-1151 |  atlanticintracoastal.org

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    • Spring/Summer 2025 Newsletter! Outer Banks Forever


       

      Our Spring/Summer Print Newsletter Is Here!
       
      We’re excited to share our Spring/Summer 2025 Newsletter with you! Download your copy and learn about:

      • Our 2025 Adopt A Sea Turtle Nest program
      • Bryan Burhans, Outer Banks Forever’s new Director
      • Beach and ocean safety on Cape Hatteras National Seashore
      • Robin Snyder, Deputy Superintendent of our Outer Banks national parks
      • The iconic Bodie Island Lighthouse
      Download Your Copy Today!
      Thank you so much for being a supporter of our Outer Banks national parks! We can’t do what we do without you!
      Happy Reading,  
      Rachael Graf
      Community Engagement Coordinator
      Outer Banks Forever
       
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      Our mailing address is:

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    • Bahamas. Shenanigans. Fatigue – Peter Swanson

      Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe. $7 a month or $56 for the year, and you may cancel at any time.

         
       
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      Bahamas. Shenanigans. Fatigue

      Like an Onion, Corruption Is a Many Layered Thing

        

      Phew!

      Four days: Three stories and one opinion piece about shennanigans in the Bahamas. Normally, I release stories on more of an every-other-day schedule.

      Anyway, if you are among those who have now joined us because of the coverage of Bahamas cruising-fee hikes and moorings boondogle, welcome.

      For those of you who are less interested in that topic, worry not. Loose Cannon will soon return to its normal nautical mix and to its normal pace.

      And you are hereby spared a fifth story on the topic.

      The story would have been about resurgent corruption in the Bahamas government, as it begins to assume the trappings of a narco-state, complete with a rise in gang violence and homicides. I have decided against a long-form treatment because the subject is not boat-specific enough. Someone should write it, though.

      Cliff Notes Version

      In writing their November indictment of 11 Bahamians, including high-ranking policemen, U.S. prosecutors set the stage for the arrests, describing the growth of Bahamas government corruption since the end of the Covid epidemic. Besides the actual defendants, the indictment repeatedly references “other corrupt officials” in “key government institutions.”

      One defendant gave feds the name of “a high-ranking Bahamian politician” who had offered to commit the country’s entire law enforcement apparatus to moving cocaine in exchange for a $2 million payoff. If true, that sum must now be considered the going rate to purchase, or at least rent a leader of the Bahamian people.

      Thankfully for the cruising crowd, most of the criminal violence isn’t happening in the Abacos, Exumas or Out Islands, but that does not mean we would be unaffected in the long run. One cannot help but catch a whiff of the same Nassau corruption in the mooring scheme and crazy fee increases. Both were rolled out with the kind of stealth and suddeness that suggest, as American prosecutors like to say, “a cognizance of guilt.”

      The Bahamas enacted some anti-corruption laws in response to the drug scandal, but an opposing senator this week noted that the actual enforcement budget was only $30,000 and no results have been produced.

      (By the way, it is not too farfetched to think that these laws may have been dictated to Bahamian leaders by the U.S. Justice Department via State, in exchange for not indicting that “high-ranking politician” and possibly destabilizing or—dare I say it—decapitating an allied government.)

      Interestingly, the institutions that track government corruption around the world based on measurable factors do not rate the Bahamas all that high in malfeasance. My conclusion is that the rankings must be based on lagging indicators.

      Altogether this is a tragic state of affairs, especially for honest Bahamians. Their island nation, a place of beauty, had also been a place of normalcy for cruisers, not beset by the thefts and thuggery of the lower Caribbean, nor the endemic official corruption at the retail level in many Latin American ports, nor the ever-shrinking options for anchoring of Florida waters.

      Folks, I’m taking tomorrow off. Maybe Monday too.

      As always, comes the pitch: If you’ve been with Loose Cannon for a while, and you like what you’ve been reading, and you can afford it, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription. There’s more where this came from.

      LOOSE CANNON is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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    • SCDNR to conduct courtesy boat inspections during July Fourth Day weekend Saturday and Sunday

      It is always important to ensure you are up to date on the legally required safety equipment and your boat and motor registrations.  Consider taking advantage of SCDNR’s courtesy boat inspections during the July 4th weekend to ensure you are in compliance.   Also, see the embedded link below to South Carolina’s boating regulations.

       
      SCDNR color logo and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in text on green background


      SCDNR to conduct courtesy boat inspections during July Fourth weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday 

      CBI

      SCDNR officers want to do everything possible to make sure boaters have a fun yet safe July Fourth holiday. Courtesy boating inspections will be offered at public boat landings around the state on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings.

      In an effort to keep people and waterways safe during the Fourth of July weekend, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division will be conducting courtesy boat inspections at public boat landings around the state.

      The July Fourth weekend is one of the busiest boating times of the year for South Carolina lakes and waterways and officers want to do everything possible to keep everyone’s weekend fun and safe.

      SCDNR boating safety and enforcement officers will perform quick but thorough inspections for required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registrations. Those who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections. Instead, they will be given an opportunity to correct the problem before they launch their boat. SCDNR officers will also be available to answer questions and give boaters tips on how to stay safe on the water. The boating inspections will be conducted Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 4-6.

      To report boating violations such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, call the SCDNR toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431 or dial #DNR on your cell phone.

      For a copy of South Carolina’s boating regulations, to find out about local boating safety courses, or to obtain a free float plan form, contact the SCDNR boating safety office at 1-800-277-4301 or visit http://www.dnr.sc.gov/education/boated.html.

      July Fourth weekend boat inspection locations (all inspections are from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.):

      Friday, July 4:

      • Spartanburg County: Lake Bowen
      • Pickens County: Twin Lakes
      • Fairfield County: Molly Creek
      • Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam
      • Horry County: Bass Pro Shop
      • Charleston County: Wapoo Cut Landing, ICW
      • Beaufort County: Battery Creek Boat Landing

      Saturday, July 5:

      • Anderson County:  River Fork Landing, Lake Hartwell
      • Oconee County: South Cove, Lake Keowee
      • Kershaw County: Clearwater Cove, Lake Wateree
      • Clarendon County: Alex Harvin Landing, Lake Marion
      • Berkeley County: Hatchery Landing
      • Charleston County: Remley’s Point
      • Charleston County: Buck Hall

      Sunday, July 6:

      • McCormick County: Scott’s Ferry, Lake Thurmond
      • Greenwood County: Hwy. 72 Landing
      • Oconee County: Seneca Creek, Lake Hartwell
      • York County: Ebenezer Park
      • Lexington County: Lake Murray Dam
      • Beaufort County: Lemon Island Boat Ramp
      • Charleston County: Limehouse Landing
      • Georgetown County: Carroll Campbell Boat Ramp

      South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 260 D Epting Ln, West Columbia, SC 29172

      Department Phone Numbers

       

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    • Entry Fees Distract as Bahamas Eyes the Prize, a Carbon-Credit Boondogle – Peter Swanson


      Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe. $7 a month or $56 for the year, and you may cancel at any time.

         
       
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      When all else fails, try journalism.


      Like crypto currency, the carbon-exchange market is something oft mentioned but little understood, including by me. This story assumes the concept is not just a figment of our collective imagination.

        

      A seagrass meadow: Where the moorings aren’t.

      Stand by for Bahamas Moorings II. The sequel appears likely. The key to understanding the “insane” and ultimately unsuccessful first attempt to establish rental moorings in the Exumas appears to have been something as mundane as seagrass.

      Not the actual turtle food: Seagrass, the idea.

      The Bahamas are sitting on a “blue carbon” treasure trove whose jewels are seagrasses, salt marshes and mangroves. According to DBG, a player in the carbon-offset industry, the Bahamas has $50 billion-worth ready to sell.

      So what did the Bahamas government do?

      On January 23, it leased the seagrass component of said trove to a private company in exchange for a promise of three pennies for every future dollar earned from mooring rentals—an unknowable revenue-stream.

      Bahamian leaders certainly must have known end of free anchoring would have been unpopular in its target market, foreign cruisers. Would we be willing to pay? That question is back again as cruising community reacts to the outrage of the day—a quintupling of entry fees.

      Stench

      The odor of corruption around that $2.5 million deal was so strong, that the same government that had secretly approved the project soon ordered that it “cease and desist” and that all moorings be removed. That was on February 23, and…goshdarnit… The moorings are still in place. Free, at least temporarily.

      Creating a mooring monopoly “doesn’t even make sense,” Peter Maury told The Tribune newspaper of Nassau as it followed up after Loose Cannon broke the story back in February. Maury is president of the Association of Bahamas Marinas, whose members, like most Bahamians, were blindsided by the sudden appearance of barges installing helix anchors and floating balls. “Insane,” one of Maury’s colleagues quipped.

        

      The moorings are still in place. Waiting for new management?

      The lease assigning control of more than 4,000 acres of seabed to a single company granted Bahamas Moorings Ltd. the right to provide mooring services “in the Exuma and elsewhere in the country.” Would the Abacos and Eleuthera have been next?

      As it happens, the Bahamas are home to an astounding 40 percent of the world’s seagrass beds, which sequester huge amounts of carbon on the seafloor, according to scientists. The moorings appeared to have been cover to exercise control over a carbon offset to be sold to industries unable to reduce their carbon footprint on their own.


       Without Warning, Moorings Going In Throughout the Exumas 

      Mooring fields at popular Normans Cay.


      Boaters Blamed

      In response to Loose Cannon’s back-to-back articles on the moorings controversy (but before the project was canceled), the Bahamas government issued a news release, which said the quiet part out loud: “This initiative is also a key component of the Bahamas Blue Carbon Project, which aims to generate funding through carbon credit sales linked to the protection of seagrass beds and marine sediment—critical natural carbon sinks.”

      The same release blamed you, the cruising public, for damaging seagrass beds:

      For years, unregulated anchoring has significantly damaged coral reefs and seagrass beds—critical marine habitats supporting biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Recent research by Beneath the Waves, a leading marine science organisation, has documented a 20-30 percent decline in seagrass coverage in parts of the Exuma Cays over the past decade, underscoring the urgent need for action. Installing these moorings will help preserve marine ecosystems while enhancing navigational safety by reducing anchor-related destruction and minimising seabed disturbance.

      Final Version Statement From The Governm…
      126KB ∙ PDF file
      Download

      But experts contradicted the government, saying many, if not most of the planned mooring fields have sandy bottoms entirely without reefs or grasses. A prime example—where mooring installation was underway until the cease and desist order—is the anchorage at Big Major Cay, famous for good holding and swimming pigs.

      “The initial mooring balls in Normans Cay, Big Majors and Black Point are installed in some of the best holding clear sand in Exuma. There are bits of grass around, but nothing that even remotely resembles a nursery environment,” said Addison Chan, author of the Bahamas Land & Sea app and its corresponding Facebook group.

      “I haven’t studied every chart in detail, but my sense is the leases cover the best anchorages in the Bahamas, which tend to be areas that are currently free of grass. Take for example the areas around Compass Cay, an area that is difficult to anchor because of shallow water and grassy flats, the leased lands cover the viable areas of clear sand. In fact, the area that falls within Pipe Creek appears to be shaped by the clear sand area.”

