Keys History by Brad Bertelli
When East Florida and West Florida were still Spanish territories, they were wild, sparsely-populated frontiers.
KEYS HISTORY: LIEUTENANT DECLARES U.S. POSSESSION OF KEY WEST SOME 200 YEARS AGO
Keys Weekly
CRUISERS NET
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Comprehensive cruising resource for the Intracoastal Waterways
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
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FOCUS ON TopSide Marinas
TopSide Marinas is a family owned marina company that is looking to buy and operate marinas – they are not a broker – and they would love to meet marina owners who are ready to sell. TopSide Marinas is A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Video Introducing TopSide Marinas
Remember when you used to pull into a marina and the person helping you dock was probably the owner. Marinas operated by families with family values, family hospitality and friendliness became “old friends” and we looked forward to seeing these friends again with each cruise. It was as if we were living the lyrics from the theme song for the TV program, “Cheers” … remember ?… “Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got, taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot. Wouldn’t you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came….”
The environment in which marinas operate today is rapidly becoming more complex. There are an increasing number of regulations that must be followed to keep our waters clean and our stays safer. Providing potable water, electrical power, fuel, Wi-Fi, safe docks, carts, and professional staff to assist, while earning enough money to continually invest in the infrastructure and operations is and has been essential to a marina’s survival.
To say life was simpler in the past is an understatement. The marina where we keep our is our on-the-water neighborhood, and we don’t want that comfortable, friendly, and enjoyable ambiance to disappear. Keeping that warm hospitality and “Cheers ambiance” around our homeport marina is becoming a challenge.
Meeting that challenge is the passion of Stephen Lehn and Jacob Boan, co-founders of TopSide Marinas. Ever heard the expression, “mid-western values”, used to describe someone’s solid work ethic and high standards? Well, that describes Stephen and Jacob. They also grew up in families that loved family time on the water! This team knows the value of having safe, enjoyable and fun times on the water. Doesn’t matter if it is located on the coast, near coastal, on rivers, bays or lakes, the common denominator is precious water! Marinas often become the second or even primary homes for many boaters.
TopSide Marinas was formed just last year, 2020. Their mission is simple: To foster a high-quality environment where our customers can create lifelong memories, relax, enjoy life and be healthy. Their research has shown that time spent in and around oceans, rivers and lakes promotes health and wellness. Time on the water can be very good for us.
With a strong family orientation, the team at TopSide Marinas is looking to work with marinas who are now ready to move on to something else, but don’t want their marinas and longtime customers to lose the specialness that has taken years to development. As owners/sellers they want the new owner to be ready to invest in the enterprise to bring it up to date, improve the quality of service, enhance their customers’ quality time at the marina, making it a second home. These are the core values of TopSide Marinas. Both Stephen and Jacob have worked in executive capacities with a large corporate owner of marinas and their operational business experiences, educations, personal family boating experiences, are guiding them in their devotion to their customers’ marina and boating enjoyment.
Stephen and Jacob are always on the lookout to bring high quality marinas into the family. In their own words,
We understand that for many marina owners, selling their marina is much more than a transaction, it is like selling your longtime family home, where your children were raised and years of memories have occurred. Yes, as current owners, you want a fair price and may want to sell to someone with similar values. TopSide can offer both. We are family owned and we consider our marina customers to be part of our family. So if you own a marina, then we would love to initiate a conversation with you. Whether you are curious about the value of your marina, thinking about transitioning ownership, looking for strategic partners or any other reason, please click here to provide us with your preferred contact information. We are looking forward to talking with you.
TopSide Marinas’ most recent acquisition: Beaver Bend Marina
Beaver Bend Marina – Click image for video
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Shared Photo – Cape Fear River Sunset
Cape Fear River sunset, from Fort Fisher State Park
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Greg
Winston: Beautiful photo – with perfect composition. Nicely done.
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AHOY READERS! Let us hear from you!
