Destin is on the southern shore of Chocktawhatchee Bay east of Fort Walton. Our thanks to AGLCA Forum friends, Scott and KC Calkin, for sharing this report.
Spoke to Mel and Ann last night. They are at Dog Is. and leave for Steinhatche in am. He reports ICW totally cleared open from Destin east. All nav aids in place. NO debris. Ashore–devastation. Marinas? Pan. City, Port St. Joe and Appalach grim. Fuel–Destin, Sandestin, Carrabelle.
Scott & KC Calkin Jet Stream 466 Carver MY Gold looper going for Platinum U.S. Navy (Ret.), American Airlines (Ret
You only have to spend a short time talking with Randy Mims to know that he has the soul of a true sailor. Randy not only built his 27ft gaff-rigged cutter, Ideath, but each year he single-hands the cutter from North Carolina to the Northern Gulf Coast and back again. “Ideath” is pronounced Ide’ath and loosely translates as “house of ideas”. Having survived numerous storms, Randy is no stranger to hurricanes and we are relieved that he made it through Michael safely. On his solo voyages, Randy stops along the way to visit maritime museums and, indulging his passion for music, he volunteers to sing in community church choirs. He also takes time to share his travels with his friends and has agreed to allow Cruisers Net to post his emails. For more photos and more on Randy, go to http://towndock.net/shippingnews/ideath?pg=1 from TownDock.net in Oriental. See previous installment: Surviving Hermine.
Dear Friends, I am sure that by now many of you must think that I have sailed off the edge of the world or that “Ideath” sank and there there was no one to send out an update. While it is true that I have not been on a long voyage in what seems like forever, I have been here in Apalachicola playing music, making jewelry, and sailing one day about every week and doing all kinds for projects on “Ideath”. Last Sunday I was telling my friends that after four months I had finally completed the project of replacing every piece of rigging on the boat. I have lost track of how many splices and line end whippings I have made. I listen to the NOAA weather radio every morning. At first they were saying that a tropical storm that could become a minimal Hurricane was headed up here to the Panhandle of Florida. Tropical storms and even Cat 1s don’t pose much of a problem for “Ideath” safely nestled three miles up a marsh creek. She has weathered many storms tied out in Scipio creek between the dock and the six hundred pound concrete block that I cast in the mud on the other side. Depending on whether the storm will pass east or west of us, I will put an anchor up or down the creek. On Monday morning I began preparations for the storm. Having spent all the time setting up the new rigging I was reluctant to take it all back down. I took down the sun awning and lazily got out the bigger dock lines and took tools and paint off the boat to tidy up down below. By noon they were talking about Category 3 Hurricane “Michael” that was headed right for Apalachicola. Preparations went into high gear. Still not wanting to down rig the boat, I wrapped each of the headsail halyards around their stays which will keep them from vibrating much like the spirals that you see on tall smoke stacks. The forecasters seemed to think that it would indeed pass to the west of us if it didn’t go right over. Jim Cantore was broadcasting from Panama City about fifty miles to the west. Hedging my bets I added fifty feet of chain to anchors and put two anchors down stream. One was to the southeast and the other was as close to south as I could get in the confines of the creek. I put a third anchor up the creek to the north “just in case”. It is quite a balancing feat to load an anchor with it’s normal 30 feet of chain and an additional 50 feet of chain and 200 feet of nylon line into a kayak and paddle into a fifteen knot wind and get it all out of the kayak without turning it over, three times. Tuesday noon found me as prepared as possible and hearing that the storm was now a Category 3 and was expected to become a Four. Tuesday evening saw the beginning of some rain bands and a definite increase in wind. Still it was nothing that “Ideath” and I hadn’t been through before. I set up a schedule for the night, getting up every hour to check chafe protectors and adjust lines as it became necessary. I was very glad to see the dawn as the schedule went out the window at about 3 Am when I was checking every half hour. I was still feeling confident of my setup and after eating some pancakes for breakfast, I spent a lot of time out in the cockpit marveling at the sheets of wind driven rain. Every once in a while a Tern or Gull tried valiantly to fly to windward only to be blown back. Once a Manatee came up right beside the boat and looked right at me before the driving rain made us both blink and down it went. It was a good thing that I managed to eat a Peanut butter sandwich around twelve thirty because by one o’clock things had changed