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    • Permit to Dredge Big Pass Recommended, Sarasota, FL near GIWW Statute Mile 72


      See Legal Battle over the dredging of Big Sarasota Pass which, with its frequent channel shifts and shoals, connects the Gulf with the Gulf Waterway and the southern tip of Sarasota Bay.

      Siesta, Lido sides prepare for Big Pass court hearing

      Judge recommends approving Big Pass dredge permit

      An administrative judge says the state should permit the proposed Lido Key renourishment project if some time and scope restraints are put in place.

      CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY  by: David Conway Deputy Managing Editor of YourObserver.com

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Big Sarasota Pass

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    • Warning of Severe Shoaling in Big Pass and New Pass, Sarasota, near GIWW Statute Mile 72


      Our thanks to Jennifer Wilson for this linked report on Big Sarasota Pass which has been embroiled recently in a legal battle over dredging. Big Sarasota Pass, which has frequent channel shifts and shoals, connects the Gulf with the Gulf Waterway and the southern tip of Sarasota Bay. New Pass leads directly to the Sarasota waterfront and the entrance portion between the Entrance Light and Light 7 is constantly shifting and shoaling. Cruisers’ Net has long recommended that this pass not be used.

      Boaters warned of Big Pass, New Pass hazards from The Herald Tribune

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Big Sarasota Pass
      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Pass

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    • Ostego Bay Foundation Needs Volunteers, Fort Myers Beach, FL


      This volunteering opportunity is a natural for cruisers who winter in Florida – a chance to get involved by meeting local folks and helping a program that is working to preserve Florida’s marine environment. A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Fort Myers Beach is a town that knows how to treat cruisers and invite them back time and time again!

      Fascinated by the Florida’s flora and fauna? Interested in working in marine biology? Enjoy working with visitors, children and school groups? The Ostego Bay Foundation Inc. on San Carlos Island is now recruiting adults 18 or older who are interested in volunteering.

      Ostego Bay Marine Science Center seeks volunteers from Fort Myers Beach Observer

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field

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    • Local Knowledge Requested on Longboat Pass, south of Tamp Bay


      If you have current local knowledge on Longboat Pass, let Pat hear from you. Longboat Pass separates Longbeach and Bradenton Beach south of Tampa Bay near GICW Statute Mile 85. Adjustments to ATONS are normally ongoing in the Pass (https://cruisersnet.net/162514) and dredging was completed in April of ’17 (https://cruisersnet.net/164177).

      Inquiring about Longboat Pass…….I have a Cape Dory 25 with a 3 foot draft. Is it safe to bring the boat through the Pass?
      Pat

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Longboat Pass

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. nick -  December 29, 2017 - 6:28 pm

        the last time I went in there I drew 5.5 feet and the correct approach is from the south along the beach, not from the north watch the water color.

        Reply to nick
      2. John Watson -  December 29, 2017 - 2:55 pm

        If you stay in the marked channel you should be fine. We draw 4.25 ft. and have never had a problem. Be sure to enter the channel well to the south. Round the MO (A) if coming from the north. Also be aware that the current runs through the pass pretty strongly at times. The bridge opens on demand, but you may find yourself “crabbing” through the bridge due to the current.

        Reply to John
    • Legal Battle over Big Pass Dredge Continues, Sarasota, near GIWW Statute Mile 72


      Our thanks to Cassidy Alexander of YourObserver.com for this follow-up report (see https://cruisersnet.net/164359). Big Sarasota Pass, which has frequent channel shifts and shoals, connects the Gulf with the Gulf Waterway and the southern tip of Sarasota Bay.

      Siesta, Lido sides prepare for Big Pass court hearing

      CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Big Sarasota Pass

      1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. mike conway -  February 24, 2018 - 11:05 am

        longboat pass has at least 4.5 feet and probably up to 6.0 feet so you should have no problem. Currents can be so be ready to power up. Mike Conway

        Reply to mike
      2. Relinda Ted Broom -  December 8, 2017 - 9:07 am

        Let them fight it out, then maybe we can get the pass reopened. It’s been a dangerous situation for boaters for years. Ted.

        Reply to Relinda
    • Report from Longboat Key Club Moorings, GICW Statute Mile 77.5, Sarasota, FL

       Step off deck at Longboat Key Club Moorings and come ashore to our Four-Diamond beachfront resort offering a private white-sand beach, 45 holes of challenging golf, the Island House Spa, six on-site restaurants, the award-winning Tennis Gardens and so much more.

