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    • Seventh District False Flare Cases are Costly Events

      As detailed in this article by Adam Linhardt in KeysNews.com, this is a real No-Brainer, and surely no SSECN reader would ever be guilty of abusing the use of emergency flares. However, it is a good topic of conversation to have in public places where some of the less-informed might overhear!

      False flare cases plague Coast Guard
      BY ADAM LINHARDT Citizen Staff
      alinhardt@keysnews.com

      Misuse of emergency marine flares is giving the Coast Guard headaches and costing taxpayers a ton of money, the agency said last week.
      Since June, the Coast Guard Seventh District headquartered in Miami, of which Sector Key West is included, reported more than 60 flare sightings. Watchstanders then launched air and boat crews in every instance at a total cost of more than $5 million, according to the Coast Guard.
      Each search typically costs between $60,000 and $90,000 when fuel and manpower needs are totaled, according to data released by the Coast Guard.
      “Shooting a flare in a nondistress situation is no different than dialing 911 and hanging up,” said Capt. Todd Coggeshall, chief of response management for the Coast Guard Seventh District.

      To read more, go to:

      http://keysnews.com/node/57961

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    • Fort Myers Yacht Basin at Risk of Being Privatized, Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 135


      A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Fort Myers Yacht Basin lies along the southeasterly banks of the Caloosahatchee River, between the 3rd and 4th bridges from west to east.

      The City Of Fort Myers Yacht Basin is well known for being a beautiful, convenient, well-run marina with transient and live-aboard slips, access to downtown amenities, and a protected location on the Caloosahatchee River. Change may be in the winds for this municipal facility, however, according to the September issue of its “DockLines” monthly newsletter:
      http://www.cityftmyers.com/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?EntryId=5267&Command=Core_Download&method=inline&PortalId=0&TabId=303

      ATTENTION YACHT BASIN CUSTOMERS
      The City of Fort Myers Mayor and City Council are discussing `potential public/private partnerships with the City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin’. More information will be provided once it is known. Public assistance in providing input to the elected officials will be very important in setting the direction that the marina is to proceed in. Please
      contact the Yacht Basin for elected officials contact information. The City built and has successfully run the marina since 1937 to provide safe dockage to the area boaters. Please help us keep this a great public marina.
      Thank you,
      Leif Lustig, Dockmaster
      239-707-5316

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ft Myers Yacht Basin

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ft Myers Yacht Basin

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    • Vessel Insurance in Florida

      One of our readers is looking for recommendations for an insurer for a 40ft trimaran while in Florida. While SSECN is happy to pass along this request for advice, we cannot serve as a broker or even a kiosk for various insurers. Please offer Skipper Laletin your suggestions via a personal phone call to the number listed below or by email at chrislaletin@mac.com. Thanks!

      I recently relocated my 40 foot trimaran from the Chesapeake to Florida for this winter. Enough freezing snow last year and I don’t want my baby freezing again. Progressive Insurance will not renew my policy in Florida since i’m over 35 feet. Boat US wants 10% of my policy value as a premium. Any suggestions on an insurance company that will insure a 40 foot trimaran. I have never made a claim and never used my Boat US towing. JAZ is presently stored on the hard in Saint Augustine. I can be contacted directly by text or voice call at 808 seven seven two 2133.
      Chris Laletin

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    • A New Guide Release and a Commitment to a Worthy Cause

      We are greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” for providing superb, in-depth articles for our readers! This west coast anchorages guide is a welcomed addition to their previous guides and includes a dedication to the late Claiborne Young, co-founder of SSECN.

      A New Guide Release and a Commitment to a Worthy Cause

      Media Information: For immediate release
      Sarasota, Florida ‘“ September 1, 2014 — Publishers and long time boaters Chuck Baier and Susan Landry of Beach House Publications announce the release of their fourth guide in The Great Book of Anchorages series, The Gulf Coast, Cape Sable, FL to Mobile, AL, Including the Okeechobee Waterway. This fourth guide has been the most requested to date by fellow boaters. The authors extensive on-the-water travels and research from their trawler Beach House provides the most comprehensive Gulf Coast anchorage guide currently in print. Previous guides in The Great Book of Anchorages series are The Chesapeake Bay, Including the Potomac River, Hampton Roads and Norfolk to The Florida Keys, Including the St. Johns River, and The Bahamas ‘“ The Route Most Traveled. Details are available on the website at https://www.tgboa.com/.

