Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jun 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A Hero’s Story – Rescue at Sea
This story of Seamanship at its best was posted by Kim Russo on AGLCA’s Forum.
A Hero in our Midst
I’d like to give some recognition to a Looper who went above and beyond and rescued a diver that was lost at sea yesterday.
Tom Duggan of “Island Time” was navigating the Crooked Island Pass near Mexico Beach, Florida, heading home from a yacht club raft-up, when a Coast Guard Mayday Call came over the radio advising of a lost diver at sea approx. 5-miles outside the St. Andrews Bay Pass. Tom immediately decided to take the long way home and steered further offshore in hopes of helping in the search for the diver. Upon reaching the search site,Tom slowed down and he, his wife Karen, and their guests starting watching the water. Right after a Coast Guard boat made a sweep a Â½ mile in front of them, Tom spotted the drifting diver off the starboard side. He sounded his horn to let the diver know he was spotted, got on the radio to advise the Coast Guard vessel and slowed down to bring the diver aboard. The Coast Guard boat roared over and took the diver aboard as Island Time idled alongside. Thanks to Tom’s hunch and a lot of good luck, the diver’s life was very possibly saved to spend the rest of Fathers’ Day with his family.
Well done, Tom & the crew of Island Time!
Kim Russo
Director
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association
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Jun 19, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.9291,-82.06339999
Fishermen’s Village Awarded TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Punta Gorda, FL

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Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, on Western Florida’s Charlotte Harbor/Peace River is more than worthy of this award! Whether you are moored in Punta Gorda’s mooring field or berthed at Fishermen’s Village Marina, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, this is the place to be!
FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE AND FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE RESORT AWARDED 2015 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
Recognized as a Top Performing Shopping and Vacation Destination as Reviewed by Travelers on the World’s Largest Travel Site
Punta Gorda, FL , June 19, 2015’“ Fishermen’s Village Mall and Resort today announced that it has received a TripAdvisorÂ® Certificate of Excellence award. Now in its fifth year, the award celebrates excellence in hospitality and is given only to establishments that consistently achieve great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor. Certificate of Excellence winners include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a superior customer experience.
When selecting Certificate of Excellence winners, TripAdvisor uses a proprietary algorithm to determine the honorees that takes into account the quality, quantity and recency of reviews and opinions submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period as well as business’s tenure and ranking on the Popularity Index on the site. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.
`Winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is a true source of pride for the entire team at Fishermen’s Village and we’d like to thank all of our past guests who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor,’ said Kathy Burnam, Marketing/Events Manager at Fishermen’s Village. `There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by one’s customers. With the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence based on customer reviews, the accolade is a remarkable vote of confidence to our business and our continued commitment to excellence.’
“TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional hospitality businesses that have received consistent praise and recognition by travelers on the site,’ said Marc Charron President, TripAdvisor for Business. `By putting a spotlight on businesses that are focused on delivering great service to customers, TripAdvisor not only helps drive increasing hospitality standards around the world, it also gives businesses both large and small the ability to shine and stand out from the competition.’
Fishermen’s Village Mall, Resort and Marina is located on pristine Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda Florida. A two level complex, the lower level features independently owned shops, boutiques and waterfront restaurants, water recreation, military heritage museum, live entertainment and special events. The second level sports vacation villas, available for daily/weekly rental. For more information, visit www.fishville.com or call 1 800 639-0020.
Kathy Burnam
Marketing/Events Manager
Fishermen’s Village
kathyb@fishville.com
READER’S CHOICE AWARDS FAVORITE SHOPPING DESTINATION!
1200 West Retta Esplanade #57A
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
P 941 575-3007
M 941 258-1327
F 941 637-1054
e-mail
www.fishville.com
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Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Punta Gorda Waterfront
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village
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Jun 11, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 29.1119,-83.04519999
Shoaling Reported in Cedar Keys Channel, Big Bend Region, June 11, 2015

