Visit Logged
  •  Chart View
    • At Current Location
    • At Selected Location
    • Enter A Location
    • Enter Latitude and Longitude
  •  Fuel Prices
    • Lowest Diesel Prices Anywhere
    • Lowest Gas Prices Anywhere
    • Virgina to North Carolina
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
    • Georgia
    • Eastern Florida
    • St. Johns River
    • Florida Keys
    • Okeechobee Waterway
    • Western Florida
  • Select Region
    • All Regions
    • VA to NC Line
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
    • Georgia
    • Eastern Florida
    • Western Florida
    • Florida Keys
    • Okeechobee Waterway
    • Northern Gulf
    • Bahamas
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Pennsylvania
    • Washington
    • Puerto Rico
    • Minnesota
    • Maryland
    Order by:
    • Dec 30, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Proof of Pump-out to be Required in Key West?

      Captain Kettlewell sends us this article by reporter Gwen Filosa in The Florida Keys and Key West’s Daily Inline News. The report details discussions between members of the Bight Management Board and Mark Tait, the manager of the City Marina, concerning enforcement of the current law requiring pump-outs. For the complete story, go to: http://keysnews.com/node/52348. Such enforcement will affect transients and live-aboards.

      Key West is considering requiring dinghies and visiting boats to show proof of pumpouts before docking!
      What about those of us who use composting or incinerating toilets or porta potties?
      John Kettlewell

      While I absolutely agree that no boat should ever pump raw sewage overboard, someone in the Key West city attorney’s office and Monroe County should read the Federal Clean Water Act! It clearly and specifically prohibits states (and, therefore, municipalities from regulating MSDs or their use! They can enforce the Federal law and regulations but cannot go beyond those requirements. The federal law and regulations were put in place to avoid just this type of hodgepodge of laws which would be impossible for vessels to know or follow as they transit different local jurisdictions.
      Larry Sherman s/v Enchantress

      As a follow-up to my recent email regarding Key West requiring proof of pumpout, here is the Federal law prohibiting the states and their political subdivisions from doing that! Perhaps you could have your friends at BoatUS look into this?
      (f) Regulation by States or political subdivisions thereof; complete prohibition upon discharge of sewage
      (1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), after the effective date of the initial standards and regulations promulgated under this section, no State or political subdivision thereof shall adopt or enforce any statute or regulation of such State or political subdivision with respect to the design, manufacture, or installation or use of any marine sanitation device on any vessel subject to the provisions of this section.
      (B) A State may adopt and enforce a statute or regulation with respect to the design, manufacture, or installation or use of any marine sanitation device on a houseboat, if such statute or regulation is more stringent than the standards and regulations promulgated under this section. For purposes of this paragraph, the term `houseboat’ means a vessel which, for a period of time determined by the State in which the vessel is located, is used primarily as a residence and is not used primarily as a means of transportation.
      Larry Sherman s/v Enchantress

      With respect to the federal law quoted, consider that Texas has an MSD Certification requirement (TEX WA. CODE ANN. § 26.044 : Texas Statutes ‘“ Section 26.044: DISPOSAL OF BOAT SEWAGE)
      That has been in place since 2009 without federal challenge.
      It applies thusly, `As used in this section, `boat’ means any vessel or other watercraft, whether moved by oars, paddles, sails, or other power mechanism, inboard or outboard, or any other vessel or structure floating on water in this state, whether or not capable of self-locomotion, including but not limited to cabin cruisers, houseboats, barges, marinas, and similar floating objects.’ The Gulf ICW is “water” in this state.
      Chris and Janet

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 25, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) Proposes Three Year Extension of the Pilot Mooring Field Program

      Just before Christmas, we received a telephone call from a fellow cruiser, reporting that the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) was going to propose a three year extension of the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program. There was not time to verify this data before the Holiday, but then, over Christmas, Captain Michael Connelly forwarded the “Florida Keysnoter” (www.keysnet.com) story below (see red text), which confirms the FWC’s action.
      The entire issue of Florida anchoring rights and Florida mooring fields has become a fast moving, and much discussed issue here on the SSECN. First, we presented a very frank discussion about the desirability of having mooring fields at all (see /?p=123153), and then comes the bombshell that ALL Florida anchoring and mooring field regulations are being challenged in US Federal court (see /?p=129877)! Now, here comes the FWC proposing a three year extension of the Pilot Program.
      It’s becoming a full time job just to keep up with this dynamic situation. The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net promises to do all in our power to keep the cruising community fully informed on all the latest developments in the struggle for Florida anchoring rights. HOWEVER, we need the help of fellow cruisers, like yourself and Captain Connelly. WHENEVER YOU GET WIND OF ANY LATE BREAKING DEVELOPMENTS, PLEASE SHOOT THAT INFO TO THE SSECN AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE MOMENT!

      New managed anchoring areas in the Florida Keys could have a short life span.
      A statewide pilot program that allowed creation of the new areas expires in July unless the Florida Legislature acts this spring.
      In October 2012, Monroe County commissioners gave final approval to the managed anchoring zones, or narrow no-anchoring buffer zones around existing mooring fields, in Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor, and in Lower Keys waters of Boca Chica Basin, Key West Harbor and Cow Key Channel.
      Over the past year, the areas went into effect as boundaries were marked by signs, and informational brochures were distributed to boaters and local marinas. A system of providing free but mandatory sewage pumpouts once a month was instituted.
      “Things are in place and going well,” Rich Jones, Monroe County’s senior administrator of Marine Resources, said this week.
      “We have not had a lot of feedback” from boaters using the areas, Jones said, “other than everybody likes the free pumpouts.”
      Information on how many boats are using the managed areas was not available at press time.
      The Legislature passed the 2009 law allowing the pilot program in five specific areas, including the Keys. The legislation specifies that the special rules will sunset on July 1 unless extended.
      It took time for local jurisdictions to craft their plans and rules, then have them approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Monroe County’s pilot program also needed the endorsement of city officials in Marathon and Key West.
      A slate of requests from the FWC board to state legislators for this spring’s session is expected to include a recommendation that the pilot anchoring program be extended until 2017.
      The Keys zones primarily were created to eliminate the illegal dumping of sewage from anchored boats, and identify boats at risk of sinking and becoming derelict.
      “Florida Keys waters have historically been used for living aboard and storage of vessels at anchor,” says the county’s managed-area information. “The water-related Keys lifestyle is a traditional part of the Keys culture. However, in recent years irresponsible boating practices, associated with proliferation of unmanaged anchorages, have created environmental impacts that have become a growing public concern.”
      As it stands, the Monroe County anchorages would remain if the Florida Legislature extends the pilot program. However, Monroe County commissioners could end the local program on their own by changing the local law creating them.

      As of 1/6/14, the “Keynoter” has published a follow-up story on this issue at:

      http://keysnews.com/node/52752

      It’s WELL WORTH READING. PLEASE follow the link above!