As the new year begins and with a look toward improving our service, Cruisers Net would really like to get some feedback from you our readers. Rather than a formal survey, we ask that you send us comments on the main items on our website, weekly newsletter and mobile app:
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Simply reply to this posting, saying as much or as little as you like, even as simple as “I use…” or “I do not use…”
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Many Thanks!
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- Reply to Michael
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked (required). All "Comments/Reviews" submitted to the Cruisers' Net are reviewed by our editorial staff before being published.
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AIWA January 2022 E-Newsletter
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 likewise, regardless of their homeport.
Happy New Year from the AIWA! We would like to highlight some of our Association high points in 2021, as we hit the ground running in 2022!
Board of Directors’ Officer Transitions
The AIWA had a successful 2021 due to the active participation and support of many individuals. Executive Director Brad Pickel reached his 10 year anniversary serving the organization since 2012, during the second year officer term of Board Chair David Kennedy of Boat Owners Association of the U.S. (BoatU.S.). The organization ends the year in a stable financial position with over 200 members.
As we begin 2022, we welcome our new Chair, David Dickerson of National Marine Manufacturers Association, Vice Chair Devon Carlock, Cottrell Contracting Corporation, Treasurer Michael Gerhardt, Cashman Dredging and Marine Contracting, and Secretary Jerry Scarborough of Taylor Engineering, Inc.
We welcome our new officers, and thank our board of directors listed below for all they do for the waterway!
Dennis Barbour, North Carolina Beach Inlet & Waterway Association
Paul Barger, Colonial Group, Inc.
Mark Crosley, Florida Inland Navigation District
Melissa Danko, Marine Trades Association of New Jersey
Mark Epley, McDonough Marine Services
Vance Hull, Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc.
Richard Jaques, Jr., Cross State Towing
David Kennedy, BoatU.S.
Bos Smith, Stevens Towing Company
John Vannoy, Orion Marine GroupAdministration and Congress
What an interesting year it has been in Washington, D.C. After the inauguration of President Biden and the beginning of the 117th Session of Congress in January, we began reaching out immediately to friends of the AIWA and new leadership who would be making decisions that would impact the maintenance of the AIWW.
We started off the year with good news as President Biden included funding in the President’s Budget for Operations & Maintenance Projects for every state along the AIWW. This was a first in more than a decade and we were grateful to see a positive step forward after years of advocating for the AIWW as one continuous marine highway project.
In March, we conducted virtual meetings with a number of Congressional offices including Congressman David Rouzer and Congressman Greg Murphy of North Carolina, to request their assistance in securing funding for the Operations & Maintenance funding for the AIWW. They joined with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to submit a letter to the House Appropriations Committee for Energy & Water to request Additional Funding for the waterway. That letter can be found here.
Over the Summer and Fall, both the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committees continued their consideration of the FY22 Appropriations Bill and the chart below reflects the current status. The House of Representatives included $1.62 million more than the Senate Appropriations Committee for the state of Florida.
We remain committed to seeing these funds passed in a FY22 Energy & Water Appropriations Bill. However, the federal government is currently operating under a Continuing Resolution until mid-February. At some point the House and Senate will need to reconcile their differences on the state allocations and the Additional Dredging Needs funding pots before a final bill can be voted on and passed.
AIWW Dredging and Maintenance Projects Work continued along the waterway in 2021 on a wide range of activities! Below is a brief snapshot of the different types of projects occurring in each state:
- In Virginia, we saw operations and maintenance of the lock systems and waterways.
- In southern North Carolina, we had dredging of shallow-draft inlet crossings.
- In South Carolina, rehabilitation and maintenance projects for upland dredge material management areas was completed in preparation for upcoming dredging projects.
- In Georgia, the first in-water placement project for the construction of a bird island is underway in Altamaha Sound.
- In Florida, a new upland Dredge Material Management Area was constructed along with dredging in the Palm Valley area and Jupiter Crossroads section of the waterway.
We are pleased to report projects underway in every state along the waterway!
AIWA Annual Meeting
Our Annual Meeting is the preeminent gathering of experts, project managers, and users of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and 2021 did not disappoint! Held in Atlantic Beach, Florida on November 17-18, nearly 70 participants gathered with the decision makers whose work impacts the waterway. Participants were happy to be back in person and the speaker presentations can be found on our conference webpage. November 2022 Annual Meeting will find us in Norfolk, VA.
