Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Oct 20, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Lighting of the Village, Nov 18, Fishermen’s Village, Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is absolutely the most event active marina on the Gulf Coast for all seasons. With year-round family friendly celebrations, you will feel right at home on your visit to Punta Gorda, also A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, on beautiful Charlotte Harbor.
For Immediate Release: Annual “Lighting of The Village” to be held November 18, 2017
Punta Gorda, FL—Fishermen’s Village will herald in the Holiday Season with a spectacular “Lighting of the Village” Saturday, November 18. This celebration is the official kick off
of the annual “FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS”, a display of more than ONE MILLION LIGHTS and themed decorations. Local residents and visitors will enjoy beautiful traditional themed holiday décor and lights both inside and outside Fishermen’s Village.

Festivities begin at 5:30 pm. with an official ribbon cutting with Santa and City of Punta Gorda officials. The Lee County Pipes and Drums Band will then parade through the Village, followed by a rousing performance in Center Court. Other festivities include holiday music by The Suncoast Statesmen Barbershop Harmony, live music/dancing with the Shane Duncan Band, Juggling/balloon creations by Jeff the Juggler, Finest Face Painting by MaryRose, pictures with Santa (bring your camera!), complimentary refreshments courtesy of Village Merchants, and live radio remote with Jeff Collins “The Golden Hippo”.
YOUR ADMISSION: Patrons are being asked to bring toilet paper, toiletries and canned goods to be donated to “Share The Blessings Ministry”, an all-volunteer, nonprofit charity benefiting those in need in Charlotte County. Their mission is to provide hygiene, cleaning and non-perishable food items which serve over 500 individuals and 150 families each month. Their current critical need is for paper hygiene products.
Due to the popularity of this event, parking will fill up fast, so arrive early.
Fishermen’s Village Waterfront Mall, Resort and Marina is located on Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda. From I-75, take exit 164, turn left and proceed 3 miles to Fishermen’s Village.
Call 941 639-8721 for more information or visit on line at www.fishville.com.
Kathy Burnam
Marketing/Events Manager
Fishermen’s Village
mkting@fishville.com
1200 W. Retta Esplanade #57A
Punta Gorda, Florida 33950
P 941 575-3007
M 941 258-1327
F 941 637-1054

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Oct 14, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 26.4632,-81.96549999
Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina Voted Best Small Marina, Matanzas Pass, Gulf Coast

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BEST SMALL MARINA Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina is, naturally, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! The marina overlooks the westerly banks of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13. Congratulations Pink Shell!
Marinalife Announces the Winners of the 8th Annual Best Marina Contest

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – Marinalife is pleased to announce the winners of the 8th Annual Best Marina Contest. Congratulations to Orange Beach Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, voted 2017’s Best Large Marina and Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, voted 2017’s Best Small Marina.

As a premier marina on the Gulf Coast, Orange Beach Marina offers a safe, fully protected harbor with 161 slips available and family-friendly environment for all types of boaters. Conveniently accessible from the Gulf, Tennessee-Tombigbee, Intracoastal Waterway, Mobile or Pensacola Bay, their state-of-the-art docks, two on-site restaurants, and exceptional laundry and shower facilities offer guests a pleasant experience without leaving the marina.

“For the second year in a row, Orange Beach Marina is honored to be recognized as Marinalife’s 2017 Best Large Marina!” states C. Bennett Long, President. “This award demonstrates that hard work and attention to detail pays dividends. We also couldn’t be more thankful to our dedicated staff who routinely put our customer’s needs at the forefront of our family-owned and operated business we are proud to represent the entire Gulf Coast and our world-renowned hometown, Orange Beach, Alabama.”

Voted 2017’s Best Small Marina, the beautiful pet and family friendly Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina in Fort Myers Beach, Florida features 41 slips where boaters enjoy a host of amenities and services, whether staying for one night or one week. Just six miles from the Gulf of Mexico, dock your boat (up to 100 feet) and get full-access to the Resort’s pools, restaurants, and spa or soak in the sunshine along the quarter mile of sugar white sand beaches.

“We are honored to have been voted the Best Small Marina in this year’s Marinalife Best Marina contest,” said Pink Shell’s Dockmaster, Dave O’Connor. “We thank the readers and our marina guests for recognizing our commitment to maintaining a prestigious facility and our dedication to providing exceptional service.”