      In dedication of this current release, the authors have made a commitment to donate $2.00 from every order placed between August 25, 2014 and September 30, 2014 to one of their favorite charities, The Wounded Warrior Project, http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/. They also challenge other boating publications to offer similar donations. Owner Chuck Baier is himself a veteran from the Vietnam era and understands the need to provide support and additional services to the men and women that sacrifice so much for our country and freedom.
      Beach House Publications and The Great Book of Anchorages series was conceived in August of 2012 on a laptop in the cabin of their Marine Trader trawler, Beach House. All of the guides have been researched, compiled, edited and distributed from their trawler while living aboard and cruising full time. In addition to publishing, the husband and wife team have been freelance writers for over 20 years and have shared their knowledge and experiences in such major boating publications as Cruising World, Bluewater Sailing, Soundings Magazine, Sail Magazine, Southern Boating, Lats and Atts, Marinalife Magazine, Nor’ Easter, Good Old Boat, Living Aboard Magazine and a host of internet sites. The pair often gives presentations to boating organizations such as individual Yacht Clubs, the Marine Trader Owners Association, Americas Great Loop Cruising Association and most currently, TrawlerFest Baltimore 2014.

      baier
      baier2

      If you would like more information on The Great Book of Anchorages series, would like to order books, or interview Chuck or Susan, call us at 713-244-4686 or email info@tgboa.com.
      Website, https://www.tgboa.com/
      Susan Landry, Publisher/Author/Editor
      Chuck Baier, Publisher/Author
      Beach House Publications
      P.O. Box 1418
      Sarasota, Florida 34230
      713-244-4686
      info@tgboa.com

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    • Severe Shoaling in Tarpon Springs, Anclote River, West Florida, 8/6/2014


      The charming community of Tarpon Springs lies at the eastern end of the Anclote River, upstream of the northern terminus of the West Florida ICW. The turning basin is in the heart of downtown Tarpon Springs.

      FLORIDA – WEST COAST – TAMPA BAY TO PORT RICHEY – ANCLOTE RIVER: Severe Shoaling.
      There is severe shoaling in the center of the Turning Basin, Anclote River, Tarpon Springs in the vicinity of Anclote River Turning Basin Daybeacon 51 (LLNR 26360 [28°9.4112N / 082°45.5384W, 28.156853 / -82.758974]) and Anclote River Turning Basin Daybeacon 53 (LLNR 26365 [28°9.4129N / 082°45.4908W, 28.156882 / -82.758180]). Mariners are advised to use extreme caution while transiting the area. Chart 11411 LNM: 31/14

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Tarpon Springs

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    • Possible Threat to Manatees by Protected Status Change

      This article/opinion by Katie Tripp of KeysInfoNet.com highlights how this ruling to reduce their protected status might affect manatees on the East Coast and the Florida Keys.

      Odds already stacked against manatees in federal study for possible downlisting
      By KATIE TRIPP

      In response to a lawsuit by the Pacific Legal Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided downlisting manatees from endangered to threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act may be warranted, and the agency is embarking on a five-year status review as part of the process.
      Let me be very clear about the seriousness of the situation.
      From 2010 to 2013, 2,441 manatees died in Florida waters, which is 48 percent of the highest minimum population ever recorded (5,077 in 2010), but we’d have to wait until after 2015 to be able to include this data. However, ignoring this information would also constitute a substantial and unacceptable bias.

