Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Apr 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 25.9608,-81.71239999
More Good Words for Marco Island Marina, West Florida, south of Naples

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Marco Island Marina will be found along the Marco ‘“ Naples waterway’s southerly banks, immediately west of the high-rise fixed Marco Island bridge.
Elmer the dockmaster is very helpful. Showers are air conditioned and clean. Floating docks are very nice, the entire set-up is first class.
Upon registering you are handed a courtesy card to the Marco Island Yacht Club adjacent to this property. Impressive building, but a word of caution, if you are planning on eating dinner at the restaurant, we recommend you call ahead for reservations. We arrived on a Wednesday (dinner special is lobster tails) and assumed we could get a table. Well, had to eat at the boat.
Manual Farinas
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marco Island Marina
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Apr 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments
Update on Florida’s Anchoring Restrictions Bill
This Florida senate bill restricting anchoring has been much in the news for several weeks, see /?p=147527 and /?p=147397. This update is from Kim Russo on AGLCA’s Forum
Below is an update provided this morning from the team working on defeating the proposed anchoring restrictions in Florida. Thanks to all the Loopers and our Sponsors who have taken steps to help with this issue. We’ve made
a lot of progress!
1. There are 8 days left in the regular session.
2. On the House side, there is currently no remaining bill that includes the anchoring ban. The bill that most logically could have been a vehicle for such a provision passed 119-0 this morning on the House floor (i.e. vote by the full House). This was after the anchoring ban amendment was defeated in its last committee hearing. Therefore, when it was brought up for a vote of the full House (on the floor) it contained no anchoring ban provisions. Unlike last year, no anchoring ban amendment was filed on the floor although our team was poised, ready to respond rapidly ‘¦ as were the House members who have become champions for the boating and cruising
community. That bill is now going to the Senate for a vote.
3. On the Senate side, the bill containing the anchoring ban made it through the 2nd of its 3 required committees 2 weeks ago. With 8 days left, the bill is not currently scheduled for a 3rd committee hearing.
Currently, that 3rdcommittee is not scheduled to meet again, although that could change.
4. We are working continuously to monitor and track every bill and every potential amendment to a bill that could create the anchoring ban. We are in constant communication with a full host of House and Senate members who are with us.
5. At this stage, broad messaging from the boating community to legislators is not an effective strategy. If, however, any threatening bill or amendment emerges, we will again engage promptly with messaging that is tailored, timed and targeted.
6. The boating and cruising community has done a great job throughout this session. It has strengthened its voice and its effectiveness. It has broadened and diversified its sources of messaging. For example, recently
there was effective proactive messaging from the veterans boating community and the Boy Scouts/Sea Scouts boating community that was influential in conjunction with the balance of the boating and cruising community family.
7. We still have 8 days. Readiness is the key.
Kim Russo
Director
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association
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Comments from Cruisers (3)

Dave L -  June 17, 2017 - 5:13 am

Anchoring is an act of navigation, as such it is protected by federal law.
Reply to Dave

Captain Robert S. Viola -  April 25, 2015 - 10:28 am

Florida’s anchoring ban defies reason, lacks economic sense, and embodies a mis-application of logic. Therefore; it is no doubt a dream-child of misguided, but powerful, environmental-zealots. These Draconian regulations limit legitimate and reasonable pursuits. The boating public’s rightful interests are being overrun by a political movement that treats the earth, and what is at the bottom of the sea with a kind of irrational, religious-sanctity. Boaters do not dis-respect the sea-floor – people have some right to its use – and it is certainly a reasonable assumption that the vast majority of boaters don’t have the destruction of our habitat at heart. Most want a piece of our shared-earth to ensure our safety, security, and tranquility – and there surely is enough law-enforcement in place to oversee the security of anchorages. The problem of course is; the zealots will not give an inch, and scream louder, and devote life-long energy to denying traditional, and time-honored practices to a generation of boaters who respect the sea as much as they do! Boating advocates must relentlessly argue that our goals are every bit more-sensible than those who oppose reasonable land and sea pursuits.
Captain R.S. Viola
Reply to Captain

