Marine Trawler Owners’ Association Appeals for Donations
MTOA is joining other boating organizations in requesting donations toward lobbying for boaters’ rights in Florida. See /162138 for more information on anti-anchoring regulations.
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Caution: Narrow Entrance to Manatee River, off Tampa Bay
The marked channel from Tampa Bay into the Manatee River west of Sneads Island passes 1ft depths to the east, between markers #5 and #8, and can easily snare the careless captain, as the photo below attests. The grounded sailboat is off the point of Sneads Island.
Off point of Sneads Island
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Comments from Cruisers (3)
- Reply to David
I am a 8foot draft vessel looking for dockage at Regatta point up the Manatee river. I saw the grounded sail boat off Sneed Island in your post. My question is can I make it past Marker 5 and 8 in the channel or is the shoaling extending into the channel. I would appreciate any local knowledge regarding my passage as I plan to call this home for a few months. Pintail
- Reply to Bob
Living up the Manatee River, I have not seen the river entrance change much over the past years. If you follow the markers there is plenty of water for boats up to a 7 ft draft. Came up the river this morning and it look like the sail boat has been moved off the sand bar.
You should have no problems visiting any of the three marines on the river.
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Florida Wildlife and Fish Commission Proposed Anchoring Program
This report comes from the BoatUS Government Affairs site and was sent to us by regular contributor and experienced cruiser, Greg Allard. Numerous comments on the controversial program have been posted on SSECN and these can be found by typing anchoring or mooring in our Homepage search window.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Management Area System is 75 Years Old
FWC celebrates 75 years of wildlife management area conservation success
In 2017, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is commemorating the 75th anniversary of the wildlife management area system, one of the state’s greatest natural treasures. The FWC oversees this statewide network of remote and scenic lands, managing them for conservation and recreation. To celebrate the milestone and help people discover the opportunities these public lands offer, the FWC is hosting free events throughout the year.“Florida has one of the largest systems of public lands in the country at nearly 6 million acres, and these lands are the best of the best of what wild Florida has to offer,” said FWC Chairman Brian Yablonski. “These natural communities span a variety of habitats from longleaf pine uplands and pine flatwoods to the hardwood hammocks and sawgrass savannas of the Everglades. Not only are these areas beautiful, they are managed to provide habitat for many species of wildlife and access for people to enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and more.”
Florida’s first WMA, Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area, was established in late 1941 in Charlotte and Lee counties. By the 1960s, there were 28 WMAs. Today, the FWC is the lead manager or landowner of over 1.4 million acres, and works in partnership with other governmental or private landowners on another 4.5 million acres. These healthy habitats are essential to Florida wildlife – both common and imperiled species. The FWC uses its scientific expertise and a comprehensive ecological approach to manage a variety of wildlife while balancing public access to these wild lands.
WMAs provide many recreational opportunities including paddling, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, photography, wildlife viewing, and target shooting at areas with a public shooting range. They also offer a wide range of hunting opportunities including special hunts for families and people with disabilities. Throughout 2017, the FWC will host a variety of events to celebrate Florida’s WMAs. Events include a statewide geocaching challenge, volunteer work days, a photo contest, guided hikes, fun opportunities to explore WMAs, and citizen science bioblitzes where members of the public help document wildlife species at WMAs.
To learn more about upcoming events or to find a WMA near you, visit MyFWC.com/WMA75. Share your visits to Florida WMAs on social media by using #WMAzing.
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Red Tide Sampling in Charlotte County, Punta Gorda, FL
Punta Gorda and Fishermen’s Village on Charlotte Harbor are both SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS are actively involved with the ecology of marine life in Charlotte County. This report comes from Charlotte Harbor Travel’s Have You Heard?
Charlotte County has been dealing with red tide the last couple of months and we wanted to share with you where water samples are taken in Charlotte County to determine red tide. READ MORE!
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village
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USCG Rescue in Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
Another example of the US Coast Guard doing what they do so well! Thank you Station Fort Myers Beach, Air Station Clearwater and Charlotte Harbor Marine Emergency Response Team!