Due to the high number of votes, we recognize second and third place winners in each category. Kingman Yacht Center in Cataumet, Massachusetts was voted second place for the Best Large Marina, and River Dunes Marina in Oriental, North Carolina came in a close third. Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina in Islamorada, Florida was voted second place in the Best Small Marina category and in third place was Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

We appreciate and thank all the marinas and boaters nationwide for participating in this year’s contest. Keep an eye out for announcements starting in the Spring of 2018 for Marinalife’s 9th Annual Best Marina Contest.

###

About Marinalife:
Marinalife brings together the boating community through a comprehensive membership program offering boaters online marina reservation services and valuable trip planning travel tools and resources. Marinalife publishes a quarterly magazine highlighting marina and boating destinations, members’ cruising stories and captain’s tips. Marinalife’s mission is to make boating easy by providing services and information to simplify logistics and alleviate stress for all types of boaters.
For more information on Marinalife, please call 1-800-736-8275 or visit www.marinalife.com.

For imagery and other requests, please contact:
Anna Barthelme
Marinalife, LLC
410-988-3827
anna@marinalife.com
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Comments from Cruisers (2)

Gratitude Rosa - October 15, 2017 - 7:20 am

Well deserved. We love Pink Shell Marina. And yes, Dave and Craig are the best!
Looking forward to going back.
Reply to Gratitude

David Hughes - October 14, 2017 - 9:22 pm

Congrats to Dave and Craig, the best dockmasters in the business!
Reply to David
Sep 25, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
App for No-Wake Zones in Florida
Our thanks to Danny Munson for recommending this app, https://www.wakewatch.com/.
Don’t you wish everyone would use and respect those safety limits!
There is an app called WakeWatch that maps out all of the no wake zones in FL. It also tells what type of zone – i.e. slow speed minimum wake, no wake, speed limits, etc. with the associated time restrictions. It also has all of the bridge heights and opening schedules.
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Sep 12, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Southwest Florida Yachts, Tarpon Point Marina, Cape Coral, FL
We are fine here. Our entire charter fleet of sail and power yachts came through just fine. We even have power at our office!
Tarpon Point Marina, where we are located has no damage. I’ll see what I can find out about the area. As far as I know, the islands of Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva, Cayo Costa and Gasparilla were all fine since the storm took a turn inland.
Barb Hansen
Southwest Florida Yachts, Inc.
Florida Sailing & Cruising School
6095 Silver King Blvd
Cape Coral FL 33914
239.257.2788
www.swfyachts.com
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Sep 12, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Longboat Key Club Moorings, GICW Statute Mile 77.5, Sarasota, FL
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!
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Sep 10, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Photo of Storm Damaged Boats near Fort Myers

Boats lay on their sides after the tide has pushed out on Hurricane Pass on Fort Myers Beach, Fl. on Sept. 10, 2017
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Aug 16, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 28.1502,-82.83939999
LNM: Severe Shoaling, Nav Aids Changed, Anclote River Gulf Entrance Channel, north St. Joseph Sound, Tarpon Springs, FL

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This shoaling is off the southern tip of Anclote Key where two other Nav Alerts have been posted in the past. The relocation of the nav aids is good news.
FLORIDA – TAMPA BAY TO PORT RICHEY – ANCLOTE ANCHORAGE SOUTH ENTRANCE: Severe Shoaling, Temporary Changes
and Establishment to the Aids to Navigation.
Due to shoaling the following Aids to Navigation have been temporarily established and changed:
-Anclote Anchorage South Entrance Daybeacon 5 (LLNR 26085 [28°8.7176N / 082°50.4298W, 28.145294 / -82.840496]) temporarily converted into a DANGER SHOAL Daybeacon A
-Relocated TRUB 5 to position 28-08-43.057N / 082-50-25.787W (28°8.7176N / 082°50.4298W, 28.145294 / -82.840496)
-Temporarily established Anclote Anchorage South Entrance Buoy 5A in position 28-09-01.288N / 082-50-12.673W (28°9.0215N / 082°50.2112W, 28.150358 / -82.836854)
-Anclote Anchorage South Entrance Daybeacon 6 (LLNR 26095 [28°9.2470N / 082°50.2253W, 28.154116 / -82.837089]) temporarily converted into a DANGER SHOAL Daybeacon B
Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area. Chart 11411 LNM 33/17
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Aug 12, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.7292,-81.75239999
Local Knowledge Sought on Owl Creek Boat Works, Caloosahatchee River, OWW Statute Mile 125