      Longboat Key Club Moorings, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, guards the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota, and south of Longboat Pass.

      THE MARINA OFFICE WILL REOPEN WED., 9/13 at 8:00 am.
      The marina has made it thru Hurricane Irma with minimal vessel and dock damage. If your vessel was damaged, the marina staff will contact today, 9/12.

      The electrician is here and we are restoring power to each dock as we work thru the alphabet. There is power at the marina. Please stand by.

      Thank you for all your emails, FB posts and phone calls – MUCH APPRECIATED! The marina staff families are all well and did not receive significant damage to their homes.

      THE MARINA OFFICE WILL REOPEN WED., 9/13 at 8:00 am. See you for coffee then!

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Longboat Key Club Moorings

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Longboat Key Club Moorings

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    • Praise for Gulf Coast Canvas, Bradenton, FL

      If you are in the Bradenton area and have need of canvas repairs, here is a company that can be trusted to do the job correctly.

      We first used Gulf Coast Canvas back around 2008 and they have done all our canvas work ever since. This past week, we needed to have some of our favorite boat and beach chairs repaired and Tom and Sue took them in and did an absolutely perfect job. If anyone is in the Sarasota, Bradenton area and in need of canvas replacement, repair, re-stitch, or even embroidery work, then we highly recommend Gulf Coast Canvas. Call and leave a message and Sue will always get in touch with you. Their work is highly regarded, five star quality.
      Always good to find marine businesses that care about and know about our needs as boaters.
      Thanks to Tom and Sue Helmig.- owners of Gulf Coast Canvas, Bradenton, FL Tele: 941-752-9980
      First Mate Sue

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Twin Dolphin Marina

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

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    • National Marina Days Celebration at Twin Dolphin Marina, off Tampa Bay on the Manatee River


      Twin Dolphin Marina, 1000 1st Ave. West, Bradenton, Florida 34205-7852, 941.747.8300 - fax 941.745.2831, e-mail: harbormaster@twindolphinmarina.com

      Twin Dolphin Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, sits perched on the southern shores of Manatee River, just short of the Highway 41 Business bridge. We get lots of praise for this fine marina and their fund raising celebration for youth sailing is typical of the level of community involvement Twin Dolphin Marina exhibits all year long.

      Hello Larry. You probably well know that National Marina Days celebrations are going on now right now. What you may not realize is this: the Twin Dolphin Marina recently hosted a wonderful event that inspired new and seasoned boaters and brought in enough money to send two children to sailing school.

      National Marina Days Celebration at Twin Dolphin Raises Money for Youth Sailing

      Twin Dolphin Marina Day Barbecue emphasizes a summer of giving and celebrates boating and on the water fun!

      As part of a nationwide observance, members of the Bradenton area yachting community joined together for a National Marina Days: Summer Of Giving event Saturday at the Twin Dolphin Marina. The event included several raffle drawings to raise funds for the Manatee River Pram Fleet, a non-profit educational organization, dedicated to supporting and promoting the sport of sailing for the youth of Manatee County. Through raffle ticket sales, sponsorships and donations, the Twin Dolphin Marina staff, their members and guests raised the money needed to pay tuition dues in full for two youth sailing scholarships.

      Lisa Fath, Sailing Director for MRPF, said, “Time on the water is always a learning lesson. The Manatee River Pram Fleet teaches kids safety and sailing. We believe a kid on the water is a kid out of trouble!” Fath also thanked the Twin Dolphin Marina staff for hosting the event and for giving the gift of boating to a pair of young sailors.

      The raffles incorporated fourteen different prizes with nautical themes including marine products and services provided by Freundship Marine Inc., Go Rentals, Nicholson Marine Services, Riverwalk Yacht Sales, Subsurface Inc., PIER 22 Restaurant, and the Twin Dolphin Marina. It was a spirited event, which included party games and barbecue provided courtesy of PIER 22 Special Events & Catering. Some first-time visitors to the Twin Dolphin Marina accepted tours of the 225 wet slip facility and others received vessel safety checks compliments of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

      Cynthia Belfatto, Harbor Master for the Twin Dolphin Marina, called the event a great success. She went on to say “National Marina Days is a wonderful way to promote boating as a family-friendly leisure activity and a terrific opportunity to remind locals and visitors that Twin Dolphin is the premier resort marina on Florida’s Gulf Coast.”

