Derelict and abandoned vessels are a huge factor in the increasingly restrictive anchoring regulations in Florida. See Derelict Boats Accumulating along Central Florida Coast and MTOA Anchoring Florida Legislative Update 2/24/2017
FWC announces final opportunity for municipalities, counties to apply for derelict vessel removal funds
CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT
Our thanks to Mike Bodin of Marine Trawler Owners Association for this updated perspective on Florida’s anchoring restrictions. See Florida Wildlife and Fish Commission Proposed Anchoring Program and Anchoring Rights Lobbying Volunteers Needed.
Anchoring Florida Legislative Update 2/24/2017
Presentation of the Proposed Committee Bill (“PCB NRPL 17-01 – Vessels”) was positive. The Chair of the committee and its members have been accessible to us and responsive to our positions. Our lobbyists, Capitol Access have been in constant contact with committee members prior to the drafting of the bill and continuing.
So far, the team effort lead by MTOA along with AGLCA, SSCA, DeFever and many others has worked well to help shape the initial draft of the Bill that has been filed in the House as a Committee Bill by the House Natural Resources & Public Lands Subcommittee The Bill itself is consistent with the input from our team, which collectively considered all provisions recommended by the FWC (Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission). All positions
of our cruisers groups are reflected in the bill as it is currently drafted. Good job to all and appreciate your thoughtful, timely response.
On Wednesday, the Committee meet to hear the bill publicly and vote on whether the Committee itself would move forward as its official sponsor. Our lobbyists, Capitol Access, attended and represented us including Jerry Paul, our lead lobbyist, who provided comments to the committee stating our general agreement with the provisions and thanking the committee for excluding provisions that would have created no-anchoring set-backs from residential
property; excluding provisions that would carve out specific no-anchoring zones; and including provisions ensuring that anchoring regulations remain in the jurisdiction of the State rather than allowing local jurisdictions to create a confusing patchwork of anti-anchoring ordinances.
Mr. Paul also mentioned our intent to seek a reduction of the 300-foot buffer around mooring fields which is a provision in the current version of the bill. The committee voted unanimously to proceed forward with the bill.
Next, it will receive referrals to multiple committees that will hold hearings and consider amendments that may be filed. Chair of the originating committee has agreed to meet with us and continue working with us. We will be vigilant in all committees to review and represent ourselves as to any amendments that may be adverse to our interests. There may be a need for cruisers to attend such hearings in Tallahassee.
Also, we are anxiously awaiting the filing of a bill on the Senate side. The process there will repeat that of the House as described above. The committee hearing process will continue until a final bill on the House and Senate reach their respective chamber floors for final votes which will occur sometime prior to the end of the official 60-day Legislative Session which begins on March 7.
We will continue to keep you updated. For now, you can be proud of the success you are having as a team that took the time to step up and speak out. However, we have future challenges ahead, and your presence at Florida’s Capitol may be requested for one (1) day. If you can attend you are requested to bring a burgee attached to a wooden rod aprox.3/8” Día X 24” Long. This will give committee members an additional visual demonstration of the boating
community’s support for unnecessary new anchoring regulations.
Mike Bodin
MTOA Public Advocate
mbmtoa@gmail.com
Our thanks to Mike Bodin of Marine Trawler Owners Association for this updated perspective on Florida’s anchoring restrictions. See Florida Wildlife and Fish Commission Proposed Anchoring Program .
MTOA Florida Legislature Update 2/16/2017
Enclosed is the latest review from Capitol Access in Tallahassee representing the following Boating
consortium: SSCA, Standing Watch, AGLCA, MTOA, CFFW.
We are promoting safe and considerate use of anchorages, and opposed to unjustified regulations of
Florida’s waterways.
The Boating consortium has had great success with the initial bill that was filed last night. The provisions
of the bill are consistent with essentially all components of the consortium’s position:
1. The STATE reserves all authority to adopt anchoring and mooring regulations (therefore avoiding a
patchwork of differing regulations at the local level).
