FL Keys Cruising News – Key West
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LNM: Key West Safety Zone, Sunset Run and Paddleboard Race, July 20
FLORIDA – KEY WEST: Safety Zone
The 35th Annual Hemingway 5K Sunset Run and Paddleboard Race event will be held on July 20, 2024, on the waters surrounding Key West, FL.
This event will consist of approximately 60 competitors completing a 2-mile racecourse starting at Higgs Beach in Key West, Florida, moves east
to the Edward B. Knight Pier, west back toward the seawall extending from Higgs Beach Memorial Pier, east returning to Edward B Knight Pier,
and west returning back to Higgs Beach. Participants will complete the course twice.
The safety zone listed in 33 CFR 165.786 Table 7.1 will be enforced from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on July 20, 2024. The safety zone encompasses
the waters in and around the racecourse.
During the enforcement period, no person or vessel may enter, transit through, anchor, or remain within the safety zone without permission from
the COTP or his designated representative.
A succession of not less than 5 short whistle or horn blasts from a patrol vessel will be the signal for any non-event participating vessel to take
immediate steps to avoid collision. Also, the display of a red distress flare from a patrol vessel will be a signal for any and all vessels, including
event participants inside the regulated area, to stop immediately.
Mariners are advised to abide by all Navigation Rules and proceed with caution in the vicinity of the course and event participants. For more
information on this event please contact: Sector Key West (305) 292-8727.LNM: Key West Diver Training, July 22-26, Boca Chica Channel
FLORIDA – KEY WEST: U.S. Navy Diver Training
On Monday, July 22, 2024, the Navy will be conducting a dive down the Boca Chica Channel to the harbor between 7:30 p.m. to midnight. Divers
will stay to the Eastern side of the channel, and they will have four boats plus two jet skis to deconflict with mariners and provide diver support
and protection. All support vessels will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 16 and 81A.
On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, they will be conducting a day dive from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Fleming Key Cut. They will have four boats and two jet skis
on station to deconflict with other mariners and provide diver support and protection. Divers will be confined to transiting through the cut on only
one side, leaving the other side open. All support vessels will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 16 and 81A. Also on Tuesday, they will be conducting
a night dive from 8:30 p.m. to midnight along the western edge of Key West from the mouth of Key West Bight to Truman Waterfront Park
(Basin). Divers will be no farther from shore than 50 meters and should pose a minimal obstruction to routine navigational operations. All support
vessels will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 16 and 81A.
On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, they will be conducting an offset dive from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as well as 8 p.m. to midnight. They will splash the
divers at either Key West Main Channel Daybeacon 21 (LLNR 4925) diving east into the Basin, or Key West Main Channel Lighted Buoy 15 (LLNR
14895) diving east in to the Basin. They will have four boats and two jet skis on station to deconflict with other mariners and provide diver
support and protection. Divers will be 200 meters off the shore and closer. Their boats and jet skis on station will deconflict with other mariners
and provide diver support and protection. All support vessels will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 16 and 81A.
On Thursday, July 22, 2024, they will be conducting a day dive from 1 p.m. to 5p.m. near Ft Zachary Taylor State park where the divers will be
nearshore and contouring around the park. They will have four boats and two jet skis on station to deconflict with other mariners and provide
diver support and protection. All support vessels will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 16 and 81A.Be the first to comment!
LNM: Safety Zone, 8 pm-10 pm, July 4, Key West, FL
FLORIDA – KEY WEST: Safety Zone.
The Key West Rotary Club Fireworks event will be held on July 4, 2024, on the waters off of Key West, FL. A temporary safety zone has been
established by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Key West, FL for this event. The safety zone encompasses an 800-foot radius around the White
Street Pier and will be enforced from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4,2024.