      I view FWC’s latest announcement as a positive move. The state of Florida is continuing to hold municipalities accountable until a formal process for establishing anchorages and mooring fields is put in place. By doing this FWC (the state of Florida) prevents the Wild West of anchoring rules which are dreamed up by any town, county or city who wishes to displace or control boaters. If ultimately there is a permanent Florida state statute which has similar checks and balances in place as the current temporary statute, I believe the boating public at large will be equally well served.
      Philip Johnson

      Anyone who thinks the FWC has nothing better to do than harass local live a boards, has no idea of what’s going on. Every thing they are trying to enforce only promotes the conservation of our beautiful community. Follow the rules when you are in our backyard and you will find the harassment non existent.
      Today alone between noon and two o’clock FWC resecued a lost diver, responded to a reported square grouper, and investigated a migrant insertion vessel off of boot key.
      Joe Bauman

      I’m sorry to say, but I know of some experienced cruisers that are staying away from these communities with managed mooring fields and anti-anchoring regulations. The derelicts have not gone away, just moved elsewhere. So the only people impacted by these laws are the responsible transient boaters like myself who prefer to use our thousands of dollars of anchoring gear for something other than bow jewelry. And, these communities that think they will now reap the rewards of forcing boaters to pick up pay moorings are paying for all this with their taxes as the fees do not cover the costs of building, running, and maintaining the fields.
      John Kettlewell

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 19, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Results of 12/18/13 Meeting At Boot Key Harbor Marina Between FWC Representatives, Marathon Local Government Leaders, and the Cruising Coummunity

      It is now the morning of 12/19/13, and we have already been on the telephone with “Katrina,” Administrative Assistant for the Boot Key City Harbormaster, and have learned that a meeting did indeed take place last evening, at Boot Key Harbor City Marina with representatives of the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Service), local Marathon, Florida governmental officials, and a host of cruisers. If you have been following this situation both here on the SSECN, and/or on the Cruisers’ Forum (see both /?p=129366 and http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f57/civil-rights-attorney-needed-marathon-fl-116693-11.html), you know that a HOST of cruisers have lodged serious complaints and questions about “heavy handed” actions on the part of FWC officers in boarding and inspecting vessels both at anchor, and on the city provided mooring balls, in Boot Key Harbor.
      The Marathon local government became integrally involved in this matter following a very substantial cruising community presence at the last city council meeting. Unfortunately, the on-line minutes of this meeting are not yet available, but we are told the city government expressed serious concern about the actions of the FWC, and it apparently became quite clear that local government was very much an ally of the entire cruising community in this matter.
      One of the prime movers in this entire affair has been the captain of the sailing vessel, “Thin Line.” Late in the day on 12/19/13, the master of this vessel posted a note on Cruisers’ Forum, which we have reprinted below! It makes for very interesting reading, and provides what is probably the BEST summary of the 12/18/12 meeting!
      Back to the timeline, the result of all this early interaction was that a meeting was arranged for the evening of 12/18/13 to bring together all interested and concerned parties. As alluded to above, this meeting was indeed held, and, thanks to our conversation with “Katrina,” we are able to provide a summary of what took place.
      We interviewed “Katrina” on the morning of 12/19/13 at some length about this important gathering, and were told that the meeting encompassed better than three hours, and provided a forum for many cruisers to voice their concerns to Captain David Dipre, lead FWC representative, who “chaired” the meeting. We were told the give and take between cruisers and the FWC “went fairly well,” and many “left with a positive note.”
      Captain Dipre suggested that all cruisers and boat owners who experience future problems with FWC officers, contact him directly at 305-289-2320. He and his fellows also brought along books of Florida boating regulations which were distributed at the meeting, and it was discussed which regs applied to the situation in Boot Key Harbor.
      And now, we will leave our reporting mode, and enter into some editorial comments. ALL CRUISERS AND LOCAL BOAT OWNERS WHO BROUGHT THIS SITUATION TO THE FORE, AND SHONE A SPOTLIGHT ON THE ACTIONS OF THE FWC, HAVE DONE A GREAT SERVICE FOR THE CRUISING COMMUNITY! With this much attention being paid, it’s a very safe bet that FWC officers operating in Boot Key Harbor will be very mindful of courtesy and their own conduct regulations for some time to come!
      It is the editorial opinion of the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net that Boot Key Harbor is once again, and will most likely remain so for some time to come, a welcoming place for both resident and visiting cruisers. And, that’s a very good thing indeed, as Boot Key Harbor is the finest and most protected natural anchorage in all of the Florida Keys.
      Be ASSURED that the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net will continue to monitor this situation closely. Let’s all hope the meeting of 12/18/13 closes this unfortunate chapter which has blemished an otherwise sterling cruising destination in the Florida Keys. Please let us know about your experiences in BKH by sending e-mail to CruiserNet@triad.twcbc.com, or following the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below!

      And now, PLEASE READ THESE IMPORTANT WORDS FROM THE CAPTAIN OF THE “THIN LINE:”

      Sorry I haven’t been able to respond until now, our harbor internet is being worked on so I couldn’t write last night and I had to work today.
      Last nights meeting was well attended, both by boaters, the FWC, and other interested parties. There were 2 FWC Capt’s, and 1 officer, 4 USCG, as well as the Mayor and several city council members. While the discussion was at times heated and several times seemed to derail and go off track, overall there was much good discussion. What I find interesting is the varying opinions of the way the meeting turned out. I personally think the meeting accomplished everything we set out to do. We,,

      1. Brought attention to the problem.
      2. They acknowledged our voice by having the meeting, and by those who attended.
      3. They were in PR mode and attempted to put a human face on the FWC, Capt Dupree represented them well.
      4. The FWC acknowledged there were problems with some laws and they are working on getting them resolved.
      5. Cleared up some rumors that were blown way out of proportion.
      6. We were able to establish that almost, if not all, of the questionable interactions were from 1 particular officer. (training issue)
      7. Capt Dupree stated that his officers are being instructed to show greater discretion and more respect for the boaters in Boot Key.
      8. Both Capt’s have instituted an open door policy, as well as gave out personal numbers to discuss issues as they happen instead of letting it come to a head.
      9. Agreed we need to keep this open dialogue and should have a town hall type meeting a couple times per year.

      Sure, some of the people that attended wanted a full blown apology, with FWC admitting they did something wrong and groveling, obviously that was not going to happen. They do have to maintain the integrity of the field officers (even if they were wrong) however the general impression I got was they were there to repair the relationship. The Mayor and the city showed a huge amount of support and validation for us as boaters and wanted to make sure this was resolved. Overall the people that attended were well behaved, well mannered and even though a few wanted to bring pitchforks and torches, they checked them at the door. Most importantly my kids were there from start to finish, they got to see how people can rally together and change things. It was also another example of always standing up for what is right, even if it’s not directly affecting you right now, it could have eventually and it was just plain wrong. Everyone stood together, we made our voice heard and to me, that means we won this battle.
      Thank you to everyone for your support, your phone calls and your kind words, they helped tremendously! For those of you that were going to skip Boot Key, don’t, you’ll be missing out on a strong community of amazing people I’m proud to call friends.
      *_The following is what I said at the meeting when I was asked to speak. I hope I represented the harbor well and I tried to walk a “thin line” between being an upset boater/member of this community, and being a city employee. _*

      *We are here tonight to raise questions, questions we as boaters need answers to. Hopefully tonight we will all leave here a little wiser and with far less anxiety. The FWC’s presence in the harbor starting on Thanksgiving day was overwhelming to say the least. Nightly spotlighting, and late night boarding of vessels without cause brought a sense of fear into Boot Key Harbor. This is a family community of live aboard boaters, these are our homes. I also know that FOR NOW’¦ these are not offered the same protection, but they should be offered respect. A little bit of tact on the part of the FWC officers in question and we might not be here tonight.
      Capt Dupree you said something the other day that stuck with me, it’s something I think might have prevented the entire situation in the harbor if those officers here would have followed your advice. “Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should” Just because you can board a vessel at 11pm, waking a family, scaring the children AND the parents out of sleep and into a state of disorientation, doesn’t mean you should. Using discretion and a little bit of tact, goes a long way with the public, just as the decision of your officers went a long way in creating this negative situation. Their actions have reached far beyond the mangroves of Boot Key Harbor. There are articles nationwide in magazines, internet and other media, and the city marina is fielding calls daily from all over the country about this situation. On cruisers forum alone there are over 15k views and word is spreading fast. We all await the outcome of this meeting. Many people have decided to skip Boot Key until this is resolved. This lost revenue creates a ripple effect that also reaches far and beyond the harbor. Cruisers bring money, dispensable income that infuses the economy here in Marathon. These businesses also have an interest in the outcome of this meeting.
      I understand after talking with you, several of these citations were warranted. Many times the one ticket written was the least of the many infractions the individual could have gotten. Other times the citations have been odd, if not just plain bizarre. Writing tickets for things nobody has ever heard of, again, “Just because they can”. Capt Dupree, what we want is consistent interactions and for you to pass this message to your officers in the field. We are not going to live in fear, we will not put up with heavy handed officers, and we WILL call into question at the highest levels, the necessity of actions such as nightly spotlighting and shining into my 8 year old daughters bedroom window. How many nights in a row do you have to “check my registration”? Capt Dupree we welcome the dialogue and the help in returning Boot Key Harbor to the way it was before Thanksgiving. Respect is not something that comes with a gun and a badge, fear does not earn it and it is not blindly given. When it is not given to us we question that authority, so tonight lets try and repair what has been damaged and show each other mutual respect.. Thank you. *

      What was the reason for the heavy handed and (in my view) illegal police activity?
      Captain Mike Wright

      Captain Wright wrote, `What was the reason for the heavy handed and (in my view) illegal police activity?’
      Captain Wright,
      1. What was the answer you received from FWC?
      2. What do you expect to change as a result of the meeting?
      Thanks
      Jim

      My good friend Walt Avery has retired from his career as a marine biologist working in Tampa Bay on seagrass restoration to live aboard his lovingly restores Pearson 39. He is a waterman with as good a knowledge of the rules and regulations as any one I know but he is now fighting a jack-booted FWC in Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor.
      He relates the story of a family with children rousted in the middle of the night for inspection.