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Cedar Keys is one of a limited number of ports of call along Western Florida’s waterwayless Big Bend region, the Western Florida coastline between Anclote Key and Dog Island. The reported shoaling is in the main entrance channel to the east of Seahorse Key.
FLORIDA – CRYSTAL RIVER TO HORSESHOE POINT – CEDAR KEYS MAIN CHANNEL: Hazard to Navigation
The U.S. Coast Guard received a report of shoaling between Cedar Keys Main Channel Daybeacon 19 (LLNR 29805 [29°6.7123N / 083°2.7068W, 29.111871 / -83.045114]) 29-06-42.737N/083-02-42.411W (29°6.7123N / 083°2.7068W, 29.111871 / -83.045114) and Cedar Keys Main Channel Light 21 (LLNR 2981) 29-06-50.837N/083-02-25.131W (29°6.8473N / 083°2.4188W, 29.114121 / -83.040314) with depths as low as 3 ft at low tide. Mariners are advised to exercise caution while transiting the area.
Chart 11408 LNM: 23/15
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Cedar Keys
Click Here To View An Article on the Waters of Cedar Keys
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Jun 5, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.5105,-82.1899999
$$ for Lunch Dockage at Tween Waters Inn and Marina, near GICW Statute Mile 10

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Tween Waters Inn and Marina lies southwest of the Roosevelt Channel’s marker #19 off Pine Island Sound.
Docked at this marina June 3rd 2015 for lunch. Dock-master informed me of `new’ policy, cost $45 TO DOCK FOR LUNCH ! Said I could stay all day and I get a $25 coupon to use on premises. I guess if I got a $25 lunch then docking for the privilege of eating there would only cost $15.00 What a deal! Turned around and promptly left. Cabbage Key is much better and just a little further up the waterway.
Lil Toot
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Tween Waters Marina
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Jun 3, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8709,-82.31119999
Another Good Visit to Palm Island Marina, GICW Statute Mile 38

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Palm Island Marina is located near the southern foot of Lemon Bay, northwest of unlighted daybeacon #7. Our thanks to Cape Coral Cruise Club for sharing their experience.
Cape Coral Cruise Club returns to Palm Island Marina
By Jon Lynch and Elise Vannoy
Led by Jon Lynch and Elise Vannoy on Desperado, a flotilla of 10 boats cruised up the ICW to a club favorite destination, Palm Island Marina. Under sunny skies and seas that were surprisingly calm and slick as glass, many boats made record time. Many boaters voiced their surprise at the number of dolphins spotted during the trip. Joining in the fun were Commodore Lee Jetton and Brenda Butler on Moonlighter, Vice Commodore John and Pati Queen on Semper Paratus, Doug and Michelle Rhees on LunaSea, Phil and Lin Quick on Sunkissed, Bob and Carol Peterson on CR Side, Joe and Kelli Miller on B Mine, John and Mary Brehm on Panacea, Jeff and Joanne Ziemer on Still Crazy, and last but not least, Jim and Rear Commodore Edie Limbright made their maiden voyage on Princess, their recently purchased Viking.
Arriving by car were Brenda and Mike Stewart as well as Mac & Bobbie McEwen. Most of the boaters gathered at Leverock’s for lunch on Tuesday then adjourned to the pool or games under the pavilion shade which made for a leisurely afternoon. Gathering for our traditional happy hour, cruising tales and mechanical advice freely flowed. With heavy hors d’ouevres supplied by each of the boats made for a sumptuous buffet.
Wednesday proved to be another perfectly sunny day enticing many to visit the beach and have a bite of lunch at Rumrunners, take a walk, float and chat in the pool or play cards. As we enjoyed our happy hour, all members participated in two brainteasers. Winners of the `Name that Boat’ and `Flying Colors’ quizzes were Jettons and Ziemers. Congratulations! Mike Stewart demonstrated his Grill Master credentials by cooking 26 burgers to perfection. Many thanks to Edie Limbright for a wonderful Spinach Salad, Michelle Rhees and Brenda Stewart for luscious desserts. After dinner, crews toured Jim and Edie Limbright’s new `Princess’.
On Thursday, a continental breakfast of berries and sweet rolls started the morning followed by a polite game of keep away which quickly devolved into a rowdy dunking session providing entertainment for onlookers and lots of laughs for participants. Beach goers collected perfect and imperfect shells as well as sharks teeth. Since it was Red Nose Day, each couple posed with a red nose. During happy hour, crews chatted and revealed items remaining on our `bucket lists’, then headed to Leverock’s for a group dinner full of laughter, stories and good company.
Friday morning boats departed Palm Island Marina as a good time was had by all.
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. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.

