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    • Reminder of Transient Moorings at Coconut Grove Sailing Club (AICW Statute Mile 1094.5)

      We’ve had numerous reminders of moorings available to transients at Coconut Grove Sailing Club on Biscayne Bay over the last year and the location sounds so inviting! Give the Club a try and let us hear about your stay, because they are A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Coconut Grove Sailing Club is a member supported sailing club but the moorings are available to the public on a first come first serve basis. They have 200 moorings in the most protected mooring field in Biscayne Bay. The restaurant on property offers great lunch and dinner choices with a view that is hard to beat in the Grove and they usually have live music on Friday nights.
      Sean Connett

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Coconut Grove Sailing Club

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    • Banana Bay Marina & Resort, Marathon

      Banana Bay Marina & Resort lies along the northern shores of the Marathon peninsula, east of the Marathon Yacht Club. The marina here was heavily damaged during the memorable 2005 hurricane season, but, judging from Rich and Lynne’s message below, it would appear as full repairs are now in place.

      Subject: Banana Bay Marina & Resort, Marathon
      Cruising News: We spent two nights at the newly-renovated Banana Bay Marina & Resort. There are 34 slips of various lengths. The showers and bathrooms are clean but not air conditioned. Rates are average. We paid $93 for a 38 footer. Included are cable, electric, pump out, pool and wi-fi (although you must walk to the pool area for reception). The docks are all new and the dockmaster is most accommodating and helpful. We had a nice slip facing the bay and enjoyed the breeze and sunsets. There is no restaurant on site at this time. Home Depot is directly across the street for emergency repairs!!
      Rich & Lynne

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    • Private Developer Seeks Approval For Mooring Field Around Wisteria (Christmas Tree) Island – Key West

      Below, you will read a series of messages that have passed between the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net and Roger Bernstein, a developer who is seeking approval to establish a planned mooring field off the Key West waterfront, around Wisteria (Christmas Tree) Island. We are glad to bring this proposed project to the collective attention of the cruising community, but the appearance of this posting should in no way be inferred as approval or recommendation of this field by the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net.

      Claiborne,
      We are seeking approval to install a 116 ball mooring field at Wisteria Island in Key West Harbor. Good depth, dinghy dock and all support facilities on the Gulf side of the Island. We plan scheduled water taxi service from the Island to the Westin dock in Key West.
      Check out the website and please contact me to discuss.
      Roger

      I e-mailed Roger and asked him for the website’s URL, referred to in the message above, and received the following response.

      Claiborne,
      The site can be found at http://www.kwharbormoorings.com
      We are getting serious and noisy opposition from the no-growth segment of the Key West community. They oppose the project, particularly the requested zoning designation that would let us do the mooring field and limited upland development. I have explained that the infrastructure necessary to proceed can not be supported by the mooring field alone. Their site, http://www.savewisteriaisland.com
      The proposed 116 ball mooring field is linked to the 22 acre Island we own in the harbor, 2500 feet offshore. We plan to service the mooring field from the upland on the island and to provide scheduled water taxi service to the Westin Hotel docks so people can leave their dinghies on the Island.
      Thank you,
      Roger

      Claiborne,
      This is a private venture-100% open to the public, but not operated by the City.
      Roger

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    • Don’t Dare Miss Schooners Wharf Bar In Key West

      “Amen,” to the recommendation of Captains Joe and Mary Beth below. I think I remember having some of the best Key West times we’ve ever experienced at Schooners Wharf Bar!!!!! This great watering hole is found harborside in Key West Bight!

      A trip to Key West is never complete without an afternoon (12 -5, any day but Tuesday) to Schooner’s wharf bar (outdoor tiki bar downtown).
      Music by Michael McLeod, throw a $5 in his jar and ask him to play the National Anthem of the Conch Republic.
      Have Fun!!
      Joe & Mary Beth Amelia
      S/V “Pot ‘O’ Gold”

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    • The Good and Bad of Anchoring (or Mooring) in No Name Harbor (Key Biscayne, St. M. 1096)

      No Name Harbor is located on the southern portion of Key Biscayne. Shelter from foul weather is superb, but you must now pay a fee here to anchor (or moor) overnight. Below, Captain Ron gives you some of the other good news and bad news for this overnight haven.
      By the way, if anyone knows whether moorings have indeed been installed in No-Name (or not), PLEASE click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.