      Loose Cannon interviewed a Bahamian naturalist who asked not to be named for fear of retribution. Familiar with the cays in question, this person confirmed that many of the anchorages are entirely sand. “Grass ain’t everywhere they claim, so they ain’t saving no seagrass,” the naturalist said, rebutting to the government’s defense of the project.

      As far as potential for moorings to aid in seagrass restoration, it would likely happen only in places where grass beds had been historically. “Just putting moorings in pure sand doesn’t generate growth of seagrass, if it wasn’t there before,” the person said.

        
        

      Sand not grass. This is a photo of the large central mooring area noted on the Big Major chart. The bottom is nearly all sand, as anyone who has visited the swimming pigs can attest.

      And what about the proposal that cruisers could choose to anchor as long as they were willing to pay 55 cents or $1.10 per foot, depending on LOA? Critics back in February said that if saving the seabeed were really the motivation, anchoring would be banned altogether. Today, the new fee structure monetizes the practice by charging cruisers who wish to avoid marinas a $300 anchoring fee.

      A bill of lading obtained by Loose Cannon described the Bahamas Moorings order for Chinese-made helical screw anchors as being accompanied by 38 and 25mm open-link chain. While moorings employ significantly less scope than anchoring, an all-rope mooring rode would be even less damaging than a rope-chain setup that this document suggests.

      A photo taken by a cruiser shows one new mooring attached not to a helical screw but a big conventional anchor and chain.

        

      Big anchor, not a helical screw. Oddly, this sketchy set-up was intended for bigger yachts.

      Greenwashing

      So, how did the question of seagrass fit in the moorings/blue carbon narrative? The government says moorings will protect seagrass. Experts say there tends not to be seagrass where moorings were actually placed.

      Maybe, what was being sold is just the belief that mooring fields will protect Bahamas seagrass. The term for this is greenwashing.

      Cohn, Cohn & Colapinto, a U.S. law firm that specializes in defending whistleblowers, notes that carbon-offset scams often share the following characteristics:

      • Overstated impact: some projects may exaggerate the amount of carbon they can offset, leading to misleading claims.
      • Lack of transparency: scammers may avoid providing clear information about their projects, making it difficult to verify their claims.
      • Weak verification processes: some projects may rely on inadequate verification processes, allowing for fraudulent activities to go undetected.
      • Greenwashing: the use of misleading marketing tactics a company uses to portray themselves as environmentally responsible, even if their carbon offset claims are unfounded.

      Will Cruisers Quit Coming?

      The Tribune reporter also quoted Eric Carey, the ex-Bahamas National Trust (BNT) executive director, who worried that having to pay for moorings and/or anchoring may create a tipping point in the cruising community. What he said might well apply to today’s entry-fee controversy:

      A very careful assessment needs to be done of the carrying capacity of what boaters are willing to pay before boaters abandon The Bahamas because of what they can’t afford. It can’t be a licence to print money and boaters say, we’ll abandon The Bahamas. I’ve spoken to people at Black Point, Staniel Cay who have restaurants. They say that if those boats abandon us because they’re forced out, they’ll be severely impacted.

      What Carey may have been too polite to say is that cruisers as a whole are a parsimonious lot. Groceries, liquor and fuel are already 30 percent higher in the Bahamas compared to the U.S. Dockage is very expensive, too. Recently, Bahamian officials have been enforcing immigration rules in capricious and arbitrary ways, stressing out many mom-and-pop cruisers.

      Free anchoring has been the spoonful of sugar that helped the medicine go down. Without it, the Bahamas marine industry fears the worst. Surely, the principals of Bahamas Moorings and their eco-affiliates had to have been aware that their overt business might have failed simply because cruisers wouldn’t participate.

      Maybe, that new $300 anchoring fee is intended as an incentive to use those leftover moorings once a new administrative structure is in place.

      The lead story in the May 1 Guardian newspaper described how the prime minister was “pushing ahead with its efforts to monetize blue carbon credits through a new agreement with a Chicago based company.” A government news release described how Carbon Management Limited (CML), a Bahamian-controlled public-private partnership, will turn seaweed into cash:

      Using Laconic’s innovative Sovereign Carbon Security, which does not require a sovereign guarantee, the program will see verified, additional and real carbon removals generated by the CML’s scientific management of up to 150,000 square kilometers of the nation’s seagrass ecosystems monetized over the next five years in full compliance with Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement,

      The question is: How might this lucrative scheme be related to the new fee structure? The timing, of course, could be nothing more than coincidence. Come forward, Bahamas sources, and enlighten us. Tell us about those “real carbon removals.”

      Stand by for more reporting on the fees, moorings and other shennanigans happening in our favorite island nation. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe the next day.

      LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Every so often he tries to be funny. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.

       

       

       
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    • I Grew Up by the ‘Jaws’ Location. Never Saw a Shark, But Now…Wow! – Peter Swanson

      Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe. $7 a month or $56 for the year, and you may cancel at any time.

         
       
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      I Grew Up by the ‘Jaws’ Location. Never Saw a Shark, But Now…Wow!

      ‘Shark, Shark, Shark! Get People Out of the Water!’

        

      The 50th anniversary of the movie Jaws is being widely commemorated because of the film’s cinematic, cultural and social influence. It is being marked by television specials and multiple events around where the movie was filmed, which is also where the fictional events were to have happened.

      I was 20 when “Jaws” came to the Buzzards Bay Theater in 1975. My hometown of Wareham was just around the corner from the island of Martha’s Vineyard where Jaws was filmed.¹ I had spent the past dozen years swimming in local waters and sailing our Cape Dory sailboats²—almost daily all summer long.

      Wareham has more miles of beachfront than any other town in Massachusetts—54 miles compared to about 125 for the entire island of Marthas Vineyard.

      I never, ever saw a single shark off any beach. Not a single shark while underway on Buzzards Bay or Cape Cod Bay. I never saw a shark when I sailed to “the Vineyard.” I never heard talk about anyone seeing one either.

      The closest thing were the dogfish we’d catch while fishing offshore for cod. When we were stupid enough not to throw them overboard, the darn things would give birth to live little sharks as they lay dying in the cockpit of a cabin cruiser. ³

      Point being: Jaws may have been a scary monster movie, but it was as remote as Godzilla from actual experience in our corner of New England. Sharks were not a thing back then, but the movie took a psychological toll nonetheless.

        
      Our connection to Hollywood.

      My uncle Jack Carlson had been an early adopter of SCUBA diving during the 1950s and 60s, when they were still developing the technology we use today. Uncle Jack was good at it. He got regular calls from police asking him to retrieve the corpses of folks who had fallen through pond ice and drowned.

      He also had a recreational license to dive for lobster in Massachusetts waters. At some point, he did a 90-foot free-dive at a drop-off near Provincetown after reading about Polynesian pearl divers doing so.

      Share

      Jack was as lean and fit as ever when I asked him how the diving was going. “I quit,” he said. “Ever since Jaws, I couldn’t enjoy it anymore.”

      A great white shark was swimming inside Jack’s brain—dun-dun, dun-dun—even though the animals themselves were absent. Galeophobia is the clinical term for a fear of sharks, and my uncle was exhibiting the symptoms.

      Origins

      The Jaws story, as written in the Peter Benchley novel, had its origins in a series of 1916 shark attacks in New Jersey and a real-life shark-murdering guy named Frank Mundus who fished out of Montauk on Long Island. Mundus is widely believed to have inspired the Quint character in the novel and movie.

        

      Four swimmers were killed and another critically hurt in the Jersey Shore attacks, though it is just as likely that a bull shark was responsible, not a great white.⁴

      Food Source

      Just 18 years before the New Jersey attacks, Massachusetts and Maine had begun encouraging the killing of seals, through a bounty system. Fishermen argued that seals were stealing their livelihood, which was true in a way. Lobstermen were even convinced that seals were opening their traps to eat the bait and catch.

      The solution was a shotgun loaded with deer slugs. At town hall, you could trade a sliced-off seal snout for ten bucks. (By comparison, crows’ feet only got you a nickle.)

      According to researchers, 135,000 harbor and grey seals had been killed under the bounty system by the end of the 1960s. Then, the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 outlawed seal killing altogether. The seals gradually repopulated.

      By the 1990s I was using a long lens and a tripod to try to get photos for my newspaper showing small seal colonies sunning themselves on rocks at the mouth of the Merrimack River.

        

      The mechanical great white in Jaws was all alone in 1975 because real sharks stayed away. There were no seals to eat. When the seals did come back—New England now has an estimated 100,000 harbor and grey seals—so did the great whites.

      There’s irony in that. Scientists have estimated that there have been up to 800 individual great whites in Cape Cod waters over a recent four-year period.

      If the great white shark were as malevolent as Benchley and Jaws diretor Steven Spielberg had portrayed, the species would be chowing down on tourists like they were shrimp in a wedding buffet.

        
      The mechanical shark was scary enough, but didn’t work very well, so director Spielberg relied on the soundtrack to create tension: “dun-dun, dun-dun.”

      Jaws Moments

      In 2018, Massachusetts finally had a couple events right out of the Jaws script. Two great white attacks happened in Cape Cod waters, one of which was fatal. Arthur Medici died while surfing off Wellfleet on the “Outer Cape.”

      Writing in a May 14, 2019 story for Boston magazine, writer Casey Sherman described the event in gruesome detail:

      Fellow surfers saw a giant eruption of water, followed by the sight of a shark thrashing and whipping its tail back and forth around Medici’s body. Before Rocha could think, his arms and legs began churning furiously toward Medici, closing the distance with each stroke. “Arthur! Come to me, come to me!” he shouted, swallowing and spitting out mouthfuls of bloody saltwater. “You’ll be fine. You’ll be fine.”

      Medici did not respond, floating motionless atop a small wave. When Rocha finally reached him, Medici was unconscious with his head face-down in the water. The Everett High student and commander of his school’s junior ROTC class instantly remembered his rescue training, getting behind Medici, placing both hands under Medici’s armpits, and swimming several more yards until his feet touched the sand. Rocha used his remaining strength to drag his friend onto the beach.

      “Shark! Shark! Shark!” he gasped. “Get people out of the water!”

      Predictably, there were some calls to kill sharks or kill seals, or both, to save Cape Cod’s all-important tourist industry. Calls for “lethal management”⁵ of sharks has its own sociology term. It’s called the “Jaws Effect.”

        
        
      Besides Jaws’ own sequels, Hollywood made copycat films such as Barracuda and Orca. Both creatures were a lot bigger than the real thing.

      In Massachusetts, however, the official response to shark attacks was very un-Jaws-like. Public attitudes toward sharks had evolved quite a bit over the past four decades. Even shark tournaments down in Montauk are catch-and-release now. Lethal shark-fishing contests, which had thrived post-Jaws in the spirit of revenge,⁶ have come under increasing fire by the ecology-minded and animal-rights crowds.