remarkably. The wind had become a solid wall of screaming noise. To move about the boat I had to crawl from hand rail to rail. I couldn’t look in the direction of the wind and could only look down. I was wearing boat shoes and a bathing suit with a tee shirt under a foul weather jacket and the rain felt like needles hitting my legs and face. By now the water was over the dock and actually over the bench that is bolted to the dock. As the fury grew it also started to veer around to the south. Because the water was now above the marsh grass there was a three mile fetch all the way from town, and the chop was now about two feet high. Of course “Ideath” could care less about two foot waves, but the situation became a lot more intense when the dock to which we were tied began to come apart. Getting some of the strain off of the dock lines seemed imperative as the pilings were starting to undulate with the waves that were hitting them. The engine at about 2400 RPM seemed to do the trick. The only problem was that the water was so full of bits of marsh grass that the raw water filter was plugging up about every five minutes. I have two filter screens and got to where I could change out a clean one for one stuffed with grass in about 45 seconds. Worrying that the dock would fail completely, as the wind continued to swing around to the southwest and west, I put the little danforth anchor I had left in the water right off the bow. But knowing that it would not be effective in those conditions, I made the decision to do the only thing that I knew could work. I got out a long piece of three quarter inch line from my sea anchor and carefully laid it out on the deck. Shedding the foul weather jacket and putting on a life jacket, I hand over handed down one of the dock lines to the swaying dock and then swam the end around a palm tree and tied it off. Now that there was something solid again to hang on I could let “Ideath” swing out into the creek with her bow into the new wind direction. Happily as the wind came around more to the west it lessened the fetch and the waves became less. With the west wind I knew that “Michael” had made landfall and by three- thirty the twenty to thirty knot gusts seemed like gentle puffs compared to what we and just been through. When you live on a boat it is not necessary to be going anywhere to have to use sailoring skills and have adventures. As it turned out the eye of “Michael” went ashore about thirty miles west of us in Mexico Beach. I understand it practically destroyed a big hotel there. I certainly have a lot of cleaning up to do and a dock that will have to be rebuilt, but I am grateful that “Ideath” is sitting peacefully at the buckled dock and not languishing out in the middle of a marsh or smashed up against a bunch of trees. I hope the next update I send out is about a fun voyage. I have had all the Hurricane season I want! Peace and Love to all of you. I have missed showing up where you are, Randy
211 Big Bend is a United Way Agency in the eight-county region of the big bend.
For Assistance After The Storm 2-1-1 Big Bend
Following Hurricane Michael, individuals and families in need can contact 2-1-1 by simply dialing 211 from a cell phone or landline. 2-1-1 is a free, 24/7, hotline available in multiple languages, that provides information to individuals seeking community resources like shelter, food and water, recovery support, short-term counseling and other basic needs before, during and after disasters.
Calls are free, confidential and anonymous. Trained hotline counselors are available to listen and provide emotional support, crisis counseling, suicide prevention, and information.
Dial 2-1-1 or (850) 617-6333 for 24/7 human service information and assistance.
Bilingual and translation services are available. TDD/TTY or 711Florida Relay is available for hearing impaired individuals.
2-1-1 Big Bend, A United Way Agency, is your gateway to human services in the eight-county region of the big bend. 2-1-1 Big Bend is a non-profit 501c3 organization accredited by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems and the American Association of Suicidality. The agency’s mission is to provide assessment, emotional support, crisis assistance, education, training and referrals with accurate, up-to-date resource info.
Port St. Joe Marina is on the eastern shore of St. Joseph Bay on Florida’s northern Gulf Coast, between Panama City and Apalachicola, Fl. Port St. Joe was just east of Michael’s landfall in Mexico Beach. See Before and After Photos.
Panama City, on the eastern shore of St. Andres Bay northeast of Mexico Beach where Hurricane Michael made landfall, suffered devastating damage from Michael. Panama City Marina and St. Andrews Marina are both CRUISERS NET SPONSORS and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to all in the area who sustained losses. Diana Pieper, who sent this report, lost her house.
Panama City Marina GONE….destroyed. St. Andrews Marina had a lot of damage.