2. There are no anchoring setbacks measured from residential waterfront properties.
3. The setbacks from boat ramps, launch facilities and marinas is 150 feet.
4. The buffer around existing mooring fields is 300 feet (as-recommended by FWC
5. There are no additional anchoring limitation areas throughout the State
This bill will be filed by the House Committee on Natural Resources and Public Lands, Chaired by Rep. Holly Raschein whose district covers the Florida Keys. The next step will be for the Committee to vote on whether the Committee itself will file this as a bill sponsored by the Committee (rather than a bill filed and sponsored by an individual member). Following that vote, the bill (called a PCB or Proposed Committee Bill) would then receive referrals to multiple committees and be heard in each one successively. Of course, Capitol Access would be in attendance at every step and provide their input.
Capitol Access will watch for any amendments that are filed. There may be a need for our boaters to appears and give testimony.
There is no Senate bill filed yet. Capitol Access is lead lobbyists.
Mike Bodin
MTOA Public Advocate
Fort Myers Beach, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, includes Matanzas Pass south of the western terminus of the Okeechobee Waterway and Matanzas Pass is home to SSECN SPONSOR, Pink Shell Resort and Marina. Comments are requested by March 15.
News Release
Feb. 10, 2017
Coast Guard asks mariners help to designate anchorage area
TAMPA, Fla. — The Coast Guard is asking mariners to participate this month in a Waterway Analysis and Management System study of the mooring area adjacent to Fort Myers Beach.
This outreach is designed to gather information on the potential designation of the Matanzas Harbor Mooring Field as a Special Anchorage Area and establish a Special Local Regulation for the anchorage.
A Special Anchorage Area is a designated and charted area with federal oversight where boats may not be required to carry or exhibit anchorage lights while at anchor.
“We want to get the word out to waterway users in the area and seek their comments or concerns,” said Chief Warrant Officer Darren Pauly, the aids to navigation officer at Sector St. Petersburg. “The WAMS survey provides a great way for the public to provide their vital input.”
WAMS studies are conducted year-round on waterways all around the country and focus on managed mooring fields, anchorages, aids to navigation systems, waterborne commerce, marine casualty information, port/harbor resources, and future development projects.
Any interested company or individual wishing to provide comments or participate in the user survey should use the following link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FortMyersBeachAnchorage
Mariners are asked to comment before March 15.
Interested participants can also contact,
Commander Sector St. Petersburg
Attn: BOSN Darren Pauly
600 8th Ave, S.E.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(813) 228-2191, ext. 8184.
E-mail to darren.a.pauly@uscg.mil.
U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Tampa Bay
Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Tampa Bay
Office: (727) 535-1437 ext. 2143
After Hours: (305) 965-4672
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is a group of dedicated cruisers who always provide unique reports from the marinas they visit. Legacy Harbour Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located 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!
Cruise Club returns to Legacy Harbour
by Michael Stewart
It was bluebird weather for the Cape Coral Cruise Club members taking part in the 2017 Legacy Harbour Cruise. All 
nine boats made it in, one boat being late while waiting for refurbished props to be reinstalled. First time Club cruisers, Bobby and Joyce Miller arrived is style with their prospective member pennant proudly displayed. Welcome to the Club!
First night post docktail food was provided by the cruisers – just too much and too sumptuous to list. If anyone goes hungry on one of our cruises, they only have themselves to blame.
Wednesday morning started with a breakfast of toasted breakfast bread and butter, fresh fruit, quiche mini-muffins, orange juice and tomato juice. Attendees brought their own coffee. Following a short break after
Legacy Harbour’s Chickee Hut
eating, everyone reassembled at the Legacy Harbour chickee hut to begin a scavenger hunt. There were three outstanding prizes to be awarded, consequently, competition among the CCCC members can get quite intense…! Fierce competition ensued as the boaters returned to their respective vessels in search of the listed items. Would you allow two mismatched oven mitts as “work gloves”? How about a jar of “teak oil” that looked suspiciously like vegetable oil? And did the same miniature sewing kit get passed around with the teensy baby pin in it? Anyway, a lot of fun was had and Moonlighter, Hardee II, and Happy Ours triumphed as the successful winners. The prizes were wrapped so that no-one could tell what was inside (contestants were not allowed to touch the packages). First place got to pick, then second, then third. Then everyone hauled their collections back to their boat and split to various downtown Ft. Myers restaurants for lunch.