Jerry Villines -  April 24, 2015 - 6:19 pm

So, if I understand your rambling message. The Florida House has chosen not to pass any legislation with changed anchoring restrictions. But that may or may not change. The Senate has completed 2 of 3 required steps to vote on restrictions to anchoring. They have not scheduled action to complete the 3rd step but may do that.
So if the Senate completed 2 steps to increasing anchoring restrictions what are the issues/roadblacks/incentives to address the 3rd step?? Why take 2 steps and not address the 3rd step?? And, should the Senate pass the 3rd step and vote to introduce legislation to restrict anchoring rights does the House need to deal with the proposed legislation before it can go into the books?
This is all very strange and secretive.
Reply to Jerry
Apr 21, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.4574,-81.9569999
Good Words for Moss Marine, Fort Myers Beach

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Moss Marine lies on the west side of Matanzas Pass across the channel from Marker #17. Skipper Farinas makes the Captains’ Lounge sound great!
Very helpful staff. There is an air-conditioned boater’s lounge available to transients as well as permanent slip holders. The lounge has an extensive exchange library, and a television set. The air-conditioned showers are great. There are two washing machines and two dryers that were the hottest we encountered on our trip from Clearwater to Ft. Myers Beach. Both the showers and washer and dryers are all within the boaters lounge, so you can enjoy the lounge while waiting for your clothes to wash and dry.
Manuel Farinas
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Moss Marine
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Apr 12, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Model Letter re SB 1548 by Jim Healy
Here is a well-written, insightful letter to Florida legislators that should serve as a model for those of you who plan to write in opposition to SB 1548, see /?p=147754. Thank you Captain Healy.
Chairman Hon. Alan Hays
Vice Chairman Hon. Oscar Braynon
Senator Hon. Thad Altman
Senator Hon. Charles Dean
Senator Hon. Tom Lee
Senator Hon. Gwen Margolis
Senator Hon. Wilton Simpson
Dear Chairman Hays and members of the Senate Committee on General Government Operations:
I am writing in reference to SB1548, titled `An Act Related to Vessel Safety.’ I am a legal resident of Green Cove Springs, Clay County, and an active boater. I have previously written to Sen. Rob Bradley requesting that he decline to support Senate Bill 1548 in its present form. While I do not object to the core safety-related provisions of SB1548, I do object to the anchoring setback provisions contained in the bill. The setback provisions reduce the availability of safe anchoring locations all across Florida, thereby acting against the goal of promoting safety in navigation on state waters. Furthermore, the setback provisions represent revocation of lawful pubic access rights to public trust lands. These lands are held by the state in trust for use by the public, not for the aesthetic preferences or personal use of adjoining waterfront landowners or for the promotion of waterfront business interests.
Although limitations on anchoring may favor certain business interests, the origin of the setback provisions in the bill appears to be isolated disputes between waterfront landowners and occupants of anchored vessels. Some of these disputes have been highly publicized, but do not justify a sweeping statewide law which would restrict the rights and freedoms of hundreds of thousands of boaters throughout the maritime waters of coastal Florida. These disputes are not based on safety concerns. They can and should be resolved on a case-by-case basis through noise and nuisance proceedings in the judicial branch of municipal, county and state government.
House Bill 7123 deals with derelict vessels without changing current Florida-wide anchoring rights. When we first moved to Florida in 2004, there was a confusing and inconsistent patchwork of local, city and county laws that restricted or disallowed anchoring in Florida’s intracoastal public trust waters. Compliance with that patchwork of local ordinances was impossible. Florida Statute 327.60 ended that inconsistency in anchoring policies and local manipulation of navigation rights and rules. At this time, HB7123 creates an `at risk’ category of boats and gives local governments new tools to manage these situations. Because local governments sometimes seek to promulgate anchoring restrictions as a means of managing problems with “at risk” and derelict vessels, I strongly believe that HB7123 is an excellent step to deter vessels from becoming derelict in the first place.
I ask that SB1548 be aligned with HB7123. I also ask that as the opportunity presents itself in the future, that the committee act to maintain the statewide consistency of anchoring rules the legislature previously established in FS 327.60, and act to prohibit local or regional exceptions to this state wide policy.
Thank you for your consideration.
James B. Healy
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary, currently at Daytona Beach, FL
http://gilwellbear.wordpress.com
Monk 36 Hull #132
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Apr 1, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.8279,-82.82849999
Excellent Report from Redington Shores Anchorage, GICW Statute Mile 125.5