      I don’t know how aware you or those in the Marine Industries Association are of what is going on but he reports that FWC is running off law abiding yachtsmen with enforcement of obscure regulations (like needing a 12-volt system on your dingy to maintain a yellow over white light over the long winter night.)
      Law abiding yachtsmen are facing criminal prosecution for bizarre laws.
      The restaurants are losing customers who don’t want to get caught taking their dingies back to their boats after dark without full lighting, not just a motoring light.
      Boot Key Harbor, which generally has a waiting list this time of year has a 20% vacancy due to FWC tactics including late night inspections and demands that out of state yachtsmen from states that don’t require registration of documented vessels must now register their boats in Florida if they stay longer than 60 days. Think of having to pay sales tax on your yacht’s value if you want to come and spend money in Florida.
      I want to spread the word. Our marinas could be next.
      Merry Christmas,
      Kevin

      Actions speak louder than words. Hopefully, the meeting will help the situation. But don’t get your hopes up. This has been going on for decades in Boot Key Harbor. I was there in 1988, when they did a joint operation with the Florida Marine Patrol, Monroe County Sheriffs, Customs and immigration, and the FWC.They sealed the harbor on both ends,and using a bullhorn, ordered everyone to return to their boats and standby for boarding. They then spent the entire day boarding boats and writing frivolous citations. I believe Capt Dipre is the same guy who was some kind of spokesman for the FWC at the time. He went on the local radio station and basically said they planned to keep on doing it. Boot key Harbor has been the subject of harassment for decades, with occasional periods of relative calm, followed by more harassment.
      Also see the Sept 2007 issue of southwinds, and scroll down to the `letters’, where this then `officer’ Dipre is mentioned, regarding another raid. It appears he is probably behind most of the harassment, but seems to be softening his image a bit at the recent meeting.
      http://www.southwindssailing.com/pdfs-issues/southwindsseptember2007.pdf
      This Dipre guy has been defending his cops for the past 25 years, with any relief being short lived!
      Scott Kuhnen

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marathon, Florida’s Boot Key Harbor

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Boot Key Harbor City Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boot Key Harbor City Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 12, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Potential Problems With Florida Fish and Wildlife Service Patrols (FWC) in Marathon, Florida’s Boot Key Harbor

      On 12/9/13, it was brought to the attention of the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net that there was/is a lengthy thread of messages on the Cruisers Forum (http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f57/civil-rights-attorney-needed-marathon-fl-116693-11.html) about what has been described as “heavy handed tactics” on the part of the FWC (formerly the Florida Marine Patrol) regarding boats anchored, and on the city provided mooring balls, in Marathon, Florida’s Boot Key Harbor. This lengthy chain of messages was begun by this article, posted by a local cruiser and employee of the Marathon City Marina, located in Boot Key Harbor:

      Every night for the past two weeks the boaters in Boot Key Harbor have been harassed by the FWC. I understand they need to do their job, however if the following is “doing their job” then I don’t even recognize the place I grew up.
      Shining lights in boat windows at 10:30PM, boarding boats when people are fast asleep. This is my home and my daughters bed is right by the window, what right do they have to shine lights in my house waking us up when not investigating anything, it’s become a nightly occurrence.
      Tonight they tried to tell a group of us on land to leave the area at the city marina. We stood fast and refused to leave since we were in no way interfering with their duties and we paid to be there. Dictating our actions on land when not on the water seems a slight overstep. The boaters of Boot Key Harbor are being harassed by the FWC, they have written unwarranted tickets to people just arriving and boats are leaving because of it. They even forced someone to FL register their boat, the person actually got a refund from the tax collectors because the FWC was absolutely wrong. A boat that was here 19 days received a ticket for not being FL registered, 19 days in the state and they wrote a ticket. The best one I’ve heard was them tell a person they were giving them a warning for having wet life jackets, apparently wet life jackets don’t float
      I understand Marathon is a training ground for the FWC, but if this is the training they are receiving it scares me to think what’s coming. The boaters in Marathon are sick of it and ready to take a stand, we need an attorney to stop the midnight searches, blinding spotlights and floating checkpoints that harass law abiding boaters, we are not the enemy. If anyone can suggest someone in the local area, it would be very much appreciated.
      S/V Thin Red Line

      Unfortunately, after this original, very thoughtful message was published, there followed a long string of submissions about America becoming a police state of some sort. That is certainly not the editorial view of the SSECN, and most of these postings added nothing to a substantive discussion about problems with the FWC in Boot Key Harbor.
      Then, more recently, the “Thin Red Line” recorded the following note:

      First of all I have no problem with the USCG and their authority, this strictly has to do with the FWC in Marathon please try to stay on topic.
      I am sorry I haven’t had a whole lot of time to respond but I have been actively organizing several things including a presence at the Marathon city council meeting this Thursday at 5:30pm. We have contacted the mayor, Keynoter newspaper as well as other media outlets. The harassment has been of ALL boats in Boot Key, both anchored and moored. The city marina is aware but has no pull, the local sheriff also has his hands tied and can do nothing to call them off. The harbormaster attempted to arrange a meeting with a FWC representative and was denied.
      We are encouraging everyone to record any and all interactions with FWC via smartphone, camera etc. People are not enjoying this wonderful community, afraid to simply dinghy to shore, even legally. They are writing “warning” tickets to people for things that do not exist, things they couldn’t actually cite or write an actual ticket for. They hover around the dinghy dock and point to people that aren’t even operating a vessel and shout “come here”. The roaming of the harbor past 11pm while randomly spotlighting vessels, shining their lights in ports and boarding boats without owners is where I draw the line. My 8 year old daughters bed is right at our port window, what right do they have to wake me, or my family for no reason?
      The other night we had a potluck and they hovered around stopping any and all dinghies they could. Once as they were leaving the canal at WELL over idle speed (idle speed in all manmade canals is posted right there) we told them to slow down and they did only to tell us “Hey guys, catch ya later” while laughing and resuming their harassment.
      A few nights ago I called FWC dispatch to report a manatee in distress entangled in crab traps, I was told they were busy and the dispatcher did not even take all of my information. They did call back the next afternoon to find out more, however they were there later that night to harass boaters. I thought they were the Florida Fish & Wildlife? Yet they have no concern when I call for that exact thing? They were too busy writing a ticket for someone having “wet lifejackets” Yep that’s right wet life jackets.. Did you know according to FWC if your lifejackets are wet they won’t float..
      We need help, we need to show them we know the limit of their power and will not accept abuse. I am in a unique position because I am a city employee, however I am also a resident here in Boot Key, but first and foremost I’m a boater and this is my neighborhood too.
      S/V Thin Line

      Originally, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net did not know the results of the Marathon City Council meeting referred to above. However, after including a reference to this entire situation in our “SSECN Alert” of 12/13/13, Captains David O’Neil and Sue Kennedy remedied that situation, and the meeting results are MOST ENCOURAGING. In fact, it is now known that local government in Marathon is very much on the side of the cruising community.
      Before sharing this encouraging news, we need to bring two other very important messages to light, which originally appeared before the local meeting in Marathon:

      This is the response from the FWC. If more of us contact them it may have an effect!!!
      http://myfwc.com/contact/fwc-staff/report-misconduct/
      Dear Mr. and Mrs. Deranek:
      The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Office of Inspector General (OIG) received your email concerning FWC officers in Marathon, i.e. harassing boaters in Boot Key Harbor. We will look into the allegations and inform you of the outcome.
      Sincerely,
      Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
      Office of Inspector General
      620 S. Meridian Street
      Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
      (850)488-6068 (office)
      (850)488-6414 (FAX)

      And, also posted on 12/10/13, there is this tantalizing message!