      Retiring the Man-Eater Myth
       

      Retiring the Man-Eater Myth

      11:14 AM
      Read full story

      As for killing seals, well, they are just too darned cute. (Unless you fish for a living, then they are not cute at all.)⁷ Here’s what the 2021 study “Human Dimensions of Rebounding Seal and Shark Populations on Cape Cod” said:

      Voters and especially tourists view seals favorably. They hope to see them on Cape Cod. They largely perceive seals as beneficial, positive and enjoyable. They believe that seals are an important part of the marine ecosystem and a sign of a healthy environment. Commercial fishers hold different views and are more negative in their perceptions of seals and their ecological, economic and fishery impacts. Commercial fishers blame seals for reducing and suppressing fish stocks, hurting the economy and creating public safety risks by attracting sharks to the area.

      Sharks are scary but also get a pass, according to the study:

      While sharks generate fear and are viewed as a threat to people by the majority of voters, tourists and commercial fishers, the perceived benefits of sharks appear to outweigh the risks. Respondents in all three stakeholder groups view sharks as important to the marine ecosystem. By large margins, respondents in all groups agree with the statement, “I am willing to accept some inconvenience and risk in order to have oceans where marine wildlife can thrive.”

      Survey Results, Sharks & Seals

        

      Unlike the folks of fictional Amity, hardly anyone nowadays is blaming the shark. Only a small percentage of people in the three groups surveyed said they thought shark bites were intentional. About 90 percent said sharks bite people by accident.

      So, instead of recruiting a 2025 version of Quint, Bay State authorities are relying on signage, lifeguard training, beach patrols, shark-alert systems and public education. (For example, don’t hang out in the water with a bunch of seals, no matter how cute they may be.)

      What else helps keep casualties down: 46 percent of tourists surveyed said they won’t go in the water. What’s that word again?

      Galeophobia. (Dun-dun, dun-dun.)

        

      LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Every so often he tries to be funny. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.

      1

      The movie was filmed in Vineyard Haven, Menemsha, Chilmark and Edgartown, but mostly in Edgartown. So fictional Amity is most likely based on Edgartown.

      2

      I’m talking about the earliest Cape Dories, the actual 10 and 12-footers and the 16-foot Handi-Cat, a beefed up version of the traditional Beetle Cat design.

      3

      In the 1980s, an industry was established that sent frozen filets of dogfish (aka sand sharks, perhaps incorrectly) over to Britain for fish and chips. But we had no notion of how to make them edible ourselves.

      4

      Researchers say warm-water shark species such as bulls are expanding their range northward because of warming ocean temperatures. They are expected to join their great white cousins in New England waters in the near future.

      5

      Think “humanely euthanized.” For example, tickling your target to death.

      6

      Jaws Director Steven Spielberg, 78, has expressed remorse over Jaws—even though it established his status as a talented director, while he was still in his 20s. “I regret the decimation of the shark population because of the book and film,” he told the BBC in 2022. “I truly and to this day regret that.”

      7

      Back in the day, I had always attributed the notion of seals breaking into traps as typical lobsterman bluster, but sure enough contemporary accounts and even a YouTube video make the case pretty convincingly.

       

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    • Tropical Storm Andrea forms – SunSentinel

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    • Why boat handling skills require constant learning – PassageMaker

      Passagemaker is an excellent resource for cruisers. 

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    • Bahamas Backs Off (a Little) After Pushback on Fees – Peter Swanson


      Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe. $7 a month or $56 for the year, and you may cancel at any time.

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      Bahamas Backs Off (a Little) After Pushback on Fees

      Average Cruising Craft Get a $500 Break

        
      Bahamas tourism industry pushes back.

      Bahamian legislators have amended proposed cruising fee increases to go easier on the average visiting sailboat and trawler. Instead of $1,650, a cruiser who fishes and anchors would pay $1,150.

      Lawmakers have done this by adjusting the catagories. Previously there were three catagories: up to 34 feet, 35 to 100 feet and over 100 feet. Now the catagories are up to 50 feet, over 50 to 100 feet and over 100 feet.

      So instead of paying $1,000 for entry on your average 44-foot sailboat, the cruising permit will cost $500 feet. The proposed anchoring fee remains at $200 or $350, depending on whether up to or over 34 feet. The proposed fishing permit also remains at $200 or $350 depending of whether up to or over 34 feet. The fishing permit is valid for two entries within 30 days.

      The anchoring fees for vessels over 100 feet is $1,500.

      Share

      Facebook has been ablaze with indignation ever since the foreign cruising community learned about the bill. The center-console crowd was also angered, but they too got some relief in the latest version.

      The frequent digital cruising card (FDCC), which caters to the long-weekend visitors boating over from South Florida, now costs $1,500 for vessels up to 50 feet and is good for two years of unlimited travel. Boats over 50 and up to 100 feet will cost $2,500 and those over 100 will cost $8,000.

      Echoing the Bahamas Prime Minister’s own anti-American boater rhetoric, much of the Bahamian response on social media was a collective “good ridance, you cheapskates,” accusing foreigners of taking their fish, polluting their waters with sewage and messing up the seabed with our anchors.

      But those sentiments were not shared by people in the marine industry such as Stephen Kappeler of the Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina, who told a reporter from the Tribune newspaper of Nassau that he had fielded 12 cancelations that day and expected the trend to continue. Kappeler said:

      Remember, when we cancel a booking, this is money that somebody’s already paid, a deposit they’ve already paid. When you book a room and you book a slip with us, that’s somewhere in the area of $500 in business just the first night deposit. And guests are coming in for two, three, four nights.

      So you could multiply and extend that out to understand what the value of a cancellation is. And they’re looking for the refund of their money. I can tell you, there were a dozen alone today. We’re a 50-room resort. So if this continues at a pace of a dozen a day… I’m sure not everybody’s got the news or got the message. So this thing is going to be exponential.

      That was yesterday. The Tribune tends to be less friendly to the ruling party than the Bahamas other major newspaper, and today it published another story on the issue that began with this:

      The Bahamian tourism industry and its three main promotion boards have untied to urge the Prime Minister to “pause” new and increased boating fees that “could not have come at a worse time.”

      In their joint letter to the PM, The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, the Bahamas Out Islands Promotions Board, the Nassau/Paradise Island Promotions Board and the Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board described a “high spending, buoyant, seafaring visitor market. who contribute significantly to a vast number of tourism business owners…throughout the archipelago.”

      The promotion boards cited reports of numerous marina cancellations. They noted that the nation’s tourism industry was facing uncertain times and that while the cruise-ship sector appeared to have a solid footing, the rest of the industry “faces far less predictable, precarious headwinds.”

      There has been no pause—at least not yet—but Attorney General Ryan Pinder spoke to the Bahamas Senate Tuesday, arguing that the new version of the bill strikes “an appropriate balance” that raises fees but also extends the duration of a cruising permit from three months to a year.

      LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Every so often he tries to be funny. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.

       

       

       

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    • Exploring the Albemarle Queen: A Journey Through Time and Water – Albemarle Plantation


      Our marina is your boating access to Albemarle Sound, the largest freshwater sound in the country—55 miles long and 15 miles at its widest point. Placed strategically at the mouth of Yeopim Creek, the marina is just beyond the high insurance line saving boaters significantly on their insurance rates.

      An on-the-water retirement home or vacation home for those who love the rich cultural ports-of-call cruising waters of North Carolina, Albemarle Plantation Marina,  a port on the Albemarle Loop and a CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located just off the AICW on the northern shores of Albemarle Sound on Yeopim River/Creek.

      Exploring the Albemarle Queen: A Journey Through Time and Water

      Jun 21, 2025 | Life at Albemarle PlantationPlaces to Visit

      Nestled in the scenic coastal region of North Carolina, the Albemarle Queen Paddlewheel offers an enchanting escape for locals and visitors alike. As you glide along the tranquil waters of the Albemarle Sound, you’re not just enjoying a boat ride—you’re embarking on a remarkable journey steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty.

      A Glimpse into History

      The Albemarle Queen is more than just a boat; it’s a floating piece of history. Originally designed to evoke the classic paddlewheel boats of the 19th century, she has captured the charm and elegance of a bygone era. The vessel serves as a tribute to the rich maritime heritage that has shaped the region. 

      When you step aboard, you’re greeted by the breathtaking craftsmanship of the boat—its polished wood finishes, ornate columns, and intricate details call to mind a time when river travel was considered the height of luxury. The humming of the paddlewheel and the gentle ripple of water beneath the boat create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and serene.

      The Scenic Journey

      As the Albemarle Queen sets sail from her dock, passengers are immediately immersed in the stunning scenery surrounding them. Towering cypress trees, lush marshlands, and the shimmering waters of the sound create a picturesque backdrop that changes with the sun’s descent. The deck offers panoramic views that invite photographers and nature lovers to capture the moment.

      Cruising along the waterways, you might catch sight of local wildlife—from playful dolphins to graceful herons—as they thrive in their natural habitat. The soothing sounds of nature intermingle with the soft swell of the paddlewheel, transporting guests to a peaceful state of mind, far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

      The Heartbeat of the Sound

      Every journey on the Albemarle Queen is infused with the stories of the region. From local legends to historical anecdotes shared by the knowledgeable crew, guests dive deeper into the intricate tapestry of the Albemarle region. The onboard guides share tales of early explorers, native tribes, and the evolution of trade routes that traversed these waters long ago.

      In a time when urban life often overshadows the beauty of nature, the Albemarle Queen reminds us of the invaluable connection between people and the environment. The paddlewheel travails echo the experiences of countless souls who relied on these waters for sustenance and adventure.

      Events and Entertainment

      The Albemarle Queen is not just a transportation vessel; it’s a venue for unforgettable experiences. With themed cruises, dinner outings, and special events throughout the summer, there’s always something happening on board. Whether it’s a romantic dinner cruise featuring local seafood delicacies or a lively music evening with regional bands, the boat offers a diverse array of activities to suit all tastes.

      Families can also enjoy special cruises designed for children, complete with engaging educational activities that bring the stories of the sound to life. From pirate-themed adventures to nature workshops, the Albemarle Queen fosters a love for the water in the hearts of younger generations.

      Whether you’re a local resident looking for a unique experience or a visitor seeking to uncover the charm of North Carolina’s coast, a trip on the Albemarle Queen Paddlewheel is an experience you won’t forget. With its rich history, breathtaking scenery, and entertaining events, this floating treasure offers an escape into the heart of the Albemarle region.

      As the sun sets over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the water, you’ll find yourself grateful for the memories made aboard the Albemarle Queen—an unforgettable blend of past and present, nature and culture, adventure and tranquility. So grab your hat, your friends, and be ready to set sail into a world where history comes alive and every ripple tells a story.

       Book your trip on the Albemarle Queen – Learn More

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Albemarle Plantation Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Albemarle Plantation Marina

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    • The Actual Natives Are Restless in Panama – Peter Swanson

      Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe. $7 a month or $56 for the year, and you may cancel at any time.

       
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      The Actual Natives Are Restless in Panama

      Cruisers Warned To Stay Away From Islands Until Rioting Is Curbed

        
      Panamanian troops clear a roadblock on a coastal highway.

      Did you know there is rioting in Panama? Neither did I. Because it hasn’t been reported outside the country. I learned of the unrest and violence only because Noonsite—an online information source for international cruisers—recently broke the story.