During the enforcement period, no person or vessel may enter, transit through, anchor, or remain within the safety zone without permission from
the COTP or his designated representative. A succession of not less than 5 short whistle or horn blasts from a patrol vessel will be the signal for
any non-event participating vessel to take immediate steps to avoid collision. Also, the display of a red distress flare from a patrol vessel will be a
signal for any and all vessels, including event participants inside the regulated area, to stop immediately. Mariners are advised to abide by all Navigation Rules and proceed with caution in the vicinity of the event. Spectator vessels are advised to anchor in sandy bottom to prevent
damaging seagrass, coral, macroalgae, sponges, and other hardbottom community species. For more information on this event contact: Sector
Key West (305) 292-8727.Be the first to comment!
LNM: USN Dive Training, April 8, Key West, FL
FLORIDA – KEY WEST: U.S. Navy Diver Training
On Monday, April 8, 2024, the Navy will be conducting a day dive from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Fleming Key Cut. they will have four boats and two jet
skis on station to deconflict with other mariners and provide diver support and protection. Divers will be confined to transiting through the cut on
only one side, leaving the other side open. All support vessels will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 16 and 81A. Also, on Monday April 8, 2024 the
Navy will be conducting a night dive from 8 p.m. to midnight along the western edge of Key West from the mouth of Key West Bight to Truman
Waterfront Park(Basin). Divers will be no farther from shore than 50m and should pose a minimal obstruction to routine navigational operations.
All support vessels will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 16 and 81A.
On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the Navy will be conducting a dive down the Boca Chica Chanel to the harbor between 7:30 p.m. to midnight. Divers
will stay to the Eastern side of the channel, and we will have four boats plus two jet skis to deconflict with mariners and provide diver support and
protection. All support vessels will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 16 and 81A.
On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, the Navy will be conducting an offset dive from 7 p.m. to midnight. they will splash the divers at either Key West
Main Channel Daybeacon 21 (LLNR 4925) diving east in to the Basin, or Key West Main Channel Lighted Buoy 15 (LLNR 14895 [24°32.9209N / 081°48.9322W, 24.548681 / -81.815537]) diving east in to
the Basin. They will have four boats and two jet skis on station to deconflict with other mariners and provide diver support and protection. Divers
will be 300 meters off the shore or closer. Their boats and jet skis on station will deconflict with other mariners and provide diver support and
protection. All support vessels will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 16 and 81A.
On Thursday, April 11, 2024, the Navy will be conducting a day dive from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. near Ft Zachary Taylor State park where the divers will
be nearshore and contouring around the park. They will have four boats and two jet skis on station to deconflict with other mariners and provide
diver support and protection. All support vessels will be monitoring VHF-FM channels 16 and 81A.Be the first to comment!
Florida Keys Celebrate End of Hurricane Season
The Florida Keys emerged from hurricane season relatively unscathed, and celebrated on Nov. 30, the last day of the storm season, by setting the red-and-black hurricane flag on fire at Truman Waterfront.
CONCH REPUBLIC BURNS THE HURRICANE FLAG IN CELEBRATION OF THE END OF HURRICANE SEASON
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LNM: RWO Offshore Race Event, Nov 10, 12 and 14, Key West, FL
This event will consist of approximately 50 powerboats racing around a designated course set up in Key West Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean off Key West, FL. See chart below.
FLORIDA – FLORIDA KEYS – KEY WEST: RWO Offshore World Championship Boat Race
The RWO Offshore World Championship Race event will be held on November 10, 12, and 14, 2021 on the waters of the Atlantic Ocean off of Key West, FL. This event will consist of approximately 50 powerboats racing around a designated course set up in Key West Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean off Key West, FL.
A special local regulation has been established by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Key West, FL for this event. The race course and spectator area encompasses all waters established in the special local regulation. The special local regulation will be enforced from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on November 10, 12, and 14, 2021. The harbor will be open to traffic from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. During the enforcement period, no person or vessel may enter, transit through, anchor, or remain within the regulated area without permission from the COTP or his designated representative. A succession of not less than 5 short whistle or horn blasts from a patrol vessel will be the signal for any non-event participating vessel to take immediate steps to avoid collision. Also, the display of a red distress flare from a patrol vessel will be a signal for any and all vessels, including event participants inside the regulated area, to stop immediately.