      Claiborne,
      The Hurricane Hole you mention can be one of two places both of which are located in the Cape Florida channel. The one most frequently used is No Name Harbor further to the East. In the past you could anchor there, but recently I have heard they have installed moorings. In any case, it is a small, hot, muggy, airless harbor that most would not want to spend too long. The boats meander with the changing currents and the only positive is that there was an excellent Cuban restaurant at the harbor wall. Many first time cruisers who feel insecure about anchoring in a semi-open anchorage find this harbor appealing. When you want to depart, especially at night, you have to weave through the tightly packed boats to enter the Cape Florida Channel.
      Ron

      And, thanks to Captain Jules, here is the answer to the question of whether moorings have been installed in No-Name Harbor:

      Hello,
      I just called the park and no moorings have been installed. It’s a very nice park to visit with an award winning beach, two great restaurants, bike, kayak and catamaran rentals, hiking trails and a restored historic light house open to the public with amazing views from the top. For the overnight boaters, showers, laundry and free pumpout so it’s well worth the very nominal anchoring fee.
      Yes of course in summer it will be hot and buggy in a small landside anchorage and like all anchorages there is a capacity limit, this one being very very small fills up fast. I have stayed in fall and winter and found it to be very enjoyable and all chain rode keeps the meandering to a minimum and I never have had problems with neighbors swinging to close. Also a good deal of the boats that anchor during the day are locals don’t spend the night. Outside of summer if there is space I will go in. When it is full I anchor in the channel and dingy in to take advantage of all the park has to offer. There is little or no traffic in the channel at night so you can still get a good night sleep there, just be sure your anchor is well set as a strong current runs but I have never dragged.
      I know that anchoring in a channel seems like the wrong thing to do but the channel is wide and it is common for boats heading to the Bahamas to anchor in the channel to one side when the harbor is full.
      Cap. Jules

      As of July 29, 2010 there is a fee to anchor in No Name Harbor. Two dollars for a day use and $20.00 per night. This is on the honor system.
      Captain Cheryl Martin aboard Fair Winds

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For No-Name Harbor

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. alan -  December 28, 2014 - 10:43 pm

        Please be prepared to deal with riff rafs who do not respect others take up the seawall and play loud crazy music even take space at the pump out.
        The restaurant boaters grill is awful we almost died from eating there.

        Reply to alan
    • Galleon Marina Recommendation (Key West)

      Galleon Marina is truly one of the finest facilities in Key West. It is located in Key West Bight. Just be sure to check our Florida Keys Marina Directory listing (see below) for the latest transient dockage rates to avoid surprises.

      We go to Key West often since it is only a little more that 100 mile from here in Naples. We always stay at the Galleon Resort and Marina. It is very close to all the action on Duvall St., Mallory Square, etc. with many restaurants within easy walking distance, and several adjacent to the yacht basin.
      Mike

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

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    • Virginia Key Anchorage (Statute Mile 1092.5)

      Captain Ron knows whereof he speaks below. This anchor down spot, hard by the southern shores of Virginia Key is convenient to both Government Cut and Biscayne Channel inlets.

      The Virginia Key anchorage is the perfect staging point for a Gulf Stream crossing. Good holding in sand and gravel, protection from the banks to the South and an easy exit out the channel to the Gulf Stream. The channel markers are well lit and easy to follow for a night departure. If you get bad weather, there is an excellent anchorage just to the North- the Marine Stadium. We have sat through 50 knot blows and held steady. The only downside is that the bottom is mud and your anchor retrieval will be quite messy. Still worth the effort.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Virginia Key Anchorage

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    • Ragged Keys Anchorage (Biscayne Bay, Statute Mile 1106)

      This anchorage lies off the eastern flank of the Florida Keys Inside/ICW Route through Biscayne Bay, just north of Boca Chita Key. We have certainly seen other boats anchored here, but note Captain Ron’s advice about the poor holding!

      This is another question mark anchorage. Sand over coral, strong tidal current and strictly a day anchorage with someone always on board. However, this is one of the most beautiful areas in the Keys for water quality, tranquility and beauty. It’s just not an anchorage.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Ragged Keys Anchorage

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    • Pumpkin Key Anchorage (Statute Mile 1122.5)

      Pumpkin Key lies off the eastern flank of the Florida Keys Inside/ICW Route’s run through Card Sound. Our fearless roving reporter, Captain Jane, recently wrote an in-depth article about the many different spots one can anchor on these idyllic waters (/pumpkin-key-anchorage-indian-key-anchroage-and-angelfish-creek-captain-jane-reports). Sounds like Captain Ron agrees that this is a very fine place to spend an evening!

