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    • Aug 15, 2024by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      USACE South Atlantic Division Commander Signs Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual Record of Decision

      Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 11:46 AM
      To: CESAJ-CC, PublicMail SAJ <PublicMail.CESAJ-CC@usace.army.mil>
      Subject: [Non-DoD Source] USACE South Atlantic Division Commander Signs Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual Record of Decision

       

       

      Release No.: NR 24-054For Release: August 13, 2024
      Contact: Jacksonville District Public AffairsE-mail: publicmail.cesaj-cc@usace.army.mil
        

       

      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

      USACE South Atlantic Division Commander Signs Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual Record of Decision 

      JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Brig. Gen. Daniel Hibner, Commander, South Atlantic Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, signed the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM) Record of Decision (ROD) on Monday, completing the final step in the approval process to allow Jacksonville District to implement LOSOM in place of Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule 2008 (LORS08) for the management of Lake Okeechobee. 

      “We appreciate all the hard work and dedication the Jacksonville District put into making this happen,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel Hibner.  “This district set a high bar for others to follow navigating this process remarkably well and being led by an extremely talented team.” 

      The LOSOM represents a significant shift in operational philosophy to a system-wide benefits approach. Lake level management will be focused on making beneficial releases at times and in quantities that improve water supply availability and enhance fish and wildlife in the region. LOSOM also improves the ability of water managers to use system-wide analysis to adapt to real-time conditions to make informed decisions on lake releases. The plan also facilitates more robust, structured communication and collaboration between USACE and stakeholders, as operational decisions are made. 

      “Our Nation made a $1.8 Billion investment in the rehabilitation of Herbert Hoover Dike (HHD) to allow development of a new operating manual that balances the needs of the entire system, said Col. Brandon Bowman, Jacksonville District commander. “LOSOM was developed over five years in collaboration with more than 50 stakeholder groups, and the value of that time investment, the cooperation it took to develop the plan, and the trust that was built with stakeholders matches that significant monetary investment.” 

      “Historic. Collaborative. Important. We have worked for five years to get to the record of decision, and we are finally here,” said South Florida Water Management District Board Chairman Chauncey Goss. “I’m proud of the South Florida Water Management District staff who worked with the team at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM) was implemented in a manner that reduces harmful discharges into our estuaries, sends more water south to benefit the environment and meets the needs of our communities. I want to thank everyone who engaged in this process over the years, especially all of our stakeholders and members of the public who contributed to its development every step of the way.” 

      USACE first started the process of developing LOSOM to replace LORS08 in early 2019 with a series of 10 public scoping meetings around the state of Florida. Jacksonville District made extensive stakeholder coordination the backbone of LOSOM development, from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) scoping in 2019, through the alternative development and evaluation phases in 2020 and 2021, and during the development of operating criteria, and review of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in 2022. This engagement ensured a variety of perspectives on balancing the project purposes were represented and informed the selection of the LOSOM plan. 

      “LOSOM is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together and remain dedicated to open and transparent communication. This was a hallmark of the LOSOM planning process and will continue as we move into implementation of the operating plan”, said Tim Gysan, LOSOM Project Manager. “Our team appreciates the time each of our stakeholders spent with us expressing their goals and asking tough questions as we kicked off the planning back in 2019, bearing with us as we were forced into virtual meetings by COVID, and wading through more than 500,000 model runs of data through 4 iterations to finalize the LOSOM operating plan.”   

      In total, the five-year process included 10 scoping meetings that generated more than 22,000 comments, 23 full project delivery team meetings with dozens more sub-team and technical meetings, six educational webinars, two water management workshops, and multiple roadshows to meet with stakeholders in their communities.  

      The final EIS and Water Control Plan were released for public review on May 24, 2024, and the plan was sent to South Atlantic Division for approval on July 19, 2024. LOSOM takes effect as of August 12, 2024, and the Jacksonville District will continue to transparently communicate and collaborate with its partners and stakeholders as it works on implementation of the plan. 

       

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    • Aug 15, 2024by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      August OBX Park News: 2023 Annual Report, National Aviation Day events, and more!

       
      Your August E-news preview:

       

       
      Your Parks, Your Impact:
      2023 Annual Report
      Our Outer Banks national parks continued to create new experiences for you and were able to adapt to new challenges last year, all because of your continued generosity.

      We are excited to share our 2023 Annual Report with you which highlights some of the amazing work supporters like you made possible last year!

      Each success story and milestone is a direct result of your generosity and belief in our mission to protect and enhance our Outer Banks national parks, now and forever. 

      We are grateful for your support and look forward to continuing this journey together, ensuring that our parks remain cherished treasures for generations to come. Together, we are making a lasting impact in our parks! 
       