We can’t even get in to our home with a u-haul to remove what furniture is salvageable because of the trees down. Our neighborhood was hit harder because of the old oak trees and pine trees that we are famous for. My family and I are staying in hotels until we can find temporary housing of some kind. I wish we had the RV I sold after my husband died. Again, thanks for your concern. The entire city is destroyed or damaged (actually the whole county). Both large hospitals have been closed indefinitely due to extreme damage. Our entire infrastructure is broken. Recovery is in years and not months. Diana Pieper
Leon County is the site of Florida’s State Capitol and is in the direct path of Category 4 Hurricane Michael. See Leon County Daily Brief.
Remain Alert To Carbon Monoxide Dangers During Michael Residents advised not to use generators, grills indoors
Tallahassee — As communities across the Big Bend region prepare for Hurricane Michael, the Florida Department of Health in Leon County urges residents to take precautions against carbon monoxide (CO) exposure.
CO is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas and is highly poisonous. Depending on the level of exposure, CO may cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath upon exertion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, impaired vision, loss of consciousness and, in severe cases, death.
DOH-Leon recommends the following precautions to help prevent CO poisoning:
Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace. NEVER use a generator indoors, including in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home. ALWAYS locate the unit outdoors on a dry surface, away from doors, windows, vents and air conditioning equipment that could allow CO to come indoors. Follow the instructions that come with your generator. Install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery backup in your home, according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The CO alarms should be certified to the requirements of the latest safety standards for CO alarms. Test your CO alarms frequently and replace dead batteries. Remember that you cannot see or smell CO and portable generators can produce high levels of CO very quickly. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY…DO NOT DELAY. If you have a poisoning emergency, call your nearest Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 9-1-1 immediately. For more information, please contact DOH-Leon at (305) 924-6839 or check out the Hurricane Information Fact Sheets posted at www.floridahealth.gov .
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850.606.5300 | cmr@LeonCountyFL.gov | www.LeonCountyFL.gov 301 S. Monroe St., Suite 502, Tallahassee, FL 32301
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Interactive link is at the bottom of this posting.
FWC will provide interactive Daily Sampling Map for red tide
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will provide an enhanced, interactive map updated daily of water samples to inform the public on the status of naturally-occurring red tide throughout the state.
The online Daily Sampling Map will be offered in addition to FWC’s current Wednesday and Friday updates on the status of Florida’s red tide blooms. This will provide the public with more immediate and accurate red tide data, as researchers process the many water samples from across the state.
“We are pushing out all we can, when we can, in the spirit of providing the most timely and beneficial information to the public and partners,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. “We will continually expand efforts to assist during this difficult event.”
The FWC works with a large network of partners, including private organizations, local governments and citizen volunteers, to continue research and sampling efforts and has conducted meetings and phone calls to develop a course of action for affected areas. This strong collaboration is critical to response efforts in coastal communities throughout the state.
Sadly, as Steve Ramsay bewails, what seemed unthinkable ten years ago is now a reality, not only in Florida, but along much of the east coast: free, public anchorages are becoming pay-for-use municipal mooring fields. (Enter “mooring” in the Search window above for a perspective on the battle that was waged against mooring fields in Florida several years back.) While welcomed by some who see the moorings as an alternative to ever rising dockage fees, those of us who boat on a budget and find the moorings restrictive, along with the prohibitive cost of boating in general, are in agreement with Steve, to the point that we can no longer afford to spend much, if any, time cruising. Steve is replying to A Disturbing Message about Anchoring.
Like so much of our culture today, it is a case of the “HAVEs” versus the “HAVE NOTs.” We hear you Steve!
I moved here from New England and as a boater since age 2, I am very disappointed with the availability of moorings here (Tampa area). Boating is such a healthy outdoor activity for the whole family. Go to New England, you will see boats on moorings as far as the eye can see, and they only have a 4 month season. I had planned on buying a 24 ft. sloop, but I am afraid I will have to abandon the idea altogether. Personally, at $400 per month for a mooring, I am forced to leave my favorite past time to a high end class of people who will continue to enjoy sailing as much as I did. I have been priced out. It seems like boating here is discouraged rather that encouraged and fully advocated for.