Collaboration with Associations and Stakeholder Groups
We remain connected with other Associations and stakeholder groups advocating for investments in waterway infrastructure. We appreciated the opportunity to participate in events via virtual platforms throughout the year. It was great to be on the road in late summer and fall to attend the Florida Inland Navigation District meeting in Fernandina Beach, FL, the National Waterways Conference in Baltimore, MD, and the North Carolina Beach, Inlet and Waterway Association Annual Meeting in Wilmington. We look forward to more opportunities to share our message in 2022!
Looking forward: Waterway Funding
In the first quarter of 2022, the AIWA will be very active tracking federal funding opportunities and advocating for waterway funding. In mid-January, the U.S. Corps of Engineers will release their work plan identifying projects who will receive funding through the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. In early February, the President is scheduled to release his FY23 budget kicking off the appropriations process for funds that could be available in late 2022. By mid-February, Congress will need to decide how they will be addressing the FY22 Appropriations Bills before the current Continuing Resolution expires. In total, we could be looking at an influx of millions of additional dollars for AIWW Operations & Maintenance. We will be breaking down each funding allocation in detail in subsequent newsletters, so stay tuned!
At AIWA, none of this important advocacy work could be conducted without your financial support. We greatly appreciate all of our members, and we look forward to continuing as the Voice of the Waterway in 2022, and beyond!
MARAD awards $12.6 million to nine marine highway projects, including a new AIWW/M-95 project
On December 10, 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) awarded $12.6 million in grants to nine marine highway projects under the America’s Marine Highway Program (AMHP). The funding will help address supply chain disruptions, enhance the movement of goods along navigable waterways, and expand existing waterborne freight services in Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. We are especially interested in two projects along the AIWW that were awarded funds in North Carolina and Virginia. The grant for North Carolina is to create a new shipping opportunity for container on barge service awarded to AIWA founding member and platinum sponsor – Stevens Towing Company. In addition, the Port of Virginia received funding to enhance the existing container on barge service on the James River. Both of these projects exemplify the opportunities the AIWW provides for freight shipment as part of the marine highway system. Summaries of the two projects are offered below and you can click here to read an in-depth article from our friends at Marine Log.
North Carolina Container on Barge Shuttle Operation (awarded $1,015,000) Sponsored by Stevens Towing Company, grant funds were awarded for an Equipment Upgrade Project which includes the purchase of a crawler crane, two spreader bars, and a forklift. Currently, containerized cargo bound for the Port of Virginia from Edenton must reach its destination via truck, causing high amounts of volume on North Carolina and Virginia roadways. This service will run between Riverbulk Terminal in Edenton, North Carolina to locations within the Port of Virginia, and operate utilizing a 200 TEU capacity deck barge for LO/LO cargo and/or RO/RO cargo.
James River Container Expansion Project (awarded $3,048,363) Sponsored by the Virginia Port Authority, the grant will be used to improve lighting within the perimeter of the Richmond Marine Terminal (RMT) through the installation of high mast light poles with Light Emitting
Diode (LED) fixtures and the retrofitting of existing light poles and LED fixtures. Expanding the operational capacity at the terminal with improved lighting within the facility will allow for barge operations beyond daylight hours. Additional information regarding the Marine Highways program can be found on the MARAD Marine Highway web page.
Special Thanks to Our 2021
AIWA Annual Meeting Sponsors
Florida Inland Navigation District
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company
Cross State Towing Company
Cottrell Contracting Corporation
Trimble, Inc.
Boat Owner’s Association of the U.S. 
Taylor Engineering, Inc.
ARC DMC Sediment Solutions
Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc. 
The Waterway Guide 
McDonough Marine Service 
Corman Kokosing Marine
The Coastal News Source.
Copyright © 2022. 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:
5A Market
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 379-1151
️ atlanticintracoastal.org
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New Updated Travel Advisory 1/5/2022
This is the latest update from Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.
BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INVESTMENTS & AVIATION STATEMENT ON UPDATED TESTING PROTOCOLSThe Bahamas has suspended the mandatory RT-PCR testing requirement for vaccinated travelers, which was expected to take effect on 7 January 2022. Vaccinated persons, as well as all children ages 2-11, may continue to present either a negative Rapid Antigen Test or negative RT-PCR Test.
In addition, effective 4 January 2022, all persons remaining in The Bahamas for longer than 48 hours will be required to undergo a Rapid Antigen Test, regardless of vaccination status.
To see more details of these protocol changes, please click the ‘Learn More’ button below.
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The Grant Game
A humorous look at mal de mer. Our thanks to Winston Fowler for sharing this link.
The Grant Game by Chris Caswell
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USACE Charleston District Survey Team Helps Maintain South Carolina Waterways
The Charleston District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for 15 navigation projects along the South Carolina coast, stretching from Little River Inlet near the North Carolina border to Port Royal Harbor on South Carolina’s southern coast.
USACE Charleston District survey team helps maintain South Carolina waterways – Army.mil
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Camden’s History, Economy Rooted in Great Dismal Swamp
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks are provided by the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a NC DOT Rest Area facility.
The Great Dismal Swamp Canal, which was opened in 1805 and widened in 1829 with the use of slave labor, passes through Camden County. Photo: Eric Medlin
Camden’s history, economy rooted in Great Dismal Swamp
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Happy Holidays! Key Largo Cottages, Key Largo, FL
Key Lime Sailing Club, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, always has very special offers for their visitors! Key Lime Sailing Club is a unique slice of KEYS ENJOYMENT…give it a try and let us hear about your experience.
Wishing you and your Family a Joyous Holiday SeasonDuring the holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our success possible. It is in this spirit that we say thank you and send best wishes for the holidays and New Year.The teams at Key Largo Cottages at Key Lime Sailing Club, American Sailing Academy, South Dade Marina, and Morning Star ChartersGive the Gift of Sail
Surprise your loved ones with the Gift of Sail. You can buy Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages gift certificate from our online store. They can be used at Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages, the American Sailing Academy, South Dade Marina, Pirate’s Choice Sailing Charters, and Morning Star Charters.Free Boating Course for your State
Want to take a free online boating course with certification? The BoatUS Foundation offers the only FREE online boating safety course developed specifically for your state. Check out their website to sign up for their program.KLSC Photo Contest Voting Period
Vote for your favorite photos now! We have lots of great pictures taken by our guests while staying at Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages and you can help them win by voting for their entries on Facebook. Please check our Facebook Page to see all qualified entries and vote for your favorite photos by clicking the “Like” button.You can “Like” as many photos as you want, and you can also invite friends to vote. The photo with the most Facebook “Likes” by January 1, 2022, 12:00 am EST, will win, and the owner of the winning entry will get a FREE 3-night stay at Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages. We will announce the winners of the Photo Contest and Video Contest on January 2, 2022 through our Facebook and email newsletter.Key Largo Cottages. 99306 #3Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida, 33037 USA305-451-3438
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Uodated Bahamas Travel Advisory – 12/24
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has taken note of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases around the world and is implementing new testing requirements for all persons entering The Bahamas as a precautionary effort to continue to keep the destination safe.The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has taken note of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases around the world and is implementing new testing requirements for all persons entering The Bahamas as a precautionary effort to continue to keep the destination safe.
Effective Monday, December 27, 2021, the following protocols will take effect: a) All those travelling to The Bahamas from other countries, whether fully vaccinated or unvaccinated, will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas.
b) Vaccinated travellers can present either a Rapid Antigen Test or RT-PCR test, while unvaccinated travellers must present a RT-PCR test.
Effective Friday, January 7, 2022, the following protocols will take effect: a) All those travelling to The Bahamas from other countries, whether fully vaccinated or unvaccinated, will be required to obtain a negative RT-PCR (including PCR, NAA, NAAT, TMA or RNA) test, taken no more than three days (72 hours) prior to the date of arrival to The Bahamas.
b) Rapid Antigen Tests will no longer be accepted. All travellers must obtain a RT-PCR test.