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Redington Shores Anchorage is found on the charted cove south of unlighted daybeacon #1 off the northwestern tip of Boca Ciega Bay. Our thanks to Laura for this thorough description of this Gulf Waterway anchorage.
We stayed at this anchorage for 2 nights week of March 23rd and it was SUPER nice. We were guided in by the instructions in Claiborne’s Cruising Guide and he was spot on. It is very shallow in the middle of this anchorage, so hugging the Southern shoreline it was plenty deep. There are two restaurants nearby, Seabreeze and Wahoo’s – we ate at Seabreeze one night and the food was good. There is Happy Hour all day every day $2 drafts and they have some inexpensive bar food items ($4.99 grouper cheeks, and some other tasty items as well) There is a public park with a dock to get off and walk across the street to the beach. There is a 7-Eleven within walking distance for ice ($2.99 a bag) and whatnot. There’s a trolley that runs the whole length of the beach as well, if you really want to go exploring, it’s very reasonable. The water was deepest just off the fishing boat fleet, we had no problems. There is a bank of high rise condos to the South but they didn’t bother us, and most people were nice. We even had one guy track us down at the bar as he admired our boat out there, and we met some nice folks. We will definitely be back to this anchorage.
Laura
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Redington Shores Anchorage
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Mar 29, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 27.4708,-82.69059999
Good Report from Seafood Shack Marina, GICW Statute Mile 87

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Claiborne’s Comments: The Seafood Shack Marina and Restaurant guard the eastern flanks of the Western Florida ICW, only a few miles south of the Waterway’s entrance into Tampa Bay, hard by the Cortez Bridge. The marina part of this operation has always seemed a bit “casual” to me over the years, but our dining experience here has always been good.
Just spent two nights at the Seafood Shack and can confirm the comments above from 2012. Darryl the dock master was very helpful and friendly, and the docks were still old and beat up, but both the marina and restaurant are under new management and renovations are underway. There were some new finger piers and replacement of the main docks and electric service were both ongoing while were there. The shore heads are also slated for a much needed facelift. Pretty good food at the restaurant, and several other good choices within walking distance. When renovations are complete, this will be a good choice.
Jonathan Gorham
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Seafoof Shack Marina
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Comments from Cruisers (2)

Bruce Franz - April 7, 2015 - 6:40 pm

I just spent a week at Seafood Shack! Had a great time, Staff was helpful, fun, supportive. Put it on your “places to visit”. Rent a car and enjoy the whole area!
Upgrades are happening every week!
Bruce Franz
Dickerson 41
Reply to Bruce

Laura - April 1, 2015 - 10:39 am

Good to know! Thanks for the update. We passed by that way over Xmas and thought about stopping, but didn’t. Will definitely put that on our “places to visit” list.
Reply to Laura
Mar 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.7934,-82.78799999
Report from Madeira Beach – Johns Pass Anchorage, near GICW Statute Mile 121

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Madeira Beach – Johns Pass Anchorage will be discovered on the large, charted offshoot striking west from flashing daybeacon #7 on the Johns Pass approach channel. Johns Pass intersects the Gulf Waterway at Mile 121.
We anchored here last night March 22 2015 & had a quiet night. This morning a storm rolled in, squall line with winds gusting to 30 & our holding was good. We anchored at the intersection of the canal with the little white bridge, and depths were around 5′-6’2, the closer you go west towards marina, we found to be shallower, 4’5 depending on tide. Nice quiet anchorage, did a dingy ride into 7-11 for ice, trash and a $3 bottle of dressing. 6 oz!! Paying for convenience I know’¦.
Laura
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Madeira Beach Anchorage
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Mar 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
History Essay on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
Here is an interesting and readable essay on the history of the Gulf ICW from the Texas State Historical Association.