      The fwc has agreed to a meeting at the marina on the evening of the 18th. We will all be there. Should be an interesting night. I believe that a great deal of the problem is new young officers. They wrote one guy a warning for not having an anchor light on his dingy that was tied to his anchored boat with a six foot line. (His sailboat did have an anchor light) It really has reached the point of supidity. We are paid up till the 2nd, thinking of leaing then and spend the rest of the season in Islamarada.
      Ready2GO

      As alluded to above, after our “Alert” of 12/13/13, within a few hours, we heard from Captain David O’Neil who provided a link to a later “Thin Line” message giving the results of the Marathon City Council meeting, while Captain Sue Kennedy sent us the entire text. The note below proves there can still be GOOD NEWS when it comes to Florida cruising, AND that Marathon local government is as concerned about this situation as those of us in the cruising community. Read on!

      The city council meeting went better than anyone could have imagined. The city manager brought the issue to the attention of everyone before I even had a chance to speak, the mayor and the city council are extremely troubled by the actions of the FWC. I spoke in front of the largest attended meeting in the history of the city of Marathon, our presence was obvious and kudos to everyone that rallied together. The mayor and the city council will be attending our meeting with FWC here at city marina on Dec 18th at 6pm, along with the city manager.
      The FWC Sgt that is representing the FWC at the meeting used to be an officer here in Marathon and still lives here. When he was here the other day we discussed several of the issues at hand and both sides of the story were presented to each other. While I agreed most of the tickets were valid, he also stated that it wasn’t the right way to go about things. “just because officers can do something, doesn’t mean they should” We discussed the fact that while many of the tickets written were law, several of them were ones nobody would ever write. For instance there is a law that states your dinghy, if not tied up beside your boat needs to have it’s own anchorlight. However who writes that ticket? A new officer trying to make an impression that’s who .
      The Sgt will be helping us understand what they are looking for, discussing the legality of their boardings and what they can and can’t do, as well as acting as a point of contact if we have any further problems. On that note, we have not seen and FWC boat in the harbor in 4 to 5 days, maybe someone received a memo? Boot Key is worth stopping, it’s a wonderful place full of families and a strong sense of community. My twochildren are both surrounded by otherkids and right now the harbor has well over 15 kids. The problem appears to be on the mend and things seem to be on their way back to normal.
      Thank you CF and all those that are supporting our cause. Fair winds..
      Thin Red Line

      Clearly, the meeting between local cruisers, Marathon government officials, and the FWC on 12/18/13 will be the key element in hopefully solving this situation once and for all. We will report the results of that conference just as soon as possible.
      In the meantime, THE SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET CONTINUES TO URGE ALL CRUISERS WHO HAVE HAD DIRECT EXPERIENCE, GOOD, BAD OR INDIFFERENT, WITH THE FWC IN BOOT KEY HARBOR TO LET US HEAR FROM YOU. And, please do NOT send us submissions about how the USA has become a “police state.” This is not useful input, and will not be published on the SSECN.
      HOWEVER, to be repetitive, we DO need to hear from every possible cruiser who has first hand experience with the FWC in Boot Key Harbor. PLEASE follow the “Click Here to Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, or send us e-mail at CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com. Your fellow cruisers heading for the Florida Keys can’t wait to hear from you!

      And, below are some additional messages from the cruising community:

      Time to contact the chamber of commerce and let them know you will not be spending any money there.
      Ted

      I would love to hear all the facts from both sides on this issue. We were planning on visiting for a winter, but’¦..
      I hope the situation is not without repair. It would be nice to know all the facts and circumstances. I have been to Boot Key and the Keys many times without problem.
      Here is the harbor web cam http://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/government/departments/marina-and-ports/marina-webcam/
      Sonny Reeves

      Here is a link to the OP’s (Thin Line) update on the city council meeting and it’s results regarding the current situation in Boot Key Harbor.
      http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f57/civil-rights-attorney-needed-marathon-fl-116693-13.html#post1413678
      David ONeill

      Claiborne,
      There are several different issues here, widely misunderstood, and jumbled together. That is not helpful to reasoned thought and discussion. It amazes me how little cruisers know about this topic and how willing many seem to be to give up their rights and their privacy ‘“ and mine ‘“ so easily.
      First, the legal authority of the USCG comes directly from the United States Congress. There is an excellent article on USCG boarding authority, published in the USCG Summer, 2009, issues of `Proceedings’ Magazine, page 29, here: http://uscgproceedings.epubxp.com/i/85792. Those that argue the extra-Constitutionality of USCG boardings would benefit from knowing that the same congress (1790) that gave us the 4th Amendment gave the predecessors of today’s Coast Guard the authority to board all vessels in US waters. That congress, I infer, UNDERSTOOD the meaning of the Constitution that they, themselves, had written. Note that other FEDERAL AGENCIES appear to have that same boarding authority, including the Navy and CBP. Now I grant you, in 1790, there weren’t many live-aboard long range cruisers. And probably none with innocent motives. Nevertheless, that USCG operates with full Congressional authority, and full governmental immunity, for better or for worse.
      Second, what is really at issue in Marathon is the LEGAL authority of state, municipal and `other,’ miscellaneous agencies; the USCG has no role in that discussion. I don’t know if boardings by these state and lesser agencies has been litigated anywhere, but assuming the stories about what’s going on in Marathon are true and correct, I’d guess that FWC is far in excess of US Constitutional authority. Some `federal’ authorities ‘“ USCG, CBP ‘“ may be exempt from the need to demonstrate probable cause, but state, county and local authorities most probably are not. It’s even possible that these agents are operating within their state’s adopted statutory authority, but if that’s so, the adopting state legislature would be unconstitutionally exceeding their authority. This is the same issue cruisers face in the Lower Hudson Valley with 30 +/- local police agencies all doing boardings. And we all remember the armed boarding done by the Volusia County, Florida, sheriff’s department. That got swept under the rug, but it was certainly excessive under the guise of a safety or MSD inspection, and it happened because these agencies operate beyond their authority in the first place.
      From our position as cruisers, the only way this can be stopped is for someone to litigate it through the courts, as Dave Dumas did in the Marco Island anchoring debacle. Until a judge issues a restraining order, jurisdictions and rogue officers can operate any way they wish. That appears to be what FWC is doing in Marathon, or at least, allowing a rogue officer to do. Until a judge issues a restraining order, the only tool we have as cruisers is public opinion and economic withdrawal.
      One last thing. Let me emphasize, I am NOT lobbying for people being allowed to pump overboard or for ignoring unsafe operation. But, I also do not approve of the excessive and inappropriate use of police power by states, counties, municipalities and agencies. There is NEVER a reason for `boating safety inspections’ to take place after dark, and certainly not when people might reasonably be asleep aboard!
      Thank you.
      Jim Healy

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 5, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      A Frank Discussion of the Pros and Cons of Florida’s New Mooring Fields

      Now, here we have a LIVELY discussion about the pros and cons (in this case, mostly “cons”) of mooring fields in Florida. It is only fair to note that other strings of messages here on the SSECN, and in other forums, have expressed good opinions of the Florida mooring fields.
      Clearly, this is an issue that arouses passions within the cruising community, no matter on which side of the issue you fall.
      WE ENCOURAGE SSECN READERS TO EXPRESS THEIR POINT OF VIEW ON THIS TIMELY TOPIC. Please follow the “Click Here to Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, or send e-mail to EditorialDirector@CruisersNet.net.
      Let the discussion begin!