For full details on our entry requirements please visit our website by clicking the button below.
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Copyright © 2021 The Islands Of The Bahamas
1200 South Pine Island Rd., Suite 450, Plantation, FL. 33324Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Rasselas
What are the requirements if arriving by boat. Consider the fact that it could take 4-5 days Jacksonville, FL to the Bahamas on the ocean or you could blow a 3 day test waiting for an appropriate weather window to leave FTL or , WPB or MIA and cross to the West End or Bimini.
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Shared Photo – Walburg Creek, GA
Walburg Creek Anchorage is off the AICW and accessed from MM 619 or 623.5. Our thanks to Ted Arrisaka for sharing this photo. This editor and crew have spent many a night here.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Walburg Creek Anchorage
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Ted
One of Georgia's gems! Sandy beach by the north entrance at low tide. Beautiful sunset over the marsh to the west. Good protection. From the wind E thru SSE. Good holding, ground tackle comes up clean.
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FWW: Supplemental Feeding for Malnourished Manatees
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have announced a “supplemental feeding” plan to save malnourished manatees on the Atlantic coast.
Supplemental feeding for the malnourished manatees | Science & Technology | crimson.fit.edu
The Florida Tech CrimsonComments from Cruisers (2)
- Reply to Marc
In tandem with pollution, jet skis are wreaking havoc. These can easily go over 50 mph. Neither manatees, human swimmers, nor birds have a chance against them. Jet skis are highly unsafe, noisy, pollute, and, for all the above, need to be illegal on public waterways.
- Reply to R.
This situation occurred several years ago when the Save the Manatee Club made its big push. The ideal is super, but the reality is not. Yes, they are large docile creatures that have a place in Florida. However, when steps are taken to increase their numbers above and beyond what the natural food supply will support, the situation that we have now takes place. Mess with Mother Nature, and you create a second problem. I guess it is a steep learning curve.
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Cape Lookout Certified as Dark Sky Place
Cape Lookout National Seashore has been certified as a Dark Sky Place, the first in the National Park Service on the Atlantic coast to receive this certification. The popular Cape Lookout Bight anchorage is practically in the shadow of Cape Lookout Lighthouse. In rough offshore weather, cruisers with shallow draft may choose to access the anchorage via Taylor Creek and Barden Inlet which separates Shackleford Banks and Core Banks. See Dark Sky Park.
Cape Lookout Lighthouse under the night sky. Photo: Alex Gu/Crystal Coast Stargazers
Cape Lookout is now a certified International Dark Sky Park
CoastalReview.orgClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Lookout Bight
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Slow down. In our region, the Intracoastal isn’t a watery highway, Palm Beach, FL
It makes sense, as residents have advocated for months — more than 3,000 signed a petition — to adopt strict speed limits and keep power boats from generating oversized waves big enough to swamp smaller boats, knock paddlers off boards and endanger visitors looking to enjoy a serene weekend on the water.
Editorial: Cut speed limits where boaters, swimmers share Intracoastal – Palm Beach Post
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New Fee Schedule from Exuma Cays Land and Sea National Park
From our partners at Explorer Chartbooks, the following updates for Exuma Park fees. The 176 square mile Exuma Cays Land and Sea National Park, created in 1958, was the first land and sea park in the world and is one of the most successful marine parks.
EXUMA PARK MOORING FEES
Up to 39’11” – $30 • 40’ – 49’11” – $40
50’ – 59’11” – $50 • 60’ – 69’11” – $80
70’ – 89’11” – $120 • 90’ – 119’ – $150
120’ – over – $170
Landing Fee – $10/pp (visitors9not on mooring)
ANCHORING FEES (Daily)
under 90’ – $0.50/ft
over 90’ – $1.00/ft
Check www.bnt.bs for latest info.
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Edwin
Shame that the cruising fees have double , Don't mind the park fees.