      For the complete story, go to:
      http://www.keysnet.com/2014/07/23/497910/odds-already-stacked-against-manatees.html?sp=/99/116/

      manatee

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    • Fishermens Wharf Marina Park Open for Business, West Florida ICW Statute Mile 57


      Fishermens Wharf Marina Park lines the northeastern shores of the Western Florida ICW, just northwest of the Hatchett Creek Bridge, and southeast of marker #4. Our thanks to Skipper Sutherland for sending this update.

      The Fisherman’s Wharf Marina is now open. The Marker IV Restaurant is open too, as of Wednesday, June 18th. I had a great lunch there yesterday.
      The new manager `Cassie’ is working hard to make the marina a first class operation. At this point the marina is well on its way, but not 100% yet. No fuel, but Cassie said fuel will be up and running very soon. Dockage rates are available at the marina office and by phone (941.486.0500) but not online as far as I can see.
      I spoke to several managers last evening and they are all very excited about making the complex a success.
      Paul Sutherland

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermens Wharf Marina Park

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fishermens Wharf Marina Park

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    • Praise for Punta Gorda Anchorage, Punta Gorda, FL, Charlotte Harbor, Gulf Coast


      Punta Gorda, Florida - a GREAT cruising destinationIn addition to recent reports praising the new pumpout boat program, the new floating dinghy dock and the free loaner bikes, Skipper Viavoda highlights other excellent reasons for anchoring in Punta Gorda, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! on Western Florida’s Charlotte Harbor/Peace River.

      My husband and I frequently anchor here as we like to play `tourist’ in Punta Gorda. This is where we live. We also frequent several other anchorages in the SW Florida area in our 42′ Hunter sailboat. This anchorage happens to be one of our favorites. Punta Gorda is VERY boater friendly and the free bike loaner program makes it easy to get around in the downtown area. The Harborwalk is a multi-use walkway that extends from Fishermen’s Village marina and shopping district all the way up to the Justice Center. There are several restaurants, shopping and places to see along the way. The wildlife is abundant here and there’s always a great show put on. I highly recommend this anchorage. Good holding, friendly people and great food and drink!
      Dotti Viavoda

      Dotti,
      Thanks for sharing your positive comments about your visit to Punta Gorda, the Best Small City in Florida. As Chairman of the TEAM Punta Gorda Maritime Committee we are actively encouraging more boating visitors. The Punta Gorda link highlighted near your comments provides valuable information for those visiting or planning a visit.
      Ann Taylor

      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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    • GREAT Video Shows All the Good Qualities of Cruising Crystal River (Western Florida’s Big Bend Region)

      Here’s a really neat and useful video that will be of interest to ALL mariners contemplating a cruise of Western Florida’s Big Bend region. Our thanks to Skippers Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing this very visual aid. Wow, makes me want to visit Crystal River ASAP!
      Please check out:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIAlogIPVhs&feature=youtu.be

      crystalrivervideo

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    • Report from Boca Grande – Gasparilla Island Basin Anchorage, West Florida ICW, Statute Mile 28.5


      Boca Grande ‘“ Gasparilla Island Basin Anchorage lies on the charted basin, north of the primary Boca Grand entrance channel, which itself lies west, northwest of the West Florida ICW’s unlighted daybeacon #2.

      June 7 2014
      Basically the anchorage is a wide spot in a very active waterway, with fishing boats coming and going constantly (there was a tarpon tournament that weekend). Necessary to `Med moor’ with a stern anchor near the adjacent mangroves to stay out of the water way. Had a NW wind which was helpful, a SW or South wind would tend to push you into the water way. Whenever there are Mangroves there are bugs so be prepared.
      Jim Merritt

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Boca Grande ‘“ Gasparilla Island Basin Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Boca Grande ‘“ Gasparilla Island Basin Anchorage

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    • Praise for Marco Island Marina, West Florida, south of Naples


      Marco Island Marina will be found along the Marco ‘“ Naples waterway’s southerly banks, immediately west of the high-rise, fixed Marco Island bridge (itself west of marker #26).

      Great marina, terrific staff!!! Very quiet! 3/4 mile walk to publix and restaurants.
      AliOoops

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marco Island Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marco Island Marina

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    • Good Words for Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, Fort Myers Beach, near Okeechobee Waterway


      Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina

      Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, overlooks the westerly banks of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13.