GULF INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY.
The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway is a coastal canal from Brownsville, Texas, to the Okeechobee waterway at Fort Myers, Florida. The Texas portion of the canal system extends 426 miles, from Sabine Pass to the mouth of the Brownsville Ship Channel at Port Isabel. The grand concept of a canal system that would eventually connect Boston harbor with Brownsville harbor was introduced by Albert Gallatin, United States secretary of the treasury, in a report on Public Roads and Canals submitted to the United States Senate in 1808. By 1819 Secretary of War John C. Calhoun had published his Report on Roads and Canals, which posits an urgent need for an improved internal transportation system including waterways.
Click Here to read the essay by Art Leatherwood.
Art Leatherwood, “GULF INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY,” Handbook of Texas Online (http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/rrg04), accessed March 23, 2015. Uploaded on June 15, 2010. Published by the Texas State Historical Association.
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Feb 24, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.7313,-82.7069999
New Marker on the Sunken Vessel in Gulfport Mooring Field, Boca Ciega Bay, near GICW Statute Mile 115

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Skipper Burnham has been a tremendous help in helping boaters avoid this sunken trawler in the Gulfport mooring field, see /?p=145996, /?p=146123 and /?p=146113. And again, he has shown true seamanship by attaching a new marker to the wreck. Well Done David! Gulfport is one of the newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS!
Yesterday, we attached a yellow DANGER marker to the sunken wreck in Boca Ciega Bay to more clearly mark the hazard. The yellow marker has my name and cell phone number on it in case it goes adrift as the wreck breaks up.
There is obvious damage clearly visible on the upper part of the wreck where it has been struck by boaters.
David Burnham

new yellow marker over the wreck
the original marker anchored to the south of the wreck
Attached are two photos showing the new yellow marker over the wreck and a separate view of the original marker anchored to the south of the wreck.
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field
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Feb 18, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Photo of the Week – Manatee River

Taken on Manatee River near mouth of river into Tampa Bay – Winston Fowler
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Winston Fowler - February 24, 2015 - 6:28 pm

“Sky Marlin”……….. looks like a huge Marlin leaping from the sea.
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Feb 5, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 27.7404,-82.69619999
Praise for Gulfport Municipal Marina, Boca Ciega Bay, near GICW Statute Mile 115

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These good words for Gulfport Municipal Marina were found on the AGLCA Forum. A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Gulfport Municipal Marina has recently undergone renovations and also has a nearby mooring field. The marina and harbor are found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay and are easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.
We left our boat for a month around Thanksgiving at Gulfport Municipal Marina. We also spent several days there on either side of our trip home. We had a great time in the town and were well taken care of at the marina. We walked into town a couple of times. There is also a free taxi service, the Swoop Taxi. You just tip them. This is a quirky little town with a lovely independent spirit.
Martha and George Alexander
Aunt Aggie
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gulfport Municipal Marina
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Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field
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Mike Liles - February 8, 2015 - 11:32 am

We have stayed in Gulfport MM several times. The staff are always helpful and pleasant. It is a bit of a walk to Gulfport but if you have a car, parking is next to your boat in most cases. The last time we stayed (2012) a planned expansion was being considered for the shower area. The best part is Boca Ciaga Bay just outside the marina and a great place to anchor and dinghy in to see the art community, visit the shops or have a great mean [sic].
Gulfport is my favorite stop around Tampa Bay. There is also a nature park next to the marina and a sailing Yacht Club next door. Don’t miss it.
Mike Liles
Gold Flag 2011-2012
AGLCA Forum
Reply to Mike

Martha and George Alexander - February 5, 2015 - 1:07 pm

We left our boat for a month around Thanksgiving at Gulfport Municipal Marina. We also spent several days there on either side of our trip home. We had a great time in the town and were well taken care of at the marina. We walked into town a couple of times. There is also a free taxi service, the Swoop Taxi. You just tip them. This is a quirky little town with a lovely independent spirit.
Martha and George Alexander
Aunt Aggie
Reply to Martha
Feb 4, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 27.7399,-82.69619999
Good Words for Gulfport, FL on Boca Ciega Bay, near GICW Statute Mile 115