      It’s always been a good idea to hire an agent to transit the Panama Canal. Erick Galvez of Centenairio & Company is an agent who specializes in recreational vessels, as opposed to commercial shipping. Galvez was the source for Noonsite’s warning about Panama, published a couple weeks ago:

      For the moment, yachts should avoid stopping in San Blas to check or check out. There are no authorities and they are saying their are breaking relationships with the central government. San Blas is an Indian eservationarea. Another Indian reservation in Bocas del Toro has vandalized the Port Authority office in Almirante, Bocas del Toro, and roads are being blocked to Bocas. I would say avoid visiting San Blas until the situation is back to normal, and avoid mainland travel in Bocas del Toro.

        
      Two of the affected regions happen to be cruising destinations.

      Galvez said the warning still applies, although the Panamanian goverment is engaged in talks with the strikers.

      The indigenous peoples of Panama and the rural poor in general are angry at a new law passed by the legislature in March. The law changes the Panama social security system from one which uses contributions from working people to subsidize pensions of retirees to an individual account scheme. Protesters say this is a form of privatization that will lead to “starvation pensions.”

      Share

      Bocas del Toro is an archipelago that has attracted it’s own expat cruising community. The region which includes the islands has been particularly active against the government. On the mainland, the resistance has blocked roads, attacked goverment offices and even kidnapped a tourist.

      Islanders Under Pressure

      The San Blas Islands with its self-sustaining indigenous islanders is considered one of the finest Caribbean destinations. The San Blas archipelago—which calls itself Guna Yala—recently issued a defiant proclamation reminding the central government that its people had once engaged in an armed rebellion back in 1925, and they just might do it again.

      This is how the Guna leadership began it’s June 3 declaration:

      Our country is currently under threat under a dictatorship. Our leaders are currently being persecuted, criminalized, and threatened. Our communities are being indiscriminately harassed, overpowered, and massacred by the police force under the orders of President José Raúl Mulino. Therefore, the Gunadule people of the Gunayala region repudiate and denounce before the country and the world the vile and cowardly abuse of the indigenous population of Panama, violating all national and international law and the norms that protect the rights of indigenous peoples.

      The Guna have shut down Panamanian goverment offices, so even if cruising vessels were to arrive on its main island, they could not clear in.

        
      The Guna people are known for their colorful needlework, which is a mainstay of their subsistence economy.

      There are more than 360 islands in the San Blas archipelago, 49 of which are populated. In its account of the crisis, Noonsite has reminded readers that the Guna people have been under stress because a rising sea is reducing the number of their islands one by one. In 2024, about 300 Guna families from the island of Garid Sugdub had to be relocated to the mainland.

      “Every time I do a survey…I have to take islands off the maps that are now nothing but shoals,” wrote Eric Bauhaus, author of The Panama Cruising Guide.

      Bocas a ‘Cruiser Haven’

      Bocas de Toros has coagulated into more of an expat community along the lines of Grenada and Luperon in the Dominican Republic, or what author Ray Jason calls “cruiser havens.” Here’s what Jason wrote in 2013:

      Located on the Caribbean coast of Panama near the Costa Rican border, this unspoiled archipelago of nine big islands and many smaller ones creates an inland sea where the breezes are so tranquil the waves rarely exceed knee height. And because Panama is south of the hurricane zone, there is no “season.” You can safely cruise here all year round…

      There are over 100 anchorages here: most completely empty, none completely full and absolutely zero with pay-to-stay moorings. From the water, layers of breathtaking hills, mountains and volcanoes are visible in the background. In the foreground, exotic toucans, sloths and parrots live amidst the bananas, cacao and bamboo. Truly, it is other-worldly.

      The locals are a friendly mix of Latin, Indio and Caribbean that blend seamlessly with visiting sailors, backpackers and surfers, none of whom you’d find at your local mall. There is also a sizable group of ex-cruisers who were so dazzled by this unspoiled water world when they first arrived that they now live in homes along the shore.

        
      The Bocas Marina is on the island of Bocas del Toro.

      Now, the dockmaster recommends that people with boats at the Bocas Marina stay stay put and avoid the chaos of blocked roads on the mainland. Fabiano Pereira quoted the Bocas Breeze, a local news outlet:

      After four days of Operation Omega, 22 roadblocks have been opened and another 22 points remain closed, with one partially open, according to last evening’s press conference with Vice Minister of Public Security, Luis Felipe Icaza…

      So far there have been 48 people apprehended and one fatality. Yesterday a protester was found lying on the road in Rambala (Chiriqui Grande). He was given first aid and then taken to a hospital, where his death was confirmed. Local residents say he was hit by a bullet.

      The Breeze then quoted a foreign woman who made it from the islands to the Costa Rican border by a somewhat circuitous route:

      I made it to the mainland today. It is safe to go. I went with Torres water taxi. The fares however are not cheap. And they go through the Changuinola river. They stop at Finca 44, avoiding Changuinola center and Almirante’s protests. Upon arrival, there are mini buses waiting there for visitors to go to the border. No roads blocked as for today. Who knows tomorrow.

      A Final Word

      The final word on security comes from Erick Galvez, who says:

      Listen now · 2:10
        
      As mentioned in Galvez’ audio, Guna people have their own set of rules for foreigners.

      LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Every so often he tries to be funny. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.

       

       

       

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    • Stepped Hulls: A Deal With the Devil – Peter Swanson

      Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe. $7 a month or $56 for the year, and you may cancel at any time.

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      When all else fails, try journalism.


      Stepped Hulls: A Deal With the Devil

      Two Decades of Death and Injury. Spin-Out, After Rollover, After Spin-Out

       
       
       

      “Speed is useless without control. Better to build a slower boat with more usable speed.” —Valentine Jenkins, leading figure from “Thunderboat Row.”

        
      In this screenshot from YouTube video that went viral, a Fountain 38 yaws violently during a 2012 “poker run” event on Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. You can watch the video at the end of the story. Another Fountain 38 was at the center of a lawsuit regarding its stepped hull after a 2003 accident on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire.

      Val Jenkins was vice-president for manufacturing at Cigarette, a legendary go-fast company serving racing and consumer markets. Throughout his career, Jenkins refused to build stepped-hull boats for Cigarette’s civilian customers, whom he described as “dentists, doctors and owners of dry cleaners.”

      These amateurs were just not serious enough. Their notion of boating was “go fast, look good, get laid,” Jenkins said.

      Stepped hulls have tremendous appeal because they make fast boats go even faster without adding horse power. The trade-off has been that many, if not most models can become unstable when turning.

      Share

      The existence of that deadly flaw was kept quiet in the early days of center-console adoption, according to an industry insider who will be quoted later in the story.

      With a handful of notable exceptions, the story of the stepped-hull design is a story about an industry that made a deal with the Devil. The money was good, even as the body-count rose and continues to do so. The cruel irony has been that the dead have often been the bikini-clad companions, not the operators themselves, as the latter survived by clinging tight to the wheel during 65 mph spinouts and rollovers.

      At this point, regular readers might be saying, “So what? I’ve got a sailboat, or I’ve got a trawler. We all know the go-fast crowd are a bunch of knuckleheads. Who cares?”

      Recent stories about the Bayesian disaster, the loss of the first Pride of Baltimore and a hybrid jetski-pontoon boat that will flip over forward during deceleration weren’t exactly “on market” either, but taken together with this account, they begin to paint a picture.

      Boats with design flaws are like mirror-world slot machines. When a certain malign combination of symbols finally displays—call ’em the circumstances—the unwitting players become the opposite of rewarded, whether billionaires on a yacht or a family tooling around Pontoon Lake.

        
      Quad powered, 1800-horsepower Fuel Me Up was going 77 mph when she yawed and rolled. One man died.

      Recent Fatalities

      • November 9, 2024: Eytan Genoune, 22, was killed when the Nor-Tech 34 in which he was riding made “an unexpected sudden turn” while traveling southbound on the Intracoastal Waterway near Miami. The turn was violent enough to break off the boat’s T-top and eject all three people on board.
      • November 7, 2024: Stephanie Rodriguez, 24, was killed when the Deep Impact Custom 39 in which she was riding, spun out ejecting six of eight occupants after the operator made a turn to starboard. The boat had been traveling from Miami to Key West in a “poker run” event.
      • September 26, 2023: Michael Garcia, 41, was killed on Biscayne Bay when Fuel Me Up, the Contender 39 in which he was riding “yawed to starboard and rolled multiple times to port,” ejecting the three men onboard. Garcia was interested in buying the boat, and this was a seatrial. He was at the helm.

      All the quoted information above comes from Florida Fish & Wildlife investigation reports. Investigators made no mention of drugs or alcohol being a factor. Each vessel is a center-console with a stepped hull.

      Contender is a major American boatbuilder. Loose Cannon emailed the company for comment on the Garcia fatality, referencing Val Jenkins’ position on stepped hulls. There has been no reply.

      How They Work

        
      Those two notches toward the aft end of the boat are the edges of the steps that run transversely across the bottom to the other side. This boat happens to have been built by SeaVee, one of a handful of manufacturers who have cracked the code on how to make this hull design safer for an average boater.

      The “steps” molded into a planing hull act as ventilation tunnels, which means they draw air down below the surface of the water. The roiling mix of air and water reduces the friction in the area of the hull behind the step. Reducing friction increases speed and makes for better gas mileage.

      The boat’s pivot point, the base of the transom on a conventional deep-V hull, now resides at the step instead, helping to reduce pitching and reduce bow angle, which industry people call the angle of attack. Running flatter means you can see the horizon over the bow.

      At this point, Michael Peters should be introduced. He is the naval architect most associated with stepped-hull technology. His first time in a stepped-hull speedboat was with his wife. Peters rolled it and almost killed them both. He went on to develop a stepped-hull safe enough to have been adopted for U.S. Navy fast-attack craft.

      Writing in the November 2010 issue of Professional Boatbuilder magazine, Peters highlighted how dangerous unrefined stepped hulls could be compared to conventional deep-V hulls:

      A speed, a conventional deep-V runs with its lateral area aft. And, when trimmed in for a turn, the boat adds lateral area and carves a nice, controllable turn. A stepped hull, however, behaves differently. At speed, the wetted surface and lateral area have gaps caused by the steps. The water under the bottom, aft of the steps, is actually an air-and-water mix—there are bubbles—making for very little resistance and a very fast bottom. So when you turn the boat, if you trim in (as with a conventional deep-V), you plant the bow and move all the lateral area forward, with nothing but bubbles—a wetted surface that behaves more like ballbearings…As far as the boat is concerned, there is no drive aft. And therefore no resistance to spinning out and rolling…

      We’ve since learned that every manufacturer of stepped hulls has had the same thing happen. Repeatedly. It is the best-kept secret out there.

      Hushed-Up

      That last paragraph is intriguing. In the early years of the millennia, boatbuilders were taking step-hull technology from the racing teams—whose throttlemen were strapped in and wore helmets—and applying it to center-consoles, which were family and recreational fishing craft.

      What Peters was saying, and what he repeated in an interview with Loose Cannon, was that the entire marine industry knew stepped hulls were deadly. Professional Boatbuilder covered the history and proliferation of stepped hulls most thoroughly, but ordinary consumers did not subscribe to Probo, as it was called. It wasn’t on the magazine stands at airports.

      The enthusiast magazines—publications read by ordinary boaters—kept quiet about the issue even though stepped hulls were becoming central to a growing number of personal-injury and wrongful-death lawsuits. And, even though, according to Peters, a stepped-hull boat on seatrial actually rolled with bunch of magazine writers aboard!

