Keep your calendar clear: Every season in Washington, NC brings something new and exciting. Enjoy local festivals, area concerts, or waterfront adventure.
BoatUS Foundation Expands Access with Spanish-Language 90-Day Temporary Boating Certification in Florida
New short-term boating safety course helps Hispanic boaters renting boats and PWCs in nation’s top boating state get underway safely
An image of a couple getting their temporary boating certification in Florida
MIAMI, Florida – June 16, 2026 –BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has just launched their 90-day temporary boating certification course for Florida boaters in Spanish. This course will make it easier for Spanish-speaking boaters to get on the water year-round in the boating capital of the U.S.
Upon successful completion, the course provides a 90-day temporary certificate that can be accessed for a one-time fee of $8.99. The course has 25 questions related to Florida-specific waterways and will familiarize students with buoys, markers, and directional signage they can expect to see while boating. Those who successfully earn a passing score will immediately be able to download a certificate of completion that can be printed or stored on a mobile device.
Recognized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, this 90-day test differs from the state’s permanent boater education ID card, which is issued for life. To obtain a lifetime card, individuals can visit https://boatus.org/free-courses/free-boating-safety-course/florida/ to get started.
Ideal for Florida residents who rent boats occasionally and visitors from out of state who are 18 years or older and speak Spanish, this 90-day temporary course offers a streamlined way to fulfill Florida’s required boating rental education standards.
“Making boating education more accessible to Spanish-speaking communities in Florida is central to our mission,” said Lynne O’Hearn, Program Manager at BoatUS Foundation. “This 90-day temporary boating certification course provides a convenient way to build essential skills and understand the rules of the water before boaters head out.”
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the more than 740,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways, and keeping boating safe for all. A range of safe and clean boating courses – including the nation’s only free online boating safety course – can be found at BoatUS.org. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a four-star charity, the highest rating awarded by Charity Navigator.
The City of Gulfport and Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, always 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.
This event has been moved to the Friends Room at the Gulfport Public Library.
Movie Night: Sunshine State Friday, June 19 at 7:00 PM at the Gulfport Public LibraryDoors open at 6:00 PM for the Annual Members Meeting at 6:15 PM. Film begins at 7:00 PM. Running time is 2 hours 21 minutes.
Summer is here! Now it’s time to join Gulfport Arts & Heritage for a classic Florida film: Sunshine State.
In this John Sayles comedy, we meet two extraordinary Florida women. Marly is a former mermaid performer now staunchly defending her family’s old beachside motel from prowling developers; Desiree is a former beauty queen returning to make amends with her estranged mother. Each becomes embroiled in a struggle to save their community, which is marked by the scars of development, ecological destruction, and the enduring legacy of racial segregation. Sunshine State was lauded for outstanding performances from Edie Falco, Mary Steenburgen, and St. Pete’s own Angela Bassett, who netted Best Actress recognition from both the Black Reel Awards and the NAACP Image Awards for her portrayal of Desiree. Complete with its “Greek chorus” of bemused golfers, the film explores some very Floridian questions about identity, community, and justice in the land of sunshine in a memorable, only-in-Florida way.
Soda and popcorn will be served. No cost to attend, though donations are always appreciated.
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The remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur are producing widespread, heavy showers and thunderstorms across the southeastern United States, threatening the region with flash flooding over the next 48 hours. Primary Threat: Torrential rainfall capable of causing considerable urban and life-threatening flash flooding. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has designated a High Risk (Level 4/4) of excessive rainfall for the central Gulf Coast on Thursday, followed by a Moderate Risk (Level 3/4) for southern Mississippi and Alabama on Friday.
The remnant low-pressure system is currently overland and is expected to move offshore into the Western Atlantic Ocean on Friday, then track ENE, most likely as a developing extratropical low producing winds of 30-40 kts south of the center. There is, however, still a low (10%) risk that this system could redevelop as a subtropical low over the western North Atlantic.
