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!
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
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.
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
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.
Regarding the West Florida intracoastal waterway, Paul E. raises questions about official USCG terminology versus local usage with this comment:
Just a friendly reminder that the ICW by Sarasota is officially part of the AICW and not part of the GICW. While Sarasota in along the Gulf Coast, the GICW goes from Carrabelle, FL to Brownsville, TX.
to which I responded:
Re “GIWW” I try to use the USCG’s terminology. See these recent LNM headings:
FLORIDA – GIWW – TAMPA BAY: Maximo Marina Redevelopment FLORIDA – GIWW – CHARLOTTE HARBOR TO TAMPA BAY – GASPARILLA SOUND CHANNEL: Construction. FLORIDA – GIWW – CHARLOTTE HARBOR TO TAMPA BAY – FORKED CREEK: Private Aid Hazard to Navigation
I know Claiborne always told me that West Floridians hated having the West Florida Waterway referred to as GIWW or GICW. However, for the novice boater, I find it hard to refer to the western waterway as Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Confusing at best.
We welcome your opinions!
Hi Larry,
Actually this getting more interesting. I recall reading some time back that the Gulf Intracoastal waterway extends from Brownsville, TX to Carrabelle, FL. Location along the GICW is measured in statutory miles east and west of Harvey Lock, NO. That is Harvey Lock is 0 StM, the StM values increase east from 0 to 375 StM at Carrabelle whereas westward, the StM increase from 0 StM at Harvey Lock to StM 665 at Brownville, TX. There is a wiki page on the GICW which defines the GICW as ranging from Carrabelle to Brownsville too(but just because it is online does not make it correct).
At some level it is all semantics, in that is there is one ICW, Intracoastal WaterWay, that encompasses all, with regions of the ICW loosely defined(or loosely labled & used). The ICW has many segments, and it is probably not fair to split it in two regions. In fact, historical there were AIWW, GIWW, and the FIWW (plus I’m sure others). The well known Atlantic Inland Water Way, the Gulf Inland Water Way, and the Florida Inland Water Way (West FL & Okeechobee). While the FIWW label is not widely used, the Florida west coast region has it own layout of statutory miles going from Anclote Key (StM 150) to Sanibel/Ft Meyers area (StM 0). In fact, one very trusty online resource, CruisersNet, gets this right and distinguishes this region as “WF ICW”. See: /marinas/060-wf-icw-miserable-mile-to-gasparilla-island/
Actually, I found the attached historical document “History of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway” by the US Army Corp of Engineers very interesting. At one point there were plans to extend the GIWW from Carrabelle through St Marks and down to Anclote Key, making one continuous GIWW which would include the Okeechobee Waterway(which I guess one could be referred as OIWW (or Oke-ICW) since it has it own StM system). Ok, I give up. But I do prefer: Atlantic-ICW, Gulf-ICW, West_Florida-ICW, Oke-ICW, … And I would rather not use the old inland waterway terms like AIWW & GIWW.- Paul E. 1981 C&C 38 Landfall S/V Johanna Rose Carrabelle, FL
Legacy Harbour Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located at Statute Mile 135 on the Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway, in the heart of downtown Fort Myers, Florida. Multiple dining and shopping opportunities are found within easy walking distance of this absolutely first-rate marina!
THE SAFE HAVEN AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL
Situated just east of Marker 49 on the Okeechobee Waterway is Legacy Harbour Marina. Its central location along the Caloosahatchee River makes it the ideal spot for stopovers or extended stays. Just a few blocks from the historic Edison & Ford Winter Estates and just a short walk from the diverse nightlife of downtown Fort Myers, Legacy Harbour Marina is both a safe haven and a safe bet for those looking to make the most of their visit.
For starters, our marina is protected by one of the largest floating breakwaters on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Its 131 floating slips are easily accessible by your vessel regardless of tide conditions. While the tidal range is very small in this part of the world, wind-driven tides can be a factor, with winter bringing wind-driven (NE) low tides and summer wind-driven (SW) high tides. This makes our floating docks very desirable for easy boarding and docking. To see a layout of our docks click here.