      Not a word was written, presumably because a potential advertiser was involved. By March 2014 Soundings—the newsiest of the boating magazines—was writing about the stepped-hull trend, and although the story buried the lead (as editors like to say), it did include a couple oblique references to the carnage.

      “In a sense it’s like going from Army boots to ballet toe shoes. In the boots you can move around a lot and not fall over, but in the toe shoes you had better put some thought into your movements or risk an accident.”—Naval Architect Richard Akers, writing in Professional Boatbuilder magazine.

      A quarter century has passed since the early stepped hulls were introduced to recreational craft and a decade since Soundings leaked its grain of truth. Today, the center-console market is booming in harmony with the near perfection of the outboard motor.

      Jenkins and other experts interviewed for this article argue that the behavior of unrefined stepped hulls is too unpredictable for your average weekend boater to master. Going back to the slot-machine analogy, there are several factors on a continuum that are always combining to affect performance as their values change: Speed, trim angle, sea state, weight (fuel in tanks), weight distribution, rate of turn, etc. The number of possible combinations is mind-boggling.

      Refinements

      Some builders are selling stepped-hull boats that aren’t much improved at all. Others have steadfastly refused to put steps in their hulls, saying their boats were fast enough already. Time has normalized the idea of steps even though the accidents continue.

      Some of these stepped-hull boats are much better than they used to be, however. As mentioned, Michael Peters came up with an innovation that largely prevented his stepped-hull designs from spinning out, though he will remind you that spinouts are never impossible given the high speeds involved.

      Peter’s refinement was to add another indented section running longitudinally connecting the aftmost step to an opening at the transom. This shallow box-like indentation was inspired by the racing powercat pontoon architecture. This “tunnel” presented just enough lateral area “to catch the hull, but not so abruptly that it will trip it,” Peters told Soundings.

        
      Peters’ innovation. If you want to understand the lingo: Longitudinally means something is laid out fore-and-aft. Transverse means something is laid out from side to side, as is the case with the actual steps. The tunnel is said to be longitudinal.

      Peters is not a boatbuilder. He founded Michael Peters Yacht Design of Sarasota, Florida in 1981, specializing in high-speed watercraft. Peters designs boats for builders and governments. He won’t license his patented stepped hull to third parties.

      His stepped-hull designs are sold by several center-console brands, including Invincible, Blackfin, Valhalla, Barker, Mag Bay and Caymas.

      (According to Peters, Contender asked him to design its first stepped hulls, but a contract with a competing builder precluded him from doing so. Had things gone differently, Michael Garcia might be alive today and tooling around Biscayne Bay in a newly purchased Contender 39.)

      The U.S. Navy’s Special Warfare Command contracted Peters to draw the lines for its MK VI Patrol Boat, a 61-foot stepped-hull design. Yes, Navy Seals ride into combat on a Peters hull, considered too valuable to die in a boating accident before they can get to the fight. (This story is part of an Invincible Boats YouTube video at bottom.)

        
      Stepped-hull designers Robert Kaidy (left) and Michael Peters.

      SeaVee

      SeaVee has been building center-consoles in South Florida since 1974. At around the same time that Peters was working toward his ventillated tunnel refinement, SeaVee decided to come up with its own solution and hired a naval architect named Robert Kaidy as vice-president of engineering.

      Where Peters’ solution had been to incorporate an “inny” feature, Kaidy found similar results from an “outy.” That is, a series of strakes, which SeaVee dubbed a “Speedrail.” Thus, declared SeaVee, the stepped-hull was “perfected.”

        
      The SeaVee patent illustration describes its “Speedrail” as strakes labeled 78B & C, 80B & C and 82 B & C.

      According to SeaVee, its Speedrail “creates a vertical positive pressure surfaces that does not allow the boat to ‘slip out’ at right speeds or going into a turn.” AI wasn’t a thing 12 years ago, when SeaVee applied for its patent, but there was such a thing as computer modeling. SeaVee went further, as shown below.

        
      A plug is a hull-prototype used by boatbuilders to create the female hull mold (any mold really). SeaVee set out to test the design by reinforcing the plug, powering it and going out on seatrials.

      At the time, SeaVee produced a marketing video documenting the company’s philosophy and the design process that produced it’s Z Series line of stepped-hull center-consoles, which you can watch below.

      Armchair experts may view both of these refinements as obvious. As Peters pointed out, however, the history of invention is full of products or methods that, while obvious in hindsight, represented a huge investment in time, money and human energy during development—in his case, an entire career.

      The fact that both solutions are patented means that any other builder who wants to refine its stepped hull to make it safer has to come up with something distinct from the Peters tunnel or the Kaidy strakes.

      Or that builder can wait until the patents expire.

      SeaVee’s Speedrail patent does not expire until 2034, but the expiration for one of the Peters stepped-hull patents is just around the corner—July 1, 2028. Loose Cannon asked Peters to channel his inner Gandhi. Would he consider releasing his patent for general use early, you know, for the public good? He chuckled and said something about “un-American.”

        
      Illustrator Douglas Coffin caught the spirit of the stepped-hull’s appeal in this cartoon published in Professional Boatbuilder magazine back in the early days of its introduction to a mass market. (Reproduced with permission)

      Training

      The U.S. Coast Guard does not have standards for center-console hull designs. The International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, has language on hull construction but not design. The American Boat & Yacht Council, or ABYC, sets standards for many facets of boat construction, but not hull design.

      The courts have been handling lawsuits over stepped hulls ever since their introduction into center-consoles, but these proceedings aren’t advertised and attracted little or no attention. You’ve already read how the marine press responded to stepped-hull disasters; this institution is even more lame today than it was then.

      So, buyer beware. Anyone with good enough credit can buy a boat that goes over 70 mph and just might rollover under circumstances that are difficult to predict. The only institution that is protecting the public appears to be the insurance industry, which is actually protecting itself.

      Some insurers are requiring go-fast buyers to present a certificate from a training organization. The primary motivator may not be as much about hull design as the fact that there are, say, four 450-horsepower outboards attached to the transom of an applicant’s boat. Nevertheless, guys like Tres Martin include lessons in stepped-hull operation in their curriculums.

      Martin was an accomplished “throttleman” from the same go-fast culture as Val Jenkins. Back when actor Don Johnson ruled the airwaves playing the lead on “Miami Vice,” Martin was ruling the actual waves of offshore racing, winning multiple world championships. He reinvented himself as a teacher when he founded Tres Martin Performance Boat School in 2004.

      He and two other instructors teach 70 to 90 people a year. The courses cost between $2,000 and $3,600 for multiple days of instruction, including time on the water on a customer’s own boat. One of the most difficult parts of the job, Martin said, is telling a student that he or she had failed the course and they would not be getting the certificate needed to obtain insurance coverage for a boat already bought.

      “There’s a lot of boats out there that are stepped bottoms developed by trial and error, not even involving a naval architect,” Martin said, acknowledging that some designs are still potentially dangerous. “All I’m here to do is keep people safe. Stepped bottoms are here to stay,” he said.

      LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Every so often he tries to be funny. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.

      You’re currently a free subscriber to LOOSE CANNON. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.

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    • What’s Happening in Your Parks – Charleston County Parks


      What’s Happening In Your Parks – Charleston County Parks

       

      Yoga Fest

      Calling all yogis! On June 18, bring your yoga mat to James Island County Park for an evening celebrating the summer solstice. Yoga Fest promises something for everyone including live music as well as yoga classes for adults and kids! Register today to save $5 on admission.

      Pool Party! Pool Party!

      Mark your calendar for the Summer Splash Bash on June 28! This family-friendly event at the West County Aquatic Center will offer swimming, fun, and games, all free of charge thanks to the Charleston County Parks Foundation.

      Hot Tunes, Cool Moves

      Schedule your next date night, girls’ night, or family night at Dancing on the Cooper on June 13. Enjoy warm river breezes, beautiful twilight skies, and the sounds of your favorite oldies and beach tunes, played live for you as evening falls over the Mount Pleasant Pier. Get your tickets today!

      Walk Through History

      Curious how something as small as a grain of rice could be so important to Lowcountry history? On June 14, learn more about who grew rice, where it came from, and how the cultivation changed the landscape we know today as Caw Caw Interpretive Center.

      Gone Fishin’

      On June 14, scrap that Saturday morning to-do list and hit the pier for our Cast Off Fishing Tournament. Anglers of (almost) all ages are welcome to drop a line and compete for prizes and bragging rights!

      Image of a man with a fish

      Holiday Staycation

       

      Your holiday getaway could be right around the corner! We’re raffling off a stay in one of our cottages at James Island County Park during the Holiday Festival of Lights. The best part? All proceeds are going to the Charleston County Parks Foundation. Donate for your chance to be the lucky winner.

      Make Way at Isle of Palms County Park!

      Thanks to the generosity of Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs, Isle of Palms County Park now has an off-road wheelchair available for reservation! Together, we are dedicated to helping people with mobility impairments enjoy our parks with independence. Reserve today!

      Mark Your Calendars

      June 12 Summer Entertainment Series: Birds of Prey

      June 14 Early Morning Bird Walk at Caw Caw

      June 15 Charleston Sprint Triathlon Race #1

      June 19 Summer Entertainment Series: Carioca Capoeira

      June 20 Reggae Nights Summer Concert

      June 20 Decoding Dolphin Behavior

      June 21 Inclusive Swim Night

      July 26 Youth Triathlon

      Annual Partner
      Charleston Animal Society

      For information on sponsorship opportunities, please email the Sponsorship Coordinator.

       
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      Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission | 861 Riverland Drive | Charleston, SC 29412 US
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      Constant Contact

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    • Travel Disrupted? Let Makers Air Get You Back On Track


       Welcome to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, your own paradise in the middle of the beautiful Exumas.

      staniel

      Makers Air and Staniel Cay Yacht Club,  A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, offer convenient flights to the Bahamas.

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    • June 9th Weekly Newsletter, Gulfport, FL


      Gulfport Marina includes dry boat storage, ship store, bathroom, public boat ramp, parking, fueling stations, lighted range markers and guest docking facility.

      The City of Gulfport and Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, always have a full calendar of events for all ages. The marina and harbor, found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay, are easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay

       

       
       
      Weekly news & updates
      June 9, 2025 | City of Gulfport, FL – Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter
       
      Upcoming Events

      See what’s happening this month.

      Senior Center E-news

      Click here to see what’s happening next.

      Library Calendar of Events

      Upcoming activities at the Gulfport Library.

      Recreation Center

      Click here to see all classes and activities.

      Casino Ballroom Weekly Dances

      Click here fo weekly dance schedule.

      Gulfport Community Update

      Click here to read more.

      Gulfport Arts & Heritage

      Click here to see upcoming events.

       
       

      The City of Gulfport Hurricane Seminar offers essential guidance on protecting yourself, your family, and your property in the event of a hurricane. To access the 2025 seminar directly, please visit the City of Gulfport Hurricane Center.