      About Twin Dolphin Marina
      The Twin Dolphin Marina, located on the picturesque waters of the Manatee River, offers easy access to Tampa Bay and Florida’s Gulf Islands. Lending to its charm, both on the water fun and nearby land attractions are plentiful and include such activities as family-friendly entertainment along the Riverwalk, downtown Bradenton nightlife, performances by the Manatee Players and ongoing exhibits at the South Florida Museum.

      Located only 25 minutes from SRQ Airport and in a protected walled harbor, the Twin Dolphin Marina includes 225 wet slips available for long and short-term stays. Members and visitors alike enjoy resort-style amenities, luxury liveaboard facilities, and award-winning waterfront dining at the PIER 22 restaurant. Other conveniences include a heated pool and spa, barbecue facilities, complimentary WIFI and cable television, an onsite business center and fax services, fuel dock, laundry facilities, and pump-out at slip.

      Docking with Twin Dolphin Marina includes more than great views and high-end accommodations. It’s the friendly and knowledgeable team members that make the difference. Always ready with a smile and continuously working to exceed expectations, Twin Dolphin Marina management and staff provide a memorable riverside experience. For more information, please visit https://www.twindolphinmarina.com

      About The Manatee River Pram Fleet
      The Pram Fleet has a long and rich history in Manatee County going back to the early 1950’s. The fleet is a non-profit educational organization, which relies on donations to continue its programs. The Manatee River Pram Fleet is dedicated to supporting and promoting the sport of sailing for the youth of Manatee County including teaching sportsmanship, responsibility, self-reliance, respect for authority and equipment and the marine environment; while providing an atmosphere of good fellowship.

      Best regards,
      Tabatha Davis
      PIER 22
      Director of Marketing
      941.748.3433 x109

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Twin Dolphin Marina

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

      2 Facebook Likes, 2 Facebook Reactions

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    • LNM: Severe Shoaling, New Pass, Sarasota, FL, 6/8/2017


      New Pass leads directly to the Sarasota waterfront and the entrance portion between the Entrance Light and Light 7 is constantly shifting and shoaling. SSECN has long recommended that this pass not be used. On June 9, the USCG announced their intention to close New Pass.

      FLORIDA – CHARLOTTE HARBOR TO TAMPA BAY – NEW PASS CHANNEL: Severe Shoal/Hazard to Navigation.
      Due to increased shoaling mariners are advised to use extreme caution when transiting offshore, New Pass, Sarasota, from New Pass Channel to New Pass Bascule Bridge. Due to frequent changing conditions, buoys are not charted in this channel. The U.S Coast Guard strongly recommends avoiding this channel if possible. Chart 11425 LNM 23/17

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at New Pass

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    • Legal Battles Mount over Big Pass Dredge, Sarasota, near GIWW Statute Mile 72


      Our thanks to David Conway of YourObserver.com for this report. Big Sarasota Pass, which has frequent channel shifts and shoals, connects the Gulf with the Gulf Waterway and the southern tip of Sarasota Bay.

      Residents on Siesta Key and Lido Key are taking legal action to support their stance on the proposed dredging of Big Pass.

      CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Big Sarasota Pass

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    • Dredging Confirmed at GIWW Statute Mile 85, Longboat Pass, Sarasota, FL


      This dredging is in the intersection of the southern branch of Longboat Pass and the Gulf Waterway. Our thanks to SSECN Team Member, Winston Fowler, for this photo.

      Dredging on GICW just SE of Jewish Fish Key coming out of Sarasota Bay between Red 38 and Red 40 at GICW Miles Marker 85.
      Winston Fowler

      USACE “Currituck”


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Longboat Key Club Moorings

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Longboat Key Club Moorings

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of GIWW Mile 85

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    • Navigation Assistance Requested, Palmetto, FL to Fort Myers


      .Route suggestions are requested from a fellow trawler. Palmetto is on the north shore of the Manatee River opposite Bradenton. Fort Myers is south at the western terminus of the Okeechoebee Waterway. Local knowledge anyone?