This 131-slip marina features state-of-the-art floating docks that accommodate boats up to 120 feet. Surrounded by one of the largest ‘floating breakwaters’ on the Gulf of Mexico, its open layout and large fairways make its slips easily accessible to almost any size craft.
If you feel right at home on the water, you’ll feel right at home with us. From its many amenities to its convenient location, Legacy Harbour Marina is the ideal place to dock your boat. Whether your plans call to stay for just a few days, months or on an annual basis, you’ll find our facility—and our rates—to be as accommodating as any of Florida’s finest marinas.
Once here, you’ll enjoy a full-featured facility with all the conveniences of home. Relax in our heated pool or work out in our fitness center. Enjoy spectacular views from The Boaters’ Lounge; perfect for everything from after-cruise cocktails to private parties. Our beautifully-manicured grounds provide great riverfront strolling and excellent access to all of historic downtown Fort Myers. Other conveniences include cable TV, laundry, air-conditioned showers, metered-at-the-slip electric, wireless internet connections and in-slip pump-out station.
In addition to its well-equipped dock area, Legacy Harbour Marina offers skippers and their guests the Boaters’ Lounge where the entire crew can relax and unwind after a day on the water to some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. Or, enjoy The Chickee Hut and relax by the refreshing pool. Hungry? Joe’s Crab Shack is located on the adjacent property just a short stroll down our beautiful walkway and the downtown River District is just a few blocks to the east. Need to provision your boat? A grocery store is within walking distance as well as several restaurants, a liquor store, beauty and nail salons and retail shops. For your landlubber guests, the Legacy Harbour Hotel & Suites offers waterfront suites and hotel rooms. Just click on the link above for more information.
Feb 7 Formerly opening on demand and until further notice, the bridge will be closed to navigation except every ninety minutes beginning at 8:00AM with a last opening at 6:30PM. Our thanks to Nils Pearson and South Manasota Sandpiper Key Association for this notice.
April 26 And thanks to Pat Spears for this update:
As of 4/26/17 the Tom Adams bridge opens on the hour with only one span opening. Pat Spears
Charlotte County Marine Advisory Tom Adams Bridge Only Operational for Boat Traffic During Scheduled Times Englewood, Fla. (February 3, 2017) – A single span of the Tom Adams bridge will be operational to boat traffic at scheduled openings daily. Openings will start at 8am and will occur in 90 minute intervals. The last opening daily will be at 6:30pm. The bridge will remain closed to boat traffic at all other times. This schedule will remain in place until further notice.
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.
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
.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
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Comments from Cruisers (7)
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
FWC encourages boaters to ‘Spring Aboard’ by taking a boater education class March 17, 2017 World-class fishing, crystal blue waters, endless sunshine – there’s so much about Florida’s waterways to enjoy. During the week of March 19-25, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourage all boaters to take part in the national “Spring Aboard” campaign by taking a boating safety course.
“We know that an educated boater is safer on the water. If a boat operator has taken a boating safety education course, the likelihood of their time spent on the water being a safe and enjoyable experience is much greater for them as well as their passengers,” said Stephanie Weatherington, president of NASBLA. “March is the perfect time to take a course before the summer boating season begins.”
Many course providers will offer incentives or course discounts for students who enroll in or complete a course during the “Spring Aboard” campaign. For a summary of Florida’s regulations and available courses, go to MyFWC.com/Boating.
“In Florida, boaters who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1980, are required to complete and pass a boater safety education course. But everyone interested in boating should take a course – it’s the smart thing to do,” said Maj. Robert Rowe, FWC’s Boating and Waterways section leader. “Boaters have many ways to get educated, from classroom courses offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons to online offerings available anytime day or night. There’s no reason to head out on the water without this knowledge.”
Florida boating accident statistics from 2015 indicate that, when the level of operator education was known, 72 percent of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat operator had never received boating education instruction.
About NASBLA The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is a national nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. The association offers a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards and publications. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, NASBLA affects the lives of over 73.5 million American boaters.
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 SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, on beautiful Charlotte Harbor.