Boats moored at Palm Island
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Palm Island Marina
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Jun 1, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.7714,-82.62869999
St. Petersburg Pier to Undergo a Redesign, Tampa Bay

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Anyone who has visited St. Petersburg by land or by sea knows this impressive structure jutting into Tampa Bay from downtown St. Pete. It is also adjacent to St. Petersburg Municipal Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

St. Petersburg council makes pier pick
May 7, 2015, 4:26pm EDT Updated May 7, 2015, 4:36pm EDT
Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
ROGERS PARTNERS ARCHITECTS+URBAN DESIGNERS; KEN SMITH
The Pier Park
At long last, the St. Petersburg Pier is moving toward a new look.
The city council voted Thursday to approve the Pier Park design, authorizing Mayor Rick Kriseman to enter negotiations with the design team, ASD/Rogers and Partners/KSLA. Negotiations are slated to take 45 to 60 days.
The Pier Park
The public chose a different concept, known as Destination St. Pier, in an online poll.
The city will again seek public input as it works with the design team toward final design, permits and construction.
The beleaguered pier has the potential to be an economic driver for St. Pete, the city’s business community says, by creating an attractive gathering spot on the water and creating more foot traffic ‘” and a bigger customer base ‘” for downtown businesses.
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May 28, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 27.5304,-82.63299999
Good Visit to Snead Island Anchorage, Manatee River, off Tampa Bay

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Snead Island Anchorage lies along the broad band of deep water northeast of marker #11 in the Manatee River. Our thanks to Out Chasing Stars for this excerpt from their blog.
[‘¦] went for a provisioning run, and then set off! David and I had done some research and scoped out an anchorage just down the Manatee River, off of Emerson Point Preserve and Snead Island. The anchorage was excellent; quiet, even for a holiday weekend, good holding, and protected from [‘¦]
Out Chasing Stars
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Snead Island Anchorage
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Brian - August 16, 2016 - 11:56 am

Is a Anchor light required while in ‘Safe Anchorage’ at Snead Island on the Manatee River? I have a 57 foot boat that is kept in the water. It is pulled not motor operated. I have been told it is not required but have received a ticket.
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May 22, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8749,-82.31359999
Good Visit to Cape Haze Marina, Gulf ICW Statute Mile 38.5