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Skipper Pestik is seeking local knowledge on the entrance channel into Owl Creek Boat Works and Storage which is located 10 miles east of downtown Ft. Myers on the Caloosahatchee River between markers 5 and 6. Can you help?
What’s the chance of boat with 50′ mast and 6′ draft making it in there and out?
George Pestik
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Jim - August 20, 2017 - 10:29 am

I assume you are coming from the Gulf of Mexico
Bridges – no problem, draft – tricky in narrow channel upstream of Ft Myers.
Call Owl Creek for info on deepest route from Okee Waterway into their facility.
But why do you want to go so far inland, there are excellent haulout marinas in Ft Myers Beach
Reply to Jim
Aug 8, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
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
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Aug 5, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 25.9172,-81.63969999
Coon Key Pass Local Knowledge Requested, Gullivan Bay, south of Marco Island

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Skipper Gaz Haring is responding to a much earlier report on Coon Key Pass and is asking for more recent local knowledge. Coon Key Light is due south of Coon Key Pass in northern Gullivan Bay.
Has anyone been through the Coon Key Light / Gullivan Bay channel lately?
Been a few years since last transited. Always a little dicey with tight places around and south of Coon Key Light. Wondering if still 4′ at MLW according to Coastal Pilot / charts and my personal observations. Aug 2017
Gaz Haring
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Brian McMahon - November 9, 2017 - 12:20 pm

Have same question regarding transiting Gullivan Bay into Goodland. I draw 5′ and based on charts i can make it at high tide. However, looks like there are two potential routes through Gullivan Bay. Anyone have a specific route they think is best?
Reply to Brian
Jul 26, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.929,-82.06339999
Praise for Fishermen’s Village Marina, Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL

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Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is absolutely the most event active marina on the Gulf Coast for all seasons. As Kelly notes below, the Fishermen’s Village Marina staff helps you feel right at home on your visit to Punta Gorda, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, on beautiful Charlotte Harbor.
My experience with Fisherman’s Village Marina has been excellent. Ron Schebil and his staff have made our extended stay in Punta Gorda a memorable one. They have been helpful as well as just a joy to be around. I highly recommend a scheduled stay when you are passing through. The marina has everything a cruiser needs from a clean hot shower to a free bike rental! Not to mention the fabulous restaurants and specialty shopping available. Thank you to Ron and his staff for the great service!
Kelly
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Jul 25, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Manatee and Sea Turtle Decals, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
Stick on a decal to show support for Florida’s manatees, sea turtles
There are more manatees and sea turtles in Florida than in any other state. More than 6,000 manatees swim in its coastal waters, rivers and freshwater springs, and thousands of sea turtles nest and hatch on its Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches.
It’s easy to show support for these iconic Florida species by sticking on a decal.
Every July the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) introduces new manatee and sea turtle decals available with a $5 donation.
The colorful, waterproof decals are designed to look great on a vehicle’s bumper or the side of a boat. Get them when registering or re-registering a vehicle or boat at local tax collectors’ offices across the state.
“Florida is home to more manatees and sea turtles than anywhere else in the U.S.,” said Carol Knox, who leads the FWC’s Imperiled Species Management Section. “Public support has been critical in helping us conserve these imperiled species. So please ‘stick on a decal’ and show support for our manatees and sea turtles.”
Decals generate funding for research, rescue and management efforts that help Florida’s manatees and sea turtles survive. For instance, when someone calls the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) to report an injured, entangled or sick manatee or sea turtle, FWC staff responds with efforts to rescue and rehabilitate the animal.
The decals also address important conservation issues:
- “Look out for manatees” is the message on the new manatee decal, which shows boaters in the distance as a manatee mother and calf swim along with only her back above water.When boating or using a personal watercraft in Florida waters, it is important to look out for manatees. Mature manatees grow to 1,000 pounds or more, but can be difficult to see when they’re swimming, grazing or resting underwater. Wear polarized sunglasses, and then watch and listen carefully to detect the signs of manatees nearby. Look for circles on the water’s surface indicating their underwater movement and snouts sticking out of the water as they surface to breathe. You may also hear huffing noises when they come up for air.
- “Helping sea turtles survive” is the message on the new sea turtle decal, which shows a green sea turtle. Green sea turtles nest on Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches, and until recently were classified as endangered. Now after years of conservation efforts, the number of nesting green turtles has increased substantially. This species has been reclassified as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. That’s a major step in “green” recovery. Remember, “Hands off” is the best policy for beachgoers encountering any species of nesting or hatchling sea turtles. Watch from a distance, do not disturb them and never use a cellphone or camera to shoot flash photos.
Learn about other ways to help conserve manatees and sea turtles at MyFWC.com/Manatee andMyFWC.com/SeaTurtle, where you also can click on “Decals” to order new or past editions of decals. Go to BuyaPlate.com to purchase a “Save the Manatee” or “Helping Sea Turtles Survive” license plate that supports those species.
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Jul 17, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.7714,-82.62859999
Good Visit to St. Petersburg Municipal Marina, Tampa Bay