      City of Gulfport Hurricane Center
       
       
      Gulfport City Council
       

      Mayor

      Karen Love

      Webpage

      Email

      Report

      826-7208

      Ward 1

      April Thanos

      Webpage

      Email

      Report

      826-7138

      Ward 2

      Marlene Shaw

      Webpage

      Email

      826-7311

      Ward 3

      Cosi

      Jackson

      Webpage

      Email

      826-7209

      Ward 4 Nancy

      Earley

      Webpage

      Email

      826-7355

       
       
      A Message from the Mayor
       
       
      Speaking with Love –

      Stay Connected with the City of Gulfport

      Your city government is here to keep you informed, prepared, and engaged. Below are several important resources to help you stay up-to-date on Gulfport news, events, and emergency information:

      City Website

      https://mygulfport.us

      Your central source for department contacts, public meetings, announcements, and city services.

      City Facebook Page

      https://www.facebook.com/mygulfport

      Follow for updates, community highlights, event notices, and city news.

      Weekly Newsletter

      Sign up at https://mygulfport.us

      Receive weekly emails with important updates and upcoming events.

      Hurricane Information Center

      https://mygulfport.us/hurricane-center

      Access emergency preparedness resources and storm updates during hurricane season.

      Emergency Information Line

      727-893-1000

      Call this number when a hurricane is near for live help.

      Contact the Mayor

      klove@mygulfport.us

      I welcome your questions, ideas, and input.

      Let’s stay informed, stay safe, and stay engaged—because Gulfport is better when we’re all connected.

      Sincerely,

      Mayor Karen Love

       
       
       
      City Manager’s Gulfport Community Update
       
       
      Gulfport Community Update: June 1 – 7, 2025

      Gulfport City Hall and facilities will be closed on Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. The Sanitation schedule will not be affected.

       

      Pride Month was off to a beautiful start in Gulfport on June 1 with a Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at the Gulfport Public Library (photos below). The event was filled with joy, color, and a strong sense of community as we came together to celebrate love, inclusion and diversity.

      Read more
       
       
       
      Upcoming Official Meetings
       
       
       

      City of Gulfport: Meetings Calendar June 2025

      • June 3, 2025 – Council Meeting – 6:00pm
      • June 4, 2025 – Planning and Zoning Board/Local Planning Agency – 6:00pm
      • June 10, 2025 – Senior Advisory Committee – 8:00am – Senior Center – 5501 27th Avenue South (AGENDA)
      • June 11, 2025 – Charter Review Committee – 4:30pm
      • June 11, 2025 – Board of Adjustment – 6:00pm (AGENDA)
      • June 17, 2025 – Council Meeting – 6:00pm
      • June 19, 2025 – City Hall Closed – Juneteenth Holiday

      All meetings are open to the public and are held in the City Hall, City Council Chambers, 2401 53rd Street South, In Person, unless otherwise noted. Meetings may occasionally be added, cancelled or rescheduled after this list is published. Please check the city’s website https://mygulfport.us for updated information.

       
       
       
      This Weeks Events & Meetings
       
       
      Visit our Website
       
       
      Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market

      Tuesday, June 10th | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

      Downtown Waterfront District, Beach Blvd. S.

      The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market is a year-round open-air market held in Gulfport’s Waterfront District on Beach Blvd. below 28th Ave. S., 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., October – May & 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., June – September. It also offers a variety of independent shops, boutiques, galleries, its own beach and a large cluster of restaurants, all within easy walking distance. The Fresh Market offers visitors the opportunity for a relaxing day trip in a small town full of “Old Florida” charms.

       
       
       
       
       
      Kids Free Craft Days

      Tuesday, June 10th | 12 – 2 p.m.

      Gulfport Arts Center, 2726 54th St. S.

      This summer the Arts Center will host Kids Craft Days every Tuesday, 6/3 – 7/22. Children can paint, draw, collage, and craft freely with other kids, all materials provided. This is not a project-based program, so bring your imagination! Drop-in anytime, no registration required!

       
       
       
       
      Guardian Ad Litem Outreach & Orientation

      Tuesday, June 10th | 1 p.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      Join their child advocacy team! The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office represents abused, abandoned and neglected children in the courtroom and community. A representative provides information and answers questions for individuals interested in volunteering. FMI, contact Anita Myers, email Anita.Myers@gal.fl.gov or visit www.guardianadlitem.org.

       
       
       
       
       
      Storytime

      Wednesday, June 11th | 10:15 a.m. & 11 a.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      Join us for stories, rhymes, and music! If you arrive and the 10:15 a.m. session is looking a little full for you or your child, stay for the 11:00 a.m. session. For additional information call 727-893-1074.

       
       
       
       
       
      Summer Reading Programs for Grades K-5

      Wednesday, June 11th | 3 p.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      Join us on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. for a variety of fun activities and special guests for Grades K-5! We will have puppet shows, reptiles, musical performances, crafts, and more! This summer remember to log the books you read and the programs you attend at the library on our Beanstack app to win prizes at our end of summer party on July 30th! Program sponsored by the Gulfport Library Circle of Friends. 

       
       
       
       
       
      Gulfport Neighborhood Watch Meetings

      Wednesday, June 11th | 6 p.m.

      Every second Wednesday of each month

      Scout Hall, 5315 28th Ave. S.

      For more information, please contact Mr. Jim Wright Neighborhood Watch Coordinator at 727-893-1022 or jwright@mygulfport.us.

       
       
       
       
       
      Arts Center: Summer 2025 Kids Summer Art Camp

      Thursday, June 12th | 3 – 4 p.m.

      Gulfport Arts Center, 2726 54th St. S.

      This Summer, we’re offering WEEKLY kids art classes where we’ll explore a number of methods including painting, printmaking, 3D art, and more! Registration is REQUIRED in order for your child to participate in art camp – spots are limited! Max number of children that may be signed up per guardian is two. Register your child(ren) by emailing us at: ArtsCenter@mygulfport.us.

       
       
       
       
       
      Gulfport Flag Day

      Friday, June 13th | 10 a.m.

      Veteran’s Park, 5350 31st Ave. S.

      Celebrate patriotism and community at the City of Gulfport’s Flag Day Ceremony. This inspiring event features a special performance of the National Anthem by former New York City Opera Soprano Catherine Bassett. Bring your friends, family, and American pride for a moving tribute to our nation’s flag—free and open to the public!

       
       
       
       
       
      Free Resident Blue Sky Sandbag Distribution

      Saturday, June 14th | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

      49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S.

      The City of Gulfport is encouraging residents to prepare for hurricane season early by offering free sandbags while the weather is calm and stress levels are low. A staffed sandbag distribution event will be held on Saturday, June 14, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center, located at 1617 49th St. S. Each household may collect up to 10 sandbags, and proof of residence (such as a driver’s license) is required. City staff will be on hand to assist seniors and those needing help filling or loading bags. Please note that while sandbags can help protect against limited flooding, they are not effective against storm surges or flooding over 15 inches.

       
       
       
       
       
      USCG Auxiliary Recreational Boating Course

      Saturday, June 14th | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

      49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S.

      The US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 7-16 in Gulfport will hold a Recreational Boating Course on the second Saturday of every month at the CGA Training Building 3120 Miriam St. South in Gulfport. The 8 hour course includes subjects as Boat Nomenclature, Before you get underway, Navigating the Waterway, updated Legal Requires, Boating equipment and emergencies are a few of the subjects, and qualifies for the Florida Boating ID Card as well. Cost is $40 per person. Contact Marty Richardson to reserve a seat at 630-674-5352 or merichardsonjr@att.net.

       
       
       
       
       
      Membership Mixer

      Saturday, June 14th | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

      GMC Welcome Center, 5317 Gulfport Blvd. S.

      The Gulfport Merchants Chamber (GMC) is excited to invite community members, local business owners, artists, and neighbors to a festive Membership Mixer.

      This special event celebrates the Chamber’s new chapter with the unveiling of a bold new brand, a refreshed mission, and the introduction of a dynamic new Board of Directors committed to supporting and growing Gulfport’s vibrant business and creative community.

      All are welcome to attend and enjoy:

      • Live music
      • Small bites and beverages
      • Meet-and-greet with the new Board
      • Exciting door prizes

      Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to the area, come experience the renewed spirit of the GMC and discover how we can all thrive together.

      No RSVP required, just bring your community spirit!

       
       
       
      Upcoming Events & Meetings
       
       
      More Info
       
       
      Ask a City Councilor at the Third Tuesday Fresh Market

      Tuesday, June 17th | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

      SumitrA Espresso Lounge, 2838 Beach Blvd. S.

      Gulfport City Council will be hosting an opportunity, every third Tuesday of the month, for residents to get to know their Councilmember, ask questions, and provide comment.

      For more information, please call City of Gulfport Vice Mayor, Ward 1 Representative, April Thanos at (727) 826-7138.

       
       
       
       
      Celebrate Juneteenth

      Thursday, June 19th | 5 – 9 p.m.

      Gulfport Beach – Pavilion 6, 5598 Shore Blvd. S.

      Join us for an evening of unity, history, and joy. This free community event, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Gulfport, honors Juneteenth, a powerful celebration of freedom and African American culture. It’s a time to reflect on the past, embrace progress, and come together as a community.

      Enjoy the tradition of red velvet cake and red soda, symbolizing perseverance and joy, while connecting with neighbors in a festive and welcoming atmosphere. All are welcome—bring your friends and family!

       
       
       
      Tickets & Info
       
      Albert Castiglia Live with Special Guest “The Alex Lopez Xpress”

      Friday, June 20th | 7 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Coming to Gulfport, FL – a blues/rock concert event you won’t want to miss! International Blues Association’s Blues Rock Artist of the Year, Albert Castiglia, takes the stage LIVE at The Catherine A. Hickman Theater on Friday, June 20th at 7PM, with special guest The Alex Lopez Xpress. Two award-winning, chart-topping blues/rock artists and singer-songwriters on one stage for one unforgettable night of powerful music! Tickets start at just $20 in advance ($25 at the door), with limited VIP seating available. 

       
       
       
       
       
      City of Gulfport: Free Tree Giveaway

      Saturday, June 21st | 9 – 11 a.m.

      49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S.

      The role of trees and green spaces within the City of Gulfport’s built and natural environment is of great significance. These natural entities serve as an important promoter of social, economic, and environmental health. Help the City of Gulfport by doing your part by planting a tree in your very own yard! 

       
       
       
      More Info
       
       
      2024 Gulfport Yacht Club Series Regattas

      Saturday, June 21st| 1 – 6:30 p.m.

      Gulfport Yacht Club, 4638 Del Rio Way S.

      Club races (weather permitting) on the First and Third Saturday of the month on Boca Ciega Bay. Any DP-N rated boat up to 25 feet is welcome and we have a strong beach multihull presence (A-cat, Formula 18, Formula 16, Hobie 16, Weta etc.).

      Registration: Simply show up on a race day and sign in. Guests wishing to race their boats will pay $10.00 per boat and must have proof of liability insurance. After racing we hang out enjoying conversations and food at our club house.

       
       
       
      More Info
       
      Third Saturday Gulfport Night Market

      Saturday, June 21st | 5 – 9 p.m.