Hook Kids on Fishing
Source: Anglers for Conservation March 13, 2017–FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media contact: Mike Conneen, (321) 759-3585 mike@anglersforconservation.org
Hook Kids On Fishing
In partnership with the Fisherman’s Village, Anglers for Conservation (AFC) is coordinating AFC’’s Hook Kids on Fishing program on Saturday, April 29th from 10am-12 Noon The Hook Kids on Fishing program will take place at:
Fisherman’s Village Center Court 1200 West Retta Esplande Punta Gorda, Fl. 33950
Kids ages 6 to 16, are welcome along with their parents. The first 80 kids registered may receive a free rod and reel. Registration is mandatory by calling Ralph Allen Kingfisher Fleet at 941 639-2628.
These conservation-minded Hook Kids on Fishing programs teach casting, fishing safety, knot tying, the tackle box, catch and release tactics, fishing habitat and conservation; and are taught by professional guides and knowledgeable anglers. Parents and kids bring your smiles, positive attitudes and patience along with you!
Parent or guardian must accompany attendees.
Additional community sponsors include the Anglers for Conservation, Fish Florida Foundation, Coastal Angler Magazine and Aylesworth’s Fish & Bait.
The Hook Kids on Fishing program is a product of the Anglers for Conservation, a non-profit-501-C3, whose mission is to inspire new generations of marine stewards through education, conservation, and community outreach.
Volunteers are needed and donations are greatly appreciated.
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
Capitol Access is contacting other Lobbyists that have an interest with the navigable waterways, to understand each of their positions relative to ours. So far, the groups are synchronized in their positions fairly well … they are not promoting any issues or amendments that are averse to ours. This process of collaboration among all similar (and dissimilar) groups must take place continually, on a day-to-day basis, throughout the session.
Currently, Capitol Access is tracking House and Senate bills to identify any amendments that might get filed … they are ready to take a position on them as the bills get scheduled for hearings throughout the committee process. We are well-positioned with this. Capitol Access will keep us updated as amendments may be filed and as the bills get scheduled for hearings.
Survey: A lobbyist for Rybovich Superyacht Marina in Palm Beach County (http://www.rybovich.com/directions) has mentioned interest in anchoring restrictions at or near their entrance channel to ensure adequate ingress/egress/turn-around for the large vessels that they service. We not familiar with that channel. Presumably there are areas in this proximity where cruisers commonly anchor. If an amendment is filed to create a no-anchoring zone, we need local knowledge to assess the scope/breadth of the language relative to the facts on the water.
Please advise if any boater can offer information relating to anchoring on the ICW between West Palm Beach and North Palm Beach. Respond to Mike Bodin mbmtoa@gmail.com
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Comments from Cruisers (2)
Katherine Harms- March 17, 2017 - 2:50 pm
Many times we have anchored south of Peanut Island opposite the Palm Beach Sailing Club, sometimes near, sometimes pretty far away. However, when we were there in 2015 and 2016, there were many, many private moorings in that area. We could not find any location we considered safe among the moorings. We continued south of the channel used for access to Rybovich, and we anchored there in nearly 20 feet of water. We saw numerous large boats go in and out of Rybovich with no problems obvious to us. I can’t imagine what the complaint is about.
When we were anchored outside of the Rybovich yacht basin (not the Rybovich yard which is further north), the yachts would generally enter by coming down the eastern channel and then cut across spoil area, which is generally free of boats, then across the ICW western channel and into the basin. They seemed to have plenty of room.
Unfortunately that anchoring area south of the spoil area just outside Rybovich is one of the few areas south of peanut island and north of the bridge that you can get access to a dinghy dock and water, via the Palm Beach Sailing Club. It can get quite rough there when there are north and south winds, especially when the 2 knot current is going against the wind. While not a long dinghy ride in good situations, during the rougher weather it can trying and sometimes dangerous.
Without access to this dock from a close location you would have to be in the anchorage just south of Peanut island and take the dinghy over to the muni marina, which is too far a dinghy ride for those near the Palm Beach Sailing Club.
Then next best location would be south of the bridge near Clematis street.
It doesn’t appear to me at all that the megayachts have any trouble transitioning into Rybovich. Maybe the problem is with the facility and not with the ICW.
