Come visit The Bahamas at The Stuart Boat Show, Jan 10-12
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CRUISERS NET
Cruisers Helping Cruisers
Comprehensive cruising resource for the Intracoastal Waterways
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
FREE to use due to the generosity of our sponsors - please patronize them
AI Prediction System Now Beats the Best Traditional Weather Forecasts – Peter Swanson
When all else fails, try journalism.
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Oysters on the Point with Thomas Champagne & Friends, Charleston Harbor Resort Marina, Charleston, SC
adrotate banner=’477′] Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, sits on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor, hard by Patriots Point between Horse Reach’s flashing buoys #34 and #36.
Looking plans this weekend?Check out Oysters on the Point with Live Music from Thomas Champagne & Friends from 2pm – 6pm THIS Saturday!
Copyright © 2025 Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at our websiteOur mailing address is:
Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina20 Patriots RoadCharleston, SC 29412
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AIWA Newsletter January 2025
Cruisers Net is proud to be a member of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association whose lobbying work is crucial to keeping the Waterway navigable and safe. Your membership dollars directly support their vital work. Please join and encourage your boating neighbors to do likewise, regardless of their homeport.
A Year in Review and Thank You
to our AIWA SupportersWe are honored to begin the 26th year as the Voice of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW). We remain focused on fulfilling our mission to support the operations and maintenance needs of the AIWW which generates more opportunities for increased economic activity and waterway usage.
Our collective approach of working with Congress and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has led to the reduction of the AIWW maintenance dredging backlog by over $60 million within the last decade. Waterway projects have been conducted in every state along the AIWW in the last eight years, while new work was executed in 2024, and now underway in 2025.
In the final FY24 appropriations bill passed by Congress in March 2024, waterway funding exceeded $28 million. In addition, the AIWW received $20.5 million in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for FY24. This is equivalent to an additional year of annual funding and brought us to almost $150 million in total for FY22, FY23 and FY24 funding for Marine Highway 95. We are on track to receive over $30 million in FY25. If the most recent appropriations amount from the House of Representatives bill is enacted, we could top $40 million.
We continued working with Congressional offices to highlight the AIWW’s importance and request increased funding for additional dredging needs for FY25. In March and May, we returned to Washington, D.C. and met with 19 Congressional offices. With the recent election, we look forward to meeting with new members this spring.
We partnered with federal agencies and universities to implement beneficial use projects using dredged material from the AIWW. From in-water placement and bird island creation in Georgia, to re-handling dredged material for beach placement in South Carolina, the AIWW is at the forefront of the beneficial use of dredged material for habitat creation and coastal resiliency. We participated in the Natural Infrastructure Innovation Project Launch (Tidelands) led by Auburn University, University of Pennsylvania and University of Virginia in April, and I serve on their Technical Advisory Committee. We also recently held a panel discussion at our annual meeting with speakers from the Corps, the Tidelands team, and the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems from the University of Georgia.
We participated in regional and national coalitions to increase awareness of AIWW issues. We are on the board of directors and executive committee of the National Waterways Conference, Inc., and we partner with national organizations including the American Boating Congress and National Marine Manufacturers Association, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.), Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, numerous Marine Trades Associations, and federal agencies including the Maritime Administration of the U.S. DOT, NOAA, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Corps.
The AIWA Annual Meeting was held in Charleston, SC on November 18-20, 2024. Our 25th anniversary meeting was a celebration of previous accomplishments, and the opportunity to identify our future path. We will share more about those future efforts in future newsletters, yet be assured that federal funding for waterway maintenance continues to be our primary mission. You can view presentations from the meeting at the following link: https://atlanticintracoastal.org/annual-meeting-2024
Over our first 25 years, we have successfully worked to highlight the AIWW as an integral part of the nation’s marine transportation system designated as Marine Highway 95. Our collective work is more important than ever with the current situation in Washington, DC. Our members can be certain of our desire to continue as an effective, unified voice for the waterway through advocacy and education, outreach and coalition building with other non-profit and private organizations representing all stakeholders of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Thank you for your continued partnership and financial support to protect the future of the AIWW. Anchors aweigh for another 25 years!Sincerely,
Brad Pickel
Executive Director
The 119th Congress is in Session
President Trump Certified as 47th President
Earlier today on January 6th, Congress certified the presidential election results recognizing Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States. This action comes on the heels of the recent swearing in of the 119th Congress and the election of Representative Mike Johnson as the Speaker of the House on January 3rd. In the 119th Congress, we have nine new senators (four Democrats and five Republicans) and 63 new representatives (33 Democrats and 30 Republicans).