      I would like to start a conversation and try to force some changes. I have two problems I have noticed with Florida mooring fields. One is they seem to be placing the boundary marks for the field in a much larger area than they need to, making good anchoring space unusable. The two I have noticed this at are St Augustine and Titusville. The other issue is some are charging the same rate for a mooring as they are for just dinghy dockage. Examples being Marathon and Vero Beach. I don’t think we should have to pay the same fee for less services. If you are anchored that is one more mooring open for them to rent therefore the price should reflect that. They have a lot of money invested in those mooring and the price should be less if you are not using one. They are either undercharging mooring customers or overcharging anchored customers. I hope I am not just ranting and others agree with me. Any comments would be good, and I would like if anyone has any ideas of how to change this. With Florida’s past issues with anchoring I hope this is not a way for them restrict our anchoring. This net seems to get things out there and get people motivated. You do A great service to the cruising community and I thank you.
      Mike ODonnell SV Bay Tripper

      For both Marathon & Vero Beach, anchoring is either limited or not permitted. What those prices tell me is they REALLY want you to take a mooring. If you don’t like it, don’t stop there.
      Tom

      Thanks for the comment. I have gone by and not stopped in the past because of the mooring field, until I found there is still lots of good anchoring room. Vero Beach tried to outlaw anchoring but the court took that down. The mooring field is regularly full and you need to raft three boats together which doesn’t work for me with two young kids. I don’t think anyone wants to pay for a mooring and have a baby in the boat next to them wake them 5 times during the night. I anchored in vero for at least two weeks last year while provisioning for the winter. The marina told me we were not welcome there unless we rent a mooring whether we used the mooring or not. But there are a few other places to tye a dingy in the area so its still a good stop. I was willing to pay them $10 per day for just dingy dockage and no mooring, but they would not do anything less than the full rate. So they got no money from me instead. They could have made a few hundred dollars more and rented the mooring I was not using. There loss not mine.
      Mike

      I’ll just plan my future trips in Florida so that I don’t have to stop at any place with one of these crappy mooring fields.
      Until all the places in Florida who don’t want tourist money are gone, it’s easy to just avoid these places. Every decision in Florida government (I used to live there) is made with a calculator. We just need to make sure the places who make these decisions regret it when they add the numbers up in a few years.
      R. Holiman

      Another complaint I have is the requirement in the Key West mooring field to put one months deposit down. I only had a debit card so they took 600 and change to move in and once I left it took over 2 weeks for the money to be returned. The facilities were decent enough though.
      Dave C

      I have no problem paying the mooring fee for Vero, Fernandina and St. Augustine, but it would really help if these areas were also designated as no wake zones covering the entire limits of the mooring field and not just the marina. Sitting on a mooring in St. Augustine only to be waked by passing powerboats including those belonging to Homeland Security really grates me.
      Bob

      To me it’s simple. Anchoring is a cruising skill that I like to use and perfect, just like many others. It is an enjoyable part of cruising that is an important part of the experience to me. So, I go where I can anchor, and I don’t go where I am forced to take a mooring or else the moorings and dockage so restrict the anchoring area as to make it undesirable or unsafe. My money is spent where I can anchor out. Taking away my ability to anchor is like telling me I am not allowed to raise sails on my sailboat because the powers that be want me to purchase diesel fuel. Plus, money I am forced to spend on a mooring is also money that is not available to be spent by me in local restaurants and shops, and it shortens my stay in a town. In most cases, mooring fields are all about the money, despite the insane justifications made for them with regard to derelict boats, etc. I have personally managed to anchor just outside of the vast Marathon mooring field during the summer season when the moorings were doing the city no good as they were empty growing barnacles. They were simply blocking the harbor anchorage area, meaning those of us who want to anchor were only staying for a short time and then heading elsewhere.
      John Kettlewell

      By the way, as a follow up to my comments above, it should be noted that most of these mooring fields end up being big money losers for the communities that put them in. Most of the Florida fields are paid for by the taxpayers, and then the collected fees almost never cover expenses so the taxpayers end up paying again. Even the giant field at Marathon has only been kept afloat through the injection of hundreds of thousands of dollars from local taxpayers. Maintenance is therefore often neglected or postponed, and I know of several cases of moorings being declared unsafe in Florida. However, there is no standard of inspection required’“you are depending for the safety of your boat on the skill, vigilance, and budget of municipal employees, often hired at low wages. I have personally observed unsafe practices being utilized in the construction of some mooring components in a major field’“I wouldn’t trust my boat to such practices.
      John Kettlewell

      Your right about them not making enough money on the moorings. Marathon told me they raised the dinghy dock fee because they have been undercharging the mooring customers and need to make up for it. Does that make any sense? They don’t want to raise the mooring rate because when they installed the field they told people it would be kept affordable. Again, charging the same price for less services would not be tolerated in any other business.
      Mike

      Mooring fields create another option for cruisers to access marina facilities and communities at a lower price than transient slip fee rates. Some even provide pump out service on the mooring. There are less worries about adequate spacing and anchors dragging. In rough weather, I prefer a mooring ball to being in an anchorage. When I am ready to go, it is nice to drop lines and take off. I agree municipal marinas should, for a fee, provide access to their facilities even if you choose to anchor’¦and many do. I have paid fees in Marathon while waiting for a mooring to open. I have paid fees in Ft. Lauderdale to use the dinghy dock and marina facilities while anchoring in Lake Sylvia. The charge was almost as much as the mooring field, but we did have access to the marina dinghy dock, showers, laundry, lounge, etc. Members of the cruising community should be encouraging communities to invest in attracting cruisers. Providing convenient dinghy access to restaurants and businesses is a must to attract cruisers. Providing marinas and mooring field options with access to marina facilities and community services in my opinion should be encouraged, not complained about.
      Kevin Koehl

      In regard to what Kevin Koehl wrote about providing affordable access, I agree to a point. However, as a serious cruiser, I already have to purchase, install, and maintain thousands of dollars worth of anchoring gear. I didn’t purchase all that gear to just drag it around with me on my boat’“I would rather utilize this thousands of dollars worth of equipment which I know and trust, and costs me nothing additional per day. I have anchored in everything up to hurricanes, so I feel safe and secure when on my own gear. Paying a fee to use gear that I have no knowledge of, have not seen installed, and have not maintained is not a seamanlike way to manage my boat.
      John Kettlewell

      Moorings are a great way to prevent damage to coral reefs, example being the virgin islands. I have used the marathon moorings, and find the price reasonable, the services good, and you do not have to worry about the idiot that does not know how to anchor. Anchoring etiquette has disappeared from the seas. I always ask the vessels that i will be close to how much rode and what type they have out before i anchor. But all that said, i would prefer to sit on the hook in a nice anchorage then be in a slip.
      Nick Chavasse. sv war depart.

      The Ft. Myers Beach mooring field was a pleasant stay with decent facilities provided. The dinghy dock is just a couple blocks from downtown attractions. A bargain for $13/night compared to $2.50/ft transient slips. It’s the way to go to pack many boats into a small area.
      Archie Faulkner

      Be the first to comment!

    • Nov 4, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      New Name, New Owners and a New Attitude at Dockside Tropical Cafe’ (formerly Dockside Bar & Grill and Dockside Lounge), Boot Key Harbor, Marathon

      Big changes are taking place at what used to be Sombrero Marina Dockside in Boot Key Harbor. This facility resides near the western end of BKH, just west of marker #5A. This long popular establishment has, heretofore, consisted a very well patronized, semi-open air bar, and a marina, which consists of wet slips and dinghy docks set around the “L” shaped curve in the harbor west of #5A.
      The bar/restaurant part of the operation has now been split apart, and been renamed Dockside Tropical Cafe’ (formerly Dockside Bar & Grill and Dockside Lounge) It will open in two week (mid-November, 2013). Under new owners, Eric Stone (singer/songwriter) and Kim Hess-Stone (creator Yoga Onboard), we get the feeling that Tropical Cafe may very well become “the” spot for cruisers to gather in Marathon and Boot Key Harbor.
      Here is Dockside Tropical Cafe’s new contact and location information:

      Dockside Tropical Cafe’ (formerly Dockside Bar & Grill and Dockside Lounge)
      35 Sombrero Blvd
      Marathon Fl 33050
      305-743-0000
      http://www.DocksideTropicalcafe.com
      http://www.facebook.com/docksidetrop
      http://www.twitter.com/docksidetrop

      Sounds like a GOOD time will be had by all. See you there!

