Shared Photo – Sunset at Palmetto, FL
A beautiful sunset shot by Cruisers Net Team member, Winston Fowler.

Some kind of sunset last night in Palmetto, FL Winston Fowler
A beautiful sunset shot by Cruisers Net Team member, Winston Fowler.
Some kind of sunset last night in Palmetto, FL Winston Fowler
Longboat Key Club Moorings, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota and south of Longboat Pass.
The Resort at Longboat Key Club Voted in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
TOP 30 RESORTS IN FLORIDA
Click here for Pop the Cork, We Won!
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Longboat Key Club Moorings, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota and south of Longboat Pass.
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Longboat Key Club Moorings
Our thanks to Winston Fowler for this unusual photo.
It is the town lights of Palmetto, FL, looking east up the Manatee River.
The controversy over dredging popular Big Pass, which has never been dredged and is subject to frequent shoaling and channel shifting has been waged since early 2017, see Legal Battles Mount.
Click here for Judge rules in favor of Big Pass dredging
YourObserver.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Big Sarasota Pass
If you are interested or not in purchasing property in the Charlotte Harbor area, these Market Snapshots by the Herald Tribune make for interesting reading. There are several Snapshots in this single link. Cruisers Net is not associated with any realty concern.
Market snapshot: Grove City — Old Florida charm, excellent deep-water boating in historic …
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
AREA SPONSORING MARINA
Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village
Excellent deep water?????? This article must have been written by a paddle boarder. Sand bars on both sides of the GICW
This is one of Claiborne’s early posting and today TJ Palmerton has questions for you, in the comments below.
I’ve copied the discussion below from the Net’s “Ask Your Neighbor” page, and the AGLCA mailing list. The never completed Florida Barge Canal pierces the Big Bend portion of the Western Florida coastline north of Crystal River, and short hop south of the western entrance of the Withlacoochee River. I have never tried anchoring here, but after reading the messages below, it looks like a real possibility!
Does anybody have recent information regarding access, depths and anchoring in the abandoned Cross Florida Barge Canal instead of going up to Yankeetown or Crystal River. This would mean continuing straight into the Barge Canal at G 23 instead of turning NE up the Withlacoohee River toward Yankeetown as mentioned in “Skipper Bob”.
Chuck and Barbara Ganem
“Gold Watch”
We anchored twice in the CFBC – once in 2008 and again in 2009. We need 4.5 feet of water and had no problem with depth. As I remember, it was 7-9 feet. The CFBC is well-sheltered from winds and has otters, dolphin, and bald eagles. Small (fast) boats use the CFBC to get to/from the boat ramp by the bridge, but the traffic is light and almost non-existent after dark.
One caution, in 2009, we started to anchor a mile from the entrance (where we anchored in 2008) and were stopped by the Coast Guard. They directed us to anchor in the turning basin, which is maybe a mile east of the bridge. The turning basin will add about 4-5 miles to your trip (one way).
Billy
Thank you for responding to my question regarding anchoring in the CFBC. I have since contacted the park ranger for that area thru a phone number I found on the government chart for that area now called the Cross Florida Greenway. His name is Chris McKenzie. He was very informative about the area and assured me that my draft of 4.5 feet would have no problem in the canal all the way to and including the turning basin which was about 1/2 mile past the highway bridge on the right side of the channel. He recommends that the turning basin is where to anchor and said it provides excellent protection from any direction. He explained that maybe about once every three months a tow and barge uses the canal to transport loads from mining either into or out of the canal.
The lowest water depth is at where the canal enters the point of land on the chart. He explained that at low tide the tow captains wait for a rising tide to pass this point with a loaded barge, but for a 4.5 ft draft this should be no problem.
This anchorage appears to be easier access, deeper and less distance than either going up the Crystal River or to Yankeetown but of course is still only an anchorage.
Chuck and Barbara Ganem
M/V “Gold Watch”
As you get close to the non-operational lock the Withlacoochee river comes in from the south. Good depth up to within a 1/4 mile of the dam and spillway. There is no boat access to the Lake. Strong current in this part of the river.. The Withlacoochee is blocked on the north side as it is fed by another spillway on the north side of the lock. I have done both sides of the lock in my 11' Zodiac. Depth is good all the way from the Gulf to the lock.
I am wondering how far up the canal you can go. Can you go all the way up to the locks and is there any way to get past them going a different way around them?
Does anyone know how far that you can go up the canal? I heard that there’s a fresh water lake off to the east to anchor in. I have a 38’ Sea Ray and am curious about the depth all the way up.
Thank you,
TJ
The Gulfport Historical Society continues its educational activities for the City of Gulfport, which always has a full calendar of events for all ages and is home to Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, located on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay, easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.
Click here for We need you! Call for volunteers for GeckoBall and museum projects
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina
As so many of you have, Robert Waldrop and his wife are about to step off land and live on the water. If you have marinas that you can recommend as good liveaboard locations, let us hear from you.
