The intersection of the AICW, St Lucie River/Okeechobee Waterway, and St. Lucie Inlet, just east of Stuart, Florida, is known locally as “the crossroads.” Shoaling is ALWAYS a problem here, but from Skipper Tom’s report below, it looks as if the the sands are really filling in fast just inside the mouth of the St. Lucie River. Of course, this stream also acts as the easterly genesis for the Okeechobee Waterway, and a ready route to the marina facilities in nearby Manatee Pocket and Stuart.
Having studied Skipper Tom’s remarks and chart 11472, it appears that, at least for the moment, the worst of the shoaling is not affecting the AICW channel, but that could change FAST! And, it is most certainly affecting the Okeechobee Waterway and passage to Manatee Pocket and Stuart!
Please let us hear from you if you have navigated through the southeastern mouth of the St.Lucie lately. Just click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information with the cruising community.
We are designating a “Navigation Alert” on southeastern St. Lucie River as a result of this posting!

The St. Lucie River has badly shoaled at the entrance, it is now 6′ MLW, only 4 months ago it was 8′ and it was 10′ about 8 months ago. I was in the center of the channel between R2-R4, at this rate you’ll be able to get out and walk by next fall.
Skipper Tom

I went through there today 6/8 at 9am so you can determine the tide. i had depth of 5.7ft and 5.8ft and was aware of the shoaling issue here but thought it was fixed. I guess with the combination of current and loose sand in the area its hard to keep that area deep enough. Just take it slow like a pro.
Cheers, Brad Lukens

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at the Southeastern Mouth of the St. Lucie River/Okeechobee Waterway