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Gulfport Municipal Marina, of the newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS, has recently undergone renovations and is found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay. The marina is easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay. Gulfport also has a mooring field, which has been in the news lately because of a now infamous green trawler, see /?p=146123. Our thanks to Denis Frain for this wonderful review which comes to us from the AGLCA Forum.
We’ve been called funky, eclectic, artsy, charming, welcoming, warm, and yes, even weird. We are a small town, but we have a big heart. It’s easy to make yourself at home here. Visit us and we think you’ll agree.
All of the businesses in our waterfront village are independently owned and operated.
Overnight accommodations in the village are also of the unique variety, offered by two independent venues with great attention to Gulfport-style hospitality.
Individually furnished rooms and suites are offered with their own identity, such as the Marrakech or Serengeti at the Peninsula Inn, and the Jamaica or Aruba at the Sea Breeze Manor. Some locals also offer cottages or guest apartments for rent on an independent basis.
No chain stores here. No parking meters. Just small-town warmth and people as friendly and welcoming as they come. Our village offers the best of “Old Florida” charm. Picture old oaks draped in Spanish moss, brick-paved
streets, small colorful cottages, and light shimmering on the Bay. A concentration of more than a dozen restaurants in the village has made Gulfport a premier dining destination.
A wide variety of foods in all price ranges is represented within just a few blocks, from sandwiches and burgers to fine dining. Live entertainment is featured in several locations throughout the week.There’s always something going on here.
Visit a selection of artists and crafters, from breathtaking to funky, on the first Friday and third Saturday of each month for our popular Art Walk. Beach Boulevard’s trees are lit up, shops and restaurants are open late,
visitors and locals mingle on the street, and that “only-in-Gulfport” energy ebbs high.
Gulfport is conveniently located to many other destinations in the area.
Gulf Beaches and downtown St. Petersburg are minutes away. You can travel to Tampa, Ybor City and Busch Gardens in a half-hour, and a drive to or from Orlando is about two hours. Our Municipal Marina has transient facilities, fuel, pump-out, free wifi and is a well protected Harbor.
Please contact Denis Frain CMM, Director of Marina Operations @
727-893-1071 or dfrain@mygulfport.us. Visit us @ http://www.mygulfport.us
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gulfport Municipal Marina
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Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field
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margo rose - February 7, 2015 - 9:45 am

You are so very right, Denis. When I returned from living in the Caribbean, and I found this little jewel, it felt like I never left the boating/cruising life. I love it here. Everybody can contribute to this area in so many ways….playing a role in helping with our multiple festivals, street fairs, and such worthy events such as Get Rescued, coming up on Feb. 28th. Something for everyone can be found here. And you’ll always find yourself among neighbors. Thanks for all you do.
Reply to margo
Feb 3, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.538,-81.9979999
Report from Glover Bight Anchorage, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 147

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Glover Bight Anchorage lies on the northeasterly reaches of Glover Bight, northeast of unlighted daybeacon #9 near the western end of the Okeechobee Waterway.
Good holding in this anchorage, but stay out of the SE side as others have mentioned. In the far East corner, where the bight narrows, there is a dock and gazebo. This is a Cape Coral city park with a nice boardwalk. From the end of the boardwalk where it joins the road is 2 miles to Publix, a nice jaunt for avid walkers like us or your collapsible bicicyle. Its a very high step to get out at the dock. Enjoy the usually lame music from the Westin on the weekends!
Chris
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Glover Bight
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Jan 29, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 25.1406,-80.92419999
Report on Everglades National Park Marina in Flamingo, West Florida

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Flamingo Marina is part of the Cape Sable Everglades National Park Service and is located in Flamingo, FL. However, because of the reported severe shoaling in the entrance channel, this facility is not recommended by the SSECN. The report below comes to us from the AGLCA Forum and is a bit more positive than SSECN’s last report in January of 2014, /?p=131878. The contact number for the Marina is 239-695-3101. If you have navigated the entrance channel recently, please send us a report on depths found there.
At the bottom of Florida is the 1.5 million sq/mi Everglades National Park. Many people anchor at the Shark River on their way from Marco (and points North) and the Keys. The Park has a marina at Flamingo that would make a good alternative. There was not any current information about the marina, rather than rely on “Looper Folklore”, on 27 January 2015 I drove to Flamingo and spoke to “Flamingo Rick” the marina manager.
The channel from the west coast is well marked and has a minimum of 6′ of water. Rick says there is a 45′ boat that comes in about every other week without a problem. The largest boat was a 70′. As always, stay between
the markers. When you come into the marina, the basin is on the Port Side. You will find gators sunning themselves on the Starboard side bank.
There are 32 slips in the marina. Water depth is min of 5.5 at mean low tide (there is a 3′ tide swing). 5 of the slips are wall ties, there are 6 floating docks that will hold a 30-40′ boat. There is also a T head that would hold a 40′ cat. Each slip has one 30amp marine outlet, and one 20amp house outlet and water.
Diesel fuel was $4.05 and gas was $5.15 the day I was there.
Cost is $2/ft/night, that includes electric, a pump out and water.
There are cold showers at $3 each. Solar showers at $2 each are 1/4 mile away at the camp ground. No laundry.
There is a pretty well stocked store with small boat parts, food, beer, fishing gear, etc. For being in a remote location they had pretty decent prices. (Beer was only $1 more a 12 pack than what I pay in Tavernier.)
A cafe is on site, open from 11-7 November – April. It’s the normal burgers, chicken sandwiches, etc.
There are guide tours of the “backwater” and Florida Bay areas at $30 per person for a 90 minute tour.
There is a canal from the Marina into Coot Bay. You will need to portage your dink / kayak / canoe past the dam (“The Plug”) to get into the Canal.
Since the park is pretty flat you can bike around. Note that the park is huge, it’s a 30 mile ride from Flamingo to the main gate. Based on the trailers in the parking lot the big usage is to launch / retrieve boats that fish in the Bay.
“Flamingo Rick”‘s personal cell phone is 239-595-9927. Due to some level of infighting between the NPS and the Marina, marina staff does not answer the NPS land line. Cell coverage is very spotty, only ATT seemed to work.
This is a place that I would stay at. It’s clean, has OK facilities, good location to see part of the park.
Foster and Susan
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Flamingo Marina
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Albert J K III - January 31, 2015 - 11:20 am