Capitol Access, Jerry Paul, Esq. Lobbyists at Florida’s State Capitol; News Release
Today marks Day 1 of the annual 60-Day Legislative Session. Although the House and Senate Committees have been meeting fairly continuously since December, the actual session, including consideration of bills on the full chamber floors, begins today. The Senate convenes at 9:30 a.m. and the House convenes at 10 a.m.
The opening day will largely be consumed with ceremonial events. Thereafter the pace will pick up quickly. This should be an interesting session. There are many newly-elected legislators following the recent elections and the conclusion of term limits for many past members. Of course many officials are already looking to their next election so some policy positions tend to be colored by that. (Remember, all of Florida’s Cabinet members – Governor, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture, Chief Financial Officer – are up for election in just 20 months). But, there are also many serious matters on which the chambers will ultimately come together to resolve, not the least of which is the State Budget which will exceed $82 Billion. Although the State is expected to have a small surplus, the funds are largely already obligated so it is expected that it will ultimately be a tight budget year, particularly in the context of pending requests filed by members totaling more than $100 Million.
Today also marks the deadline for filing bills. The House and Senate bills on anchoring have both been officially filed. They are essentially identical and still reflect the provisions that we previously circulated. These bills will now move through the committee process including 3 committee hearings in the House and 3 committee hearings in the Senate. Then the bills will be heard on each of the full chamber floors and, if passed, would then go to the desk of the Governor for his consideration. The lead on these bills is Representative Holly Raschein (RFlorida Keys) who has invited me to attend a Stakeholder Meeting on Thursday during which all represented interests will sit together and go through provisions of the bill(s) to discuss any opposition. I will also be meeting with Senator Lauren Book who is the Senate Sponsor. We will provide a debrief to you thereafter.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is a group of dedicated cruisers who always provide unique reports from the marinas they visit. Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, overlooks the westerly banks of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13. Pink Shell Resort and Marina is one CCCC’s favorite destinations, see March 2016 report.
PINK SHELL CRUISE FEBRUARY 21– 24, 2017 By Captain John Queen, Past Commodore, Cape Coral Cruise Club
The Cape Coral Cruise Club has monthly cruises to a variety of destinations in SW Florida. For the month of February 2017, that destination was the popular Pink Shell Resort and Marina on Fort Myers Beach. There was a good turnout with 17 club boats that made the trip ranging in size from 30 to 50 feet. Most of the boats arrived Tuesday, February 21st with fairly decent weather on their bow. Many boats waited until slack tide before arriving, as past experience knows, it is tricky trying to dock at Pink Shell in strong tidal currents. Since my wife Pati and I were the cruise leaders for this event, we were one of the first boats to arrive. We slid “Semper Paratus” into slip 20 around 10:30 AM just as inbound current was subsiding. Dockmaster Dave and his sidekick Craig did an excellent job in getting us and all other boats safely into assigned slips.
Tuesday afternoon was a time for relaxing and catching up with nautical conversation with other club members. At 4:30 PM, the members crowded the marina upper deck for our traditional Docktail hour with chips, pretzels and the like. As in the past, the marina has provided our club with a conference room at the resort, and this outing was no exception. At 6:00 PM club members convened in the conference room carrying food for the scheduled 1st night potluck. It’s always amazing how much love and innovation goes into the preparation of food in this club – members never go back to their boats hungry.
After dinner, club members anxiously waited for me to describe the fun and games portion of the evening. I had told them previously that we were going to play “The Awful Waffle Game” – with absolutely no other information provided.
As club members watched, 25 frozen waffles were stacked on an empty table in the center of the room. I asked for everyone to divide into teams of four. The object of the game “is easy”. “All you need to do is take the waffles and spread them out into 5 rows of 5 each, making sure that all waffle lines are perfectly aligned both horizontally and vertically”. I demonstrated with my hands how to do it. “After that, all you need to do is pick them up and dump them in this trash can across the room”. Again, I demonstrated how easy it was.
Each group was told it would be timed and the fastest team would win. Just before the first team started, I said, WAIT… there’s a catch! ELBOWS…ONLY!” (There is always a catch with my crazy made up games). Let the fun begin! It was a wild and funny sight watching these seasoned boaters trying to move and twist waffles with their elbows. Each team worked feverishly to beat the time of the previous team. When it was over, the winning team prevailed with a record time of 1 minute and 53 seconds. Prizes were awarded to the winning team and everyone had a good time. Thank goodness there was a vacuum cleaner in the room as scraps of waffles were everywhere!