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient-friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
Experience a Weekend of Culture, Connection & Celebration
June 19-21
FRIDAY
June 19th, 2026
5:00 -7:30 pm
516 E Main St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
The Juneteenth celebration kicks off Friday night at Arts of the Albemarle with an exciting evening of culture, connection, and community! Hosted in partnership with The Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce, the event features an inspiring presentation from the Pasquotank County NAACP, great networking opportunities, lively conversations, delicious free soul food, and entertainment. Join uf for this special Business After Hours Reception! Bring your friends and family and join us as we launch a weekend filled with celebration, history, and fun!
SATURDAY
June 20th, 2026
12:00-5:00pm
508 S Water St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Saturday is all about fun, family, and community at the Main Festival, presented by River City CDC and Community Partners! The day kicks off with an opening ceremony, followed by shopping with local vendors, delicious free food stations, live music and entertainment, games, and activities for all ages. Celebrating its 21st year, this beloved festival brings family reunion vibes to Waterfront Park with a special kids’ zone and plenty of opportunities to connect, celebrate, and make memories..
Arthur’s remnants will bring a risk for locally damaging wind, isolated tornadoes and flooding rain to South Carolina tonight.
The damaging wind and tornado risk is greatest over the area between I-20 and I-85, and minor wind damage could be widespread in this area. However, a risk will be present over the entire state.
The risk of flooding rain is greatest over the northwestern quadrant of the state, but isolated flash flooding is possible elsewhere.
Behind the storm, the weekend is looking mainly rain-free, except for a chance for a shower and thunderstorm over the southern Lowcountry Saturday and stray afternoon thunderstorms over the Upstate on Sunday.
Arthur’s remnants, at press time centered close to Phil Robertson’s backyard, are heading east-northeastward and will cross South Carolina tonight and early Friday. Flooding rain, strong winds and isolated tornadoes are all threats as it moves through.
A loop of visible satellite imagery shows a big blob of clouds tracking eastward over the Southeast associated with the remnants of Arthur.
Image Source: University of Wisconsin RealEarth
Ahead of Arthur, a weak warm front will trigger showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening in the soupy air mass present over the Palmetto State. Stronger storms can cause locally damaging winds. Hail and tornado risks will be minimal through early evening with these thunderstorms.
MRMS weather radar composite shows thunderstorms affecting the Coastal Plain and more storms moving in from Georgia.
Image Source: WeatherBELL
Arthur’s remnants will arrive over the western Upstate this evening and rake across the state through the night and exit offshore by around 10 a.m. Friday. There remains some uncertainty about where the heaviest rain will fall, which areas will be hit by the strongest winds, and which areas will be subject to a tornado threat. The expected storm track has shifted slightly northward today, bringing the zone of greatest concern for damaging wind and tornadoes to areas along and between I-20 and I-85.
The Storm Prediction Center’s Day 1 (through tonight) Severe Weather Outlook graphic for South Carolina has the entire state covered with a band of level 2 of 5 between I-20 and I-85 due to an elevated tornado and wind risk for that area.
The risk of excessive rainfall and resulting flash flooding covers the entire state, but the quadrant roughly between I-20 and I-77 is at greatest risk.
Rainfall over the Upstate and vicinity through early Saturday will generally be 1-3 inches, with local totals of 4-5 inches. The I-20 Corridor is looking at 1-2 inches, locally up to 3 inches. Over the Coastal Plain, the forecast is for generally half an inch to an inch; locally, up to 2 inches is possible. This will put another nice dent in our drought, especially in the Upstate.
The rainfall forecast from the Weather Prediction Center for now through 2 p.m. Saturday shows a major soaking over the Upstate and vicinity.
Image Source: WeatherBELL
Behind Arthur, a cold front will move through later Friday into Friday evening. It will trigger scattered showers and thunderstorms; a locally severe storm with damaging wind can’t be ruled out.