COAST GUARD, PARTNER AGENCIES RESCUE 4 MISSING BOATERS IN CHARLOTTE HARBOR
FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.— The Coast Guard rescued two adults and two children Monday in Charlotte Harbor after they were reported missing aboard their 16-foot boat.CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF RESCUE
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Charlotte Harbor
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Vehicular Traffic Concerns over Openings, Longboat Pass Bridge, GICW Statute Mile 85
With a closed vertical clearance of 17ft, Longboat Pass Bridge crosses Longboat Pass which separates Longbeach and Bradenton Beach, south of Tampa Bay near Statute Mile 85.
Longboat Key petitions for bridge-opening fixes
-Terry O’Connor News Editor
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, said he would intervene with the Coast Guard to help change the bridge-opening schedule.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY from www.yourobserver.comClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Longboat Pass
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Three Sailors Rescued west of Sanibel Island, Fort Myers, FL
The US Coast Guard doing what they do so well. Thank you Coast Guard!
FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — The Coast Guard rescued three boaters Friday after their boat took on water 12 miles west of Sanibel.
Watch standers from Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received an emergency relay call at 4:05 a.m. from Sea Tow National dispatch, stating three people were aboard a 35-foot sailboat taking on water and were in need of emergency assistance.
A Coast Guard boat crew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station Fort Myers Beach responded.
The crew arrived on scene and provided dewatering assistance, which enabled the vessel to remain afloat while under tow. The tow was transferred to Sea Tow National who took them to Fort Myers. No injuries were reported.
“Thankfully we were alerted quickly, which enabled our boat crew to get on scene and prevent a bad situation from getting any worse,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brittany Poley, command duty officer at Sector St. Petersburg.CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT AND PHOTOS
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New Year’s Eve Fireworks, St. Joesph to Mobile, Northern Gulf
Except as noted, most of these displays begin at midnight and last about 10 minutes. As usual with night time navigation, great care must taken in the vicinity of anchored spectator boats, especially following the displays.
St. Joseph Bay 10PM
Panama City Beach Midnight
Mexico Beach Midnight
Cinco Bayou 8PM and Midnight
Fort Walton Midnight
Santa Rosa Sound Midnight
Destin Harbor 8PM
Mobile MidnightEnjoy!
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Weekly Highlights from the City of Gulfport, Fl, December 12 to 18, Boca Ciega Bay
Gulfport Municipal Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has a full calendar of events for all ages. The marina and harbor, found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay, are easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.
Weekly highlights from the City of Gulfport
Plan your calendar with the City of Gulfport Florida!
December 12 – 18, 2016For full listings, please visit our event calendar athttp://mygulfport.us/eventsmeeting-calendar
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field
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Submerged Pipeline in Longboat Pass, GICW Statute Mile 85
Longboat Pass, where shoaling has been reported for years, separates Longbeach and Bradenton Beach south of Tampa Bay near GICW Statute Mile 85.
FLORIDA – CHARLOTTE HARBOR TO TAMPA BAY – LONGBOAT PASS: Submerged Pipeline
The U.S. Coast Guard received a report of a submerged pipeline in Longboat Pass in position 27-26-36.158N/082-41-26.537W (27°26.6026N / 082°41.4423W, 27.443377 / -82.690705) . Mariners are advised to transit the area with caution. Chart 11425 LNM 49/16Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Longboat Pass
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Fishermen’s Village Receives TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is absolutely the most event active marina on the Gulf Coast and very deserving of this recognition! With celebrations honoring every season, you will feel right at home and will thoroughly enjoy your visit to Punta Gorda on beautiful Charlotte Harbor.
FISHERMEN’S VILLAGE EARNS 2016 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
Punta Gorda, FL, November 23, 2016 –Fishermen’s Village today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence. Now in its sixth year, the achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. Certificate of Excellence recipients include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.
“Receiving the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is a true source of pride for the entire team at Fishermen’s Village! We would like to thank all of our visitors who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor,” said Kathy Burnam, Marketing/Events Manager for 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.”
“With the Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor honors hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travelers,” said Heather Leisman, Vice President of Industry Marketing, TripAdvisor. “This recognition helps travelers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service. TripAdvisor is proud to play this integral role in helping travelers feel more confident in their booking decisions.”
The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality, quantity and recency of reviews submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. 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.
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.
TripAdvisor® is the world’s largest travel site**, enabling travelers to plan and book the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers advice from millions of travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools that check hundreds of websites to find the best hotel prices. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 340 million unique monthly visitors***, and 350 million reviews and opinions covering 6.5 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 48 markets worldwide.