The next morning, we prepared breakfast on our boat for 38 people consisting of scrambled eggs, sausage, bagels, croissants, and juice and carted everything up to the conference room for everyone to enjoy. Unfortunately, it started raining early Wednesday, and the trip from the marina to the conference room was not the best experience. But we got everything set up, and most boaters hiked up to the room to enjoy the breakfast.
After breakfast, our next fun game began. I explained to everyone that we would be doing a scavenger hunt. There were 10 questions or riddles to solve and the winner would be based on accuracy and speed. With that, I handed out envelopes to each boating couple and told them good luck.
As they opened the envelopes, they seemed unsure what to make of it. Each sheet of paper had what seemed to be a random spattering of letters running across it for several lines. It made absolutely no sense. (Of course it made no sense! I like to make people think!) I gave them one clue: “You need to work together to solve this!” Soon people started comparing their sheets of paper with other teams and realized not all sheets were the same. Finally, some of them realized that if they held the four variations the sheet together up to a strong light, it would reveal the message” THIS SCAVENGER HUNT SHOULD GIVE YOU A THRILL, YOUR LIST OF QUESTIONS ARE UNDER THE GRILL”. And with that, off they went.
Pati and I continued cleaning up the room after breakfast and retreated to the boat. I knew it would be a while before I saw anyone turn in their completed scavenger hunt questions. Some teams decided to wait for the rain to subside, while I saw other teams out there with their umbrellas and a wet sheet of paper trying to solve the riddles. As the day went on, the answer sheets started to trickle in. There were 8 teams that braved the weather and handed sheets in. I told everyone the results and winners would be announced at dinner that night. The rest of the day was spent by club members at the pool, walking the beach, shopping at Times Square, or simply ‘chillaxing’ on their boat.
At 6:00 PM everyone met at Matanzas Inn Restaurant for our group dinner. We usually have a group dinner on our cruises where other club members join us by land yacht. This outing was no exception as we had a total of 43 club members at the restaurant. The results of the scavenger hunt were revealed and prizes were awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place team. Everyone had a great dining experience at the Matanzas Inn and left will full stomachs. Since we had a number of people arrive by car, they were able to shuttle the boaters back to the marina and save them the 20 minute walk.
Thursday morning, we prepared another breakfast for all the boaters. Fortunately, there was no rain and we were able to set everything up rather quickly. After breakfast, some of the ladies stayed in the conference room to play cards, while others took walks, went back to their boats or simply enjoyed the Pink Shell Resort amenities. The weather was great most of the day.
Thursday night, club members headed off in different directions for dinner. On our club cruises, we usually designate Thursday night as ‘on your own’. Most of the boaters ended up at a handful of different restaurants on Ft Myers Beach.
Friday morning came too soon, and everyone prepared their boats for the journey home. Some boaters left early in the morning while others were in no hurry to get underway. The Pink Shell cruise was another great boating experience for members of the Cape Coral Cruise Club.
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.
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.
If you are making this trip or a portion of the run, please contact Tyler.
Planning Abaco trip from SW Florida (Punta Gorda) via Okeechobee leaving April 7, 8, or 9. 17+ knot power boat. Would like crossing buddy boat. swansontyler7@gmail.com Tyler Swanson
Tyler, What are your destinations once you reach the Abacos? Your 17 knots will be reduced to 13 or 14 at the apex of the gulf stream. Harold Aboard “IDGARA” Key Largo
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
Patricio Island Anchorage lies off the southern banks of Patricio Island, which borders the non-GICW Pine Island Sound channel, east of Useppa Island and north-northeast of the Waterway’s flashing daybeacon #52. Our thanks to Skipper John for this report.
We enjoyed the solitude of this anchorage for 3 nights. Winds were from the SE at 15-20 mph so we hooked up closer to the Broken Islands. It’s nice to be well off the inter-coastal – we had the place completely to ourselves. If you are into bird watching, you will have your share off the Broken Islands. We were also greeted by a Manatee our first night just after setting the hook. John
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