      Pumpkin Key is one of the best anchorages for an exit from Bayside to the Gulfstream. Even at low tide if you draw 5ft or less you’ll have no problem. Deeper draft boats will have to wait for high tide. The anchorage is not where it is shown on the chart, but to the SW of R12 between Pumpkin Key and the marker in 8-12 feet of water. Good holding and protection and even if it blows from the West, you’ll be OK. However, if you’re expecting bad weather, you can go NW of the anchorage across the bay to the Arsenicker Keys and anchor in 8 feet of good holding sand with beautiful clear water and excellent protection from the West. The oddity is that the water at Pumpkin is opaque green while the Arsenickers is Bahamas like.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchoage Directory Listing For The Northeastern Pumpkin Key Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchoage Directory Listing For The Western Pumpkin Key Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchoage Directory Listing For The Southern Pumpkin Key Anchorage

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    • Southern Card Sound Anchorage (Statute Mile 1124)

      Be sure to follow the link below to discover just where the anchorage which is the subject of this posting can be found. Entry here is a bit more complicated, and is made vastly easier by use of a GPS chartplotter.

      Very pretty mangrove anchorage away from the crowds. Anchor here based on the prevailing winds. Good holding in sand with abundant wildlife.
      Ron

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

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    • Thursday Cove Anchorage (Statute Mile 1132)

      This near little anchorage lies just off the Florida Keys Inside/ICW route, just north of Jewfish Creek. You don’t want to be caught here with fresh northerly winds. We did this late one inky black night, and you can’t take my word for it – it’s a really bad idea. HOWEVER, during southerlies, this is a GREAT spot that we really like!

      Another pretty mangrove anchorage. Take your dingy and fish for snappers in Jewfish Creek along the mangrove roots. Be aware the powerboats will not be considerate with their wakes.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Thursday Cove Anchorage

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    • Buttonwood Sound–Northeastern Anchorage (Statute Mile 1141)

      This Florida Keys Inside Route/ICW anchorage features good shelter from northern, northeastern and northwestern winds. From Captain Ron’s report below, sounds like the bottom could make for a messy anchor up procedure.

      We hid here once from a strong northerly, but the bottom is all mud. Fortunately, if you drag anchor, you will drag into clean water and eventually sand. If I were caught in Sunset Cove in a pinch I would still use it. But, the cleanup is something else.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Buttonwood Sound’“Northeastern Anchorage

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    • Buttonwood Sound–Sunset Cove Anchorage (Statute Mile 1142.5)

      This anchorage lies just off the Waterway’s run through Buttonwood Sound. Interesting that Captain Ron notes he does not see as many boats anchored here as in times past. I remember this anchorage as being extremely popular. I suspect that one reason for the fall-off is that dinghy landing is now considerably more difficult than in times past. Still, Ron seems to be saying that dinghying ashore is still a possibility, probably at “Snooks” (see below)!

      This has always been one of our favorite anchorages on the inside passage. In the middle to late 90’s it was often frequented by cruisers. In the last ten years, you hardly see a soul other than some local boats. Snooks has a nice palapa bar and a decent restaurant which is a nice respite if you’ve roughed it all the way from Miami. You have access to shopping, jerry can gasoline, and a drug store. Look for the patches of sand between the grass and drop your hook in 8-10 feet of water. You can get fairly close to shore if you want but the breeze is better further out. Good holding
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Buttonwood Sound’“Sunset Cove Anchorage

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Andree J Hardy -  July 30, 2016 - 11:43 am

        I was anchored out in Sunset Cove from 2001 to 2007 we tied our dinghies off the Bayside Resort pier. A chain link fence was put up and no trespassing sign a few years later. Thanks to some people who slept under the tree, drank , litter and trash the shore. It was a disgrace and bad image for the resort and tourists so they did what they could to prevent it. That is why there are barely any boats there anymore. The anchorage has moved to Government center a few miles up the road.