Kathy Burnam
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 941 637-1054Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village
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FOCUS ON Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL
Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is absolutely the most event active marina on the Gulf Coast. With celebrations honoring every season, you will feel right at home and will thoroughly enjoy your visit to Punta Gorda on beautiful Charlotte Harbor.
Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina, the gateway to Southwest Florida!
The Village is Florida’s unique combination of a full-service destination resort and a hometown hang out for visitors and locals alike. Fishermen’s Village Resort and Marina can fill a day, define an evening, or pack the itinerary of extended stay.
Conveniently located between Sarasota and Fort Myers, Fishermen’s Village is the waterside event center and launching site for Florida fishing and recreation, culture and entertainment, shopping and dining. See why Fishermen’s Village is the locals’ enduring favorite and the visitors’ top choice.
Find the pride of Charlotte Harbor’s maritime community.
The protected, secure marina at Fishermen’s Village offers more than one hundred boat slips to accommodate power craft and sailing vessels up to 60 feet LOA and 7-foot draft. Family cruisers, fishing boats, sailboats, dinghies, and sport craft all find safe harbor, friendly dockhands, and the modern amenities that keep the jewel of Charlotte Harbor on the “Top 10” lists of sail and yachting magazines year after year.
Slips have 30/50 amp electricity, dock boxes, potable water, cable television and Wi-Fi available. Additional amenities — from pump-outs to pizza delivery — are available upon request. Larger vessels can be side secured and 100-amp service is available.
Gulf of Mexico mariners and inland bay day sailors confirm Dock Age magazine’s rating of Fishermen’s Village Marina as its undisputed “Marina of the Year.”
Recent renovations and dredging enhance the marina’s well-marked entrance channel. Controlling depth at mean low water is approximately 7.5 feet and dockside depths range from 7.5 feet to 3.5 feet at MLW.
Valvtect gasoline and diesel available. Discounts for dock holders.Fishermen’s Village Marina is located in Upper Charlotte Harbor, near the confluence of Florida’s famous Peace River.
Outer Channel Marker: Red No. 2 at 26 deg 56.1 min N. 82 deg 04.4 min W.
Harbormaster monitors U.S. Coast Guard radio channel 16.Fishermen’s Village Marina
1200 W. Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941 575-3000
www.fishville.com
email: marina@fishville.com
Outer Channel Marker: Red No. 2 at 26 deg 56.1 min N. 82 deg 04.4 min W.Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Punta Gorda Waterfront
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village
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Farmers Market Brings Produce to Lido Key, Sarasota Bay
This is good news for cruisers visiting Lido Key which lies west of southern Sarasota Bay and south of New Pass. This notice comes from www.yourobserver.com.
On Nov. 3, the Lido Pavilion hosted the key’s inaugural Veggie Market, a weekly open-air produce sale designed to serve barrier island residents.
by: David Conway Deputy Managing EditorClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Otter-Lido Key Anchorage
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New Location for River District Farmer’s Market, Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 135
The river is Caloosahatchee and the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Sponsors are Legacy Harbour Marina and Fort Myers Yacht Basin. Legacy Harbor Marina entrance is located on the Okeechobee Waterway East of Marker #49 on the Caloosahatchee River. Fort Myers Yacht Basin lies along banks of the Caloosahatchee River, between the 3rd and 4th bridges from west to east.
River District Farmer’s Market opens at new location this Thursday
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2016) – The River District Farmer’s Market will open this Thursday in a new location in nearby Centennial Park.
This move, from the market’s previous location under the Caloosahatchee Bridge at 2000 West First Street, will free up the more than 40 parking spots that were taken up by vendors.
“We are really excited about this change in venue because it now only frees up parking under the bridge for our customers, but also allows for seating under the pavilion and gives us a fabulous back drop of the River,” said Betsy Ventura, who, along with Jean Baer, owns Local Roots, LLC and will run the market each week.
The market will take place each Thursday and will be open all year except for Thanksgiving Day but will open on Wednesday, Nov. 23 for a make-up market. Vendors begin setting up at 7 a.m. with everyone in place by 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
According to Ventura and Baer, there will be plenty of lunch options including area favorite food trucks as well as fresh flowers, local fruits and vegetables, Greek olive oils, dog treats, and much more. Complimentary Jimmy Java’s coffee will be given to the first 100 shoppers starting at 9 am.