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Possible Collapse of the AMOC – MIT
Searching for clues about one of the most important forces in the planet’s climate system: a network of ocean currents known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).
The Atlantic’s vital currents could collapse. Scientists are racing to understand the dangers.
MIT Technology ReviewBe the first to comment!
Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter, City of Gulfport, FL, December 13, 2021, Boca Ciega Bay
Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, and the City of Gulfport 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 December 13, 2021 | City of Gulfport, FL – Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter 
Upcoming Events See what’s happening this month.
City Manager Report Read the current community news.
Senior Center E-news Click here to see what’s happening next.
Library Calendar of Events Upcoming activities at the Gulfport Library.
Michael J. Yakes Recreation Center Click here to see all classes and activities.
Historic Casino Weekly Dance Events Click here to see the Casino’s Weekly Dance Schedule.
All City Facilities Closed
Friday, December 24, 2021
in Observance of the Holiday
This Weeks Events & Meetings 
Senior Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting (AGENDA) Tuesday December 14th | 8 a.m.
Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S. | 727-893-1012
https://mygulfport.us/senior-
citizens-advisory-commit tee-on-aging-agendas/ 
Downtown Waterfront District
Beach Blvd. S.
Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market Tuesday, December 14th | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join us weekly at our open-air fresh market for the region’s freshest produce, arts & crafts from local creators and a fresh array of locally sourced botanicals along the shops and restaurants of scenic Beach Boulevard.
More info 
Ballroom Dance Lessons w/ Carol Baker Tuesday, December 14th | Noon – 1 p.m. Mambo | 1 – 2 p.m. Samba | 2 – 3 p.m. dancing
Gulfport Casino Ballroom $10 admission
Call 727-798-3660
Weekly dance info 
Argentine Tango Dance & Lesson w/ Kathleen & Steve Prucher
Tuesday, December 14th | 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Gulfport Casino Ballroom $10 admission
Call 727-742-3368
Weekly dance info 
New Horizons Band Holiday Concert Tuesday, December 14th | 7 p.m.
Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.
The New Horizons Band of Gulfport invites you to join us as we perform Sounds of the Season.
Virtual Neighborhood Watch Meeting Every Wednesday | 1:30 p.m.
Broadcasting “on Facebook” Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Check on updates for your area and learn about recent incidents related to vehicle, residential burglaries, BOLO’s and stolen vehicles.
For more information, please contact Mr. Jim Wright Volunteer Coordinator at 727-893-1022 or jwright@mygulfport.us.
www.swingtime.info Swing Dance & Lesson w/ Swing Time Wednesday, December 15th
Lesson 7 – 8 p.m. | Dancing 8 – 11 p.m.
Gulfport Casino Ballroom
$10 admission
Weekly dance info 
Mobile Food Pantry Thursday, December 16th | 3 – 5 p.m.
Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S.
FREE pre-packaged box of groceries while supplies last.
For more information, please call 727-443-4031 ext. 506 or email info@hopevillagesofamerica.org
. 
Latin Night at the Gulfport Casino Thursday, December 16th | 7 – 11 p.m.
Gulfport Casino Ballroom
$10 admission
Call 727-254-6563
Weekly dance info 
Gulfport Casino Ballroom
Sock Hop with the Legendary Impacs
Friday, December 17th | 7 p.m.
Step back in time as you dance to the sounds of the 50s and 60s with the legendary Impacs.
Tickets, in advance, are $15 each and available at the Gulfport Casino Box office, 5500 Shore Blvd S. or the Downtown Beach Bazaar at 3115 Beach Blvd. S.
The fun begins the night of the show with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and live music starting at 7 p.m. Admission at the door, the night of the show, is $20 per person. For more information, please call the Gulfport Casino Ballroom at (727) 893-1070.
More info Cocktails and Candy canes – Third Saturday Indie Faire Holiday Event! Saturday, December 18th | 1 – 9 p.m.
Downtown Waterfront District, Beach Blvd. S.
Come and celebrate the Holiday Season at a special Third Saturday Indie Faire! You’ll find a night market brimming with art, jewelry, plants, crafts, and other locally crafted finds. Along with vendors, you can catch live music and a special visit from Santa!