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Cape Haze Marina flanks the eastern shores of the ICW/Lemon Bay, south of unlighted daybeacon #9. Skipper Herl sends a good report and great photos!
Cape Haze, Inglewood, Florida (3/13/15)
We left the Bradenton area, of all things on a Friday the 13th of March, and just in time for spring break with spring vacations. Our first choice was Venice Florida, but with all of the above being thrust upon us, Venice was jam up and jelly tight. Tried to anchor, but because the space was so tight, we just polished the props good by getting in too shallow. Moving on.
The next place we tried was Cape Haze a little farther south. We made it in with no other complications. Since we are a 15ft 6in beam we were placed on a face dock. Very nice, just a long walk to the office. We needed the walk anyway.
Cape Haze is nice, but with a wide beam one would best stay away from the finger docks. We have been in Cape Haze before on a finger dock and needed a shoe horn to get in. The good news is, after you get in you don’t move around much.
After all the hubbub we encountered getting to Cape Haze and the slip we were in belonged to a boat coming home the next day, we did not plan on more than one night. Upon hearing that the slip would not be needed by its owner until Monday, we decided to spend two nights and just let the Saturday crowd clear out. We had no specific agenda and did not have to be anywhere at any specific time. A great feeling by the way.
Phil and Sandy Herl
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cape Haze Marina
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May 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Celebrate Dad’s Day at Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda, FL
Your Dad will love this! Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, on Western Florida’s Charlotte Harbor/Peace River always has an array of activities to please everyone. Whether you are moored in Punta Gorda’s mooring field or berthed at Fishermen’s Village Marina, also A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, there is always something special to do!
CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND’”DADS CRUISE FREE!
PUNTA GORDA, FL’”King Fisher Fleet, headquartered at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, invites Dads to cruise for free in honor of Father’s Day. Here’s how you can help dad celebrate his special day: Dads cruise FREE on any of the cruises listed below. Act fast to reserve your space!
Fri. June 19: Sunset Cruise 7:00 p.m., 1 Â½ hours
Sat. June 20: Cabbage Key Island Cruise 9:00 a.m., full day
Sunset Cruise 7:00 p.m., 1 Â½ hours
Sun. June 21: Cabbage Key Island Cruise 9:00 a.m., full day
Cayo Costa Beach Cruise 9:00 a.m., full day
Afternoon Harbor Tour 2:00 p.m., 1 Â½ hours
Afternoon Harbor Tour 4:00 p.m., 1 Â½ hours
Sunset Cruise 7:00 p.m., 1 Â½ hours
All dads cruise free on all of the above listed cruises. Advance reservations are recommended. For more information about the special Father’s Day offer, please call (941) 639-0969.
King Fisher Fleet offers eight cruises including daylong cruises to the islands of Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, and Boca Grande, narrated tours of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, as well as sunset cruises and Christmas light canal cruises. King Fisher Fleet also offers charter fishing with some of the best fishing guides in southwest Florida, departing every day from Fishermen’s Village Marina.
Voted `Best Charter Boats in Charlotte County’ every year 1996-2014, Sun-Herald poll
Voted Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Business of the Year 2009
Voted Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year 2010
Elissa Allen
Marketing Director
King Fisher Fleet
941-639-2628
www.kingfisherfleet.com
Sign up for our E-Newsletter
Kathy Burnam
Marketing/Events Manager
Fishermen’s Village
kathyb@fishville.com
READER’S CHOICE AWARDS FAVORITE SHOPPING DESTINATION!
1200 West Retta Esplanade #57A
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
P 941 575-3007
M 941 258-1327
F 941 637-1054
www.fishville.com
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Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Punta Gorda Waterfront
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May 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.5567,-82.59619999
Good Stay in Bird Key Anchorage, Terra Ceia Bay, off the Manatee River

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Bird Key anchorage is found on the tongue of deep water north-northeast of Bird Key and north of marker #13.
This is a great anchorage ‘“ Terra Ceia Bay is quite deep behind this island and it’s very quiet and peaceful without a lot of boat traffic. Nothing nearby to dinghy for supplies, but if you want a quiet anchorage, probably by yourself, this place is great! Follow the zig-zag channel closely as it gets shallow in some spots.
Laura
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Terra Ceia Bay – Bird Key Anchorage
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May 19, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Advice Requested for a Big Bend Region Crossing, Northern Gulf, West Florida
Claiborne’s Comments: For those who have never cruised these waters, the Western Florida’s ICW’s northern terminus is at Anclote Key, while the Northern Gulf ICW does not begin its east to west trek until one reaches Dog Island and the charming village of Carrabelle.
In between is better than a hundred miles of coastline, with a LARGE shelf of shallow water jutting for miles out into the Gulf of Mexico. These shallows are pierced at fairly regular intervals by man-made channels, leading to the Big Bend rivers such as the Crystal, the Withlacoochee, the Suwanee and the Steinhatchee. Some of these entrance passages are fairly reliable, while others are not.
So, rather than follow the Big Bend coastline, staying several miles offshore, some mariners choose to cut the corner, and head (northbound) directly for Dog Island or Panama City.
I will be traveling this route in a modified trihull pontoon in june. ( modified hull frame with welded steel frame to keep it solid ) what would be a good route with this boat. hopscotch ? pattern any map refrences would be great. also : hey there Rich Gano I had some emails with you. I was planning a steam boat trip on the great loop. But opted for this instead’¦..at least for now.
Bruce Noble
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Rich Gano - May 22, 2015 - 9:22 pm