A non-cruise related Club function occupied many of the cruisers for Wednesday dinner, however, the remaining cruisers held their own docktails and happy hour before heading on the town for dinner.
Thursday morning breakfast, included a breakfast quiche (imagine a casserole of eggs, diced potatoes, spinach, diced ham and spices), fresh fruit, breakfast bread and juices. It was a game day for many attendees, lunch on your own, followed by dinner at Pinchers Crab Shack. The boaters were joined by some 15 club members who arrived at Legacy by land yacht that night to join in with us.
Prior to departure on Friday for their home ports, many boaters used the pump out facilities in preparation for the next month cruise to Pink Shell Resort. It is a LOT of fun cruising and being with fun people!
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 Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Legacy Harbour Marina
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.”
Chino Island Anchorage is north of the Gulf Waterway’s intersection with the Okeechobee Waterway, off the southwestern shores of Chino Island, north/northeast of unlighted daybeacon #24. Our thanks to John for this report.
Great anchorage for us the evening of January 30, 2017. Winds were light and variable. We had the place to ourselves probably because it got down to 45 degrees F.
John
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Chino Island Anchorage
Our thanks to Mike Bodin of Marine Trawler Owners Association for this updated perspective on Florida’s anchoring restrictions. See Florida Wildlife and Fish Commission Proposed Anchoring Program. See link below to donate to these lobbying efforts.
Florida’s Anchoring Program Update 1/30/17 MTOA
Boaters’ rights to anchor in public waterways are under attack again in Florida. SSCA, MTOA,
and AGLCA, are raising money to fund a professional lobbyist to defend our rights. The
lobbyist team Capitol Access, Tallahassee, is now representing boaters from unjustified
regulations. Help us to stop the attack on Florida’s anchorage areas. Please donate TODAY:
www.mtoa.net “BOATERS’ RIGHTS FUND” {Note: Click on Chart below Boaters’ Rights Fund, then ignore Log In to Contribute and go directly to name/address form.}
Many wealthy Florida waterside residents, condominium units and cities complained to their local
governments about anchoring boats spoiling their water views. Federal government owns the land
under waterways and relinquished semi-control to Florida state. This anti-anchoring consortium
contacted their state representatives to change the law to prohibit anchoring in front of their
waterside property
Florida enacted a study called Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program in 2009. The study is to be
completed July 1, 2017. Final recommendations to be submitted by January 1, 2018. The multi-million
dollar 244-page report is available for review. “Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program Final Report of
Findings and Recommendations 12/21/2016” in Adobe PDF. During last year’s legislative season the
report was accepted as submitted. 2017 is the final year. Florida legislature has stated they will accept
the state recommendations for state law. The report has several anti-anchoring provisions that must
be changed to better represent the needs of the boating community. One glaring item of concern; If
enacted, county governments can easily contact the state for an exemption to control and regulate
local anchoring without any input from the boating community. The unintended consequence of the
legislation would be the precedent it would set for other states along the eastern seaboard to follow
banning anchoring.
A large “AHOY MATE” call is now being made to fellow boaters. As a boating community, we can be
complacent, stand back and complain when our previously used anchoring areas are no longer
available or put on some heavy weather gear and ride the storm out while still keeping the heading.