Baer’s son, Tyler, a graduate of the University of Florida and Ventura’s daughter, Sims, will be joining the duo this season to assist in managing the markets.
In addition to Downtown, Ventura and Baer also operate the Sanibel, Bonita Springs, Coconut Point, Fenway South, Lakes Park, FSW and Boca Grande (beginning Jan. 6) Farmers Markets.
They added that the goal of each of their markets is to strengthen the surrounding community by showcasing vendors that are selling produce and artisan products that are grown or produced locally. Products are packaged by owners in an environmentally friendly way and the locations of markets are clean and safe and reflect a community atmosphere.
Anyone interested in becoming a vendor or providing live entertainment may visit the web site at www.BuyLocalLee.com.
Contact: Melinda Isley, APR, m.creativepr, 239-274-7736, cell: 239-565-1630, melinda@mcreativepr.com
Thank you,
Melissa Moore
Web/Graphics Technician
Anniversary Logo-03
1631 Hendry Street
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
T: 239.337.1071 – F: 239-337.1076
mmoore@cella.cc – www.cella.ccClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ft Myers Yacht Basin
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Questions and Advice on Depths in Gulf Waterway south of Clearwater, FL
The following questions, observations and advice come from our friends at America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association’s Forum. If you have local knowledge of depths in the discussed areas, please share! Venice Inlet intersects the Waterway at GICW statute mile 58 and Boca Grande Pass at statute mile 25 (see/155359).
We are in Clearwater preparing to head south early next week. We have heard reports of boats running aground in the ICW channel through Lemon Bay and have been advised to exit the ICW at Venice Pass, returning at Boca Grande Pass. We would prefer to stay in the ICW due to timing issues with the longer run offshore. But do not want to run aground with our 6′ draft. Has anyone passed through that area recently and noticed any additional shoaling issues beyond those already posted?
Carolyn ChancellorBe aware the a sustained east or west wind has a bigger effect along the coasts of Florida than the tide (moon effect). A sustained easterly wind will lower the water level along the Florida Gulf coast approximately 2′, and conversely. Be aware of the wind conditions even MORE than the tide tables. Also, much of the coast of Florida is sand, therefore moves substantially in every storm.
John HarrisOne thing you need to do if you go down the ICW is pay very careful attention to the markers and ensure that you do not drift out of the channel; keep looking backwards not just forward. We’ve seen lots of boat aground simply because they weren’t paying attention. It only takes a few feet in the wrong direction to find sand.
Tim and Valerie O’NeilGood point on the east wind. We cruised from the Bradenton area to Venice yesterday with a gusty ENE wind. Sarasota Bay was really choppy but we saw depths as charted along our course so long as we stayed carefully in the channel.
The Blackburn (swing) Bridge (MM 63) is on a maintenance schedule – not sure how long – and is only opening every 4 hours. Someone added a note on the Active Captain bridge description a few days ago, which we had not seen. Fortunately we only had to wait about 20 minutes to pass. With a 9′ closed height, all looper boats need to time their arrival. Openings are at 8, noon, 4 and 8 only.
Carolyn ChancellorWe are safely in Fort Myers at the City Yacht Basin. Thank you to all who offered their insight and recent information! In summary, we were very careful to stay in the channel and had no apparent bottom bumps or groundings. When we lost focus and strayed to the channel edge, the depths came up quickly.
I would echo lots of the advice we received for others following our wake:
STAY IN THE MARKED CHANNEL
Look both ahead and behind to stay centered between the markers
Make note of shoaling posts in Active Captain and other crowd-sourced resources for advice on which side to favor if you are centered in the channel and depths start getting shallow.
Contact local tow services for recent updates on conditions. AGLCA Harbor Hosts can provide contact info.
Talk with local boaters who have recently arrived at marinas along the route; they may have just transited the stretch you are beginning and can provide the most up-to-date depths, especially if they have similar draft to yours. Marina harbormasters may also be aware of shoaling issues nearby.
Watch tides and wind.
Check bridge schedules, especially maintenance schedules, to time your passage. Many of the bridges have limited deep water outside the channel to wait for an opening.
Make sure you know your air draft and your comfort level in clearance above your air draft. Use binoculars to check clearance gauge at the starboard base of each bridge. This records the current clearance at the lowest point above the water. Maximum clearance will be 3′ – 4′ more at the center, but the bascule bridges arc sharply and, if your boat is wide, you need to plan accordingly.