      With our Grand Banks 46, what is the fastest way from Palmetto to Ft. Meyers?
      Tom van Straaten

      Comments from Cruisers (7)

      1. Tom van Straaten -  March 29, 2017 - 9:21 am

        Thank you, everyone, for your suggestions. I’nm new at this (took delivery of the GB on March 24 and left Palmetto at 2 PM). Due to AA 3 hr. delay, crew didn’t arrive on time (doe they ever?). We went outside and spend the night at Boca Grande (only ran aground once trying to anchor). Left at early light through locks and beautiful canals and got to Roland Martin Marina (funky, fun and very tough alligator bits to eat).
        Started out in dark to Lake Okeechobee and crossed easily in light winds. From Stuart went inside to spend night in Palm Beach. Last day went outside, arriving in Miami at noon.
        A wonderful experience in a new boat (for me as a former sailor).
        I want to reverse the traverse in the future with no time table, proceeding south from Ft. Meyers around the Keys to Miami.
        Thank you again for your thoughtful replies to my inquiry.
        Thank you all for your comment

        Reply to Tom
      2. Phil Gelber -  March 26, 2017 - 7:32 pm

        I have done this with our (stabilized) 46 GB several times.
        You don’t indicate in your post whether this is a pleasure run which would allow for a few days or just a trip to get from point A to point B.

        If you are trying to make some time, the inside route is pure torture, albeit pleasant torture. Between narrow channels and multiple bridges and no wake zones, you will be hard pressed to make it to Boca Grande in one day, although it can be done. But it won’t be fun. ]

        Far better to take 2-3 days to get to Boca Grande, anchoring in Pelican Bay, and relaxing as you traverse Pine Island Sound on the last day to get to Ft. Meyers.

        If you go on the outside, it will be one very long day, but if you have a fast 46, you can make it. If you have 135 Fords, forget it.

        Phil

        Reply to Phil
      3. Keith Wenzel -  March 25, 2017 - 8:56 am

        A note of caution, if you come in Boca Grande Pass keep in mind the entrance is approximately three miles off shore due to shallow water on the north side of the pass.

        Reply to Keith
      4. joe volpe -  March 24, 2017 - 4:42 pm

        I sailed up and down that stretch in January and would suggest avoiding Sarasota’s Big Pass inlet. I found it difficult to get accurate information on shoaling and conflicting reliability of changing marker locations. If you can stay offshore past Sarasota do it. Long boat pass is good.

        Reply to joe
      5. John Jorgensen -  March 24, 2017 - 3:43 pm

        Yes, fastest on the outside but much nicer inside. Stay at Marina Jack in Sarasota and Boca Grande on the way down.

        Reply to John
      6. Capt Dana -  March 24, 2017 - 7:05 am

        This is not an easy question to answer. I have driven many Grand Banks and am assuming your average cruising speed to be 10kts. Also I lived on the Manatee River for 10 years so have made the trip you are asking about often.
        If your desire is to get there as fast as possible you should go outside but you must be willing to do a long, long day or 2. Go out Long Boat Pass which has recently been dredged and go in either at Boca Grande Pass or San Carlos. This route takes you out of your way because of shallow areas but you avoid bridges and minimum wake zones.
        If you are doing this for pleasure, it is my opinion you should go inside and plan for 3 days. Stay in Venice at Marker 4, then anchor in Pelican Bay at Cayo Costa, just south of Boca Grande Pass or Stay at Cabbage Key. Then on to Downtown Ft Myers. If you have more questions you can contact me at dana@captdana.com

        Reply to Capt
      7. David Burnham -  March 24, 2017 - 6:30 am

        Tom,
        Weather permitting, offshore from Tampa Bay to Boca Grande, then inside on the GICW to Fort Myers.

        Reply to David
    • New Trolley Service for Siesta Key, Sarasota, FL GIWW Statute Mile 70


      This new trolley service is good news for cruisers utilizing any of the several anchorages in Roberts and Little Sarasota Bays off the eastern shore of Siesta Key. Siesta Key lies south of Sarasota Bay and Big Sarasota Pass.

      CLICK HERE FOR THE REPORT from YourObserver.com

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

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    • What Your SSECN Team is Doing

      Team Member Winston Fowler will be speaking to the Bradenton Yacht Club on the many useful features of Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net’s free website and free mobile app. The dinner is open only to BYC members, but remember: SSECN is free, has no membership, no dues and no password – simply open and navigate. 

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    • Review of Jewfish Key Anchorage, near Longboat Pass, GICW Statute Mile 85


      Jewfish Key Anchorage will be found on the deep water southwest of the long private island southwest of flashing daybeacon #41, known as Jewfish Key. Our thanks to Skipper John for this review and advice.