This will ensure future anchorage availability for us and our children. How is this accomplished? As any
boater knows you must have the right gear. 1) We need a knowledgeable professional lobbyist. 2)
Money is required for this lobbyist: $35k, 3) How do we get the funds? The boating community unites
and individual boaters to donate as they can. Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA) has engaged
the services of Capitol Access, an outstanding lobbying firm with offices in Tallahassee to represent all
boaters interest from unjustified regulation upon the waterways., Today combined funds from
members of American Great Loop Cruising Association (AGLCA), and Seven Seas Cruising Association
(SSCA) are assisting with contributions from their membership. Additional funds are required to
continue a pro- anchoring strategy to roll back unjustified regulation of anti-anchoring language in the
proposed bill. Your support is requested. Marine Trawlers Owners Association has set up the following
site for your donations from the boating community at large: Go to:
www.mtoa.net highlight tab “FL Anchoring Rights Fund”
We need your financial support. The following is a time progression review demonstrating the need
for a professional lobbyists and active boater participation to win the pro-anchoring debate.
2017
2016 over whelming defeat for pro-anchoring advocates required a change in tactics for boaters right
to anchor. MTOA closely reviewed the situation and with board consensus agreed a professional
Lobbyists was required to prevent 2016 outcome for the 2107 legislative season.
We have now finalized the engagement and compliance registrations for our lobbyist in the Capitol
(Jerry Paul of Capitol Access). As you may know, Jerry is a member of MTOA, SSCA, AGLCA and DeFever
Cruisers. He is an active cruiser, a former marine engineer, merchant mariner, attorney and former
elected member of the Florida Legislature. He lead our successful efforts in Tallahassee 2 years ago
under the lead of SSCA.
This year MTOA is the lead client and coordinator working closely with Jerry. Special thanks to SSCA
and AGLCA for joining the team and for providing additional funding support for the effort. Thank you
also for the contributions by members of our organizations and others such as the DeFever Cruisers.
We are up and running. Jerry is in communication with key legislators who will be involved in this
process throughout Florida’s Annual 60-day Legislative Session which begins on March 7. There are 3
remaining “Committee Weeks” that will occur prior to March 7 during which legislators will be filing
bills and even holding hearings in preparation for the regular session.
Through the counsel of our lobbyist, we will apply the approach that worked well when we were last
organized a couple of sessions ago. For example, he will keep us updated regularly as he collects
information. Through him we will coordinate effective messaging (some wholesale and some retail)
that leverages our vast number of cruisers and the merits of our position. But, it is important that we
maintain control of the message. It needs to be tailored to the specific issues that are critical to the
moment as legislation makes its way through multiple committees comprised of different elected
members (and staff), each with unique perspectives. Our messaging must be respectful and
professional. Finally, it must be timed precisely and targeted surgically in varying ways (email, phone,
and even personal appearances in Committees). This is a running process so timing is important. Mike
Bodin, MTOA, Public Advocate will be coordinating these activities.
So far, it appears as though there will be a bill filed that implements some of the recommendations of
the Report by the FWC (Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission) which was prepared to summarize the
results of the Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Project that expires this year. This is the report that was
recently heard by the Senate Environment Committee (the committee that originated the language a
couple years ago, that including certain anchoring bans). A draft of the bill is not yet available. We are
in communication with the key likely sponsors and we’re already messaging our opposition to such
bans. So far, it appears we have some key members who associate with our view. We are hopeful that
the initial draft(s) will not include the adverse provisions. If it does, we will work to get it removed. If it
does not, we must be vigilant until the end of the Session to ensure that the adverse language does not
get amended into it.
We will report on these developments and follow up with effective calls-to-action by our members and
all who share our desire to preserve Florida’s rich maritime history of freedom to safely anchor
throughout the public’s coastal waters of the State
2016 REVIEW
Yeas, represent the Anti- Anchoring votes by the committees and legislature:
1/26/16 House Committee Vote yeas 12 Nays 0
2/25/16 House Committee Vote yeas 15 Nays 1 Note: Extreme spread
3/04/16 House Vote yeas 105 Nays 12
3/0716 Senate Vote yeas 36 Nays 2
3/09/16 Signed by officers and presented to Governor HJ 980
3/24/16 Approved and signed by Florida’s Governor Rick Scott (chapter 2016-96)
7/01/16 Effective Date for state law banning anchoring by county designation. The state law banned
overnight anchoring within areas of Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Once it was seen there was no opposition from pro- anchoring groups, anti-anchoring legislation
emerged and gathered enough momentum to easily pass. Do not underestimate the extent to which
that momentum is perceived to still exist in Tallahassee. It was quite evident at the Senate
Environment Committee (the Committee that originated the bill we defeated 2 years ago). Notice that
this Committee chose to place the topic on its agenda early in the process. The cruising/anchoring
interests have been unrepresented for a while and that has been noticed.