      Read the Report
      See you in our parks,
      Jessica Barnes
      Director
      Outer Banks Forever
       
      National Aviation Day Events
      We invite you to celebrate National Aviation Day on August 19 at two different locations in the Outer Banks: Wright Brothers National Memorial and Dare County Regional Airport!

      Join our friends at the National Park Service and the First Flight Society to honor the achievements of the Wrights and to learn how their legacy continues to change the world today.

      This year’s events include festivities at the Dare County Regional Airport, and ranger programs, special guest speakers, and an outdoor movie at Wright Brothers National Memorial, where admission is free for the day!
      Schedule of Events
       
      Learning to Fly:
      Year One of The Wright Flight Academy
      In the fifth installment of the Wright Flight Academy, students are wrapping up the first year of the build and reflecting on what being a part of the process has taught them.

      Over the next two years, these students will be building their very own, two person “flying machine” on the very grounds where brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved their world-changing first flight on December 17, 1903!

      We’re proud to support this program by sponsoring this video series created by Rayolight Productions. As videos are made available, we’ll be adding them to our YouTube channel, sharing them on Facebook, and including them in our monthly e-newsletters. 

      Learn More
       
      Adopt A Sea Turtle Nest Closes for the Season September 1!

      Thank you to everyone who has adopted a sea turtle nest at Cape Hatteras National Seashore so far this season! Currently, biological science technicians are monitoring more than 280 active nests on the Seashore. 

      Our Adopt A Sea Turtle Nest program closes for the 2024 season on September 1. With your support, we can reach our goal of having 100% of active nests adopted!

      Here’s how the program works: 

      Donate: Give a tax-deductible donation of $100 or more to adopt your 2024 sea turtle nest. Your gift helps us fund important projects that protect and the Seashore and the vital sea turtle habitat it preserves. You will receive a confirmation email for your donation.  

      Receive your nest assignment: You will be assigned your sea turtle nest and receive an adoption certificate either by mail or digitally with initial information about your nest.   

      Wait patiently for your nest to hatch! When your nest hatches later this summer or fall, you will receive a personalized update in the mail with information park rangers collect about your nest including the number of hatchlings that made their way out to sea. 

      A note about honorary/memorial gifts: If you choose to adopt a nest in honor or in memory of a loved one and provide an honoree’s mailing address on your donation form, a letter with nest information and a certificate will be mailed directly to your honoree. Your honoree will be notified of your gift and will receive a certificate when their nest is assigned, not at the time you make the gift. Please keep this in mind if your gift is time sensitive.   

      Digital certificates are available! If you would like to receive an electronic certificate or send an electronic certificate to an honoree, click the box “send certificate digitally” on the donation form and provide an email address.  

      Read our frequently asked questions for even more information about our Adopt A Sea Turtle Nest program! 

      Please note: Nature belongs to all of us – no individual or group that participates in this program can claim ownership of a sea turtle nest, eggs, or hatchlings. For the safety of the sea turtles and in alignment with National Park Service guidance, your nest’s exact location will not be shared until after it has hatched.

      Adopt A Sea Turtle Nest
       
      Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean:
      Beach Safety
      This content is brought to you by our friends at
      Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean.
      Digging holes in the sand is more dangerous than it may initially seem. Every year, children and adults die from suffocation after holes and tunnels in the sand collapse and trap them.

      Large holes in the sand are difficult to see and cause dangerous obstacles for ocean rescue personnel and lifeguards who are trying to quickly provide emergency services to those in need.

      Sea turtle laying and hatching season runs from May through September. Holes in the sand often become fatal obstructions for female sea turtles laying nests on the beach at night and hatchlings heading out to sea roughly 60 days later.

      Sand collapses occur in holes just a few feet deep. Never dig a hole deeper than it is wide. Children and adults should not dig holes deeper than their knees when standing in them. If you do dig a hole, please fill it in before you leave the beach. Even small holes should be filled in before you leave.

       
      Whether you’re stargazing or listening to the soothing sounds of the waves, the beach after dark is magical.

      However, it’s essential to take precautions and be aware of potential hazards, such as limited visibility, changing tides and wildlife activity.

      Please follow these tips to safely enjoy the beach at night, while respecting the natural environment:

      Avoid shining lights on the beach at night as this may frighten away nesting female sea turtles and interfere with baby turtles’ ability to find the sea. Instead, use turtle-friendly red-light flashlights when walking along the beach at night. Don’t disturb a turtle that is crawling to or from the ocean or laying eggs. Watch from a distance. Don’t swim at dawn, dusk or at night, as these are times when sharks feed.
       