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St. Petersburg Municipal Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is a great liveaboard marina located on the western shore of Tampa Bay in downtown St. Petersburg.
Overall a nice place to stay. Doug the master is enthusiastic and helpful. Tied up along a T/A Pier. A couple of places are roped off.
Marina only accepts reservations via Dockwa. No phone reservations accepted.
Bob McKane
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Jun 24, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments
Good News re Florida Anchoring
Our thanks to Kim Russo for sharing this good news via AGLCA‘s Forum and also to Mike Bodin of MTOA. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that in the future this law will stand up to the pressure on legislators from wealthy landowners to restrict anchoring.
Great news! I was just notified by our lobbyist that HB 7043 was approved by the Governor. It is law. As of now, no local municipality or county in the state of Florida may ban, restrict, or otherwise regulate an anchorage in Florida coastal waters.
Loopers’ interest in this issue and financial contributions helped prevent the enactment of any setbacks that could have resulted in the elimination of any existing anchorages state wide.
Congratulations to all Loopers, members of MTOA, SSCA, and others who supported this effort, stuck with it, and made your voices heard! You have made a difference to the boating community. Special thanks goes out to Jerry Paul of Capitol Access for his diligent efforts on our behalf. His guidance and hard work made all the difference.
Kim Russo
Director
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association
krusso@greatloop.org
And this from Mike Bodin, MTOA Public Affairs:
Thank you AGLCA, SSCA, MTOA and DeFever, for
your continued support. Florida’s anchoring Bill now
is law.
Florida’s new Mooring & Anchoring bill has become law. The Governor just approved HB 7043.
It is law. As of now, the new law explicitly states no local municipality or county in the state of
Florida may ban, restrict, or otherwise regulate an anchorage in Florida coastal waters. This
plainly worded section of the new law eliminates each community from setting its own
regulations. If this section was not plainly worded it would have resulted in many lost
anchorages over time with boaters challenging cities for the right to anchor. Instead, we got
the pre-emotion provision … preventing any local government from banning an anchorage.
It was important for us to ensure there were no unreasonable setbacks in this bill. But, as I have
said in the past, the single most valuable piece of this bill is the preemption provision. This seals
off local governments. The only way that a new anchorage can be banned is by an Act of the
entire Legislature and Governor. We can almost always kill such a bill. Moreover, we can likely
kill any future effort to overturn the preemption or add new band and ranges in state statute.
With the state level preemption and no local control, we are now in a position of strength. It is
a home-field advantage for our side. Without preemption, however, the entire issue is a home
game for all the anti-cruisers in EACH of their local communities… an infinite number battles
that we would not be able to fight piecemeal.
Moreover, SSCA, AGLCA, MTOA and DeFever prevented the enactment of any setbacks that
could have resulted in the elimination of any existing anchorages state wide.
Finally, you did a lot to rehabilitate some of the negative imagery about anchoring cruisers that
had made its way to the Capitol.
Congratulations to each of you, this team, and all the members of MTOA, SSCA, AGLCA,
DeFever who supported your effort, stuck with you, and made your voices heard… to protect
the freedoms of cruisers.
The above is from our Tallahassee “Boaters Rights” Lobbyists Jerry Paul of Capitol Access who