Note: The boating community was complacent. No Lobbyists, No boating community involvement.
Capitol Access was not retained.
2015 REVIEW
No set back or anchoring restrictions—Capitol Access, Active Lobbyists, Active boating community
2014-2012 REVIEW
No set back or anchoring restrictions—Capitol Access, Active Lobbyists, Active boating community
It can plainly be observed if boaters are again complacent in 2017, the 2016 results can be expected.
We salute such groups as American Great Loop Cruising Association, Seven Seas Cruising Association,
Marine Trawler Owners Association, and DeFever Cruisers for their active and financial support. These
great organizations have started the process. Now your financial support is needed to continue.
Donation site www.mtoa.net highlight tab
Mike Bodin
MTOA Public Advocate
The Concerned Cruisers’ Committee (CCC) of Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) has, for many years, supported the rights of cruisers to navigate, anchor and enjoy the “Seven Seas” both in the U.S. and abroad. We have had recent success in Annapolis and in Georgia, and we are engaged in South Carolina, Washington and California.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOTE: Ignore the “Log In to Donate” and go directly to name/address form.
1/23 A good news update from MTOA Public Advocate, Mike Bodin:
But as of now (1/23/2017), SSCA, AGLCA and MTOA have raised over half of the funds from their membership for the Lobbyists. Capital Assets has agreed to represent the boating community and their office is in Tallahassee.
And this from Mike Bodin:
Mates,
As you know Florida’s legislative session has started. The Environmental Preservation and Conservation committee heard the first presentation by The Fish and Wildlife Conversation commission (FWC) on the Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program. [See /161714] Anti-anchoring representatives were present and offered presentations.
The window is closing for us to be effective with ongoing legislation. Capitol Access team did a great job representing our anchoring concerns in 2014,and 15. Without professional representation I fear legislation will be made and passed into law prohibiting anchoring by county designation with state approval. This Florida law can be the basis of others to follow along the ICW corridor. Like cancer, a small start than it spreads and very difficult to stop.
Time is against us to raise monies for a professions lobbyist. MTOA donation survey results are very promising, AGLCA is now surveying their members and results will be available shortly.
SSCA CCC has lead the boating community in the past. Anti-Anchoring is a pain in every boater’s thoughts. Future state laws to prevent anchoring along the ICW surely can be compared to the spread of cancer. We must unite and knock it out before it gains traction.
Enclosed is a boaters rights donation form to your GoFunfMe site. Due to the tremendous time limitation now in place we request SSCA blast email the form to your membership. Within a couple of days, we will have a good idea if a lobbyist can be added to our anti-anchoring efforts.
Thank you for consideration and hopefully participation.
Mike Bodin
MTOA Public Advocate
And from America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association:
Boater’s Rights Interest Survey
Florida’s 1,000-mile intracoastal waterway has often been called the boaters’ highway. Wealthy waterside residents in conjunction with several counties want to enact anti-anchoring laws. Last year Florida’s governor signed into law temporary nighttime anti-anchoring restrictions in several counties. Boaters must unite to stop the spread of anti-anchoring legislation.
CLICK HERE FOR AGLCA’s SURVEY ON BOATERS’ RIGHTS
CLICK HERE for more information on Seven Seas Cruising Association
Signing in
In the current 2017 session of the Florida Senate and House there are no anchoring bills or committee discussions on anchoring.