      Wow we have been waiting for this!!! Will be down mid December on our trawler with a gang of Canadian friends on their boats too. Good luck to,the new owners as it has always been popular.
      M/V JENNY

      Sounds like a great upgrade. Wonder if the head/shower facilities have been upgraded too.
      Has Royer s/v Skye

      Speaking for both Eric and myself, we are like two kids waiting for Christmas to come! The place is going to ROCK!
      Concerning facilities’¦. we will be upgrading the restrooms as soon as possible, and there will be a new accessible restroom near the laundry.
      See ya in the Keys!
      Kim Hess-Stone

      Click Here To View the Keys Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Sombrero Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dockside Tropical Cafe’ and Sombrero Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Nov 3, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Report on Boot Key Bridge, Statute Mile 1195, Marathon, FL

      Boot Key Bridge - Click for Chartview

      Before its removal, Boot Key Bridge, at Statute Mile 1195, spanned the western entrance to Boot Key Harbor, east of unlighted daybeacon #14.

      The bridge is still there, but the drawbridge part has been removed. Still is a small opening where the span used to be which must be navigated. There also is a hanging powerline which limits boats with masts higher than 62 feet in height. the rest of the bridge is still there.
      Kyllbob

      Click Here To View the n Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Boot Key Bridge

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boot Key Bridge

      Be the first to comment!

    • Oct 31, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Anchorage Resort and Yacht Club West (Statute Mile 1134)

      Anchorage Resort - Click for Chartview

      This facility has garnered more than the usual amount of comment over the past year or two. Follow the link below to its listing in our “Eastern Florida Marina Directory,” and read about other cruisers’ experience here.

      I’ve been coming here for two years with sailing students and have been moderatly satisfied with ‘˜what you get’. But the last two times we’ve come, they’ve charged me for my dinghy, even though we put it on deck after arrival. The showers and restrooms are routinely ‘˜out of order’ even after asking if they are open, happened last time, and being told that everyting was operational. On departing the next morning, the water was turned off, so we couldn’t top off our water tanks and didnt’ come back on until 11am. Guess that was in the fine print.
      Unfortunately I’ll not give them another of my dollars. Not a user friendly place.
      Capt. E

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Anchorage Resort and Yacht Club West

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Anchorage Resort and Yacht Club West

      Be the first to comment!

    • Oct 26, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Pumpout News from Newfound Harbor, near Big Pine Key, off Hawk Channel Between Marathon and Key West

      Newfound Harbor - Click for Chartview

      Newfound Harbor provides the best collection of anchorages off Hawk Channel between Marathon and Key West. The channels are well marked, and any cruiser with a chart plotter and/or good DR navigation can find a host of good spots to drop the hook.

      I was pleasantly surprised today while anchored out in Newfound Harbor in the FL Keys. We were on our way back from Dry Tortugas to Marathon, but the winds and seas were supposed to pick up so we pulled into one of our favorite anchorages in Newfound Harbor. It looked like we would be stuck here for a while and we were getting concerned about our holding tank. On Friday morning we hear a boat come by and ask if anyone is on board. We thought it was just someone being friendly, but when we look it is a boat marked as a pump-out boat. They gave us a free pump out funded by FL registration fees. They said all I had to do was register and I could get a pump-out every week, free, paid for by the state of FL. I filled out the simple form and they pumped me out at no cost, but they were happy when I tipped them. They said they offer this service from Islamarada to Key West, and their web site is http://po-keys.com/
      I am very happy to see this happening in Monroe County and hope that this spreads throughout the world.
      Ron Olson

      Thank you so much for the brief on the Hawk channel pumpout! Living some distance away but planning on sailing through Florida next spring all I have been reading made one feel that conchs had had it with tourist and planned on making it as difficult as possible to sail without going outside! This story indicates that that thinking was just crazy, thank you so much.
      Capt. Jerry Robbins

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Newfound Harbor Channel Northerly Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Newfound Harbor Channel Mid-Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Newfound Harbor Channel Southerly Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Newfound Harbor Channel Western Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Newfound Harbor

      Be the first to comment!

    • Oct 22, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Update on Marathon Diver Recommended, Marathon, FL

      Boot Key Harbor

      Captain Ward does not have contact information for Bobby the Viking, but she says that everyone in Marathon knows Bobby, because of his dinghy decorated as a Viking ship that he sails around the waters of Boot Key Harbor in Marathon. Captain Ward promises a phone number when she and crew return home.

      We used Bobby the Viking last winter to dive and scrub the bottom of our trawler and he did a great job. I have not got his phone number at the moment but if you call on the net he will get straight back to you.
      Sue Ward

      October 22, 2013 [numbers confirmed]
      I have now found Viking Bobby’s cell number from last year. It’s 303-887-7712. I also found a cell number for the Key Hopper Taxi service in Marathon which is 305-393-0146. Hope this is of some help.
      Sue Ward

      Be the first to comment!

    • Oct 14, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Shallow Water Confirmed at Entrance to Snake Creek From Hawk Channel, Florida Keys, near Islamorada

      Snake Creek - Click for Chartview

      For several years now, there’s been a concern about MLW depths on the Hawk Channel side of the Snake Creek Channel. (See /?p=105412) The shallow water is a real problem, as Snake Creek is the only really reliable route for cruising sized craft to cruise from the Florida Keys Inside Route to Hawk Channel, or the other way around, between Angelfish Creek and Channel Five. Captain Robinson’s observations confirm that shallow depths reported earlier are still present.

      Went out with a handheld depthsounder yesterday Oct. 6, 2013 at 3:00 pm, one hour before low tide and measured 4.5′ on the hawk channel side just before the channel where the chart reads 4′. Measured 6′ on the bayside next to each of the red markers at 3:30 PM.
      Jules Robinson

      Snake Creek has been this shallow for years. Any sailing cruisers should be using Channel Five and never attempt Snake Creek.
      Jim

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Snake Creek

      Be the first to comment!

    • Sep 24, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Words for Upper Keys Sailing Club, Florida Keys Inside Route, Statute Mile 1143

      Upper Keys Sailing Club - Click for Chartview

      Upper Keys Sailing Club occupies the sharp point of land, west of the twin charted “Micro Trs,” south of the charted position of Newport, depicted as facility #35 on chart 11451 (off the Florida Keys/Florida Bay Inside Route).
      We have visited here many times over the years, and can say with some expertise, this is an informal, but unfailingly friendly, spot to coil your lines for a day to two. Advance arrangements by telephone are strongly recommended, as the docks are by no means manned on a regular basis!
      Once you are tied to the piers, be sure to check out the small clubhouse on the grounds. You will probably find a very convivial gathering of fellow cruisers here many evenings, and a good time will be had by all!

      These folks could not have been nicer or more accommodating. The facility is small and an eclectic mixture of weekend-use boats from J-boats to a pristine Island Packet to major-project live-aboards. The walk to stores and restaurants is about 1/2 a mile. One caution is that the gates to the marina are locked at 9pm.
      Rich and Helen

      Click Here To View This Facility’s Full Listing of Services on the Florida Keys Marina Directory

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Upper Keys Sailing Club

      Be the first to comment!

    • Sep 23, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments 25.5397,-80.32939999

      Frustrating Evening Spent at Loggerhead Club and Marina, AICW Inside Passage, Statute Mile 1108.5


       View In Chartview

      Loggerhead Club and Marina South Miami - Click for Chartview

      Loggerhead Club and Marina South Miami (formerly Black Point Marina) is located at the western end of a long, partially breakwater-protected approach channel that cuts in from Biscayne Bay’s westerly banks some 3.2 nautical miles south and west of the ICW’s flashing daybeacon #6.