My wife and I are in the process of downsizing to acquire a liveaboard boat and become part-time cruisers, living full-time on our boat. Part of this process entails searching for liveaboard marinas, as we don’t necessarily want to be on the hook all the time especially as my wife will still be working full or part-time (she’s an OR scrub tech). We’re currently in North Carolina and planning to relocate to the west coast of Florida, depending on her new job location. Any information for marinas allowing liveaboards in North Carolina, South Carolina, or the west coast of Florida up thru Alabama (NOT GEORGIA – after this anchoring regulation issue they won’t see ANY money of mine!) would be welcome.
Robert L Waldrop
Lots of places in Tampa Bay, Clearwater, Sarasota area. Here is a great place on the Manatee River
http://www.regattapointemarina.com/
The City of Clearwater, Florida, is in the beginning of a $15 million project that will see a complete makeover of its marina.
Click here for Clearwater Plans Marina Improvement Project by Mary Lou Jay of Marina Dock Age
Click Here To View the West Florida Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Clearwater Municipal Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Clearwater Municipal
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is a group of dedicated cruisers who always provide unique reports from the marinas they visit. Longboat Key Club Moorings, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located on the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota and south of Longboat Pass.
CCCC May Cruise to Sarasota
By Capt. Doug Rhees
Early in the year the CCCC cruise chairman made plans for the May Club cruise to take the Okeechobee Waterway, Caloosahatchee River, east to Lake Okeechobee, cross it and continue on east on the St. Lucie River to Stuart Fl. One of the Club members had made arrangements for 10 boats at Sunset Bay and Marina. As cruise time neared reports of shallow water east of Clewiston in the Lake had several members quite concerned about running aground.
This concern prompted a change in the May20 to 26 cruising dates as the safety of our members and their boats is paramount. We were able to obtain good dock space along with welcoming staff at both Marina Jack and Longboat Key Club in Sarasota. Because of the destination uncertainty and the late date change in venues, our numbers dwindled to just four boats. The trip up from Charlotte Harbor May 20 was pleasant as most boaters chose to run outside in the Gulf. The boat that came up the ICW found a pleasant ride as well with no bridge delays. Once all were docked Happy Hour was enjoyed by all at dockside.
Tuesday saw most members spending some time on boat projects prior to a group dinner at the Marina Jack upper level restaurant. Wednesday we all walked to the shopping area sightseeing and enjoyed a lunch at the Whole Foods store. We had an early group dinner at Owens Fish Camp (a local favorite and quite a unique spot). If you don’t get there early the wait can be very long.
Thursday we departed Marina Jack for a short 5 mile run up Sarasota Bay to the Long Boat Key Club to enjoy their pool and many amenities including the resort’s beach. Some of our group went via Marina shuttle to St. Armands Circle to shop. On day two the group spent time at the pool meeting new friends, and viewing the many large boats slipped at this beautiful facility. The evening meal was a group cookout using grills provided by the Marina.
As happens with most cruises the final day comes too soon and it was time to slip lines and shove off for home. Although some planned to head south on the outside for a faster return time, reports of an increasing south wind kept everyone in the ICW. It was crowded and slower but made for a safe ride home. Even a small group can and did have a great time. Hopefully a run to the east coast will be in the works for 2020.
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. See additional Club information on its website, www.ourgrouponline.org/CapeCoralCruiseClub
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Longboat Key Club Moorings
There is always plenty to do around Charlotte Harbor, especially during the Summer. Whether you are moored in Punta Gorda’s mooring field or berthed at Fishermen’s Village Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, you will enjoy your visit to beautiful Charlotte Harbor, where Punta Gorda, also A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, lies on Western Florida’s Charlotte Harbor/Peace River.
Click here for Fishermen’s Village July Calendar of Events/Entertainment
Kathy Burnham
Marketing/Events Manager
Fishermen’s Village
mkting@fishville.com
1200 W. Retta Esplanade #57A
Punta Gorda, Florida 33950
P 941 575-3007
M 941 258-1327
F 941 637-1054
Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village
The Gulfport Historical Society continues its educational activities for the City of Gulfport, which always has a full calendar of events for all ages and is home to Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, located on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay, easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.
At long last, the museum reopens! Join us?
Join us for a very special grand re-opening of the Gulfport History Museum!
After months of renovation following last summer’s Labor Day fire, our museum is in beautiful shape and we’re excited to officially open to the public on June 1, 2019.
We’ll be open to everyone this Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for a meet and greet with volunteers, board members and our first-ever operations manager. You can learn more about GHS’s plans for the coming year and our ongoing efforts to digitize and preserve Gulfport’s town records, all while enjoying our beautifully restored museum space. Our exhibit The Gabber: 50 Years of Hyper-Local News will be back on display for your enjoyment.
We’ll have a light buffet brunch, courtesy of Stella’s, with some muffins from A Friend Who Bakes. We always welcome dogs and well-behaved children.
Let us know you’re coming to our grand reopening!