        Reply to Andree
    • Back-country – Bottle Key Anchorage (Statute Mile 1147.5)

      Mariners piloting craft that draw LESS THAN 5 feet have a whole host of what might be described as “wilderness anchorages” available off the ICW/Inside route between Buttonwood Sound and the Waterway’s intersection with northern Tavernier Creek. Be SURE to have a well functioning chart plotter aboard before trying this, and be aware that there is the possibility of keel meeting up with bottom. If you can overcome these limitations, be ready for an evening you won’t soon forget!

      Bottle Key is a beautiful wildlife anchorage. We anchored there on the way to Key West and without the faint lights of the mainland, you could be anywhere in the world. There were no other boats and we anchored in 6-8 feet of good sand and gravel. When you make your approach, stay clear of the shoal area to port when you’re coming from the intercoastal and work your way around to the other side of the key(Florida Bayside) and drop your hook. We caught a lot of small sharks and because it was blowy, the water was not clear. But, if you like seclusion and draw 5 ft or less, give it a try. Unfortunately, we didn’t visit Butternut since we were meeting friends in Key West, but it is equally as beautiful. I bet it is stunning during the windless days of Summer.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Back-country ‘“ Bottle Key Anchorage

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    • Matecumbe Bight Anchorage (Statute Mile 1166)

      The anchorage so accurately described below by Captain Ron lies off the Inside/ICW Florida Keys route, just southwest of the long gap between Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys. With winds blowing from the south, southeast or east, this is a great place to anchor!

      This is one of our favorite Keys anchorages. For some reason, the water is always clear, even on the turn of the tides, and the holding is superb. We frequently check our bottom here with the excellent visibility and is a nice place to take a dip. We have rarely seen other boats here. Even if the wind switched from the West, we wouldn’t worry as the most you’d get is a bumpy 2-3 foot chop. There [are no services] available here to the cruiser.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Matecumbe Bight Anchorage

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    • Wisteria Island (Christmas Tree Island) Eastern Anchorage (off Key West Waterfront)

      The city of Key West is seriously considering the establishment of a mooring field around Wisteria/Christmas Tree Island. Only time will tell if this popular anchorage morphs into a mooring field.

      The last time we were here, the anchorage was an overcrowded assemblage of derelict boats-many of which were liveaboards who never left their mooring. It was too crowded to anchor safely and frankly, I wouldn’t anchor there under those conditions. It may have changed since the advent of the new mooring field and perhaps the derelict boats have gone.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Wisteria Island (Christmas Tree Island) Eastern Anchorage

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    • Bamboo Key Anchorage (Florida Keys Inside/ICW Route, near St. M. 1185)

      Hmmmm. Sounds like getting an anchor to hold on these waters could be a real chore. We suggest you take Captain Ron’s report into account BEFORE trying to drop the hook here.
      Darn! This a beautiful spot!

      We once tried to drop the hook at Bamboo Key for over a half hour because of the beautiful water clarity and serenity. After numerous attempts in calm conditions, the hook would not set. We discovered it is a thin layer of sand over hard coral. We would not consider anchoring here even to snorkel without someone aboard and that would only be in very light conditions. Otherwise, very pretty.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Bamboo Key Anchorage

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    • Jewfish Bush Banks Anchorage (Florida Keys Inside Route, just west of Channel Five, St. M. 1169.5)

      This anchorage lies off the inside/ICW route, just west of Channel Five. We note that Captain Ron says other guide books suggest dropping the hook in Jewfish Hole (just to the west). Follow the link below to these water’s listing in our “Florida Keys Anchorage Directory,” and you will see that we have chosen a slightly different position, where cruisers will be partially sheltered by a shoal just to the east. Note either of these anchor down spots are fair weather only anchorages.

      The `desired’ anchorage according to the guides is Jewfish Hole. Heavy grass/weed bottom. Only a heavy plow has a chance to dig in. Danforth type anchors just skid along the bottom for a good chunk of `salad fixins.’ I would not anchor here in any sort of blow as your holding will always be tentative. The only positive is that there is a campground there with ice, fuel and a quik mart.
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Key Anchorage Directory Listing For Jewfish Bush Banks Anchorage

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    • Fanny Keys Anchorage (Marathon – North Shore – off Inside/ICW Florida Keys Route)

      Well, I agree with Captain Ron’s comments below, and I don’t CLEARLY this is a fair weather only anchorage, and should not even be considered if there is hint of foul weather in the forecast. However, weather conditions permitting, we have dropped the hook here, and spent a few very happy evenings.