      We phoned ahead enroute and received a slip number but when we arrived ‘“ no slip. Found the guard on patrol who gave us an empty slip. Short for our 37′ but we made do. Next problem was the gate at the pier entrance. We arrived on a Saturday evening so the office was closed. Gate is key card operated so we were trapped on the boat. Not awful but with a restaurant 200’ away it was frustrating. This is a big, busy marina. You better like Latin music’¦
      Rich and Helen

      Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Loggerhead South Miami

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Loggerhead South Miami

      Be the first to comment!

    • Sep 18, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      VERY IMPORTANT – Florida Fish and Wildlife Service (FWC) Asks The Cruising Community’s Opinion of the Pilot Mooring Field Program

      It has been almost two years since yours truly journeyed to St. Augustine, Florida by “land yacht” to speak at a public forum dedicated to considering what local anchorage regulations should be enacted in regards to this community’s participation in the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program. I came away with the frustrated feeling, which proved to be correct, that the city of St. Augustine was going to recommend a 30-day anchorage limit for boats which dropped the hook outside of the official mooring field. Fortunately, the FWC shot down this limit, and it was never put into effect.
      There followed months and months of local forums and countless messages and editorials here on the Cruisers’ Net about what sort of anchorage regulations should, or should NOT, be adopted in the cities selected for the Pilot Mooring Field Program. A group in the Florida Keys, known as BARR, even sprang into being for awhile, with the sole purpose of fighting for sensible anchorage regulations in the Florida Keys (all of Monroe County, which encompasses the Florida Keys, is one of the selected Pilot Mooring Field sites).
      The Pilot Mooring Field Program has been going forward in multiple Florida locales for almost a year now, and, wonder of wonders, it looks as if the Florida Fish and Wildlife Service (“FWC”) IS ACTUALLY ASKING FOR INPUT FROM THE CRUISING COMMUNITY AS TO HOW THIS PROGRAM IS WORKING! THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR COLLECTIVE VOICES TO BE HEARD WHERE IT REALLY COUNTS. The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net urges as many of our readers as possible to FOLLOW THE LIVE LINK IN THE MESSAGE BELOW, AND LET THE FWC KNOW HOW YOU REALLY FEEL ABOUT THE MOORING FIELD PROGRAM!!!
      For those of you who have had your head in the proverbial sand for the last several years, as part of the new Florida Anchoring Law, passed by the Florida Legislature in 2009, there was a political give and take included in the negotiations which surrounded this bill. This is a vast oversimplification, but, to summarize, in return for taking away the power of Florida cities and counties to regulate anchorage, the bill included a “Pilot Mooring Field Program,” which would allow a multi-year study, in multiple Florida cities, as to how mooring fields would serve the needs of cruisers and land owners alike, and what, if any, anchorage regulations might be appropriate for vessels that drop the hook outside the official mooring field, but still within the corporate limits of the communities participating in the pilot program.
      The law which authorized the Pilot Mooring Field Program has an automatic sunset date in July,2014. Thereafter, the idea is that the Florida legislature will take all the lessons learned from this trial program, and ENACT A PERMANENT, UNIFORM, STATEWIDE SERIES OF ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS! Now, do you see why it’s SO important for the voice of the cruising community to be heard!!!
      PLEASE READ ON!

      Greetings,
      In 2009, the Florida Legislature enacted a temporary pilot program to explore potential options for regulating the anchoring or mooring of
      non-live-aboard vessels outside the marked boundaries of public mooring fields. The City of St. Augustine, the City of St. Petersburg, the City of Sarasota, the City of Stuart in conjunction with Martin County, and the cities of Key West and Marathon in conjunction with Monroe County were granted temporary authority to regulate mooring in their jurisdictional waters through local ordinance. All ordinances enacted under authority of the pilot program will expire on July 1, 2014 and will be inoperative and unenforceable thereafter, unless reenacted by the Legislature.
      You, your partners, and interested members have the opportunity to provide valuable input on the Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking help from cruising boaters, local boaters, and residents in evaluating the effectiveness and fairness of the temporary ordinances and the pilot program.
      FWC has created and posted a survey at http://www.myfwc.com/anchoringsurvey which should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The Survey will be available from September 18th until October 7th, 2013. Your prompt participation would be appreciated.
      There is also a survey link on our Boating and Waterways webpage at http://www.myfwc.com/boating/.
      Thank you for your time and effort.
      Sincerely,
      Tom
      Captain Tom Shipp,
      FWC / DLE / Boating and Waterways

      It is important for cruising boaters to answer in order to counteract the claims of those pushing this anti-anchoring law. Basically, the bottom line is the law promotes the opposite of one of its stated purposes’“to promote access to the waters of the state. Obviously, if you put in moorings nobody can anchor in those waters, so unless you want to pay to play and like using a mooring, you’re out of luck. And the moorings prevent anchoring 24/7, year-round, whether or not there is someone on them. I have personally been anchored in the tiny portion of water still available in Marathon and observed the majority of mooring balls empty, while the anchorage was jam-packed full. Sure, in high season the moorings are popular, but year-round they prevent anchoring in most of the harbor. It is very simple, this law was pushed through for one purpose’“to chase away anchored boats, and it has done so.
      John Kettlewell

      Be the first to comment!

    • Aug 31, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments 24.5639,-81.73069999

      Ocean Side Marina on Stock Island (just north of Key West) Being Sold – Improvments Coming Soon


       View In Chartview

      With special permission from KeysNet.com (http://www.keysnet.com), we have reprinted a portion of his article below. The marina which is the subject of this article lies on the Hawk Channel side of Stock Island, just north of Key West.
      Having personally visited this facility several times within the last five years, it did indeed seem to be a bit down on its luck. Hopefully, with the purchase described below, everything will return to first-class status in short order!

      Local developer buys iconic marina
      Singh plans $25M upgrade, 80 new condos at Oceanside
      One of the Florida Keys’ most successful developers will purchase one of the Keys’ most iconic marinas.
      Pritam Singh will close on a deal today to purchase Oceanside Marina, on Stock Island, for $5 million from BB T Bank, he told The Citizen on Wednesday. Singh said he plans to invest another $25 million into the marina for repairs and upgrades, including 80 new condos and a restaurant.
      “It (the marina) was ‘the’ place, and it can be again,” Singh said. “It was a jewel among the marinas of Key West. It was the premier sportfishing marina of the Florida Keys. There have been more world records from boats out of here than anywhere else in the country.”
      Millionaire Texas oil men Tex Schramm and Clint Murchison built the marina in the late 1960s, Singh said.
      The marina fell on hard times since its glory years. In early 2010, BB T Bank took the deed for the property in lieu of foreclosure from the Cortex Cos., which had changed the name to Kings Pointe Marina.
      The group who managed the marina for the bank changed the name back to Oceanside in 2011.
      Singh admitted that the marina needs a lot of work to bring it back to its heyday. One entire boat barn needs to be leveled, and the seawalls and boat ramp are in dire need of repairs, he said.
      Rows of boat slips will remain untouched, as the slips were sold to individual owners. Singh said he purchased 8 acres of upland and 4 acres of bay bottom.
      He has been working with Monroe County planning staff for the past several months to determine how much development can occur there. But he added that he plans to keep it a sportfishing marina.
      “The saying is, ‘The legend is back,'” Singh said. “It’s beautiful. It’s an extraordinary site.”
      Singh called Stock Island an up-and-coming community with a lot of potential. He cited the success of restaurateur Bobby Mongelli, who owns Hogfish Bar Grill and Roostica on Stock Island.
      He also referenced the changes being made on Shrimp Road, on the other side of Safe Harbor, by the owners of Stock Island Marina Village, who have built a dog park and community garden on their property, extended their piers and are looking at building a hotel on Safe Harbor.
      “Stock Island is great,” Singh said. “It is fabulous.”