Behind all this mess, Saturday looks to be a nice day for most of the state for mid-June with lower humidity. The exception will be the southernmost part of the state; the cold front turns stationary over or just south of the Lowcountry, so that area has a chance of showers or thunderstorms. Sunday looks hotter and more humid with a pop-up thunderstorm possible over the Upstate — more typical summer weather for the start of astronomical summer (summer starts June 1 in every meteorologist’s mind) and Father’s Day.
Get ready for impacts tonight by reviewing severe storm and tornado safety tips and flooding safety tips. A tornado threat coming in the middle of the night is always problematic; be sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings that will wake you up.
Again, think of this as a tropical warning shot; take some time to get your hurricane prep work done. If you need help with that, visit hurricane.sc.
Frank Strait Severe Weather Liaison S.C. State Climate Office
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 260 D. Epting Lane West Columbia, SC, 29172
Key Lime Sailing Club, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, always has very special offers for their visitors! Key Lime Sailing Club is a unique slice of KEYS ENJOYMENT…give it a try and let us hear about your experience.
Give Dad the Gift of Sail This Father’s Day
This Father’s Day, treat Dad to time on the water at Key Lime Sailing Club & Cottages in Key Largo. He can sail the turquoise waters, relax under the tiki hut, and enjoy the simple rhythm of life in the Florida Keys.
Cottages are still available for the weekend, offering a chance for a last-minute getaway. If travel isn’t possible right now, gift certificates are also available and can be used toward future stays or sailing experiences. It’s an easy way to give something memorable, flexible, and rooted in adventure.
Cottages Available Now
Come experience the Keys at their most peaceful and beautiful. Book your island getaway today.
Call or text Irene at 305-451-3438 to inquire or reserve, or simply reply to this email.
When you book one of our cottages, you get more than just a great escape. Every stay includes free access to our water amenities. Qualified sailors can take out a 22′ sailboat, or keep it easy with a kayak, paddleboard on the calm bay side waters, or snorkel the crystal-clear flats. This is what the Florida Keys are all about, and it is why guests keep coming back. Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages is a hidden gem that captures the true spirit of the Keys, the kind Jimmy Buffett sang about and Hemingway lived.
Plus, if you’re interested in learning to sail, we have a sailing school right on-site. The American Sailing Academy offers a 2-hour Introduction to Sailing, a 2-hour refresher (for those with experience but needing a little refresher), and ASA beginner and advanced certified classes.
You can learn to sail in just 2 days with our in-house sailing endorsement class (non-certification). When you pass the endorsement class, you would have the use of one of our 22′ Catalina sailboats for FREE during the rest of your stay. (Non-guests can rent a sailboat for $300 a day but it’s free for our qualified sailor guests staying at Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages.)
And that’s not all! We’ve got more in store for you such as sailing excursions* which include captivating sunset cruises, immersive kayaking tours, and exhilarating snorkel adventures. Departing from the KLSC docks, these fantastic outings are easily accessible to all our guests. Don’t miss out on these extraordinary sailing excursions; they’re the key to creating unforgettable memories.
*Booked through Morning Star Charters and guests staying at KLSC receive a 10% discount.
Win Stays at Key Lime Sailing Club
To our past and present guests: Here’s a chance to come back and vacation at KLSC for free! Send us pictures of your stay here and win a free 3-night stay by participating in our 15th Annual KLSC Photo Contest. Check here for details.
Got a talent for video making? Enter our 12th Annual KLSC Video Contest and get a chance to win a free 5-night stay! Check here for details.
We at Key Largo Cottages at Key Lime Sailing Club love our guests and we would love to see you back again for another fun-filled and relaxing Florida Keys vacation!
Enjoy a Snorkel or Sunset Cruise both bay side and ocean side as well as sailboat rentals from 22 foot to 40 foot through Morning Star Sailing Charters. Call us at 305-451-7057.
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