Upcoming Events & Meetings 
Members $7
Non-members $10
Website USA DANCE Presents Ballroom dancing Monday, December 20th | 7 – 10 p.m.
Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.
USA Dance provides dance opportunities for local citizens by organizing affordable social dances, dance lessons and dance workshops. The goal of the Suncoast chapter is to serve the USA Dance mission which is to increase the quality and quantity of ballroom dancing in America.
Contact Nancy Welch at, nancy01FL@aol.com for more information.
City Council Meeting (In Person & Zoom) Tuesday, December 21st | 6 p.m.
City Hall, 2401 53rd St. S. | 727-893-1012
Purchase Tickets Destination Theatre & Calliope Stage Present A Christmas Carol
Tuesday, December 21 – Thursday, 23 | 7:30 p.m.
Catherine Hickman Theater
5501 27th Ave. S.
Join us for a uniquely intimate and celebratory holiday experience reimagined with two performers in Tony Brown’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ original story, A Christmas Carol. You won’t want to miss this delightful Christmas experience!
Gulfport Lions Club – Feeding Tampa Bay Mobile Food Program
Tuesday, December 30th | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Gulfport Lions Club
4630 Tifton Drive S.
For additional updated assistance, text FTBFYI to 855-530-3663 or visit https://www.feedingtampabay.
org .
Tickets Swingin’ the New Year Friday, December 31st | 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.
Grand New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring 7-Piece Hot Swingin’ Band, Blues Walk. Live Music and dancing celebration from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Swing Dance Lesson: 8 – 9 p.m. (no partners needed). Midnight countdown with champagne toast available, dance performances and a photo booth! Dress to Impress! New Year’s & Vintage Attire Encouraged
More info First Friday Art Walk Friday, January 7th | 5 – 9 p.m.
Downtown Waterfront District
Beach Blvd. S.
Come join us with free live music up and down the street. Follow the flags for artist clusters, displaying paintings, jewelry, glass, mixed media sculpture and more. First Friday Art Walk is a juried event that welcomes emerging and professional artists in all media to engage in our arts loving community.
Gulfport Casino Ballroom
5500 Shore Blvd. S.
More info Soul Night at the Gulfport Casino Friday, January 14th | 7 p.m. – midnight
Second Friday of Every Month
Doors Open 6:45pm | $10 Admission
This month is a special Disco Party edition of Soul Night at the Gulfport Casino. Dance 8 p.m. – midnight to those funky disco grooves and beats. Arrive early for a Hustle Lesson 7 – 8 p.m. Get ready for the Soul Train!
Purchase tickets Gulfport Lions Club Foundation Rock the 70’s Dance Party
Saturday, January 29th | 7 – 11 p.m.
Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.
Join us for the first of what is sure to be an annual event! Cocktails, appetizers, and disco dancing on the south’s greatest dance floor!
Gulfport Lions Club Foundation is hosting this event to support the Boca Ciega High School Scholarship Fund. Come and enjoy a night of boogying with your friends and neighbors!
Tickets are $25 each or $30 for VIP which sits closest to the dance floor. We will have a silent auction, professional DJ, and maybe even a 70’s costume contest!
Community Outreach ALERTPinellas Sign up for emergency notification services here.
Pinellas County Emergency Management Prepare yourself and your family here.
Latest Beach Water Quality Sampling Data See the latest report here.
Public Cameras Check out our live streaming cameras here, to see what you are missing.
Gulfport Charter & Code of Ordinances Online access is provided at the following link.
Are You Ready to Help Gulfport Rebound? The Gulfport Rebound incentive program will provide vouchers for Gulfport residents for use at participating businesses negatively impacted by COVID‐19 as payment for goods and services. Don’t delay! Vouchers expire January 10, 2022.
Participating Businesses 
Pick-up will be by appointment only, so it’s important that we hear from you right away.
For more information on Operation Santa, please call at 893-1097 and leave a message.