      Keeping our lovely beaches pristine is a team effort! Here are some simple tips to help preserve their beauty:

      Bring reusable water bottles and snack containers to reduce plastic waste. Do not release balloons or lanterns, as they are detrimental to our sea turtle population. Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin without harming marine life and coral reefs.

      Dispose of trash and cigarette butts properly — they’re very harmful to marine life. Each beach access contains trash receptacles, and most also contain recycling bins. The Dare County Library’s Kill Devil Hills branch offers Litter Clean-Up Kits with all the supplies necessary to clean up your favorite beach. Gloves, buckets, trash bags and litter-grabbers are provided! Visit Darenc.gov/departments/libraries/library-of-things to learn more.

      Please leave only your footprints — leave no trash or litter behind when you visit the beach — and encourage others to follow these tips as well!

       
      The most important thing to do is keep a respectful distance, and report the sighting to the following authorities to seek assistance.

      If you happen upon the scene of a marine mammal beaching in Currituck, Dare, or Hyde Counties, call the Outer Banks Marine Mammal Stranding Network hotline at (252) 455-9654. For Cape Hatteras National Seashore, call (252) 216-6892.

      If you find a sea turtle nest or an injured sea turtle, call the Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (N.E.S.T.) at (252) 441-8622.

      If you find an injured, orphaned or diseased land mammal, call Outer Banks Wild Care at (252) 995-4793.

      If you find an injured or orphaned bird, please contact Hatteras Island Wildlife Rehabilitation at (252) 475-4217.

      Loons being loony: A common bird here on the Outer Banks, our loons, are often reported as stranded on the beach, but they are usually just resting. Loons do not have feet that allow them to walk on land so they rely on the ocean’s tide to carry them back to the sea. On land, they may appear to be injured, but most of the time they are just doing the “loon walk”!

       
      It’s entertaining watching your pup play in the waves and sand. However, the last thing you want is to have your beach trip end with a vet visit!

      Below are a few things you can do to ensure that your beach buddy has a safe and fun visit.

      Many dogs try to drink ocean water, which can quickly dehydrate them. Be sure to bring plenty of fresh water and a bowl for your dog.

      Even when you might not expect it, the sand can become hot enough to burn your dog’s paws. Always test the sand with your bare feet to determine if your dog needs protection for his or her paws. You’re not the only one who needs to be concerned about sunburn! Bring an umbrella or tent that will accommodate both you and your dog in the shade. Running on sand is strenuous, so don’t expect your dog to be able to play fetch as long as he can at the dog park. When you’re done playing, take time to rinse the salt and sand from your dog’s coat. Please clean up after your dog.
       
      Current conditions are posted daily each morning on the homepage of the Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean website. 

      You can text OBXBEACHCONDITIONS to 77295 to have Dare County beach condition reports sent directly to your phone each day.

      It’s also a good idea to check in with the lifeguard when you arrive at the beach each day to learn about things such as rip currents or marine activity at your access.

       
      Lifeguarded Beaches on Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Memorial Day through Labor Day):

      Learn More
       
      Ways to Give: Retirement and Estate Planning
      Retirement Gifts: You can support our Outer Banks national parks and benefit from tax advantages by giving a gift through your IRA account.

      Estate Planning: Consider including Outer Banks Forever in your estate plans to protect our parks for future generations. You can designate a contribution through your will, trust, retirement accounts, or life insurance policy to support our work, or chose a specific park you’d like to leave a legacy in. 

      Contact Nicole Erickson, our Development & Adoption Programs Manager, by email at nicolerickson@obxforever.org for more information or to make your gift.
      Learn More
       
      Labor Day Lighthouse 5K
      Join our friends at Barrier Island Group (B.I.G.) for their first-ever Labor Day Lighthouse 5K and be the among the first to run through the newly refurbished Cape Hatteras Lighthouse grounds!
      While the lighthouse is still undergoing renovation, this 5K will offer views of the lighthouse and a tour of the park’s newly installed multiuse pathway. The first 200 registrants will receive a commemorative shirt, an eco-friendly reusable cup, an awesome finisher medal, and a post-race celebration just steps from the beach!
      Here are the details:

      • Date: Monday, September 2 (Labor Day)
      • Time: 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
      • Location: Old Lighthouse Beach Access, Buxton, NC, 27920
      • Cost to Register: $48
      Learn More and Register
       
      Photo & Video Credits: Shutterstock, 

      …

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    • Aug 13, 2024by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Public Notice From Planning Branch: Disposition Study for Multiple Waterways in Coastal Georgia Integrated Report/Environmental Assessment

      Our thanks to Ted Arisaka who reports “FYI – received this today.  Deauthorize = no longer obligated to maintain waterway as navigable.”