      I wonder who calls Fanny Keys an anchorage? It’s just a spot on the bayside intercoastal to drop your hook like any other basically open anchorage. Plenty of current, boat traffic from Faro Blanco Marina, no protection from Florida Bay/Gulf winds. You really can’t anchor between the two little nubs/keys(?). Looks good on the chart, but don’t be disappointed if you arrive late after a long sail. The joke will be on you!
      Ron

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Fanny Keys Anchorage

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    • Pumpkin Key Anchorage, Indian Key Anchroage and Angelfish Creek – Captain Jane Reports

      Is there anything better than an article authored by our fearless roving reporter, Captain Jane. We don’t think so! Not only is

      At anchor at Pumpkin Key.

      Jane a very keen observer, she’s also a marvelous writer and we feel very privileged to have her as a regular Net reporter.
      Below, Captain Jane does her usual sterling job of presenting information on two Florida anchorages, with a quick blurb concerning depths on Angelfish Creek.
      Her first anchor down spot, Pumpkin Key, is located off the Florida Keys Inside/ICW/Florida Bay route, near the eastern shores of Card Sound. We provide links below to these waters’ entries in the Net’s “Florida Keys Anchorage Directory” listings.
      Indian Key lies on the Hawk Channel side of the Keys, abeam of the gap between Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys. We all collectively think SO LITTLE of this so-called anchorage that we have chosen NOT to list it in our directory. Captain Jane lays bare the reason for our low opinion of these waters as an overnight haven below.
      Thanks for another wonderful job Captain Jane!!!!

      Captain Jane Reports on Two Anchorages between Miami and Marathon: Pumpkin Key and Indian Key with a bonus comment on Angelfish Creek
      First, look at these two peaceful photographs. Don’t they conjure up the ideal idyll of the cruising life? But you and I know better, right? This season, we experienced both the “why are we heeling if we are at anchor” feeling and the epiphany that mooring balls don’t necessarily make you feel secure and comfy.
      So here is a current report on two popular places to swing on the hook or a ball while making your way to or from the Keys.
      Keys-bound, first up is Pumpkin Key. Depths of 8 to 11 feet, shelter from all but a western blow. Caveat: we are two for two for dragging here; watch yourself carefully when you first drop the hook. It’s easy to hook up with a clump of seagrass and drag at an impressive speed. One afternoon in January it took us and another vessel four tries each to get set in actual bottom. The other vessel switched from a plow to a Fortress style anchor, and we found security doing the exact opposite, same day, same time, same channel. Go figure. That’s the science of anchoring. The good news is, once we were set, the holding was great.

      Perfect sunset for a nauseating rocking rolling night on a mooring at Indian Key; historic site on shore.

      We had the same experience in early February but it only took three tries. Once we got the anchor in, we were secure even while we took a strong blow on our unprotected side.
      Next stop on your way to Marathon is Indian Key. It’s a wonderful place to visit, featuring historical sites and a dinghy dock and three free mooring balls. Signs at the dinghy dock say this ungated park is open from 8 AM to 6 PM and we hear it is worth a stroll. We confess that your fearless roving reporter was neither fearless nor roving. Intimidated by rolling and nauseating sea swells, described below, neither of us kayaked ashore to provide you with an up to date site visit report.
      For all the poetic appeal of visiting Indian Key, if there has recently been an extended blow, especially from the South is our theory, you can expect large sea swells to be a feature of your stay. But perhaps you enjoy a quiet night swinging — and we mean swinging — on the hook or mooring, with your nose not just in a book but literally slamming into it every 11 seconds.
      We made the mistake of thinking that when the wind clocked to something other than south, “rock-a-bye baby the cradle will fall” sensation would stop. We were wrong and, as a result, on top of our own physical discomfort, we had to endure 16 hours of intense guilt-demanding glares from the more sensitive of our two boat cats.
      Our advice — visit Indian Key in calm weather. There is no protection from any wind but north and the swells can be quease-inducing. Also, the tackle on the mooring we chose was quite frayed, something to consider if you are looking for shelter in heavy weather. Matecumbe Bight nearby might be a better choice.
      Captain Jane
      S/V Lady Jane
      PS: My most excellent first mate thinks I would be remiss if I did not mention that on our winter 2010 passages through Angelfish Creek to and from Hawk Channel, we found no less than 8 feet. We favored the red marker side of the channel. Now I’m not remiss.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Northeastern Pumpkin Key Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Western Pumpkin Key Anchorage

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

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

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

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