While there were no new senators elected along the AIWW, we will have a new senator appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in Florida with the nomination of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. In the House of Representatives, we also have one new representative in a Florida district along the waterway. Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R, FL-8) will be representing the area that includes Titusville, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, and Cape Canaveral, Florida. Fortunately for the AIWA, the Florida Inland Navigation District is a great partner of ours and will do an outstanding job to ensure these new Congressional members are up to speed on issues impacting the waterway, while we support their efforts and focus on educating the other 70 new members and administration staff on the value of the nation’s marine transportation system and the AIWW.
On December 21st, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government until March 14th averting a government shutdown. This was the second CR they have passed for FY 2025 and sets up another round of negotiations that must be completed before the March 14th deadline to avert a government shutdown. With the new Congress and Administration now moving into place, we can expect them to include their priorities in the proposed bill. As mentioned in the last newsletter, the CR included over $100 billion in disaster relief, of which a portion will be allocated to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. USACE will be required to submit a work plan with identified projects by mid-March and this could include funding for dredging projects along the waterway that were impacted by hurricanes.The table below reflects the current breakdown of funding as it stands today. In addition, the House and Senate have also included the following amounts in the Additional Dredging Needs funding pots which we are eligible to receive.
- General Navigation – House: $931.945 million, Senate: $20 million
- Inland Waterways – House: $50 million, Senate: $64.987 million
- Small, Remote & Subsistence Navigation – House: $90 million, Senate: $329,178 million
We await passage of the next appropriations bill before we are can identify funding amounts for FY25. The good news is that contracted work continues on the waterway, and we are not yet facing impacts from this delay.
Deep Creek Bridge Deviation with Impacts to Transiting the Dismal Swamp Canal
USCG MSIB 001-25Mariners are advised of an infrastructure refurbishment project on the Deep Creek Bridge, mile 11.1 over the Dismal Swamp Canal, in Chesapeake, Virginia. The project will require the bridge to be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position from January 6 through March 21, 2025 to facilitate construction of the new bascule span of the new bridge. During this time period, visitors to Lake Drummond will be able to access the Dismal Swamp Canal via the South Mills Locks in South Mills, North Carolina or from the various boat ramps along the canal. Vessels transiting the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway will need to use the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal as an alternate route during this timeframe. Comments or concerns can be sent to the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Virginia Waterways Management Division via email at virginiawaterways@uscg.mil.
Photo: The Great Dismal Swamp, North Carolina
Copyright © 2025. Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association. All rights reserved. The AIWA is a national non-profit organization with the mission of securing funding and support for the maintenance of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. We are the only organization dedicated to ensuring the future of the AIWW and proudly represent all stakeholders of the waterway.
Contact:
Atlantic Instracoastal Waterway Association
5a Market | Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 379-1151 | atlanticintracoastal.orgAtlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association · 5A Market · Beaufort, SC 29906-9107 · USA Be the first to comment!
BoatUS Foundation’s Ted Sensenbrenner Appointed to National Boating Safety Advisory Committee
BoatUS is the leading advocate for boating safety in the US and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
BoatUS Foundation’s Ted Sensenbrenner Appointed to National Boating Safety Advisory Committee
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Hatteras Island Oyster Roast (Feb 15) Tickets on Sale!
Hatteras Island Oyster Roast Tickets on Sale!
Hatteras Island Oyster Roast
February 15, 2025
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.Be the first to comment!
US Coast Guard Rescues 4 off Marathon, Keys
The USCG doing what they do best!
News Release U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast
Contact: 7th District Public Affairs
Office: 305-415-6683
After Hours: 786-367-7649
7th District online newsroom01/05/2025 08:25 PM ESTMIAMI – A Coast Guard Station Marathon boat crew rescued four people, Sunday, after their 27-foot vessel began taking on water approximately 11 miles north of Marathon, Florida.
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January 6, 2024 Weekly Email Newsletter, City of Gulfport, Boca Ciega Bay, FL
The City of Gulfport and Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, 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.
Weekly news & updates 
January 6, 2025 | City of Gulfport, FL – Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter 
Upcoming Events See what’s happening this month.
Senior Center E-news Click here to see what’s happening next.
Library Calendar of Events Upcoming activities at the Gulfport Library.
Recreation Center Click here to see all classes and activities.
Casino Ballroom Weekly Dances Click here fo weekly dance schedule.
Gulfport Community Update Click here to read more.
Gulfport Arts & Heritage Click here to see upcoming events.
Pinellas County Hurricane Home Repair Program
Up to $30,000 grant for repairs not covered by insurance or FEMA
Application are now open.