      Click here for Notice Public Meeting_Updated

      U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District
      100 West Oglethorpe Avenue
      Savannah, Georgia 31401-3604,

      If you have comments regarding the attached public notice (above), please do not reply to this email. Any comments that you have should be provided to the project manager as identified in the attachment.

      If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please send an email to mailto: cesas-rd@usace.army.mil.

      Point of Contact for this Public Notice is E. Madison Monroe at Emily.m.monroe@usace.army.mil or 912-710-1268.

      US ACE Deauthorize Proposal

       

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    • Aug 11, 2024by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Miami Beach Cracks the Anti-Cruiser Code – Peter Swanson

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

      Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more

      When all else fails, try journalism.

      Miami Beach Cracks the Anti-Cruiser Code

      Can’t Just Kick ‘Em Out? Make It So They Can’t Get Food Instead

       
      		 
      		 
      		 
       

      READ IN APP

       
        
      The City of Miami Beach tows away cruiser dinghies found in violation of dock restrictions. This is a YouTube screenshot from a WPLG Local10 television news broadcast.

      Municipalities convinced that liveaboard boats lead to derelict boats now have a foolproof solution to the problem—as long as they share the same moral code as Cruela de Ville and the City of Miami Beach.

      August 2024 will mark the month Miami Beach found the formula for victory over what it calls “boat squatters.” This tony seaside community has had a long-running feud with cruisers that has gone through several phases, often turning on the latest change in Florida anchoring laws.

      Late last year, the city’s latest hope of legislating local anchoring out of existence fell short. Senate Bill 192 would have limited anchoring within 200 yards of any part of Miami Beach between the MacArthur Causeway to the Julia Tuttle Causeway. In its amended form, it only banned anchoring between a strip of islands along the Venetian Causeway crossing Biscayne Bay.

      If you aren’t familiar with the geography, no worries. One legislator said the amended bill affected about three percent of waters originally included, most notably not the part near downtown referred to as Sunset Harbour. The liveaboard community was relieved by the compromise, but not for long.

      Share

      Starve ‘Em

      Their nemesis, Miami Beach Commissioner David Suarez, had a clever plan. His idea was to deprive them of the ability to buy food. “Since we can’t control what happens on the water, we can certainly control how you get to land,” Suarez told Miami’s Local 10 News.

      Once upon a time, cruisers in the vicinity of Sunset Lake and Venetian Causeway had three ways to get ashore to buy groceries and enjoy the amenities of downtown Miami Beach, which was just a 15 minute walk away. They could tie their dinghies to a canal-side dock by Publix supermarket, dock them at the Maurice Gibb boat ramp or lie alongside a canal bulkhead.

      With Suarez as point man, the City Commission eliminated these options one by one, first by tearing out the Publix dock, then outlawing bulkhead tie-ups and finally severely restricting access to the Gibb ramp service dock.

      Writing for the Miami Herald, Aaron Leibowitz said:

      A new ordinance, which received final approval from the City Commission late last month and took effect August 3, declares that the boat ramp at Maurice Gibb Park in Sunset Harbour can only be used by city residents to “launch and retrieve noncommercial vessels”—not to dock boats, even temporarily, or pick up and drop off passengers.

      Previously, motorized boats could dock at the ramp for 20 minutes. That time limit remains in place at a nearby floating dock for kayaks and paddleboards.

      The law imposes steep penalties: $1,000 for a first offense, then $2,000 and $5,000 for a second and third offense, plus an option for criminal charges with up to 60 days in jail. The ordinance also calls for immediate towing of the offending boat, which can cost over $1,000 to retrieve from a private tow company.

      Checkmate, boat squatters!

      You can no longer buy groceries, walk the dog or grab a Cuban Sandwich at the Havana 57.

      Mooring Field

      Many Southern sailors have expressed hostility to mooring fields, even though land access and amenities (showers, holding-tank pump-outs and laundry facilities) are baked into the formula.

      Miami Beach has a plan for just such a mooring field at Sunset Harbour and nearby, which will accomodate 147 boats, some portion of which will be for liveaboards. According to the Herald, there are typically about 100 liveaboard boats at anchor nowadays. The newspaper quoted some of the boat people as welcoming the idea of a mooring field, and why wouldn’t they at this point?

      The city has set March 2026 as the target for opening the planned mooring field for business, as shown below:

      In his crusade to run-off liveaboards—Suarez called it his No. 1 priority—the freshman commissioner made an environmental case against anchoring. He alleged (as one does) that everyone was pumping raw sewage into the bay and that their anchor chains were scraping seagrass off the bottom.

      Loose Cannon rarely has reason to praise conventional media for coverage of boating issues, but there is an exception. On February 28, Miami’s WPLG Local10 television news—specifically journalist Louis Aguirre and producer Anastasia Pavlinskaya Brenman—aired an excellent story that used hard data to rebut both Suarez claims.