      Beach Blvd. S. (Waterfront District)

      Formally known as Art Walk on the first Friday and IndieFaire on the third Saturday, these recurring monthly events will launch for 2025 branded as the Gulfport Night Market. The night market concept unites the energy of the former events, offering an evening marketplace experience with vibrant local offerings from local makers, artisans, and small business vendors to engage the community and visitors as they shop, stroll, and sip in beautiful downtown Gulfport.

       
       
       
       
      Town Hall Meeting: What has the State Legislature Done Now?

      Wednesday, June 25th | 6 p.m.

      49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S.

      Join Vice-Mayor April Thanos on Wednesday, June 25 at 6 PM at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center for an engaging presentation by Jeff Branch, Senior Legislative Advocate with the Florida League of Cities. He’ll break down the highlights of the recent legislative session—what passed, what didn’t, and what advocates hoped would (or wouldn’t). Learn how new laws could impact the City of Gulfport and gain insights into broader legislative issues of public interest. Bring your questions and discover how you can help shape future legislation.

       
       
       
      Parade Registration
       
      City of Gulfport’s 4th of July Community Parade and Picnic

      Friday, July 4th | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

      Tomlinson Park Complex, 1820 55th St. S. 

      Due to the extensive damage sustained in the downtown area, the City of Gulfport regretfully announces the cancellation of the annual 4th of July Fireworks Show.

      In light of these unforeseen circumstances, the City will instead host a 4th of July Community Parade and Picnic at Tomlinson Park (1820 55th Street South) on Friday, July 4th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

      While this year’s event will be more modest in scale, it is designed to honor the spirit of Independence Day and bring residents together in a safe and meaningful way.

      Schedule of Events at Tomlinson Park:

      • Community Parade – 10AM
      • Live Music – 11AM
      • Community Picnic (provided by CERT) – 11 AM to 1PM
      • Children’s Activities – 11 AM to 2 PM
       
       
       
      More Info
       
      First Friday Gulfport Night Market

      Friday, July 4th | 5 – 9 p.m.

      Beach Blvd. S. (Waterfront District)

      Formally known as Art Walk on the first Friday and IndieFaire on the third Saturday, these recurring monthly events will launch for 2025 branded as the Gulfport Night Market. The night market concept unites the energy of the former events, offering an evening marketplace experience with vibrant local offerings from local makers, artisans, and small business vendors to engage the community and visitors as they shop, stroll, and sip in beautiful downtown Gulfport.

       
       
       
       
      Fusion 49th District General Meeting

      Monday, July 7th | 6 – 7:30 p.m.

      49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S.

      You are invited to the next Fusion 49th General Meeting. This meeting will include updates from the Government, Organization, Design, Economic Vitality, and Promotions Committees, with the full agenda to follow. If you’d like to get involved, you can sign up to help with the Organization, Design, Economic Vitality, or Promotions Committees. For qualifications and more information, please contact Nancy Dunham (“Fancy Nancy”) of Professional Services at 727-710-6676. Thank you for staying engaged with our forming district!

       
       
       
      Purchase Tickets
       
      Gulfport Community Players: Summer One Acts

      July 10 – 20 | Thursday-Friday-Sat at 8 p.m.

      Saturday & Sunday at 2 PM

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Featuring 10 original plays ranging from comedy to light drama. Selected from over 700 plays submitted. Audience members vote for their favorites.

      Here are the ten plays that will be performed each night:

      • A Pointless Jester by Rand Higbee
      • A Twin Out of Time by Rom Watson
      • Friendly Skies by Dana Goldstein
      • Genesisters by Ken Preuss
      • Grandma Makes the Best Lemonade by Joseph Smith
      • Leif Erikson Discovers Miami by Ron Rosenfeld
      • One Last Thing by Kyle Brown
      • Our Favorite Son by Risa Lewak
      • Underneath Sister’s House by Connie Dinkler
      • Weather Balloon by Greg Jenkins
       
       
       
      Community Outreach
       
       
      Gulfport History Museum Online Collection

      View the Museum’s online collection here.

      Latest Beach Water Quality Sampling Data

      See the latest report here.

      Public Cameras

      Check out our live streaming cameras here!

      Gulfport Charter & Code of Ordinances

      Online access is provided at the following link.

      Bill Payment Options

      View and pay Utility & Marina Billing accounts online here.

      Employee Directory

      Click here to view the Gulfport Employee Directory.

       
       

      Understanding the FEMA 50% Rule

       

      Rebuilding After Storm Damage

      FEMA Help
       
       
       
       

      Call for Nominations: Who Will Be Gulfport’s Next Gecko Queen?

      Do you have what it takes to wear the crown and represent Gulfport with pride, flair, and heart? The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is now accepting submissions for the 2025 Gecko Queen, to be crowned at the Gecko Ball on Saturday, August 23, 2025!

      We’re looking for vibrant, community-minded individuals who embody the true spirit of Gulfport—positivity, charisma, high energy, kindness, and compassion. The Gecko Queen serves as a spirited ambassador throughout the year, making appearances at major Gulfport events and spreading joy wherever they go.

      Who can apply? Gulfport residents 21 years and older of any gender who enjoy being in the spotlight and have a message of positivity to share with the community.

      How to apply: Send a creative letter of submission to Events@visitgulfportflorida.com by July 15th, 2025. Tell us why you want to be Gecko Queen, what Gulfport means to you, and why you deserve to don the crown! Humor, flair, storytelling, and passion are highly encouraged—this is your chance to shine.

      What’s next?

      • Public voting will begin on July 22nd.
      • The winner will be crowned at the Gecko Ball on August 23rd in true Gulfport style!

      Let your love for Gulfport sparkle—Gulfport is Open and Shining: Just Waiting for You to step up and lead the Gecko Royal Court!

       
       
       
       
      Learn More
       
      Skip Fertilizer Through Sept. 30

      Fertilizing lawns is illegal in Pinellas County during the rainy season (now–Sept. 30). This helps prevent harmful nutrients from washing into waterways, which can cause algae blooms and fish kills.

      What to Know:

      • No nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizers allowed during the ban.
      • Use slow-release products the rest of the year.
      • Only fertilize when needed—never before rain.
      • Use less, and follow package directions.
      • Look for “slow-release” or “water insoluble nitrogen” on the label.
      • Limit nitrogen to 1 lb. per 1,000 sq. ft.

      Help protect Gulfport’s waters and wildlife.

       
       
       
       
      Pledge to Evacuate
       

      When faced with a powerful hurricane or tropical storm, safety must come first. The Gulfport Pledge to Evacuate encourages individuals and families to take proactive steps by committing to a clear, well-prepared evacuation plan.

      By taking the Pledge to Evacuate, you’re not only making a commitment to protect yourself and your loved ones, but you’re also helping strengthen the resilience of the Gulfport community. Your preparedness contributes to a safer, more informed city by ensuring you’re ready well before hurricane season arrives.

      Pledging to evacuate in advance demonstrates that you understand the importance of planning for your home, property, and family. It’s a powerful step toward community-wide readiness.

      The Gulfport Pledge to Evacuate shifts hurricane preparedness from a last minute reaction to a proactive commitment. It empowers residents and businesses to take ownership of their safety while supporting the well-being of the entire city.

      Once you complete your pledge, you’ll receive a confirmation email from City staff. Together, Gulfport can weather any storm—and come back stronger.

       
       
       
       
       

      City of Gulfport Flood Zone Permitting Packet and Appeal Process

      PDF Document
       
       
       
       
       

      The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is encouraging disaster loan recipients in Florida to apply for additional funds to protect their homes and businesses from future storms.

      To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

       
       
       
       
       

      The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $1.4 billion in federal disaster loans to support Florida businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters affected by Hurricane Helene occurring on Sept. 23 through Oct. 7 and Milton occurring on Oct. 5 through Nov. 2, 2024. As of April 17, 2025, the SBA has provided over $460 million to businesses/EIDL and over $1 billion to residents in the wake of this disaster.

      The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened and extended the physical damage loan applications. Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is still available to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations for working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDLs are available regardless of whether the organization suffered any physical property damage and may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

       
       
       
      Pinellas County Logo
      Apply Today
       

      Pinellas County Hurricane Home Repair Program

      The Hurricane Home Repair Program helps income eligible homeowners impacted by Hurricane Helene or Milton pay for storm repairs not covered by insurance or FEMA. Eligible residents may receive up to $30,000 in grant funding as reimbursement or direct payment for eligible home repairs. Funding is provided by Florida’s State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) and Pinellas County. These statewide SHIP funds are designated to help local governments provide affordable housing opportunities and have specific limits on homeowner income and total property value.

       
       
       
       
      Learn More
       

      Rebuild Florida is Florida’s long-term disaster recovery effort, committed to rebuilding impacted communities stronger so they are more resilient to future storms.

      The Hurricane Ian Rebuild Florida Housing Repair and Replacement Program is a state program launched with federal funding to repair, rebuild, or replace eligible homes with remaining damage from Hurricane Ian.

      If you were impacted by Hurricanes Helene or Milton, you may still be eligible for assistance under the Hurricane Ian Housing Repair and Replacement Program.

      Rebuild Florida is currently accepting applications. Priority will be given to homeowners with a low income and households that include children under 18, seniors aged 62 and older, or individuals with disabilities.

       
       
       
      Learn More
       

      Improving Lives Through the Power of Information & Hope

      At First Contact, our goal is to have a community that is connected and informed regarding critical health and human service information for those who need help and those who are willing to volunteer or donate their time to local community agencies.

       
       
       
       

      Care About Me confidentially helps all residents of all ages, insured or not, by eliminating the guesswork or need to search for local behavioral health services by creating a space where residents or family members of individuals in non-crisis can call in, speak directly with experienced behavioral health specialists who can triage their needs, and get an appointment scheduled with a local provider.

      For more information, visit https://careaboutme.org or call 1-888-431-1998.

       
       
       
       
       
      Gulfport History Museum Operating Hours

      • Monday & Tuesday: Closed
      • Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
      • Thursday: 12 – 4 p.m.
      • Friday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
      • Saturday: Noon – 4 p.m. (1st and 3rd Saturdays)
      • Sunday: Closed

      727-201-8687 | historymuseum@mygulfport.us

       
       
       
       

      Gulfport provides once-a-week collection of household recyclables. Curbside service is provided to all single-family and duplex homes, apartment/condo complexes, mobile home parks and smaller businesses. Items collected are plastic containers and jugs, steel cans, aluminum cans, mixed paper, cardboard and newspaper.

      A drop-off center is located at the Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th Street South, for glass containers (all colors), mixed paper, and cardboard. It is open 24 hours / 7 days a week.For more information, visit https://mygulfport.us/public-works-department.

       
       
       
       
       

      City of Gulfport Special Events Trolley/WRD Looper

      The City of Gulfport Special Events Trolley/Waterfront Redevelopment District (WRD) Looper services large-scale special events and the First Friday and Third Saturday ArtWalks from 5 to 9 p.m. throughout the year.

      For more information and to view all of the Loopers convenient pickup spots, please visit https://mygulfport.us/trolley/.

       
       
       
      Call 2 recycle. Leading the charge in recycling.
       

      The Gulfport Public Works Department located at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center (1617 49th St. S.) is an official collection site for rechargeable batteries!

      For more information, please call 727-893-1089 or visit https://mygulfport.us/public-works-department/.