Great place to visit by boat. Little buggy during certain seasons. Flamingo was hit hard by Hurricane Wilma.
Albert J K III
Reply to Albert

Jean Thomason - January 30, 2015 - 11:29 am

Every time we’ve been there the showers are hot, not cold, at the Marina store. I’m not sure there is a working pumpout on the Florida Bay side – check that out before going if you will need one. If you stay on the wall
side, there are restrooms at the visitor’s center that are open all night (no showers). You didn’t mention channel depth in the entrance channel. Unless it’s been dredged in the past year, it can be 4 ft at low tide where it bends to the east. Stay on the green side at that point. You also didn’t mention the programs that are available, especially “in season” (Christmas week and after). here is a morning birdwalk, an afternoon
“hands-on” program and an evening illustrated talk. There are also canoe trips (free, all equipment provided), auto tours to other parts of the park, and nature walks. The park rangers can’t transport visitors in park vehicles, but we have always been able to catch a ride with campers to the canoe trips and auto tours.
We have enjoyed stays of a week or more, leaving when the programs start repeating. Bring mosquito repellent if you plan to walk or bike the trails. In the winter, the open areas don’t have much of a mosquito problem. A bike is a real plus for getting around; they can be rented at the store.
Jean Thomason
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Jan 24, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 27.7313,-82.7069999
1/29 Update on the Sunken Vessel in Gulfport Mooring Field, Boca Ciega Bay, near GICW Statute Mile 115

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Skipper Burnham has sent a photo of the white buoy marking the sunken vessel and the green trawler moored nearby in the hopes of helping visitors to Gulfport mooring field avoid the hazard. See /?p=145996.
As you can see from the photo, the white buoy (with the cormorant atop) marking the sunken vessel is VERY small and could, as Skipper Burnham has been warning, easily be missed, even in daylight hours!
Larry,
I sailed out to the sunken power boat today and took a picture of the light green steel hulled trawler and the small white buoy that marks the hazard.
Today the wind was blowing from the west and I was surprised to see the sunken hulk was north of the white buoy or just to the right of the buoy in the photo.
The buoy had been on the east end of the wreck and today it is sitting on the south side of it.
The light green trawler is seldom off its mooring so it probably makes a better hazard marker than the tiny white buoy until this starts showing up on the chart plotter updates.
Attached is a photo of the buoy and the trawler…
David Burnham

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field
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samantha ring - January 29, 2015 - 11:41 am

As of early this morning (1/29/2015), the green steel trawler is not moored out by the casino. It was moved up against the sea wall in front of the Coast Guard Auxiliary heading into the GP Marina. Make sure to use prior information regarding the location of the sunken boat that was near this vessel.
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David Burnham - January 23, 2015 - 8:47 pm