Mariners are advised to abide by all Navigation Rules and proceed with caution in the vicinity of the course and event participants. All spectator vessels are reminded to anchor within the designated spectator area located Southwest of Buoy Number 17 near Sunset Key and anchor in sandy bottom to prevent damaging seagrass, coral, macroalgae, sponges, and other hardbottom community species. For more information on this event or the Special Local Regulation please contact the Sector Key West Command Center at (305)-292-8727.
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LNM: Safety Zone, Key West Paddle Classic, October 2, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Key West, FL
The 2021 Key West Paddle Classic will be held on October 2, 2021 on the waters surrounding Key West, FL.
FLORIDA – FLORIDA KEYS – KEY WEST: Key West Paddle Classic and Safety Zone
1. The 2021 Key West Paddle Classic will be held on October 2, 2021 on the waters surrounding Key West, FL. This event will consist of approximately 200 paddler boarders completing a 12 mile clockwise course starting along the southern shoreline beginning at Higgs Beach, transiting through the main harbor and Fleming Key Cut, around Dredgers Key, through Cow Key Channel and returning to the finish line at Higgs Beach.
2. A temporary moving safety zone has been established by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Key West, FL for this event. The safety zone encompasses all waters extending 100 yards to either side of the race participants and safety vessels; extending 50 yards in front of the lead safety vessel preceding the first race participants; and extending 50 yards behind the safety vessel trailing the last race participants. The safety zone will be enforced from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on October 2, 2021.
3. During the enforcement period, no person or vessel may enter, transit through, anchor, or remain within the safety zone without permission from the COTP or his designated representative.
4. A succession of not less than 5 short whistle or horn blasts from a patrol vessel will be the signal for any non-event participating vessel to take immediate steps to avoid collision. Also, the display of a red distress flare from a patrol vessel will be a signal for any and all vessels, including event participants inside the regulated area, to stop immediately.
5. Mariners are advised to abide by all Navigation Rules and proceed with caution in the vicinity of the course and event participants.
6. For more information on this event please contact Sector Key West at (305)-292-8727
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Florida Keys Government Declares State of Emergency and Closed to Visitors
Monroe County and the city of Key West declared a state of emergency Sunday in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Monroe County encompasses all the Keys. See Virus News for more local input.
3/24/20 The Florida Keys have been closed to tourists and visitors as part of coronavirus fight
Sun SentinelClick link for Florida Keys government declare state of emergency
Miami HeraldMonroe County, FL – Official Website
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“Going North” by Bob Sherer, March 19, Stock Island Marina Village, CANCELLED
This presentation by author and experienced cruiser, Bob Sherer, HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Robert Sherer March 2 at 12:24 PM “Going North” from Key West to Hampton, VA by Bob423 I will be giving a “Going North” presentation (see agenda below) at the Stock Island Marina Village on 3/19/2020. There is no fee for the event. Come one, come all. It will be informative and fun. There will be door prizes too! The event is open to all.
https://stockislandmarina.com/12:30 – 1:30
Have lunch with Bob423, meet and greet. I will need lunch and you’re invited too at Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Bar, it’s excellent!
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Liveaboard Shot by FWC Officer, Key West, FL
Cruisers Net is not privy to any more details than mentioned in this report and cannot confirm or deny the accuracy of the report. We post this only because of the recent issues revolving around freedom to anchor. Further information should arrive soon.
Click here for Key West: FWC CAPTAIN SHOOTS LIVEABOARD ON HIS HOUSEBOAT
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Coast Guard, NOAA Seize Illegal Shrimp Catch, Dry Tortugas Shrimp Sanctuary
Coast Guard, NOAA seize illegal shrimp catch
MIAMI — The Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration seized approximately 6,000 pounds of shrimp with an estimated price of $60,000 from the 68-foot fishing vessel Ronald E. near the Dry Tortugas Shrimp Sanctuary Preservation Area, Friday.The vessel Ronald E. was observed fishing inside the marine sanctuary and was boarded by a Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans and NOAA joint boarding team. The boarding team cited the vessel for illegally fishing inside a national marine sanctuary and safety violations.