Bruce, you can contact me at richgano2gmail.com to discuss your route. What is cruising speed and draft? What navigation electronics?
Rich
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May 19, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 25.9569,-81.73039999
Good Visit and Good Advice on Smokehouse Bay – Marco Island Anchorage, Marco Island, Southwest Florida

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Smokehouse Bay lies in the heart of northern Marco Island. This fortunate body of water plays host to Esplanade Marina and a good anchorage. Collier Creek is its entrance channel which leaves the Marco Island-to-Naples waterway west of marker #14. Our thanks to Skipper Merritt for this report. For a report of depths in the anchorage, see /?p=139969
Anchored twice in Smokehouse Bay in May of this year (2015) and found the bay and the holding excellent. The Winn Dixie dock around the corner under the bridge was very convenient. The only note I would add that isn’t in the previous postings is that the navigation markers from the pass through Collier bay on the chart plotter do not match what is actually there. The marked channel runs out at `12’ with three possible directions. Take the residential channel directly ahead and after going around a bend you will see smokehouse bay and `13’.
Jim Merritt
SV Latitude Adjustment
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Smokehouse Bay – Marco Island Anchorage
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May 12, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.4136,-82.57429999
Hazard: Missing Marker at Sara Bay Marina, off Sarasota Bay, near GICW Statute Mile 80

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Our thanks to Skipper Fort for sending us this warning and advice. Sara Bay Marina is at the eastern end of a narrow, shallow, multi-marked channel.
Danger: marker #2 at the entrance to Sara Bay Marina has been knocked down.
It is imperative that you stay west and north of this sign as water to the south of the piling is 8″ at low tide and even out of water at dead low tide even though the nautical chart shows 5 feet.
Dudley Fort
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For
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May 9, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.0051,-81.7599999
Shallow Water and Extinguished Light at Little Marco Pass, Southwestern Florida

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Little Marco Pass leads to the unofficial waterway stretching from Capri Pass and Marco Island north to Naples and to the popular Little Marco Island Anchorage. Our thanks to Skipper Forshier for this information.
I do not know if this was reported but the outer markers on both gordon pass into Naples Fl and the marker into Marco Island ( little marco pass) were removed last year. This makes night entry trickier as they were lighted markers. ( so do not look for them) There are no plans to replace them.
Also Gordon pass has shallowed on the north side and there are reports of only 5 feet depth at low tide in some areas. There are Multiple reports of bumping aground at low tide. although the permit to dredge is in place the funding is not. So we wait.
Terry Forshier
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For The Little Marco Island Anchorage
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May 9, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.0923,-81.80189999
Extinguished Lights and Shallow Depths at Gordon Pass, Southwestern Florida Coastline