Larry, I sailed over to check on the sunken powerboat today and couldn’t see the small white marker buoy because a large brown pelican was using it as a perch, so it was barely visible above the water until the bird took flight. The light green trawler has moved north, closer to shore, and is no longer moored near the wreck making this even more of a hazard as the 3 foot keel on my sailboat had no problem lying against the wreckage until the breeze blew me off of it.
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Jan 20, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8038,-82.27529999
Good Words for Uncle Henry’s Marina, GICW Statute Mile 34

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Uncle Henry’s Marina is found at the terminus of the long, southward-flowing channel that cuts off from the West Florida Waterway between the old railway span and the Gasparilla Island causeway bridge.
Arrived with a boat club and 11 boats of various types and sizes. Friendly staff, excellent restrooms and showers. Nearby restaurant (Patricks Thai ) was excellent as well. Convenience store within walking, however if you want to do more shopping a golf cart will be necessary. Beaches within dinghy ride distance with good shelling. We will be back.
Jim Merritt
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Uncle Henry’s Marina
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Jan 5, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 27.4369,-82.689999
New Docks at Mar Vista Restaurant, Jewfish Key Anchorage, Western Florida Waterway Statute Mile 85

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Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub on Longbeach, is just to the west of the Jewfish Key South Anchorage off northern Sarasota Bay. Our thanks to Skipper Fowler for the photos.
Larry – some new docks at Mar Vista restaurant at the anchorage behind Jewfish Key, near Longboat Pass.
Winston Fowler

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Jewfish Key South Anchorage
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Andrew Zoeller - February 23, 2015 - 3:25 am

never been to the mar vista restaurant but it seems like a nice place to eat!
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Jan 2, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.523,-82.6419999
Two Manatee River Anchorages, De Soto Point and Snead Island off Tampa Bay

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De Soto Point Anchorage is found in the pocket of 6-foot waters just inside the shelter of De Soto Point, south and east of flashing daybeacon #12. Snead Island Anchorage lies along the broad band of deep water northeast of unlighted daybeacon #11. Our thanks to Skipper Laura for this report.
This is an excellent anchorage and very popular with locals due to the nice beach and swimming area at the park. Weekends are crowded but it quiets down at night. DeSoto memorial park is worth visiting as well with a free museum and self guided walking tour. If the wind is blowing out of the northeast you could shoot across the way over to Emerson Point [Snead Island] which is another great anchorage with another great park to visit. No provisions nearby but you could head up river to nearby bradenton or palmetto and grocery is nearby via a cab (Publix).
Laura
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For De Soto Point Anchorage
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Dec 31, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 29.6675,-83.37569999
Report on Steinhatchee River, Western Florida Big Bend Region

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This report by good friends, Captains Baier and Landry, comes to us from the AGLCA Forum. As is usual with Big Bend Rivers, the Steinhatchee entrance channel is a long, drawn-out affair, from the deeper Gulf waters. It is well marked and perhaps the deepest of the Big Bend river channels. A third choice of marinas, but with only 4ft depth, is Gulfstream Marina located on the Steinhatchee’s southerly banks just upstream from Sea Hag Marina.
We’ve been in and out of the Steinhatchee and you should not have any problem as long as you pay attention and stay inside the channel markers. There are two marinas, Sea Hag which is before the bridge and River Haven which will require being able to clear the 25 foot bridge to access. We’re heading there as soon as the weather opens up. We’re currently in Carrabelle.
Chuck Baier and Susan Landry
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Sea Hag Marina
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Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For River Haven Marina
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Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gulfstream Marina
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Eric Reuss - May 1, 2015 - 5:27 am

What did you find the depths in the Steinhatchee River to be (up to Sea Hag Marina?
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Dec 29, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.3142,-82.57269999
A Good Night in Otter-Lido Key Anchorage, near GICW Statute Mile 73, Sarasota, FL

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Otter-Lido Key Anchorage is found off the approach channel leading from Big Sarasota Pass to the Sarasota Yacht Club and west of unlighted daybeacon #7.
We anchored here last night and it was very nice. It’s a nice deep anchorage and you can get close to mangroves with out being in the backyards of the beautiful homes. No other boats were here, but loads of kayakers and paddle boards during the daytime. Oh and one tourist boat with palm trees on top cruised thru late afternoon. They took our pic, I took theirs too. We dinghied over to concrete bridge (2nd one) which puts you right on St Armands square which had tons of restaurants and shopping. There is a nice beach nearby as well. Great out of the way spot for a night or two.
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Otter-Lido Key Anchorage
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