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Comments from Cruisers (2)
edd Jennings- July 31, 2019 - 9:37 am
It seams to me that the big marinas are really controlling the cost of docking more so than ever, in St. Petersburg the safe harbor group will get control of the city docks soon, that means they have a monopoly controlling all the docks and moorings in St. Petersburg. As for anchoring I don’t have any problems with this except that Most anchorage’s have bad boat that are in kept and in danger of abandonment also there is a problem with pumping out this is a federal regulation that is always over looked Anchorage for transit moorings and dingy docks is a good idea for everyone at a minimum price if not totally free.
You are absolutely correct,Steve. I traveled in a trawler from North Carolina to Louisiana for many years and enjoyed the many towns and anchorages along the way. Not nearly as many anchorages as there used to be. And many more restrictions on the ones that are left. Florida, especially , seems to discourage boating. Especially transient boating. I got tired of the hassle and high cost of marinas, moorings, and dockage and got out of boating. It’s not affordable for the average pocketbook anymore. It’s just one more thing that belongs to the people with a lot of money. The middle class will soon be no more. My opinion, Jerry
Especially with the current red tide threat to manatees in the Gulf, reported sightings are even more important. How to report sightings is listed below.
Manatee sightings can be reported to the DISL/MSN team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone 1-866-493-5803, email manatee@disl.org, or through an online sighting form found at manatee.disl.org.
DERELICT VESSEL REMOVAL GRANT 2018-2019 OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is announcing the first opportunity to apply for Derelict Vessel Removal Grants for the 2018/2019 budget year. The application period for the Bulk Derelict Vessel Removal Grant Program will begin on September 3, 2018, at 8:00 AM (EST), and end on October 17, 2018, at 5:00 PM (EST). Applications received after October 17, 2018, will not be eligible for consideration in round one. All removal applications must be complete and authorized for removal in the Statewide Derelict Vessel Database as well as demonstrate proof that due process was provided for each vessel’s owner. At a minimum, this would include an opportunity for the vessel owner to challenge the derelict vessel determination, either in criminal court or in an administrative hearing. Vessel cases not demonstrating that these opportunities have been offered to the owners of the vessels will not be considered for state funding assistance. A Letter of Authorization to remove and dispose of the vessel, issued by a law enforcement agency must be included in the application. Should funding be available for a second or subsequent round of applications, new announcements will be made. The grant guidelines and application form may be downloaded at: http://www.MyFWC.com/DVGrant.
You may also receive the guidelines and application by contacting Phil Horning at (850) 617-9540 or email DVGrant@MyFWC.com.
Applications that meet the requirements for the Rapid Removal Grant Program may be submitted at any time after the opportunity announcement start date, but no later than November 23,2019, at 5:00pm (EST) (based on available funding). Rapid removal cases must meet requirements of published guidelines as well as due process requirements. Total funding allocated for derelict vessel removal for fiscal year 2018-2019 was $1,000,000. Applications may be mailed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Boating and Waterways Section, Derelict Vessel Grant Program Administrator, at 620 S. Meridian Street – Room 235, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600 or emailed to DVGrant@MyFWC.com.
For further information, please contact:
Phil Horning, Derelict Vessel Program Administrator, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, Boating and Waterways Section, (850) 617-9540 or email Phil.Horning@MyFWC.com
With the release of the 2017 Boating Accident Statistical Report, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages boaters to focus on simple, effective steps that make boating safer.
This dredging operation is west of the Pensacola Beach Bridge, Pensacola, FL.