skillfully guided this legislation through six committee hearings with unanimous approval.
Of major importance was the fact this was the accumulation of Florida’s 9-year, multi-million
dollar, anchoring study resulting in a 256 page report. It was thought Florida’s new law may be
a precedent for other states along the waterway. This was a primary cause to eliminate as
much as possible harmful to boater’s language which would be in the new law. Counties, cities,
waterside home owners and condominium groups were for local control to establish nonanchoring
zones. Local control was totally defeated. Today the new law requires very high
standards for counties to satisfy to even approach the state to establish new non-anchoring
zones.
Another major accomplishment, within the original FWC report, waterside residents were
insistent for non-anchoring setbacks of 150’ up to 300’ along the waterway. This would have
eliminated many now popular anchorages. The new law eliminated these setbacks for boaters.
During this same time, we were instrumental with Florida’s new Derelict Vessel law, the
previous bill was defeated because we felt it was too harsh for the boat owner, fines to high
and did not give adequate time for owner removal. The new Derelict Vessel Law corrects these
items.
Mike Bodin
MTOA Public Advocate
And this from BoatUS
NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria VA 22304
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
Florida Bill Strengthens Derelict Vessel Fight,
Promotes Environmentally Sound Public Access
BoatUS thanks governor and legislature
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., June 27, 2017 – The results of an eight-year pilot program are in, and Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature have acted. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) congratulates the governor and legislators on Friday’s passage of HB 7043 that promotes environmentally sound public access and helps address the issue of improperly stored, abandoned or derelict vessels. “These are sound regulations supported by responsible boaters,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy.
When the pilot program was enacted in 2009, a patchwork of local anchoring regulations sometimes made stopping difficult. Some boaters reported fearing a visit from law enforcement advising that they had “overstayed” their visit and needed to move on.
Conducted by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and five local governments including the City of St. Augustine, City of Stuart/Martin County, City of St. Petersburg, City of Sarasota and Monroe County/Marathon/Key West, the pilot tested a variety of methods of regulated anchoring, while still protecting the anchoring rights of the active cruising public. It also sought to reduce the growing population of derelict vessels in the state.
BoatUS expressly thanks Gov. Scott, Reps. Matt Caldwell (Lee County) Holly Raschein (Monroe County), Sen. Lauren Book (Broward County) and the FWC for their work on the bill.
Some of bill’s measures include:
providing commonsense anchoring regulations in and around mooring fields and waterway infrastructure.
broadening the definition of a “derelict vessel”; for boats in use, adding new penalties for those whose vessel registration is expired beyond six months; and making it illegal to affix a vessel to an unpermitted, unauthorized or otherwise “unlawful object,” affixed to the bottom of the waters of the state. This could include an unpermitted mooring or an old engine block.
giving local governments the option to require proof of pumpout after vessels have been anchored for 10 days or longer in federally managed no-discharge-zones (portions of the Florida Keys and waters off Destin).
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Comments from Cruisers (3)