      Hardly anyone was pumping overboard based on police inspections, and, according to experts, there was hardly any seagrass there in the first place—not for decades.

      Which begs the question: Why not just wait until March 2026, and let the new mooring field take care of whatever it is that Miami Beach sees as the problem? According to Florida law, no one can anchor in a mooring field or close by. Surely the insurance requirement and monthly rent, which is likely to be pricey, will screen out boats likely to become derelict.

      So, what is your motivation, David Suarez? Admit it, you and your fellow commissioners are just real-life Cruelas.

      LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. 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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    • Aug 11, 2024by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Some Things are Worth Saving – Janice Anne Wheeler

      SOME THINGS ARE WORTH SAVING

      The Most Impactful Words I Heard This Week Came From a Stranger. I’m So Glad He Said Them.

      Janice Anne Wheeler
      Aug 11, 2024

      I had heard the distinctive crunch of car on gravel and estimated that the once-flashy-red now dull-rustish Mercedes parking on the lawn was around the same age I am, five and a half decades or so. The be-whiskered gentleman that climbed out of that vehicle must have been thirty years older.

      He walked over purposefully and simply stood, stock still, gazing up at STEADFAST for long, long minutes. In my mind she isn’t all that pretty at this particular juncture, hauled out of her natural element for repairs, holes for projects begun here and there, original materials showing some age. She does make an impression regardless, I have to say that much. Our scaffold isn’t tall enough to reach the top rail or long enough to encompass her 56 feet. When he glanced at me I raised my eyebrows in a silent ‘Can I help you?’ but received no response. We are on the fringes of the Richardson Maritime Museum here in Cambridge, Maryland, but we aren’t part of it. We’re not ready for that, yet.

       
      The 1925 Presidential Yacht SEQUOIA awaits extensive refit. She is most famous for hosting JFK’s final Birthday Party. We’re not part of the museum, not yet.

      Arms folded, he stepped closer and without preamble or introduction asked where she was built. Wheeler Shipyard in Brooklyn, we told him as we worked, and he raised his eyebrows in turn. For the first time, someone we met had local knowledge of the place, which he spewed with no further encouragement, slowly edging his way into our space, inspecting as he went, murmuring unasked and unanswered questions.

      “Crazy old coot, that’s the fourth one this week,” my Sailor said to me. We smiled at each other. It is rewarding, and heartening, to have people understand THE WOODEN BOAT PHENOMENON instead of just thinking we were crazy. (Which we are, make no mistake.) I tried to properly convey that phenomenon. Read that here.

      The gentleman meandered along on his own tour, stepping and then backing up, taking in the topside teak and rig. Unable to resist, I toddled after him, volunteering random answers to common questions. Each time, he put his hand up to his ear and indicated that he hadn’t heard, so each time I repeated myself, a little louder, not sure if he was actually interested in the facts that I was now spewing, un-encouraged. It reminded me of Waterman Johnny Kinnamon, in fact, his story is here. He told me once that if he always wanted to hear what folks were saying, he’d put his hearing aids in. But he doesn’t. He sits in church beside me and appears to listen attentively. At first I commented occasionally (to no avail) and he finally said to me, “I can’t hear any of this.” Now I sit quietly, too, appreciating the simplicity of not trying to make conversation. Johnny is 87 and chooses carefully who he spends his time and energy on.

      “Who are you?” I inquired. “Who am I?” he repeated, laughing. “Who am I. Well, I’ve been around these places my whole life. I’ve seen people working on boats and fixing them and most of them weren’t worth fixing.” He shook his head at the world. “But this girl, she’s worth saving.” My appreciation of his words was so vast that I said nothing at all.

      Unfortunately, we had somewhere to be when that stranger showed up; we were already hot and tired of trying to put the puzzle pieces of our quickly changed life together while making sure we had all the ones we needed. We definitely don’t. There was no plan to be where we are.

      Our appointment was ticking closer. We made it to the bow, where three weeks ago we had discovered Mother Nature had endowed STEADFAST with an insidious rot not visible from the outside or the inside. We are still assessing, peeling back the layers. She’ll need rare, expensive materials and even rarer expertise, which we found in the local Shipwrights of Deadrise Maritime. These are the puzzle pieces I refer to. The elements to bring our home back to where she needs to be. We are in a new town, a new boatyard, living on land. It’s an uncomfortable place, depending on others when we are used to being both independent and fully mobile.

       
      Peeling the layers. It seems to take just as long to disassemble as it does to build. We unexpectedly get to experience both….