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association has joined other boating organizations is requesting donations toward lobbying for boaters’ rights in Florida. See /162138 for more information.
As a result of the recent survey on anti-boating legislation, AGLCA is beginning to accept donations along with other boating organizations to hire a lobbyist to represent our interests at the Florida Legislature. This link can be used to make your contribution to the Boaters’ Rights Lobbyist Fund. When making your contribution, consider how much money you save in slip fees by having the ability to anchor. If you would like more information on this issue, you can view my recent forum posting.
Thank you for joining AGLCA in this lobbying effort. I will keep you posted as we move forward with this issue.
Kim
Kimberly Russo
Director
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association
krusso@greatloop.org
1/26/2017
Update:
The three associations leading this charge (AGLCA, MTOA, and SSCA) are doing well in the fund raising effort. To date, 161 AGLCA members have contributed. We’re so thankful for all of those contributions, but there are about 100 more of you who answered our survey last week expressing your intention to contribute. If you have not yet done so, please make your contribution by clicking here as soon as possible.
Although we are not yet at the $35,000 goal, we believe that number is attainable. In addition to contributing substantial time, effort, and administrative expenses, AGLCA and MTOA have agreed to help bridge the gap, if one exists after all contributions are in, to reach the needed amount. Since the amount needed is within reach, we have retained a lobbying firm (Capitol Access) in Tallahassee to represent our interests this legislative session. The goals have been defined as follows:
Prevent the passage of Florida legislation that would ban or curtail overnight anchoring on public waters in locations defined by proximity to upland private dwelling units including but not limited to other provisions that unduly restrict anchoring on public waters.
Monitor and track all legislation that could adversely affect our members’ interests.
Increase our presence among officials in Florida government to build an enduring image of strong influence for the boating and cruising community on matters related to the lifestyle of boaters and cruisers on Florida’s waterways.
Our lobbyist/consultant has agreed to:
Monitor, track and report to the AGLCA all legislation and amendments filed or otherwise considered in Florida that could affect the interests of our members.
Meet with key officials within Florida government to introduce AGLCA as a leader for the interests of cruisers and other boaters that it is now represented in Florida’s Capitol.
Provide proactive lobbying and advocacy to actively support the legislative positions of AGLCA including but not limited to opposing Florida legislation that would ban or curtail overnight anchoring on public waters in locations defined by proximity to upland private dwelling units. This will include the organization of messaging and public appearances in the Capitol by members of the cruising community who support AGLCA’s positions.
Report to AGLCA at least monthly the meetings and activities conducted on behalf of AGLCA.
Jerry Paul, President of Capitol Access, is a trawler owner, lifelong cruiser, marine engineer, attorney, former elected member of the Florida Legislature and former Presidential-Appointed, U.S. Senate-Confirmed Official within the U.S. Department of Energy. He has extensive experience in the transportation field, maritime industry, boating, cruising, energy, government affairs and communications including a balance of experience in operations, regulatory, legislative, finance and restructuring work. Jerry is a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy and has held U.S.C.G. licenses as an engineer and captain. Jerry has also extended our coalition of boating associations a very generous discount for his services. Thank you, Jerry!
Kim Russo
Director
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association
krusso@greatloop.org
MTOA is joining other boating organizations in requesting donations toward lobbying for boaters’ rights in Florida. See /162138 for more information on anti-anchoring regulations.
CLICK HERE FOR MTOA’S REQUEST FOR FUNDS
The marked channel from Tampa Bay into the Manatee River west of Sneads Island passes 1ft depths to the east, between markers #5 and #8, and can easily snare the careless captain, as the photo below attests. The grounded sailboat is off the point of Sneads Island.
Off point of Sneads Island
I am a 8foot draft vessel looking for dockage at Regatta point up the Manatee river. I saw the grounded sail boat off Sneed Island in your post. My question is can I make it past Marker 5 and 8 in the channel or is the shoaling extending into the channel. I would appreciate any local knowledge regarding my passage as I plan to call this home for a few months. Pintail
Living up the Manatee River, I have not seen the river entrance change much over the past years. If you follow the markers there is plenty of water for boats up to a 7 ft draft. Came up the river this morning and it look like the sail boat has been moved off the sand bar.