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Gordon Pass is the primary inlet serving the Naples, Florida region and has to be dredged every so often, but, as Skipper Forshier points out, the permit to dredge is in place, but the funding isn’t. Haven’t we heard that lament before?
I do not know if this was reported but the outer markers on both gordon pass into Naples Fl and the marker into Marco Island ( little marco pass) were removed last year. This makes night entry trickier as they were lighted markers. ( so do not look for them) There are no plans to replace them.
Also Gordon pass has shallowed on the north side and there are reports of only 5 feet depth at low tide in some areas. There are Multiple reports of bumping aground at low tide. although the permit to dredge is in place the funding is not. So we wait.
Terry Forshier
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gordon Pass
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May 8, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments
Possible Tender Solution to “All Aboard Florida” Railway Bridge Closures
Remember the many discussions among boaters last year concerning the proposed All Aboard Florida high speed trains? See /?p=143201. The addition of a full-time tender may be a solution, as reported in this article by Michael Turnbell in The Sun Sentinal.
For the first time in years, boaters have a full-time tender to communicate with at the New River railroad bridge in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
It’s part of a six-month test by the U.S. Coast Guard that, if successful, could ease boater concerns about All Aboard Florida, which plans to run 32 trains a day on the Florida East Coast Railway tracks.
The marine industry insists All Aboard Florida’s trains will keep the bridge down too long, choking access for boats and damaging a key industry in an area known as the yachting capital of the world.
A draft study by the Federal Railroad Administration found the new trains will have a negligible effect on boating. All Aboard Florida vowed to coordinate schedules with other trains, publish timetables and invest in new equipment to cut average crossing times from 18-20 minutes to 10-12 minutes.
The test will determine if having a tender present will improve the speed of the bridge’s opening and closing. It also will see if improved communication will allay boater concerns over when the bridge will be closed and for how long.
The Coast Guard said in a posted notice its new test “will promote equal usage of waterways and railroad for all parties involved.”
The New River bridge, built in the 1970s, is currently kept open for boats and only closes when a freight train passes — up to 14 times a day. But when the new high-speed passenger service starts in late 2016, the bridge would be required to close 16 additional times a day.
That is a problem for boaters because at high tide, the closed bridge sits about four feet above the water, making it hard for even a kayak to pass underneath.
Under the test, which will run through October 16, the bridge will be closed for not more than 60 minutes in any two-hour period.
“We’re excited to see how it works,” said Phil Purcell, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. “It’s been unpredictable so this should add more reliability for people who use the river.”
While the bridge is still controlled by operators in Jacksonville, Purcell said the new tender will be able to tell them to slow trains if a boat needs more time to make it through. Towboat operators hauling large yachts can be warned ahead of time when the bridge will be down. And the tender can tell dispatchers to more quickly raise the bridge once a train passes.
“Sometimes the bridge is currently shut when there is no train, or after the train passes, the bridge isn’t raised right away,” Purcell said.
Click Here for the full article.
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Rick Emerson - May 8, 2015 - 11:32 pm

I’m confused. If a bridge, with a vertical clearance of less than 65 feet is closed, it has no impact on boat traffic? If a bridge is closed for no more than 60 minutes out of two hours, is this not closing a bridge for an hour. and for 50% of two hours? And this, too, means no impact on boat traffic?
The notion of a tender “slow[ing] trains”, “[t]owboat operators hauling large yachts [being] warned ahead of time when the bridge will be down” by a tender, and tenders telling trains to slow down or hurry up… who, in their right mind, can believe this? “Big choo-choo” will be OK because of posting bridge tenders? Nevermind there will still 30+ bridge closures daily. And FEC plans additional freight trains in addition to their present schedule.
In the end, this is all more smoke and mirrors for a rail plan that many people view as unneeded, unwanted, and unnecessary. Talk of railroad bridge tenders is nothing more than an attempt to put lipstick on a particularly ugly pig.
Reply to Rick

Kevin Koehl - May 8, 2015 - 4:53 pm

Railroad bridge tenders are a definite improvement. I cruised eastbound through Stuart in March. I approached the Roosevelt bridge requesting an opening. The FEC railroad bridge immediately behind was open. The Roosevelt bridge responded saying they would open in 5 to 10 minutes. No problem, right? While waiting the siren sounded on the railway bridge and the Roosevelt Bridge indicated they would not open with the railway bridge preparing to cycle. We waited the about 20 more minutes with the FEC railway bridge remaining open with its red light on and the Roosevelt bridge refusing to open. With no railroad bridge tender we had no clue why the railroad bridge was not closing but showing a red light. Finally, after 30 minutes total wait time, the railroad bridge closed and a train passed. It took about an hour in total to finally make it through the railroad bridge. As I passed under the FEC railroad bridge I thought “They want to do this another 16 times a day?” At least with a tender, we might have had someone to talk to understand timing and maybe they wouldn’t have had to take so long to cycle. I remain a skeptic.
Reply to Kevin
May 7, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.8709,-82.31119999
Good Words for Palm Island Marina, GICW Statute Mile 38