      I apologized and invited him to come back anytime. Since I (somehow) had not yet learned the lesson, had to repeat myself. “She’s worth it,” he called after me. “This is a special boat.” I stopped in my tracks, because that’s what we say, too, when we are trying to explain THE WOODEN BOAT PHENOMENON. “I hope I won’t be a pest. I’ll be back.” I smiled at him then, this stranger who had encouraged me more than he would ever know.

      “Crazy old coot knows his boats.” I said as we got into the seen-better-days boatyard loaner car, and I smiled again. SOME THINGS AREN’T WORTH SAVING. And some things are.

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      Share SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE

      SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE has become my favorite routine! Over the course of the week I consider what happened that can offer some commentary on life and the NATURE of it. This story just jumped out at me. If you are enjoying these, consider upgrading to a paid subscription just as you would a magazine that you have forever been skimming in the grocery story line and then you finally buy one! Or not. Either way is perfectly fine with me, honestly! I enjoy and read and respond to all comments so spew those thoughts!

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    • Aug 11, 2024by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Medical Records When Cruising – the boatgalley

                                     making boat life better since 2010

       
      Links to Everything on The Boat GalleyEvents
       
       

      Where Are The Boat Galley Team Members?

      Carolyn –West Palm Beach, FL | Nica — Vermont
       Larry — Marathon, FL | Kimberly — MA | Julie — Texas 

      Pam is selling her 1990 Pacific Seacraft 34 — see listing
      John is selling his 1967 Rawson 30 — see listing 

      Click here for Medical Records When Cruising

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    • Aug 8, 2024by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.0558,-76.619999

      Tickets on Sale! Miss Edenton’s 43rd Christmas Candlelight Tour, Edenton, NC


       View In Chartview

      Edenton, NC - the prettiest town in the South!

      A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, historic Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events and places to visit! Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.​ ​

      https://www.visitedenton.com/

      ​

      Hello,

      Tickets for Edenton’s beloved Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour are on sale now!

      Don’t wait to secure your tickets and enjoy exclusive access to historic homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. Last year’s sold-out tour broke records for attendance, and this year’s tour is on track to do the same.

      This year’s tour will be Friday and Saturday, December 13th & 14th, and will feature homes on the west side of Edenton, including the fabulous 1810 Beverly Hall.

      I don’t want you to miss out on one of Edenton’s most popular Christmas traditions! So, make plans to secure your tickets and reserve a room in one of our historic B&Bs.

      We can’t wait to see you this Christmas!

      Erienne Mizell,
      Tourism Director
      Visit our website!

      ​

      | 101 W Water St, Edenton, North Carolina 27932

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    • Aug 8, 2024by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Camden County Events ~ Save the Dates! Dismal Swamp Welcome Station, NC

      Set in beautiful Camden Count, NC, the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center provides free dockage for cruisers' on the Dismal Swamp AICW Alternate Route

      The Dismal Swamp Route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2 and northbound via the Pasquatank River. Our thanks to Sarah Hill for this invitation from Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!

      Good Morning!

      Please save the dates!  We’ve got several fall community events planned in Camden County, home of Dismal Swamp State Park,  and we hope you will join us to celebrate our local heritage and nature. 

      *Our Camden Heritage Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 21st, 2024 from 10am-3pm at Camden Community Park (125 Noblitt Dr., Camden, NC 27921).  We are super excited to kick off the day with a performance from the award winning Camden County Bands along with local live entertainment throughout the day.  This year’s festivities will include living history re-enactors from the 1st NC Regiment of the Continental Line from Tryon Palace, as we commemorate America 250 NC. We hope you’ll join us for a great community day filled with craft vendors, petting zoo, local business displays, K9 demos, carriage rides, classic cars, food trucks, antique tractors, axe throwing & so much more!

      *The Dismal Swamp State Park (2294 US Hwy 17 N, South Mills, NC 27976)  will host their 10th Annual Dismal Day event, October 12, highlighting the swamp’s rich natural & cultural history from 10am-2pm.  The day kicks off with a 5K Fun Run/Walk along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail.  Don’t miss delicious food, music, wagon rides through the swamp, paddling on the canal, OBX Lizard Land reptiles, craft & activities celebrating the “Year of the Bear”, and educational exhibits.

      If you are interested in being a vendor – please let us know. (Camden Heritage Festival Registration ends 8/30/24)

      Additional event information coming soon. Please feel free to share, post & print.

      Thank you for your continued support and we hope you will be able to join us!

      Many thanks,

       

       

       

      		 Sarah Hill, TMP
      Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome CenterChairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority

      2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976

      252-771-8333 | shill@camdencountync.gov
      www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com

      www.VisitCamdenCountync.com

      Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For the Camden TDA/Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

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      Tropical Storm Debby closures for Charleston County Parks

      Cooper River Marina

       

       

       

       

      Media Alert:

      All Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission parks and facilities will close at 3 p.m. today and remain closed on Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7.