In narrow areas (lots of them), best to have two sets of eyes at the helm to monitor depths and course.
Safe travels to all who follow in our wake! Touch base if you see us along the waterway.
Carolyn & Robert ChancellorClick Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Venice Inlet
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boca Grande Pass
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Dennis
You will also need to check information on the Blackburn Point swing Bridge. It is on a restricted opening of every four hours through the November time frame.
-
Another Rescue West of St. Pete, FL
The USCG rescue teams have been busy in the Gulf the last few days. See /160596.
CLEARWATER, Fla.— The Coast Guard rescued four boaters Saturday after their boat took on water and capsized 12 miles west of Johns Pass.
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Coast Guard Rescue West of St. Petersburg, FL
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Coast Guard rescued two boaters Thursday after their boat took on water 12 miles west of Egmont Key.
Watch standers from Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received a mayday call at 6:03 p.m. via VHF-FM marine band radio channel 16. A man stated his 21-foot boat was taking on water due to a 2-foot crack in the hull and was in need of emergency assistance.CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND FULL REPORT
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Stolen Sailing Vessel, Panama City, FL
If you sight this vessel, please contact Tony at 850-851-8619, local authorities or SSECN via email contact@cruisersnet.net.
About two weeks ago, a crewmate stole my 43′ Gulfstar sailing ketch from Panama City Florida. The name of the boat is “The Solution”. She has white hill with red sail covers and red canvas over the cockpit.
The guy who stole it is 18 yrs old named Bear McGinty. He has his girlfriend on board with her 6 month old baby boy. Believe they are headed to Galveston Texas.
If anyone sees the boat please call me at 850.851.8619.
Much thanks,
Robert A. (Tony) HicksBe the first to comment!
Discussion of Boater Education Requirement in Florida
This discussion comes from Kevin Wadlow on keynoter.com.
Boaters operating in Florida Bay waters of Everglades National Park must complete an online education course under a new regulation expected to take effect within months.
That pending rule prompted advisers to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to ponder whether a similar educational requirement could be adopted to help protect oceanic resources in the 2,900-square-mile sanctuary. he question returns to the volunteer sanctuary council at its next meeting, Oct. 18 in Ocean Reef on North Key Largo.
In August, Everglades National Park planner Fred Herling briefed the sanctuary council on the park’s new Florida Bay boating rules scheduled to “roll out in late 2016.” Those will require completion of a free one-hour online boat-operator course that focuses on “resource protection, safety [and] respectful boating.”
The course must be completed before boat owners can get an annual or seven-day permit to operate in park waters. Park boat permits likely will cost $50 per year or $25 for seven days, but fees may be phased in over a period of months. When enacted, fees to launch at the Flamingo ramp will be dropped.
Boat-permit proceeds, estimated at $500,000 annually, would help increase funding for on-the-water enforcement rangers, marker maintenance and marine research, Herling said.
Everglades National Park has authority to enact boat permit fees and operator-education requirements for Florida Bay waters that lie in its jurisdiction. The marine sanctuary lacks such authority.
With an updated management plan for the Keys sanctuary taking shape, now may be the time to seek a new boating-education rule, some council members suggested in August. Others expressed doubt, pointing to a complex maze of regulatory approvals needed at the state and federal level.
Advocates of boater education for sanctuary waters, largely intended to keep vessels from striking reefs or scarring shallow seagrass flats, have made their case since the national marine sanctuary’s inception in 1990. But enacting a sanctuary boating license remains little more than an uncertain concept.
The Oct. 18 agenda item, “Boater Education in the Florida Keys,” is scheduled for approximately 2:15 p.m. at the Ocean Reef Cultural Center.
“It’s essentially a continuation of the earlier discussion on the potential to seek something like Everglades National Park, whether it’s mandatory or voluntary,” Deputy Superintendent Beth Dieveney said Thursday.
Council members could ask for more specific information on the process or vote on a resolution.
The Sanctuary Advisory Council, comprising 20 appointed Keys representatives from community, business and conservation sectors, does not have rule-making authority. However, sanctuary staff generally give the council’s recommendations and guidance considerable weight.
Missing managers
Kevin Wadlow: 305-440-3206
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