      Doesn’t sound like sailors will be appreciated. Maybe I’ll add a tuna tower!
      Has Royer s/v Skye

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ocean Side Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ocean Side Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Aug 26, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Liveaboard/Landing Issues at Tarpon Basin, Key Largo, FL Keys Inside Route, Mile 1139.5

      Tarpon Basin - Click for Chartview

      Tarpon Basin is crossed by the FL Keys Inside Route, just south of Blackwater Sound and Dusenberry Creek. There are at least 3 good spots to drop the hook here, and creative skippers will find more.
      One of our readers, Captain Mary Dixon, sent us the link below, which leads to a truly interesting article, which appeared in KeysNet.com (http://www.keysnet.com), about boats anchored long term in Tarpon Basin. As you will see, the problems reported in this article center around a small group of (I will NOT call them “crusiers”) people living on anchored vessels in Tarpon Basin. This unfortunate group is making life difficult for everyone, including fellow boat owners whose vessels are anchored in Tarpon Basin. Here is a case where many of those living on the water are asking for change, as well as the shorside powers that be! And, if this situation is not resolved soon, the responsible boat owners in Tarpon Bay may lose their rights to a public dinghy dock, which has been a great resource for all legitimate mariners!
      With special permission from KeysNet.com publisher, Captain Wayne Markham, we have reprinted a portion of his article below. Follow the link in Captain Dixon’s note, or below the excerpted portions of the story, to read the entire text. Many thanks Captain Markham!!!!

      Cruising News:
      Interesting development for Key Largo Tarpon Basin. http://www.keysnet.com/2013/08/24/489480/key-largo-liveaboards-beg-to-keep.html
      Mary Dixon

      Reprinted by Permission from KeysNet.com
      Key Largo liveaboards beg to keep access
      By KEVIN WADLOW
      kwadlow@keynoter.com
      Posted – Saturday, August 24, 2013 10:35 AM EDT

      Reluctant to evict the solid citizens of the Tarpon Basin liveaboard community because of a few scofflaws, Monroe County commissioners decided Wednesday to seek more law enforcement.
      It was a problem that cropped up literally in the commission’s own back yard, the bayfront park behind the Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center at mile marker 102.5.
      “We’ve had people showering naked next to the dumpster. People bathing in the fountain, naked,” county Building Official Jerry Smith told the commission. “We deal with this on a daily basis.”
      Commissioner Sylvia Murphy said the small park once attracted sunset-watchers and children’s parties. Efforts were made to accommodate a number of well-behaved boaters who started using a small dock at the site to tie their dinghies.
      “We were very good to the people who live on the hook out there,” Murphy said. “For two and a half years, it was wonderful. Then all of a sudden, a different quality began to take place.”
      Now the park has been overrun by a small group of sketchy characters who create anxiety among visitors and county staff, she contended.
      …..
      Several boaters who rely on the government-center property for shore access appealed for the county to oust the “bad apples” before banning everybody from the dock.
      “The undesirables showed up when you closed other areas” used for liveaboard landing spots, said James Chapman. “You pushed them to us.”
      He added, “They’re mostly gone now because they were arrested or their boats sunk.”
      Murphy agreed the boaters who attended the Wednesday session “are the good ones. You’re not the problem, and you can’t solve it,” she said. “I don’t know what else we can do, except close off the dock to dinghies.”
      “If you choose to close this off, you’re saying Key Largo is a town and island that is inaccessible by the water,” said liveaboard Chadwick Acevedo, married and employed. “What kind of island has no water access for the public?”
      The boaters describe themselves as working locally for modest wages or retirees living a fixed income. Local marinas are too expensive, they said.
      County Mayor George Neugent, a former liveaboard, said the proposed ordinance to curtail use of the park “gives me heartburn.”

      Full article can be read at:
      http://www.keysnet.com/2013/08/24/489480/key-largo-liveaboards-beg-to-keep.html

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Tarpon Basin Northern Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Tarpon Basin Southern Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Tarpon Basin Interior Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Tarpon Basin Anchorages

      Be the first to comment!

    • Aug 21, 2013by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      A GOOD Time For Florida Keys Cruising and a GOOD Dockage Deal at Hawks Cay Marina (off Hawk Channel East and North of Marathon)

      We picked up the message below from the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association Forum (AGLCA, http://www.greatloop.org/). It is authored by one of the dockmasters at Hawk’s Cay Marina (off Hawk Channel between east and north of Marathon).
      Not only does this article contain a very nice fall, 2013 dockage offer at this absolutely first-rate facility, but it also confirms that the fall months, BEFORE the arrival of the “snowbirds,” is a very good time for cruising the Florida Keys!

      Now that the frenzy of Lobster Season Opening has passed, it’s your chance to enjoy the time of year when you feel like you have the beautiful Florida Keys waters a bit to yourself. We want to share our quieter season with you, so we are offering extra savings on our already value oriented fall rates. Book your Main Marina dates for a stay between August 15 and December 23, 2013 and receive 20% off our published Daily, Weekly or Monthly rates. To qualify, you must confirm with a deposit by August 31st. Ask for the Fabulous Fall Special. Enjoy our tropical destination resort marina and the beautiful Keys waters during this special time and save money at the same time.
      Beverly Seiling

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Hawk’s Cay Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mariner’s Cay Marina

      Be the first to comment!

    • Aug 8, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Good Words for Sunset Marina – Key West/Stock Island

      Sunset Marina - Click for Chartview

      Even though Sunset Marina is located on Stock Island, this facility lies within sight of the Fleming Key/Key West Mooring Field, and within a short automobile ride of downtown Key West. Thus, we usually think of Sunset Marina as being part of the Key West array of pleasure craft facilities, as opposed to the Stock Island marinas located a bit farther east, and on the ocean (Hawk Channel) side of the isle.

      Sunset Marina on Stock Island just sold to a local developer July 1, 2013. We were there from November through July and loved the marina. The drawbacks are location and amenities. We overcame those with a car. It’s a $20 cab ride to/from Duvall St, but worth it if you’re drinking anyway. It’s about a 20-25 minute bike ride Downtown.
      I recommend Sunset Marina, it’s 1/3 the price if you stay a month or more. For just [same as] 2-5 days stay at A&B or Galleon.
      Bill Borchert

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Sunset Marina

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jun 3, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Praise for Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina, FL Keys Inside Route, Near Statute Mile 1155

      Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina - Click for Chartview

      Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina, owned and operated by the city of Plantation Key, Florida, is one of only a handful of facilities, south of Jewfish Creek, and north of Channel Five, which offer ready transient dockage on the Florida Keys Inside Route. We have always found Plantation Yacht Harbor to be a superior facility in every sense, and yours truly recommends this marina without hesitation. Just understand that the word got out long ago, so make your dockage reservations early!

      We are on the T Dock’¦We have been at marina for a year’¦The dock-master and assistants are fine people. Nice clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, pump out at each dock, electric and wifi. A very quiet marina, with great boaters (both transient and f/t). Being in Founders Park is a BIG plus. Yes, you have to pay to use the pool’¦but it is worth it. The tennis courts are available anytime, the beach is great, AND there is a 2 acre fenced dog park!!! If you want to go out to eat, it is only a taxi call away. Diesel, gas, ice’¦all available. Highly desirable for the sunsets too!!!
      Laurie Facsina

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • May 31, 2013by:   Larry Dorminy No Comments

      Report from Dinner Key Mooring Field, AICW Inside Route, Statute Mile 1094.5

      Dinner Key Mooring Field - Click for Chartview

      Dinner Key Mooring Field lies generally southwest of Dinner Key Channel marker #12.

      Had mooring in Dinner Key field on 3/19/13. Visited Coconut Grove shops and had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory (Very Good). Rest room/showers in trailers leaves something to be desired. Used the water taxi. Harbormaster and taxi operator Mr. Joher was really a great guy. Mooring field is open and quite rolly. Moorings are close together. Dingy dock is small for the number of moorings. After talking? to staff at the marina we decided it won the least friendly marina award. Overall we will not return to Dinner Key.
      Has Royer s/v Skye

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Dinner Key Mooring Field

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dinner Key Mooring Field

      Be the first to comment!


    Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com