“This case demonstrates the importance of strategic partnership,” said Capt. Jeffery Janzsen, commander, Coast Guard Sector Key West. “Within the Florida Keys, we take protecting the National Marine Sanctuary very seriously. Boaters and fishermen should familiarize themselves with the boundaries of the sanctuary to make sure they are complying with federal law.”
Fishing within federally protected waters is illegal.
“The partnership between NOAA and the Coast Guard allows for efficient enforcement of the commercial fishing fleet in the waters surrounding the Florida Keys,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Wolstenholme, commanding officer, Coast Guard Cutter Raymond Evans. “Integrating NOAA enforcement officers into our boarding teams ensures quality at sea inspections of both required safety equipment and fishing gear.”
The evidence package for this seizure has been forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service, who will determine if a formal Notice of Violation will be issued.
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Fantasy Fest Underway in Key West, Oct 20-29
Hotels are open and Fantasy Fest is going full steam!
Fantasy Fest 2017 is running! October 20-29.
Key West Mayor, Craig Cates, said they are targeting October 20th as their goal to officially reopen to tourists in time for the annual “Fantasy Fest”.
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Stock Island Marina Fuel Docks OPEN, Stock Island Village, Key West
A phone call to the marina and a call from Mike Ahart confirms that any fuel issues have been solved and the Stock Island Marina is pumping fuel again. Stock Island Marina occupies the westerly shores of Safe Harbor, north of marker #5.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Stock Island Marina Village
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Report from Galleon Marina (Key West Bight)
Galleon Marina will be the first marina that will come abeam to your starboard side as you enter Key West Bight. This facility has an excellent reputation, and it certainly lies right in the heart of Key West!
Stayed over Christmas . Helpful staff, patient at directing me to a berth between the riprap and the pontoons, which I didn’t think could be the way in as it was so narrow. Never did get my iPad to hook up to the wifi, which the marina staff know is an issue for Apple products. They gave me a number for tech support, but of course on the afternoon of 24 December I never got a call back before leaving on the 27th. The Windows laptop did connect, but service was slow. Can’t believe their tech guys can’t figure it out.
Resort bar good for sundowners after a dip in the large pool and the hot tub.
Tom SyrettClick Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Galleon Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Galleon Marina
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Good Words for Key West Bight City Marina, Key West, FL
Key West Bight City Marina occupies a good portion of the rear (southeasterly shores) of Key West Bight.
We have stayed at Key West Bight Marina for three years in a row. Each we time we stay for about 5 or 6 months. The staff is great. The marina has great water and is close to downtown. We highly recommend this place.
RadlerClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Key West Bight City Marina
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Praise for Garrison Bight/Fleming Key Mooring Field, Key West
The Garrison Bight/Fleming Key mooring field lies along a broad swath of water between Fleming Key and Sigsbee Park, north-northwest of Garrison Bight and is managed by Key West City Marina.
We spent two winters in Key West at Garrison Bight mooring field. Wonderful spot. One mile to Garrison Bight, 2 miles to Key West bight and Rat Key is in the anchorage for doggie walking. Grocery and other shopping within dingy distance. We loved evenings in Key West bight and dog walking from Garrison Bight docks through the lovely ‘˜Meadows’ neighborhood. Key West is fun on a daily basis. Be sure to use Key West Marine for all your boating needs, and if you have head problems, use the Head Honcho. The Cubanos at KW Marine will hook you up. Great Thai food at Garrison Bight and generally great fun and food are available in short range from the moorings.
Cap and Linda MundayClick Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Key West City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Key West City Marina
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More Abuse by Florida Wildlife Commission Enforcement Officers
Skipper Starling’s report comes in response to an earlier posting on the heavy-handed practices of some FWC patrol officers, /?p=133874. Despite numerous complaints filed by experienced and law abiding boaters, Florida seems unable to control the over-zealous enforcement present in the FWC enforcement division, practices definitely not limited to the Keys.
Predatory practices by FWCC toward boaters in Key West
Being shadowed by a boat with no lights while underway to the dock at sunset is unnerving , but when it turns out to be FWCC , it is worse.