Operation Santa 2021
It’s that time of year again and Santa is putting his list together! If you are a Gulfport resident and could use a little help, the Gulfport Police Department is now accepting applications for Christmas assistance through December 17, 2021, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday – Friday at Gulfport City Hall, 2401 53rd St. S.
Each family’s head of household must bring photo identification, proof of Gulfport residence as well as the name(s) and age(s) of child(ren) living in the home. Operation Santa will collect Christmas gifts for children ages 0 to 10 years of age. There will be no home deliveries and you must pick up your gifts at the Police Department from December 20 – 21, 2021.
If you have any questions,
please call 893-1097 and leave
a message and someone will
return your call.
To Assist Operation Santa 2021
For 30 years, Gulfport Police Department employees have sponsored a program called “Operation Santa” in which toys are donated to needy children that live in the City of Gulfport. Operation Santa has always been very successful in part due to the contributions we receive.
We would again like to ask you for your help in the form of donations, i.e. monetary, new unwrapped toys, and gift cards. Any help that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Join the band JOIN THE BAND – “Your Best is Good Enough”
Calling all musicians and aspiring musicians! (And especially percussionists!) The New Horizons Band of Gulfport will begin our first session of 2022 on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at the Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave S, Gulfport, FL.
The New Horizons mission is to give adults an opportunity to play music with others, whether that person is just learning to play a musical instrument, returning to play after a long absence,
or lifelong player.
- Green Band/beginning band – meets between 5:00 and 5:45 pm. This group is for those learning music for the first time or experienced musicians starting a new instrument.
- Concert Band meets between 6:00 and 8:00 pm. The band plays marches, show tunes, and popular music.
The Session 1 fee is $25 to cover band expenses. Bring an instrument and music stand.
Website Help for Families with Children
For families with children, finding and accessing the right services can be a challenge. That’s why the Family Services Initiative was created: to provide real-time help for struggling Pinellas families.
Trained professionals work in partnership with families to help overcome their challenges. Plus, resources are available for basic need items like food, kids’ beds/bedding, transportation, and rent/utility assistance. Four agencies are at the core of the initiative: 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares, Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services, Personal Enrichment through Mental Health Services (PEMHS), and the Juvenile Welfare Board. In addition, multiple community partners access and contribute to the system.
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/ .
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.
Coming Soon!
Veterans Park Memorial Pavers
Available Now to Support
the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation
More info 
Wood Ibis Park is a 4-acre park located along 58th St. S. at approximately 28th Ave. S. The most distinguishing feature of the park is the lake. With native aquatic plantings and a fountain to keep the water aerated, the park has become a favorite location for small bunnies, wading birds and a variety of ducks.
Learn more 
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 ride. For more information, call 893-2242.
If you have questions please contact library staff at (727) 893-1073
or (727) 893-1074 during normal business hours, Monday – Friday
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Saturday
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Gulfport Public Library is open with normal business hours. We are committed to the health and well-being of the citizens we serve. The Gulfport Library is open with limited services to the public, observing best practices for the safety of both citizens and staff.
If you continue to self-isolate and require library services: The Gulfport Public Library has a number of free services patrons can utilize to checkout eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, or learn a learn a language.
If you have questions please contact library staff at (727) 893-1073 or (727) 893-1074 during normal business hours, Monday – Friday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
The City App for iOS and Android mobile devices, allows residents to connect more conveniently with City government to report issues and request non-emergency services. For more information, please email info@mygulfport.us or call 727-893-1118.
Learn more City of Gulfport, Florida | https://mygulfport.us/ 
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field
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Our NC Coast’s History: The Early Days of Bogue Banks by David Cecelski
David Cecelski found this group of photographs at the State Archives of North Carolina in Raleigh. They were taken in Salter Path, a fishing village on the North Carolina coast, probably in 1938 or 1939.
Map of the western end of Bogue Banks and Bogue Sound around 1900. From Kay Holt Robert Stephens 1984 work, “Judgment Land: The Story of Salter Path,” vol. 1.”
Our Coast’s history: The early days of Bogue Banks
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