      This marina is great and everybody is friendly, there is a new marina shower block to use which is across the street from the marina, very nice, climate controlled, but oddly arranged ‘“ I thought communal dressing areas were a thing of the past.
      AliOoops

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina

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    • Report from Fishermens Wharf Marina Park, West Florida ICW Statute Mile 57


      Fishermens Wharf Marina Park lines the northeastern shores of the Western Florida ICW, just northwest of the Hatchett Creek Bridge, and southeast of marker #4.

      Passed by Marina ‘“ number of signs that said ‘˜Dock Space Available’ call (941) 486-0500 or (941) 650-4935. These numbers are different than the one given here which was disconnected. There does not seem to be anyone on site but there were a number of boats alongside with electric plugged in and water working at dockside.
      AliOoops

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermens Wharf Marina Park

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fishermens Wharf Marina Park

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    • Reports from Moorings at Marina Jacks, Sarasota, FL, Statute Mile 73

      Marina Jacks – Click for Chartview

      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. These reports come to us from Trawlers and Trawlering.

      Marina Jacks has moorings available for $275 a month. They have a specific dock for dinks.
      B. V.

      I stayed at Marina Jack’s a couple of weeks ago heading up the gulf coast in a sailboat. I loved the place. Yes, the bar is a bit loud, but only while we were in the cockpit. Down below, no problem. The showers/bathroom were as good as any I’ve ever seen, and the security is great. A short walk to all of the shopping or eating out you might want. If I move my boat from the east coast to the west, that’s where I’ll head…
      Steve

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Marina Operations/Marina Jacks

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marina Operations/Marina Jacks

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    • More Praise for Riviera Dunes Marina Resort, on the Manatee River, off Tampa Bay

      Riviera Dunes Marina Resort – Click for Chartview

      Riviera Dunes Marina Just off Tampa Bay Owned and Operated by BoatersA SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, Riviera Dunes Marina Resort occupies the Manatee River’s northern banks, just east of the easternmost of three bridges crossing the river at Bradenton and Palmetto (near charted Craig Point).

      For the best price and best protected harbor try Riviera Dunes on the Manatee River, up from Twin Dolphins and Regatta Point.
      John
      SeaWing

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Riviera Dunes Marina Resort

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Riviera Dunes Marina Resort

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    • Advice on New Pass, between Longboat and Lido Keys, Sarasota, FL, near Statute Mile 75

      New Pass - Click for Chartview

      New Pass – Click for Chartview

      New Pass is the northernmost of Sarasota’s two inlets, and this channel separates Longboat Key from Lido Key. It is spanned by a bascule bridge with a vertical clearance of 23ft.
      In spite of all advice to the contrary, WE SPECIFICALLY DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT ANY MARINER MAKE USE OF NEW PASS! This channel shoals faster than it can be dredged, and I have personally photographed a large sailcraft (several years ago) that foundered when it tried to navigate New Pass. You would be far better served to make use of Longboat Pass to the north, or better yet, Venice Pass to the south, as recommended by Captain Blake.

      On weekends hundreds of small craft use New Pass. 4 ft. or less draft is fine. Avoid bad weather and low tide (obvious). In good weather, ride the green water. If you’re lucky enough to get behind one of the local charter boats, or a big Sea Ray from Marine Max near the bridge out for a demo run, throttle up and run their wake. However, slow, deep draft vessels are much better served by using Venice. Especially if you make a lunch stop at The Crow’s Nest Marina and restaurant.
      Captain Blake, Longboat Key

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New Pass

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    • Praise for Tarpon Point Marina, Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Standard Mile146.5

      Tarpon Point Marina – Click for Chartview

      Tarpon Point Marina is found just off the Caloosahatchee River, a short hop from the southerly “Miserable Mile” genesis of the Western Florida ICW, and northwest of marker #92.