       
       
       
      LateralRebateProgramFlyer_RV12142021-1-3000x1909.jpg
      Learn more
       
       

      The City of Gulfport Private Waterline and Sewer Lateral Replacement Assistance Program offers financial reimbursement after the replacement of a deteriorated residential waterline or sewer lateral. City Utilities residential water or sewer customers are eligible for a rebate of 50% up to $3,500.00 after the purchase, installation, and inspection of failing waterlines or sewer lateral between the home connection and the city connection.

       
       
       
      Reassurance Telephone Program flyer. Picture of person on phone.
       
       

      The City of Gulfport Senior Center’s Telephone Reassurance Program is a free service for Gulfport Residents 50 years of age or older. Volunteers provide daily phone calls to registered members and provide comfort, security, and peace of mind to members and families.

       

      Registration is simple and free. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service during this difficult time, please call (727) 893-2237 and register today.

       
       
       
      Catch a ride with GEMS. Picture of van.
       
       

      GEMS door-to-door transportation has provided independence & freedom to elderly and disabled residents of Gulfport for over 40 years.

       

      Any Gulfport residents 55 & older or residents with a disability can take advantage of GEMS door to door service for a yearly membership of $70 plus $2 per one-way trip. For more information, call 893-2242.

       
       
       
      Pinellas County Logo
       

      Resources for Renters

       

      Know your rights and where to get help when making rental decisions. This page is designed to help people who are struggling with the rising cost of housing find available help and learn about their rights as a renter. You can also find information on assistance with homeownership.

      Learn more
       
       
       
      Learn more
       
       
      Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center

      5501 27th Ave. S. | 727-893-5657

      Monday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

      The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center actively seeks to support the independence and increased quality of life of its participants by encouraging involvement in programs and activities that promote health, welfare, safety and dignity.

      The Gulfport Senior Center is Gulfport’s trusted leader in providing senior services that empower older adults to live life to the fullest. The Senior Center is a hub and gathering place for seniors to be socially engaged, physically challenged, and cognitively stimulated. It also serves as a clearinghouse for older adults to receive community resources and social services that help them maintain their independence and quality of life.

      Required Registration is easy and available for all individuals 50 years of age or older. Free for Gulfport Residents and only $50 per year for non-Residents. Don’t wait, be a part of the club today!

       
       
       
      DSC_0532-scaled image
      Learn More
       
       
      Utility Customer Service Department

      2401 53rd St. S. | 727-893-1016

      Monday – Friday, 8am–4:30pm

      The City’s Utility Customer Service Department is located at the City Hall Complex. You can drop your utility payment off during normal business hours at the Customer Service window, and after hours you may drop payments at the drop box located by the front door of the City Hall Complex. When paying your utility bill in person or dropping off the payment, please bring or enclose your utility stub to ensure accurate payment processing.

       
       
       
      SkatePark image
       
       
      City of Gulfport – Parks Department

      The City of Gulfport takes tremendous pride in its park system. The Parks Division improves and maintains the quality of life within the community in environmental landscaping and turf maintenance. The division continues to create safe and aesthetically pleasing recreational facilities for all to enjoy. Please visit https://mygulfport.us/recreation/parks/ for more information.

       
       
      City of Gulfport, Florida | https://mygulfport.us/
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      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gulfport Municipal Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field

       

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    • Fresh From the Skies: The Latest From Makers Air


       Welcome to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, your own paradise in the middle of the beautiful Exumas.

      staniel

      Makers Air and Staniel Cay Yacht Club,  A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, offer convenient flights to the Bahamas.

       

       

       

      Image

      Fresh From the Skies:  The Latest from Makers Air 

      Summer is officially in the air—and so are exciting new offerings from Makers Air! Whether you’re planning a sun-soaked escape to the Out Islands or a spontaneous weekend getaway, we’re here to elevate your travel experience.

       

      From our family-run team to your vacation-ready crew—thank you for flying with us this summer. Wherever you’re heading, let’s make the journey just as unforgettable as the destination.

       

      Here’s what’s fresh this season:

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      Additional Airlift to Stella Maris, Long Island, Bahamas

      You spoke, and we listened!  Beginning on November 2, 2025 Makers Air will offer three flights weekly to Stella Maris, Long Island, Bahamas from FXE–Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.  Stay tuned for the announcement of Travel Packs for our Long Island frequent flyers as well!  

      Image

      Daily Flights to Cat Island, Bahamas direct from FXE

      Beginning November 1, 2025 Makers Air will be flying direct to Cat Island, Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport daily.  This significant increase will not only allow for more passenger flights but increased freight forwarding as well.  Book today and fly away to Cat Island!

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      Reach the Makers Air Freight Team via WhatsApp:  Next Level Customer Service

      We are making communication easier and faster for YOU! Our Freight Forwarding Team is now available to you on WhatsApp Business for direct updates, quick responses, and smooth service!  954-319-9963 for assistance today!

      Image

      Guaranteed Cargo Blocks:  More Options and Increased Confidence for Excess Luggage

      Summer is here and so is peak travel season.  Want to make sure your cargo/luggage flies on time?  Ask about Guaranteed Cargo Blocks that are now available in new increments to guarantee small and large overages!

      A personalized touch is increasingly rare in our digital world.  We pride ourselves on working one on one with clients to create a seamless and elevated experience.  Contact Bahamas Island Travel for your Bahamas Out Island Vacation Planning and Day Tour needs!

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    • May Newsletter – Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary


      Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary protects Georgia’s special live-bottom wildlife habitat in the Atlantic Ocean and along the southeastern U.S. coast, an area teeming with diversity and an abundance of marine life.

       
      Blue banner with whale tale and NOAA logo and text

      Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary May Recap

      Gray’s Reef Hosts the 2025 MATE ROV Southeast Regional Competition

      On May 10th, Gray’s Reef hosted the Southeast Regional MATE ROV Competition at the Chatham County Aquatics Center in Savannah, Georgia!  The MATE ROV Southeast Regional Competition uses underwater robotics (aka remotely operated vehicles or ROVs) to inspire and challenge students to learn and creatively apply scientific, engineering, and technical skills to solving real-world problems. This year’s competition challenged students from all over the Southeast U.S. to tackle missions based on scenarios from the workplace, encouraging students to work together, network, and learn from technical professionals and each other. 

      The first place RANGER level team, WhaleTech from North Paulding High School, will move on to compete at the Worlds Competition in June. Competing in the 2025 regional competition, we had fourteen teams with over one hundred individuals registered as team members, coaches, or volunteers. This number was increased with family members and guests as this event is entirely open to the public. The Gray’s Reef team is looking forward to planning next year’s event! For more information about the MATE ROV Southeast Regional Competition, please contact Danielle Oxman at danielle.oxman@noaa.gov.

      People at a table weighing their underwater robot

      RANGER level competitors weighing their ROV before their pool product demonstrations. Photo by Hunter Coughlin/NOAA

       

      Image of pool with underwater robot and people looking in the pool

      2025 MATE ROV pool product demonstration in action! Photo by Hunter Coughlin/NOAA

      Building Bridges Academy Join as a New Ocean Guardian School

      On May 14th, Building Bridges Academy attended their first formal class as an Ocean Guardian School. Ocean Guardian Schools make commitments to protect and conserve their local watersheds, the world’s ocean, and special ocean areas, like national marine sanctuaries. The school makes this commitment by proposing and then implementing a school- or community-based conservation project.

      Building Bridges Academy will be taking on composting to limit food waste in their school for their Ocean Guardian project. During their lesson, students learned about the Ocean Guardian program, Gray’s Reef, the importance of wetland habitats to a healthy ocean, and their connection to watershed areas. Students then got to put their new found knowledge to the test and build their own wetlands that would prevent pollution from draining to the ocean and protect the city from incoming storm surges! For more information about Ocean Guardian Schools, please contact Mary Quinn at mary.quinn@noaa.gov.

      Person giving a presentation to people sitting down

      Education and Outreach Specialist, Mary, educating students on Ocean Guardian Schools. Photo by Danielle Oxman/NOAA

       

      Person making their own wetland

      Ocean Guardian student making their wetland in a pan. Photo by Danielle Oxman/NOAA

      Crew Training and Operational Readiness 

      On May 29, R/V Gannet transited offshore to Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary for a crew training and systems review day.  The team participated in docking and undocking procedures, reviewed onboard emergency systems and navigation protocols, and assisted with drills and equipment handling. They conducted two man-overboard drills while opportunistically retrieving marine debris—two helium balloons found floating offshore. They also practiced deploying and retrieving a drop marker, which helped to better calibrate GPS accuracy and improve R/V Gannet’s systems. Additionally, they evaluated an alternate return transit route through Ossabaw Sound. Although this route took longer due to the no-wake zones, it was a smoother ride and more protected—valuable information for future planning in the event of unexpected weather deterioration. For more information, please contact the Gray’s Reef Vessel Operations Coordinator voc.grnms@noaa.gov.

      Person on a boat holding scientific equipment

      Lieutenant Ring preparing to drop a diving drop marker on Captain Jason’s command. Photo by Alison Soss/NOAA

       

      Boat crew member taking a selfie while wearing a headset and lifejacket

      Alison Soss being very excited to go offshore and showing off our crew uniform. Photo by Alison Soss/NOAA

       

      Person driving a boat

      Captain Ward at the helm transitioning back from Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. Photo by Alison Soss/NOAA

       

      Upcoming Events with Gray’s Reef

      2025 Super Sanctuary Summer: June 10th – August 15th

      In honor of World Oceans Week, we’re kicking off our Super Sanctuary Summer and extending our Discovery Center hours! Starting on June 10th, we’ll be opening our doors Tuesdays – Fridays from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. to host FREE daily activities and events. Each week will feature a new theme with talks, workshops, craft sessions, and more! The Gray’s Reef Ocean Discovery Center is located at 340 MLK Jr Blvd. Savannah, GA. For a detailed schedule of these events, check out our website below.

      Ocean Depths Artistic Heights: Deep Dive Exhibit: Now – August 4th

      The Gray’s Reef Ocean Discovery Center welcomes local artists to be a part of our new rotating art exhibit, Ocean Depths Artistic Heights. Check out local artist Cat Ward’s exhibit, Deep Dive, which highlights her ocean inspired acrylic and sculpture series.

      Sanctuary Advisory Council Meeting: July 10th

      National marine sanctuary advisory councils are community-based advisory groups that provide advice and recommendations to the superintendents of the sanctuary sites on issues like management, science, community engagement, and stewardship. Members of the advisory council represent a broad cross-section of communities, industries, and stakeholders interested in and affected by the marine sanctuary. The Gray’s Reef Sanctuary Advisory Council will be meeting on July 10th at the Ocean Discovery Center. More information about hours and agenda will be posted on our website soon!

      Southeast Regional Ecosystem Assessment: July 21st – August 3rd

      The Gray’s Reef team will be embarking on the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster mission in July! This multidisciplinary mission will include underwater mapping, scientific dive surveys, and public outreach. The Nancy Foster will be docked on River Street, Savannah, GA on August 3rd, and opening its doors to the public! Join us to see this incredible vessel and learn about the important research that was conducted for this mission.

       

      Follow Us on Social Media:

      Facebook: graysreefsanctuary

      Instagram: @graysreefnms

       

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