You should have no problems visiting any of the three marines on the river.
This report comes from the BoatUS Government Affairs site and was sent to us by regular contributor and experienced cruiser, Greg Allard. Numerous comments on the controversial program have been posted on SSECN and these can be found by typing anchoring or mooring in our Homepage search window.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT
FWC celebrates 75 years of wildlife management area conservation success
In 2017, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is commemorating the 75th anniversary of the wildlife management area system, one of the state’s greatest natural treasures. The FWC oversees this statewide network of remote and scenic lands, managing them for conservation and recreation. To celebrate the milestone and help people discover the opportunities these public lands offer, the FWC is hosting free events throughout the year.
“Florida has one of the largest systems of public lands in the country at nearly 6 million acres, and these lands are the best of the best of what wild Florida has to offer,” said FWC Chairman Brian Yablonski. “These natural communities span a variety of habitats from longleaf pine uplands and pine flatwoods to the hardwood hammocks and sawgrass savannas of the Everglades. Not only are these areas beautiful, they are managed to provide habitat for many species of wildlife and access for people to enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and more.”
Florida’s first WMA, Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area, was established in late 1941 in Charlotte and Lee counties. By the 1960s, there were 28 WMAs. Today, the FWC is the lead manager or landowner of over 1.4 million acres, and works in partnership with other governmental or private landowners on another 4.5 million acres. These healthy habitats are essential to Florida wildlife – both common and imperiled species. The FWC uses its scientific expertise and a comprehensive ecological approach to manage a variety of wildlife while balancing public access to these wild lands.
WMAs provide many recreational opportunities including paddling, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, photography, wildlife viewing, and target shooting at areas with a public shooting range. They also offer a wide range of hunting opportunities including special hunts for families and people with disabilities. Throughout 2017, the FWC will host a variety of events to celebrate Florida’s WMAs. Events include a statewide geocaching challenge, volunteer work days, a photo contest, guided hikes, fun opportunities to explore WMAs, and citizen science bioblitzes where members of the public help document wildlife species at WMAs.
To learn more about upcoming events or to find a WMA near you, visit MyFWC.com/WMA75. Share your visits to Florida WMAs on social media by using #WMAzing.
Punta Gorda and Fishermen’s Village on Charlotte Harbor are both SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS are actively involved with the ecology of marine life in Charlotte County. This report comes from Charlotte Harbor Travel’s Have You Heard?
Charlotte County has been dealing with red tide the last couple of months and we wanted to share with you where water samples are taken in Charlotte County to determine red tide. READ MORE!
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village
Another example of the US Coast Guard doing what they do so well! Thank you Station Fort Myers Beach, Air Station Clearwater and Charlotte Harbor Marine Emergency Response Team!
COAST GUARD, PARTNER AGENCIES RESCUE 4 MISSING BOATERS IN CHARLOTTE HARBOR
FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.— The Coast Guard rescued two adults and two children Monday in Charlotte Harbor after they were reported missing aboard their 16-foot boat.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF RESCUE
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charlotte Harbor
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
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.
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Except as noted, most of these displays begin at midnight and last about 10 minutes. As usual with night time navigation, great care must taken in the vicinity of anchored spectator boats, especially following the displays.
St. Joseph Bay 10PM
Panama City Beach Midnight
Mexico Beach Midnight
Cinco Bayou 8PM and Midnight
Fort Walton Midnight
Santa Rosa Sound Midnight
Destin Harbor 8PM
Mobile Midnight
Enjoy!
Gulfport Municipal Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has a full calendar of events for all ages. The marina and harbor, found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay, are easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.
Weekly highlights from the City of Gulfport
Plan your calendar with the City of Gulfport Florida!
December 12 – 18, 2016
http://mygulfport.us/eventsmeeting-calendar
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field
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