      All Charleston County Parks programs and camps have been canceled through Thursday, August 8.

      Please visit our alert center (https://ccprc.com/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=Park-Facility-Operational-Updates-due-to-847) for more information. Once Tropical Storm Debby has passed and conditions have been assessed to ensure staff and visitor safety, we will update this webpage on the status of our parks and programs.

       

      Thank you!

      www.charlestoncountyparks.com

       

       
       
      Sarah Reynolds​​​​
       Public Information Coordinator
       Headquarters
       
      861 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
       Office: +1 8437628089
       
      Sarah.Reynolds@ccprc.com
      		|
      CharlestonCountyParks.com

       

       

       

       

       

       

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    • Aug 1, 2024by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Masthead Camera on the AICW

      Interesting gentleman who has placed a camera at top of his mast. Below is the FaceBook post about these posted to YouTube. This was a post on ICW Cruising Guide 423. 

      Masthead cam videos of various fixed bridges on the AICW in June/July 2024. I also included a time lapse view of some opening bridges between New River Ft Lauderdale and Lake Worth.
      It greatly reduced anxiety to have this view, because we require about 64’6” clearance. As we approached, if I could see shadow or additional beams beneath the closest beam it meant that the camera would clear. (We didn’t encounter any slanted bridge decks). I wasn’t worried about the whip VHF antenna, and in many cases we scraped it along the bottom of the bridge (you can hear the ping sound in some of the videos).
      Here’s a link to a YouTube playlist with the videos.
      Larry Furst
       
       
       

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    • Aug 1, 2024by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.7404,-82.69619999

      What’s Up, Gulfport?? Boca Ciega Bay, FL


       View In Chartview

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

      Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located in the heart of downtown Gulfport. 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.

       
       
       

      Upcoming Events in Gulfport

      Get Ready For Gecko World!!

       
       

      Gecko Art Installation

      Please join us for the First Friday Art Walk on August 2nd as we kick off the month-long celebration of all things Gecko! Get a sneak peek of these one-of-a-kind auction items that will be available for purchase during the live auction at the Gecko Ball on August 24th. Join us at the Catherine Hickman Theatre at 6pm to meet the artists, mingle with your friends and neighbors and get into the Gecko spirit!

      Click Here For Art Show Info
       

      First Friday Art Walk-August 2, 2024

      Explore the magic of art under the stars at Gulfport’s First Friday Art Walk!

      Join us every First Friday for an evening filled with creativity, community, and culture.

      Date: First Friday of Every Month
      Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
      Location:Scenic Beach Boulevard, Gulfport

      What to Expect:
      Artistic Marvels: Witness the unveiling of new and inspiring works by some of the area’s most talented artists.

      Stroll Along Beach Boulevard: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you stroll along scenic Beach Boulevard, surrounded by charming restaurants and storefronts.

      Community Connection: First Friday Art Walk has been the heartbeat of Pinellas County’s art scene since 1993, fostering a sense of community and celebration of creativity.

      Meet the Artists: Engage with the region’s most innovative artists, and gain insight into the stories behind the masterpieces.

      Support Local: Hosted by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce, this event encourages you to explore and support locally-owned businesses, restaurants, and the arts.

      Family-Friendly: Bring the whole family for a night of entertainment, culture, and a chance to create lasting memories in our picturesque town.

      Free Admission: Admission is free, so grab your friends and join us for an unforgettable night celebrating art, community, and local talent!

       

      GECKO QUEEN VOTING BEGINS JULY 22nd

      Who Will Be Gulfport’s Next Gecko Queen?

      It’s time to choose your Queen! Public in-person voting will begin on July 22nd. Ballots will be available at The Gulfport Beach Bazaar, The Gulfport Corner Store and The Gulfport Merchants Chamber Welcome Center. The polls will be open until Sunday, August 18th. Be sure to get your vote in!

      The winner will be announced and crowned at the Gecko Ball! 

      One ballot per person, please.

      Click Here for Gecko Queen Info
       
       

      GECKO POKER CRAWL TICKETS NOW ON SALE

      Tickets for the Annual Gecko Poker Crawl are now on sale at The Gulfport Beach Bazaar and The Gulfport Corner Store. Tickets are $25 and include one drink at each of the 6 bar crawl locations. Poker Only tickets are available for $10. Tickets are also available online and can be picked up the day of the Crawl.

      Click Here for Gecko Poker Crawl
       

      3rd Saturday IndieFaire

      Join us for our 3rd Saturday IndieFaire on Saturday, August 17th as we fill the streets with a variety of vendors! This month’s Faire will be taking place along with our Gecko Poker Crawl so get ready for an extra festive evening!