FL – GIWW – SANTA ROSA SOUND – Dredge Operation Continuing until further notice, the Dredge KELLY L will be conducting dredging operations to remove shoaling in an area between GIWW, mile 179.0, EHL and GIWW, mile 180.0, EHL. Dredge material will be disposed into an upland disposal area located just south of the channel utilizing floating and submerged pipelines. All vessels will be lighted in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard Safety Regulations. The Dredge KELLY L will be monitoring VHF-FM Channel 13 or 16. Mariners are urged to exercise caution when transiting the area. Chart 11378 11383 LNM 18/18
In FWC’s first application period for derelict vessel removal grants, $488, 550.00 was available and only $184,935.00 was requested. This leaves $303,615.00 still available for derelict vessel removal grants. Therefore this 2nd opportunity announcement is being advertised.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is announcing the opportunity to apply for Derelict Vessel Removal Grants. The application period for the Bulk Derelict Vessel Removal Grant Program will begin on Monday March 26, 2018 at 8:00 AM (EST), and end on Wednesday May 9, 2018 at 5:00 PM (EST). Applications received after Wednesday May 9, 2018, will not be eligible for consideration. All removal applications must demonstrate proof that due process was provided for each vessel’s owner. At a minimum, this would include an opportunity for the vessel owner to challenge the derelict vessel determination, either in criminal court or in an administrative hearing. Vessel cases not demonstrating that these opportunities have been offered to the owners of the vessels will not be considered for state funding assistance. The grant guidelines and application form may be downloaded at: http://www.MyFWC.com/DVGrant.
You may also receive the guidelines and application by contacting Phil Horning at (850) 617-9540 or email DVGrant@MyFWC.com.
Applications that meet the requirements for the Rapid Removal Grant Program may be submitted at any time after the opportunity announcement start date, but no later than November 31, 2018 at 5:00pm (EST) (based on available funding). Rapid removal cases must also meet due process requirements. Total funding allocated for derelict vessel removal for fiscal year 2017/18 is $488,550. Applications may be mailed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Boating and Waterways Section, Derelict Vessel Grant Program Administrator, at 620 S. Meridian Street – Room 235, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600 or emailed to DVGrant@MyFWC.com.
For further information, please contact:
Phil Horning, Derelict Vessel Program Administrator, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, Boating and Waterways Section, (850) 617-9540 or email Phil.Horning@MyFWC.com
Be on the lookout for manatees! 2017 was the third highest mortality rate for manatees and tied with the all-time record for watercraft deaths.
More Than 6000 Manatees Counted In Florida The survey serves as a loose population count. It’s conducted during Florida’s coldest days as manatees gather for warmth near deep canals, natural springs and power plants.
Our thanks to AGCLA member, Terry Godhold, for these words of praise for longtime CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Panama City Marina, located on the eastern shore of St. Andrews Bay.
I rarely, if ever, recommend a marina however, this is different. Yesterday, on the way to Panama City, I blew a oil hose. We had to call Sea Tow to tow us 17 miles where we successfully secured the Magic. The marina was given a “heads up” that we were being towed in. Rick, the harbor master, met us, helped us tie, gave us mechanics recommendation and all in all, was more helpful than almost any other marina we have visited. Terry Godbold
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is announcing the opportunity to apply for Derelict Vessel Removal Grants. The application period for the Bulk Derelict Vessel Removal Grant Program will begin on January 8, 2018 at 8:00 AM (EST), and end on February 21, 2018 at 5:00 PM (EST). Applications received after February 21, 2018, will not be eligible for consideration in round one, but may be considered for a potential subsequent round, if funding remains available. All removal applications must demonstrate proof that due process was provided for each vessel’s owner. At a minimum, this would include an opportunity for the vessel owner to challenge the derelict vessel determination, either in criminal court or in an administrative hearing. Vessel cases not demonstrating that these opportunities have been offered to the owners of the vessels will not be considered for state funding assistance. Should funding be available for a second or subsequent rounds of applications, new announcements will be made. The grant guidelines and application form may be downloaded at: http://www.MyFWC.com/DVGrant.
You may also receive the guidelines and application by contacting Phil Horning at (850) 617-9540 or email DVGrant@MyFWC.com.
Applications that meet the requirements for the Rapid Removal Grant Program may be submitted at any time after the opportunity announcement start date, but no later than November 31, 2018 at 5:00pm (EST) (based on available funding). Rapid removal cases must also meet due process requirements. Total funding allocated for derelict vessel removal for fiscal year 2017/18 is $488,550. Applications may be mailed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Boating and Waterways Section, Derelict Vessel Grant Program Administrator, at 620 S. Meridian Street – Room 235, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600 or emailed to DVGrant@MyFWC.com.
For further information, please contact:
Phil Horning, Derelict Vessel Program Administrator, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, Boating and Waterways Section, (850) 617-9540 or email Phil.Horning@MyFWC.com
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