Apply Today 
City of Gulfport Flood Zone Permitting Packet and Appeal Process
PDF Document Gulfport City Council Mayor
Sam Henderson
826-7208
Ward 1
April Thanos
826-7138
Ward 2
Christine Brown
826-7311
Ward 3
Paul
Ray
262-2479
Ward 4 Michael Fridovich
826-7355
City Manager’s Gulfport Community Update Gulfport Community Update: December 15 – 21, 2024 Rebuilding After Storm Damage is a guide for Gulfport property owners in flood zones. Learn how the FEMA 50% Rule impacts your property repair plans in designated flood zones, and what steps to take to comply with regulations. Visit https://mygulfport.us/
fema for information. City of Gulfport residents are limited to once a week lawn watering through December 31. Visit https://www.swfwmd.
state.fl.us/business/ epermitting/district-water- restrictionsf/ for information. Read more Upcoming Official Meetings 
City of Gulfport: Meetings Calendar January 2025
- January 1, 2025 – City Hall Closed – New Year’s Day Holiday
- January 1, 2025 – Planning and Zoning Board – No Meeting
- January 7, 2025 – Council Meeting – 6:00 pm (AGENDA)
- January 8, 2025 – Board of Adjustment – 6:00 pm (AGENDA)
- January 14, 2025 – Senior Citizen’s Advisory Committee – 8:00am – Senior Center, 5501 27th Avenue South
- January 20, 2025 – City Hall Closed – Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday
- January 21, 2025 – Council Meeting – 6:00 pm
All meetings are open to the public and are held in the City Hall, City Council Chambers, 2401 53rd Street South, In Person, unless otherwise noted. Meetings may occasionally be added, cancelled or rescheduled after this list is published. Please check the city’s website https://mygulfport.us for updated information.
This Weeks Events & Meetings 
Visit our Website Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market Tuesday, January 7th | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Downtown Waterfront District, Beach Blvd. S.
The City of Gulfport, in conjunction with the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce (GMC), will host a special, smaller-scale Tuesday Fresh Market on Tuesday, November 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market will be located along the right-of-way on Beach Boulevard in downtown Gulfport. Enjoy a variety of local vendors and fresh goods in a cozy, community-oriented setting!
Art Center: January Workshops Tuesday, January 7th | 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Gulfport Arts Center, 2726 54th St. S.
Programs for all ages available afternoons and evenings. Registration required, please email ArtsCenter@mygulfport.us to signup. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
GulfportArtsCenter for additional information on upcoming workshops and community art shows. …
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina
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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Nothing on a Boat is Straight or Square – Janice Anne Wheeler
Having rebuilt the cockpit on our wooden Dickerson 35 yawl, where finding a 90 degree angle was cause for celebration, I can absolutely confirm Janice’s title!
SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE ~~ latest addition. I’m very honored that you’re following along. Thank you from the bottom of my writer’s heart.
Ah, the life of a liveaboard Sailor…on a Classic Wooden Sailing Yacht… as of August 2024 we are undergoing extensive repair and refit for the next several months(!). In boating terms we are hauled out “on the hard” in Cambridge, Maryland.
I plan to mix Sailing Stories with the challenges and intricacies of restoring a 90-year-old boat. I’m always open to suggestions as to content….please feel free to weigh in as we manage and learn from this unexpected joust. Thank you! ~J
A Wooden Boat is a strong, intricate entity constructed of Mother Nature’s finest materials.Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Janice
The ongoing support of Cruiser's Net has been fantastic for my morale AND I have come to realize what an incredibly valuable resource this is. I share it at every opportunity and so should all of you, my fellow cruisers!
J
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NAV ALERT: LNM: Alt ICW MM 7, Deep Creek Bridge Closure, Jan 6 – Mar 21, Dismal Swamp Canal, NC
Our thanks to Sarah Hill, Director of Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, for this notice.
Please see below the temporary closure of the Deep Creek Bridge starting Jan. 6th through March 21st to facilitate construction of the new Deep Creek bridge. The Deep Creek bridge will remain in the closed to navigation position during this time. Lake Drummond and the canal can still be accessed for paddling or boating excursions via the boat ramps along the canal or the South Mills Lock- which will continue to operate on normal schedule. Boaters will be unable to enter or exit the canal through the Deep Creek Bridge/Lock during this period.
Thanks,
Sarah
Sector Virginia
Marine Safety Information Bulletin(757) 374-3408
VirginiaWaterways@uscg.milMSIB 001-25
January 3, 2025
Deep Creek Bridge Deviation
Mariners are advised of an infrastructure refurbishment project on the Deep Creek Bridge, mile 11.1 over the Dismal Swamp Canal, in Chesapeake, Virginia. The project will require the bridge to be maintained in the closed-to-navigation position from January 6, 2025, through March 21, 2025, to facilitate construction of the new bascule span of the new bridge. During this time period, visitors to Lake Drummond will be able to access the Dismal Swamp Canal via the South Mills Locks in South Mills, North Carolina or from the various boat ramps along the canal. Vessels transiting the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway will need to use the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal as an alternate route during this timeframe.
Comments or concerns can be sent to the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Virginia Waterways Management Division via email at virginiawaterways@uscg.mil.
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Click here for SEC VA MSIB 001-25 Deep Creek Bridge Deviation
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