       

      GECKO BALL TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!

      Get your Gecko Ball tickets at The Beach Bazaar or The Gulfport Corner Store! Don’t miss your chance to attend the most cherished event in Gulfport. This year’s theme is “Live From Gulfport, It’s Gecko Night”! Dress as your favorite Saturday Night Live skit or just wear your finest Gulfport Glam. Don’t miss the Event of the Year! Individual tickets are $30. Reserved tables are $400 (seats 10) and are only available at the Beach Bazaar. Individual tickets are also available online. Click below.

      Click Here for Gecko Ball Info
       

      Get Ready For GeckoFest!

      The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is thrilled to announce the 24th Annual Gecko Fest, set to take place on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 10 AM to 10 PM along Gulfport’s scenic waterfront on Beach Blvd. This year’s theme, “Live From Gulfport, It’s Gecko Night!” promises a vibrant, fun-filled event featuring a costume parade, live music, street performers, and a variety of food and craft vendors. Gecko Fest is held in collaboration with SIK Promotions and the City of Gulfport. Admission and parking are free.

      First held in 2001, Gecko Fest began as an end-of-summer celebration and has since grown into one of Tampa Bay’s most anticipated annual events. Known for its lively mix of artistic energy and community spirit, the festival features a costume contest and parade, wandering street performers, and two stages with live music. The event has been proudly organized by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber since 2004.

      Gecko Fest is preceded each year by the Gecko Art Show, Gecko Crawl, and Gecko Ball. All events are hosted by the non-profit Gulfport Merchants Chamber, with a portion of proceeds from the Gecko World events donated back to the community. This year’s recipients include the REACH! Food Program for Kids, Selah Freedom, and the Sonia Plotnick Health Fund.

      Click Here For GeckoFest Info
       

      RISE & SHINE Artist Grant

       If you are an artist on the rise,

      The Gulfport Merchants Chamber would like to help you shine !

      The Gulfport Merchants Chamber’s “Rise and Shine” Artist Grants were developed to support the creative community within Gulfport and the surrounding area and to promote Gulfport as an art destination. The grants include funding, marketing, mentoring , advertising support, and exhibition space.

      The purpose of the Gulfport Merchants Chamber’s “Rise and Shine” Artist Grants is to support the creative community within Gulfport and the surrounding area and to promote Gulfport as an art destination. The grants include funding, marketing and advertising support, and exhibition space. To be eligible to apply for one of the two grants offered: 

      The applicant must be 18 years of age or older. 

      Be a current resident of Pinellas County  

      Preference will be given to current residents of the City of Gulfport.

      Deadline to Apply: A complete application must be received by August 10th, 2024.

      Click Here for Rise & Shine Info
       

      The GMC needs YOU!

      The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is in need of Volunteers! We believe in the power of collective action, and we’re reaching out to you because we need dedicated volunteers like you to help us make a difference.

      Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, and their contributions are invaluable. Whether you have a few hours to spare each week or want to get involved in a specific project, your time and skills can have a meaningful impact.

      Here’s how you can get involved:

      Our new Welcome Center located at 5317 Gulfport Blvd. S. serves as the first point of contact for visitors, newcomers, and those seeking information about our organization. Volunteers like you play a crucial role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making our guests feel comfortable, and providing them with the information they need.

      Event Ambassadors play a vital role in creating a positive and memorable experience for attendees, guests and participants. You will get to be a part of some of our amazing events in Gulfport!

      Use the link below to sign up for different volunteer opportunities!

      Sign Up Here
       

      Gulfport’s Tuesday Market

      Every Tuesday, 9am-2pm

      Dive into freshness at Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market! Every Tuesday, enjoy open-air shopping for fruits, veggies, local art, and more. Skip crowded supermarkets and support local vendors. After shopping, grab a meal from our restaurants and savor it in our scenic parks or by the beach. #GulfportFreshMarket #ShopLocal #SociallyDistancedShopping#FreshAndLocal #GulfportLife

      Want to showcase your goods? Become a vendor! Apply here: https://visitgulfportflorida.com/gulfport-tuesday-market #VendorOpportunity #JoinUs

       

      Members Only: Free Small Business Consultation with The Small Business Development Center

      Every Third Thursday, 9am-2pm By Appointment

      The Florida SBDC at PCED has partnered with the local community to make confidential consulting available wherever you may be. Debra Schweikowsky, our professionally certified business consultant, specializes in finance and capital access and helps local business owners with growth strategies to realize their goals.

      To get started, contact Debra directly to schedule a confidential appointment at 727.453.7108, or email dschweikowsky@pinellas.gov.

       

      Aimee Kosta
      Executive Director
      info@visitgulfportflorida.com

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