Now pulled over by FWCC, they mention running lights so I mention the sunglasses they still have on. No matter that it is literally moments after sunset. Their intention is to write a citation and generate income for FWCC and at the moment I have become that revenue resource.
Minor infractions that should warrant a verbal warning are tickets.
Worse yet , a few weeks later I receive a certified letter from FWCC .
Inside, a citation for a non operational anchor light , which was issued in my absence from the vessel. It was issued at 6:32 , just after sunset when the ambient light was bright enough to keep the photo cell on my Davis auto anchor light from activating. This anchor light is an industry standard and turns on and off automatically . My vessel was not anchored in State waters but Navy bay bottom and not in navigable waters.
I have lost any respect for the newly inducted Officers, as they lack the skills necessary to gain the confidence of the Citizens and form relationships that would benefit the FWCC and boating community. Older Veteran Officers do not operate in this manner and know that it creates animosity and results in the boating community not helping FWCC in investigations of serious violations due to bad experiences and distrust.
FWCC wonders why the boating community doesn’t trust them , and refuses to cooperate . This is one example of their perception of boaters as a income revenue resource.
Lee StarlingComments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Rick
Sorry, but never ever not ever tell any officer something like “you’re wearing sunglasses after sunset”. Your ticket for the anchor light was, no doubt, payback for the comment.
-
Questions about Garrison Bight/Fleming Key Mooring Field, Key West
Skipper Petra posed the questions below for a contributor who had commented on the Garrison Bight/Fleming Key mooring field (see /?p=144908) which lies along a broad swath of water between Fleming Key and Sigsbee Park, north-northwest of Garrison Bight and is managed by Key West City Marina. SSECN is happy to facilitate the following exchange. Skipper Petra would welcome your input as well.
Hi James,
Are there any docks, balls or cheap marinas from Big Coppitt Key to the Boot Key Ball area? I am going to be working in a music duet in that area while also a novice captain of a 38′ Morgan w 3.6 draw. I would want to avoid that North wind chop and also rely on a bicycle due to knee problems. My more secure alternative now only seems to be the Boot Key Balling area. Any help or suggestions are appreciated.
Charly PetraHi Larry,
I have been in the Key West Garrison Bight Mooring Field for seven years. There is a 3′ wave during heavy North Eastern Cold Fronts that last two to three days and then it’s flat. These fronts are not a problem for me since I am in a 45′ Gulfstar S/V and should not be a problem for a 38′ Morgan. If there is a wind generator on board he will get plenty free electric that keeps my refrigeration and Satellite Dome humming. The cost is $323/M free water, parking, bath house, and parking for dinghy and car. The cheapest Marina I believe is on Stock Island and I am not sure of it’s name. It is next to 3D boat yard. I would guess the docking fee around a $1,000 a month. The facilities are brand new and it is nice with Restaurant and bar. In Key West it would cost closer to $2,000 + per month. There are some spots to anchor free that his draft would handle. One is in Key West by Christmas Tree Island which is a zoo, west of Fleming Key in KW., another would be Cow Key Channel which is between Key West and Stock Island. There could be some spots near Boca Chico Island north of the air base. You would need to search these out, but I have heard of some spots near there.
JimClick Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Key West City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Key West City Marina
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More Good Words for Garrison Bight/Fleming Key Mooring Field, Key West
The Garrison Bight/Fleming Key mooring field lies along a broad swath of water between Fleming Key and Sigsbee Park, north-northwest of Garrison Bight and is managed by Key West City Marina.
An affordable alternative to a marina in Key West or Stock Island are the mooring balls at Garrison Bight Marina in Key West. The overnight rate is in the neighborhood of $20, I’ve ball parked that because I always go for the monthly rate $323. and change. You need a dinghy for a 10 to 15 minute ride in to the dinghy docks. Included in the fee is a: bathhouse with laundry facilities, showers and restrooms, parking space for car and dinghy. There are bicycle racks, bikes not included in fact it is a dangerous place to leave a bike cabled and locked. Best to sleep next to bike I have had four stolen. It is a mile walk into town and the bus station and stop is two buildings to the north.
James T. HoltzingerClick Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Key West City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Key West City Marina
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