The Gulfport Historical Society operates the Gulfport History Museum, located at 5301 28th Ave. S., in Gulfport.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina
Love these sunrise photos! Thank you Coby and thank you all!
Riviera Dunes Marina is A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
April is Water Conservation Month. This month is traditionally one of the driest of the year and marks the peak demand season for public water suppliers.
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Here is a chance to hear about, and maybe voice your opinion on, issues related to the Gulf Coast waterways. The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center is at 2310 First St, Fort Myers. See River District Connections April Calendar.
SAVE THE DATE
Fort Myers River District Alliance Townhall Meeting
Wednesday, May 8, 2019 * 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
Speakers:
Fort Myers Councilman Kevin Anderson, Ward 4
Fort Myers City Manager Saeed Kazemi
RDA President & CEO Lisa Sbuttoni
More information to follow……
Lisa Sbuttoni lsbuttoni@rdafortmyers.com
Lisa Sbuttoni
President & CEO
River District Alliance
Fort Myers, Florida
www.fortmyersriverdistrictalliance.com
Respectfully,
Tracy L. Hayden
T: 239.337.1071 – F: 239.337.1076
Fine Arts, Crafts Vendors, Demonstrations, Dining and Shopping…what more could you want! Fishermen’s Village is located on beautiful Charlotte Harbor and always has an exciting calendar of events for your education and enjoyment.
FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE TO HOST 7th ANNUAL KEY LIME FESTIVAL
Saturday, May 11, 2019 Punta Gorda, FL—Fishermen’s Village is coordinating plans for their 7th annual Key Lime Festival to be held Saturday, May 11, 10 am-4 pm. Family friendly activities scheduled at various times throughout the day will include:
• Tropical/steel drum and dance music featuring John Patti, Ragady Lapsey & Sunny Jim White (12 noon-4 pm)
• Hot Flashz Dance Team (2:30 pm)
• Jeff the Juggler – Juggling/Balloon Twisting – Magic Show (11 am-3 pm)
• Finest Face Painting by MaryRose (11 am-4 pm)
• Meet Luna the screech owl from Peace River Wildlife
• Meet parrots from Parrot Outreach Society
• Book signing with Greg and Vikki Winkler, Authors of “Welcome to Florida” Book
• Live art demonstrations
• Play the Key Lime Limbo game!
Key Lime Specialties available at Village restaurants, in stores and on the promenade to include:
• Captain’s Table – featuring Chef’s Island Grouper Fritters with a key lime dipping sauce
• Village Brewhouse – Key Lime Martini, Key Lime Beer and sampling of key lime pie
• Village Fish Market – Key lime pie bites for only $1
• DanaTyler – Stop by for key lime tarts and key lime flavored water
• Naples Soap Company – 20% off key lime natural soap, lime loofah soap, coconut lime body butter
• Sand Pebble – lots of key lime themed items to be featured including: Hot sauce, BBQ sauce, seasoning, salt scrubs, soaps, candy, taffy, chocolate, coconut putties, authentic key lime juice. Gift with purchase: piece of Key Lime cheesecake (while supplies last)!
• Island Life Yogurt – Key Lime Yogurt, of course!
• Good ‘Ole Days Coffee and Ice Cream – Key lime pie ice cream, key lime pie shakes, key lime cookies
• Beach Bums Gifts – Key Lime Salt Scrub
• Simply Sweet – NEW – Key lime Pie on a stock (award winning key lime pie dipped in rich Belgium chocolate); whole key lime pies as well as key lime tarts; key lime marinade, dressing, honey, grilling sauce cheeseball mix, key lime fudge and key lime fudge tarts, key lime cookies, key lime truffles, key lime taffy, key lime fruit slices, key lime coconut patties
• Kristi’s Key Lime Cookies from Naples, FL – made from scratch authenic key lime cookies!
Admission and parking for the Key Lime Festival is free and the public is encouraged to attend.
Fishermen’s Village is located off Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda, FL. 1 800 639-0020 or visit on line at www.fishville.com.
Kathy Burnham
Marketing/Events Manager
Fishermen’s Village
mkting@fishville.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village
Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, and the City of Gulfport always have a full calendar of events for all ages. The marina and harbor, found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay, are easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field
Longboat Key Club Moorings, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, guards the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota and south of Longboat Pass. See Amenities Galore for their current promotions.
The staff at the marina at beautiful Longboat Key Club Moorings wants to send their sincerest thanks to all the Captains, Skippers and Crew who stay with them and, also, to extend a cordial invitation to all cruisers to come and experience their warm hospitality and the area’s many amenities.
Longboat Key Club Marina Staff
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Longboat Key Club Moorings
Redfish Pass, between Captiva and North Captiva Islands, has always been an issue for deep keel cruisers due to shoaling and off-station markers. See Clarification, Channel and Detailed Notes.
I tried to leave out of Captiva this morning and could not get out. Grounded left, right and center with 6ft keel at high tide. Where the charts say 20 it’s 12. Where they say 12 it’s as low as 6.
James Bostick
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Redfish Pass
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