Vadim Shumey -  June 25, 2017 - 11:29 am

Really good news!
Reply to Vadim

Bill Cole -  June 25, 2017 - 7:01 am

That sounds like great new for boaters, just to clarify when you say no bans, restrictions etc. on coastal waters does this include the ICW or not?
Thanks,
Bill Cole.
Reply to Bill

MoSailor -  June 24, 2017 - 11:01 am

Hey Marco! How do you like us now???
Reply to MoSailor
Jun 13, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.5,-82.57229999
National Marina Days Celebration at Twin Dolphin Marina, off Tampa Bay on the Manatee River

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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
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Jun 8, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.3153,-82.59819999
LNM: Severe Shoaling, New Pass, Sarasota, FL, 6/8/2017

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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
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Jun 5, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.37,-82.61839999
Good Words for onSpot WiFi Systems from Longboat Key Club Moorings, GICW Statute Mile 77.5, Sarasota, FL

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In marinas from Mile Zero to the Keys, and now into the Chesapeake, onSpot WiFi, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is installing what every internet seeking transient and resident wishes for all marinas: fast, reliable Hotspot internet connections. If your marina doesn’t have an onSpot WiFi system, pass this information along to management. You will be glad you did! Our thanks to marina directory Dennis Matthews for sharing his experience with onSpot. It is always good to hear of successes in the marine industry, especially from another of our SPONSORS!
Be sure to read FOCUS ON onSpot wifi.
I would like to comment on a recent experience from this past season. We have an onSpot Wi-Fi system Bob and his crew installed several years ago. We had done some updates to the system over the years and it was operating well for the business levels we were experiencing.
This past year we were completely full with a wait list and Bam….connectivity issues at the beginning of our season! One call to Bob’s team and the problem was quickly diagnosed….it is incredible the number of devices that were attempting to connect to the system. Gone are the days of one or two cell phones and a laptop! Now it is several iPads, a tablet, phones, security system, navigation equipment and a smart TV watching Netflix all day. The onSpot team was quick to come up with a solution of additional access points throughout the marina that we were fortunate to get approved quickly. The work was completed on time and on budget and the problem was resolved with accolades from our guests for the rest of the season. While this worked out for this season I do not foresee the number of devices diminishing in the future so marina operators should prepare now for what is coming down the road. I anticipate we will cut the cord on our CATV within the next couple of years and focus on improving our Wi-Fi systems to meet the needs of the future.
One thing I know from experience is if your Wi-Fi system is not up to par or you have an issue you will know about it very quickly! If you are not quick to address the issues it will have a negative effect on your bottom line.
Best regards,
Dennis
Dennis Matthews | Director of Marina Operations
Longboat Key Club Moorings
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May 13, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
CCCC Visits Fishermen’s Village, Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is a group of dedicated cruisers who always provide unique reports from the marinas they visit. Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is absolutely the most event active marina on the Gulf Coast for all seasons. As confirmed by CCCC’s recent report, you will feel right at home on your visit to Fishermen’s Village and Punta Gorda, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, on beautiful Charlotte Harbor.
April 2017 Cruise to Fisherman’s Village
By Jeff & Joanne Ziemer
It was great! We had a final count of seven boats who found their way to Fisherman’s Village via the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway for our April 18-21, 2017, cruise. Three boats came all the way from Burnt Store Isles in Punta Gorda! In total, ten boats arrived after braving Charlotte Harbor on a somewhat windy day. We all made it safely and settled in for a fun-filled, three-day adventure.
The afternoon of Day One was a time to settle in, catch up, shop, or take a dip in the pool. We had snacks and docktails and a few rounds of cornhole before dinner. Dinner was pork tenderloin on the grill accompanied as usual, by some superb sides brought by members.
On Day Two, 16 CCCC members came by car to join us for a delightful cruise up the Peace River aboard the Lady Charlotte, a nearly new passenger/cruise vessel. Cruisers were treated to sightings of playful dolphin, beautiful Roseate Spoonbills, and a couple of good-sized gators. The tour was narrated by our own Captain Doug Rhees who is well versed on Florida wildlife! A few more carloads of members drove up from Cape Coral later to join us all for dinner at The Village Fish Market in Center Court of Fisherman’s Village. We had a hungry crowd of 48 diners! What a delightful turnout.
Day Three folks were free to explore on their own. A few took advantage of Punta Gorda’s free bike rentals and, literally, went to town! Other folks walked the hiking trails and checked out the workout stations along the way. Several others peeked into the many shops FV has to offer … I saw shopping bags! (And some of us napped!) Dinner was ‘on your own’ and there were several restaurants in the downtown area waiting to satisfy everyone’s appetite! As it turned out, twelve of us headed in one direction, while eight of us headed in another. After dinner, the evening… and the cruise… culminated with yet another magnificent Florida sunset!
Dolphin break the surface long side the Charlotte Lady
Thanks to everyone who came and helped make this a fun experience! What a great group of people that comprise the Cape Coral Cruise Club!
Roseate spoon bills on a Rookery island on the Peace River
Cruise vessel Charlotte Lady
Members enjoy an outside dinner at the Village Fish Market At Fisherman’s Village
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. Read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village
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Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage
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May 13, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.2747,-82.55789999
Red Tide Concerns on Florida’s West Coast

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It’s hardly a new phenomenon — in fact, it’s been around for thousands of years — but Siesta Key residents fear red tide blooms are getting worse.
by: David Conway Deputy Managing Editor
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT from YourObserver.com
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May 5, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Cocaine Bust in St. Petersburg, FL
For those of you who still think “not in my backyard!” This epidemic of drugs is so commonplace that it is now genrally ignored.