      Very nice anchorage – we spent 3 days here late February 2017. When we were here the water due SW of Jewfish Key was not as deep as depicted on the charts so head WNW immediately after clearing the southern tip of Jewfish. We enjoyed good Italian food at the Bayou Tavern, a short walk from the beach in the anchorage.
      John

      Click Here To View the West Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Jewish Key Anchorage

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

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    • Beached Sailing Vessel on Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota, FL

      Siesta Key is immediately south of Big Sarasota Pass. The Gulf Waterway runs parallel to the east side of Siesta Key. The beached sailing vessel is obviously on the Gulf side of the Key and says something about total reliance on GPS for navigation. Our thanks to YourObserver.com for this photo and report.

      Sailboat runs aground on Siesta Key Beach
      The owner told several bystanders his navigation system crashed on the way to St. Petersburg.
      by: Alex Mahadevan News Innovation Editor
      A roughly 30-foot sailboat named Anthem ran aground on Siesta Key Beach Sunday, creating a photo opportunity for island visitors and residents all week.

      The owner of the vessel, which is based out of St. Petersburg, told bystanders he was traveling home in the Gulf of Mexico when his navigation system crashed, sending the sailboat over a sandbar and onto the public beach. Sea Tow, a boat towing service, is waiting until a higher tide this week to haul the ship back into the gulf.

      “It’s not very easy,” said Sea Tow Bradenton office manager Amanda Newell. “They need a towboat by sea and people on the sand to pull that sucker out of there.”

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. pat kennedy -  February 3, 2017 - 8:50 pm

        Sea tow pulled off the beach this afternoon 2/3/13

        Reply to pat
    • Vehicular Traffic Concerns over Openings, Longboat Pass Bridge, GICW Statute Mile 85


      With a closed vertical clearance of 17ft, Longboat Pass Bridge crosses Longboat Pass which separates Longbeach and Bradenton Beach, south of Tampa Bay near Statute Mile 85.

      Longboat Key petitions for bridge-opening fixes
      -Terry O’Connor News Editor
      U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, said he would intervene with the Coast Guard to help change the bridge-opening schedule.
      CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY from www.yourobserver.com

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Longboat Pass

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    • Three Sailors Rescued west of Sanibel Island, Fort Myers, FL

      The US Coast Guard doing what they do so well. Thank you Coast Guard!

      FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — The Coast Guard rescued three boaters Friday after their boat took on water 12 miles west of Sanibel.
      Watch standers from Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received an emergency relay call at 4:05 a.m. from Sea Tow National dispatch, stating three people were aboard a 35-foot sailboat taking on water and were in need of emergency assistance.
      A Coast Guard boat crew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station Fort Myers Beach responded.
      The crew arrived on scene and provided dewatering assistance, which enabled the vessel to remain afloat while under tow. The tow was transferred to Sea Tow National who took them to Fort Myers. No injuries were reported.
      “Thankfully we were alerted quickly, which enabled our boat crew to get on scene and prevent a bad situation from getting any worse,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brittany Poley, command duty officer at Sector St. Petersburg.

      CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT AND PHOTOS

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    • Submerged Pipeline in Longboat Pass, GICW Statute Mile 85


      Longboat Pass, where shoaling has been reported for years, separates Longbeach and Bradenton Beach south of Tampa Bay near GICW Statute Mile 85.

      FLORIDA – CHARLOTTE HARBOR TO TAMPA BAY – LONGBOAT PASS: Submerged Pipeline
      The U.S. Coast Guard received a report of a submerged pipeline in Longboat Pass in position 27-26-36.158N/082-41-26.537W (27°26.6026N / 082°41.4423W, 27.443377 / -82.690705) . Mariners are advised to transit the area with caution. Chart 11425 LNM 49/16

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Longboat Pass

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    • Farmers Market Brings Produce to Lido Key, Sarasota Bay


      This is good news for cruisers visiting Lido Key which lies west of southern Sarasota Bay and south of New Pass. This notice comes from www.yourobserver.com.

      On Nov. 3, the Lido Pavilion hosted the key’s inaugural Veggie Market, a weekly open-air produce sale designed to serve barrier island residents.
      by: David Conway Deputy Managing Editor

      CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Otter-Lido Key Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Otter-Lido Key Anchorage

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