      Tarpon Point is one of our favorite marinas for many reasons. The location is beautiful and protected. Captains Candy and Ron in the Harbour Master’s office are friendly. There are two very good restaurants’“Marker 92 in The Westin and Pincher’s’“in the marina village. The shower facilities are very nice. And, the marina is immaculate.
      Our favorite amenity is the recreation center’“about a 4-minute walk’“with two beautiful swimming pools! There is also a workout room and beautiful locker rooms with showers.
      New this year: Marina Village Trading Co. which is a gourmet food store. Dee has a great selection for provisioning in style. And, Pincher’s restaurant has a fresh fish market!
      We will continue to return to Tarpon Point when cruising SW Florida waters.
      Melanie Humphrey

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Tarpon Point Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Tarpon Point Marina

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    • High Praise for Sanibel Island Marina, Statute Mile 0, West Florida ICW

      Sanibel Island Marina – Click for Chartview

      Sanibel Island Marina is located near the island’s southern tip (Point Ybel), and within walking distance of the lighthouse.

      Sanibel Marina is like no other. It is family-owned and there is a lot of attention to detail, including great signage and beautiful flowers. This marina should be a definite stop in your SW Florida cruising adventures. Tom, the Harbor Master, doesn’t know a stranger, and he has a great team.
      Gramma Dot’s is simply one of the best restaurants in the area. And, the food is consistently terrific. Take note, Gramma Dot’s is VERY BUSY (open for lunch and dinner) and reservations are not accepted. You must be seated by 8:00 for dinner or you will be heading elsewhere.
      If you have a stand up paddle board or kayak, allow time to paddle around the canals and/or out into the bay. Billy’s Bike Rentals will deliver rental bikes upon request. The Ship’s Store has basics. A 1/2 mile walk to the east on Periwinkle will take you to Gepetto’s Beach Foodies for gourmet provisions and amzing pastries as well as to The Lighthouse Cafe for a great breakfast.
      Sanibel Marina is special!
      Melanie Humphrey

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Sanibel Island Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sanibel Island Marina

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    • Praise for Cape Harbour Marina, near mouth of Caloosahatchee River, West Florida

      Cape Harbour is indeed one of the best kept secrets on the Western Florida coastline. Yours truly, who has spent years personally research every marina (and anchorage) I could find on these waters never knew this marina was there until a fellow cruiser brought its existence to our collective attention.
      To access Cape Harbour Marina leave the Okeechobee Waterway/Caloosahatchee River at marker #92 and follow the marked channel into Glover Bight; break off to the northwest before reaching Tarpon Point Marina and follow canal through a LOCK into Cape Harbour’s well sheltered dockage basin.

      This marina is, indeed, a gem for cruisers. My husband and I were looking for a spot with amenities where we could relax for week aboard our 47′ Sabre motor vessel. Cape Harbour grows on you each day. Transient dockage is along the sea wall. Therefore, you have plenty of water and privacy on one side. The foot traffic on the dock side is light, and friendly.
      The pool is lightly used and cleaned each morning. There are four restaurants, including a coffee shop, in the marina village. Frank, the Harbour Master, is a great ambassador of this place. We also enjoyed this area for stand up paddling and touring the canals in our tender.
      Note: Harbour Master’s office closes at 4:30, so call or radio ahead of arrival.
      Clean, convenient showers, too. And, the 1-mile walk to Publix is a straight shot, and quite easy. Bicycle rentals are available in the marina village as an alternative.
      Melanie Humphrey

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Cape Harbour Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Harbour Marina

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    • Good Words for Marjorie Park Marina, Tampa Bay

      Marjorie Park Marina - Click for Chartview

      Marjorie Park Marina – Click for Chartview

      Marjorie Park Marina is located in the tadpole-shaped cove making into the eastern banks of Davis Island off Seddon Channel in the northern Tampa Bay.

      If you’re wanting to be close to Tampa itself, then Marjorie Park Marina is at the top of the bay, and is a nice, quiet & safe marina.
      Jim Wolfe
      m/v Rickshaw

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marjorie Park Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marjorie Park Marina

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