News Release
May 3, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Tampa Bay
Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Tampa Bay
(305) 965-4672
Coast Guard offloads $56 million of cocaine in St. Petersburg
Crew members from Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon, an 87-foot Coast Patrol Boat homeported in St. Petersburg, Florida, offload 1,735 kilograms of cocaine, an estimated wholesale value of $56 million and transfer custody of eight suspected drug smugglers Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida. The contraband and suspected smugglers were interdicted during four separate cases supporting Operation Martillo, a joint interagency and multi-national collaborative effort among 14 Western Hemisphere and European nations to stop the flow of illicit cargo by Transnational Criminal Organizations. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse)
Crew members from Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon, an 87-foot Coast Patrol Boat homeported in St. Petersburg, Florida, offload 1,735 kilograms of cocaine, an estimated wholesale value of $56 million and transfer custody of eight suspected drug smugglers Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida. The contraband and suspected smugglers were interdicted during four separate cases supporting Operation Martillo, a joint interagency and multi-national collaborative effort among 14 Western Hemisphere and European nations to stop the flow of illicit cargo by Transnational Criminal Organizations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse) Crew members from Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon, an 87-foot Coast Patrol Boat homeported in St. Petersburg, Florida, offload 1,735 kilograms of cocaine, an estimated wholesale value of $56 million and transfer custody of eight suspected drug smugglers Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida. The contraband and suspected smugglers were interdicted during four separate cases supporting Operation Martillo, a joint interagency and multi-national collaborative effort among 14 Western Hemisphere and European nations to stop the flow of illicit cargo by Transnational Criminal Organizations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Fireman Kelly Clark) More than 3,825 pounds of cocaine await transfer to federal agents Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida. The contraband was interdicted during four separate cases supporting Operation Martillo, a joint interagency and multi-national collaborative effort among 14 Western Hemisphere and European nations to stop the flow of illicit cargo by Transnational Criminal Organizations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse)
More than 3,825 pounds of cocaine await transfer to federal agents Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida. The contraband was interdicted during four separate cases supporting Operation Martillo, a joint interagency and multi-national collaborative effort among 14 Western Hemisphere and European nations to stop the flow of illicit cargo by Transnational Criminal Organizations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse) link to photo Crew members from Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon, an 87-foot Coast Patrol Boat homeported in St. Petersburg, Florida, offload 1,735 kilograms of cocaine, an estimated wholesale value of $56 million, and transfer custody of eight suspected drug smugglers to partner federal agencies Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida. The contraband and suspected smugglers were interdicted during four separate cases supporting Operation Martillo, a joint interagency and multi-national collaborative effort among 14 Western Hemisphere and European nations to stop the flow of illicit cargo by Transnational Criminal Organizations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon offloaded approximately 1,735 kilograms of cocaine Wednesday worth an estimated wholesale value of $56 million and transferred custody of eight suspected drug smugglers at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg.
The contraband and detainees were seized April 12 through April 21 during four separate interdictions by Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment Teams (LEDET) aboard several Coast Guard, foreign coalition and partner agency boats in coastal waters along the Central American coastline in support of Operation Martillo.
The most noteworthy and fruitful interdiction took place April 19 when Coast Guard LEDET personnel embarked on the USS Zephyr (PC 8), a U.S. Navy Cyclone-class patrol coastal ship home ported in Mayport, and coalition forces intercepted 750 kilograms of contraband and five suspected drug smugglers while on patrol in international waters 120 miles south west Mona Island, Puerto Rico.
The Zephyr, along with the Karel Doorman-class multi-purpose frigate HNLMS Van Amstel of the Royal Netherlands Navy, pursued and Coast Guard LEDET boarded a small panga fishing boat in the Caribbean Sea. The crews found and confiscated 750 kilograms of cocaine, a wholesale value of $22.5 million, and detained the five suspected drug smugglers.
“Over all, this offload represents our recent success in securing our borders and preventing illegal, regionally destabilizing narcotics from reaching our streets,” said Cmdr. Willy Carmichael, assistant branch chief of Coast Guard 7th District Response Enforcement. “It is truly an interagency and international effort that directly supports the commandant’s Western Hemisphere strategy.”
The contraband and detainees were transferred and offloaded by the crew of the Cutter Tarpon, an 87-foot Coastal Patrol Boat homeported in St. Petersburg.
These interdictions were part of Operation Martillo, which is one component in the United States government’s whole-of-government approach to countering the use of the Central American littorals as transshipment routes for illicit drugs, weapons and cash. Martillo is an international operation focused on sharing information and bringing together air, land and maritime assets from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as Western Hemisphere and European partner nation agencies, to counter illicit trafficking.
In the five years since its 2012 launch, Martillo has supported the seizure of approximately 693 metric tons of cocaine, $25 million in bulk cash, 581 vessels and aircraft and the arrest of 1,863 detainees, according to the U.S. Southern Command.
For breaking news, follow us on Twitter @uscgsoutheast.
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