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Palm Island Marina is located near the southern foot of Lemon Bay, northwest of unlighted daybeacon #7.
Very helpful dock master and assistants.
Well protected docks.
Showers are some of the best we have seen between Venice and Marco Island.
Nice swimming pool, and a fantastic restaurant right in the marina.
Laundry is complimentary.
Definitely a place to come back to in the future.
Manuel Farinas
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Palm Island Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Palm Island Marina
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Whit Sibley - May 8, 2015 - 4:39 pm

Palm Island Marina is one of our favorite stops. Great facility and a great and welcoming staff. Pool is top notch and on-site restaurant offers good fare.
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May 7, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.3327,-82.54639999
Wake Issues in Mooring Field at Marina Jacks, Sarasota, FL, GICW Statute Mile 73

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Marina Operations/Marina Jacks abuts the east-northeastern shores, to the northeast of red unlighted daybeacon #8A in Sarasota Bay, in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Florida. Our thanks to Skipper Cohen for this report.
Stayed at Mooring Field 2 nights. Great location and beautiful spot. There are some issues that need to be addressed. There are only a couple of no wake signs installed be Marina Jack which manages the Field owned by the City. Fishing and pleasure boats cruise through the Field regularly; there is no policing or security although there is a Fish and Wildlife boat at the marina. One of the tour boats operating out of the marina’“Le Barge’“takes a sanctioned shortcut through the field. Folks at marina seem to feel there is not much they can do. It’s a shame!
Hedda Cohen
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Marina Operations/Marina Jacks
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May 6, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 27.9763,-82.82549999
Report from Clearwater Municipal Marina, GICW Statute Mile 136

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Each year the Cape Coral Cruise Club makes an extended cruise and, after visiting several marinas on the Gulf Coast, sends us their reports. This report is one of eight marinas they visited in April. Clearwater Municipal Marina flanks the well-marked Clearwater Beach Channel just southwest of the high-rise Clearwater Memorial Causeway Bridge
Our first stop on the return trip was a single night at Clearwater Beach Marina. The dock master was alone, and overwhelmed with our arrival, so it was up to the members to help get all our boats secured up in the slips. A short walk had several members taking in the fabulous Clearwater beach along with its several bars and restaurants.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Clearwater Municipal Marina
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Carl Schultz - May 11, 2015 - 6:16 pm

I would like to echo the statement made earlier about the dockmaster being overwhelmed. 10 boats from our yacht club arrived on Friday, March 13th (we should have known) with a stiff wind out of the east. The dockmaster, who was alone, did not answer his radio, or the telephone. I had to telephone the cityside marina, only to be told the dockmaster might not respond. Between the wind and the current, we were lucky to back in, but many of the other larger boats were nearly overwhelmed. Even the giant excursion boat was blown into shallow water and grounded. If not for other boaters in the marina, and our fellow yachters who’d previously gotten in, it could have been a real disaster. When asked why he didn’t request additional help on a busy weekend he said he did, but was denied. That still doesn’t explain why he wouldn’t answer the radio. To me, this is an example of a bad city government employee, and a city government that just doesn’t care. And because they are civil servants instead of privately employed, it will never improve. I wouldn’t return.
Reply to Carl
May 6, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.835,-82.26069999
A Visit to Gasparilla Marina, GICW Statute Mile 34

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Each year the Cape Coral Cruise Club makes an extended cruise and, after visiting several marinas on the Gulf Coast, sends us their reports. This report is one of eight marinas they visited in April. In spite of its name, Gasparilla Marina is not located on Gasparilla Island, but rather it is to be found along the northeastern banks of the GICW, just south of the Gasparilla Island Causeway/Bridge. The entrance to Gasparilla Marina cuts east off the Western Florida ICW. This facility features a well sheltered harbor and offers superior services.
The final stop before heading back to Cape Coral was Gasparilla Marina. A final happy hour under a huge canopy by the docks gave the cruising members the opportunity to express their thanks to the cruise leaders for arranging a great itinerary, and or course assuring that the winds were calm and the weather outstanding.
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. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gasparilla Marina
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