CRUISERS NET
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Comprehensive cruising resource for the Intracoastal Waterways
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
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Cruisers’ Net Weekly Newsletter – May 23, 2025
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What’s Happening In Your Parks, Charleston County Parks
Holiday Weekend in the Parks
Skip expensive airfare and long-haul road trips! This holiday weekend, enjoy all the parks have to offer. Cool off in the waterparks, build sandcastles at the beach parks, host a cookout in our picnic spots, hit the trails on your bike, drop a line at the fishing pier, set off at the boat ramps…and more!
Splash into Fun for All
Waterparks? Open. Inclusive Swim Nights? ON! People with disabilities and their families and caregivers can enjoy accessible, sensory-friendly evenings in the waterparks all season long. Check out the schedule of events and book your tickets!
Try a Tri
Ready to test your mettle? Dive into a Charleston Sprint Triathlon! Challenge yourself to a 600-yard swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and a 5K run through beautiful James Island County Park. The 2025 season starts June 15 with the first of four scheduled races. Register today!
Calling All Explorers! On May 23, beat the crowds to Beachwalker Park to enjoy nature stroll. You’ll accompany our naturalist to search for critters living along the shore, learning about each one and how they’ve adapted to life on the line between land and sea. Reserve your spot!
Beach Parking Tips
Our beach park lots fill up quickly this time of year! Save yourself (some of) the hassle when you:
- Plan your beach trip for earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon
- Carpool with friends
- Download the Beach Reach app to get up-to-date beach traffic reports
- Be patient and remember the relaxation that awaits you!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Connect your company with our vibrant and growing community while supporting your Charleston County Parks! From family-friendly fun to cultural celebrations, sponsorship opportunities with our festivals and events offer excellent exposure and strengthen your brand. Learn more about sponsorship packages and how you can get involved.
Mark Your Calendars May 29 Beginner Skateboarding
May 30 Reggae Nights Summer Concerts begin
June 1 Inclusive Swim Night at the Waterpark
June 6 Odyssey Adventure
June 6 Moonlight Mixer
June 13 Dancing on the Cooper
June 14 Cast Off Fishing Tournament
June 18 Yoga Fest
Annual Partner 
For information on sponsorship opportunities, please email the Sponsorship Coordinator.
Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission | 861 Riverland Drive | Charleston, SC 29412 US 
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List of Names for 2025 Hurricane Season
FYI – Here are the Atlantic Basin Storm Names and Pronunciations for 2025 from the NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER.
- Andrea AN-dree uh
- Barry BAIR-ree
- Chantal shahn-TAHL
- Dexter DEHK-ster
- Erin AIR-rin
- Fernand fair-NAHN
- Gabrielle ga-bree-ELL
- Humberto oom-BAIR-toh
- Imelda ee-MEHL-dah
- Jerry JEHR-ee
- Karen KAIR-ren
- Lorenzo loh-REN-zoh
- Melissa meh-LIH-suh
- Nestor NES-tor
- Olga OAL-guh
- Pablo PAHB-lo
- Rebekah reh-BEH-kuh
- Sebastien se-BAS-tee-en
- Tanya TAHN-yuh
- Van van
- Wendy WEN-dee
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It’s Official: Cruising Is Unfashionable in Florida – Peter Swanson
Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe.. $7 a month or $56 for the year and you may cancel at anytime.
There was a subsequent correction published to this post:
New Anchoring Law Does Not Automatically Limit You to 30 Days.
Thanks to keen-eyed reader Sean Welsh, we’ve corrected a factual error in today’s Florida anchoring law story. The story was corrected to reflect that anchoring is not limited to 30 days automatically in Florida’s biggest four counties. The law gives the counties power to enact limits affecting anyone who has been anchored in the jurisdiction for 30 days. Depending on the will of local authorities it could very well be that you must leave after the 30-day limit, however.
When all else fails, try journalism.
It’s Official: Cruising Is Unfashionable in Florida
Anchoring Restricted Because, Yes, Sailboats Are Unsightly and Bad for Safety and the Environment
Among other things, HB 481 designates the sections of Biscayne Bay lying between Palm Island and Star Island, between Palm Island and Hibiscus Island, between Palm Island and Watson Island, between Sunset Island I and State Road 112, and between the Sunset Islands as anchoring limitation areas. “Time to move along, old-timer. Your 30 days are up.”
The state of Florida has officially taken sides. Cruisers are out of favor and need stricter regulations. Center-console people have become the cool kids and deserving of “freedom.”
On Tuesday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law House Bill 481 which expands an anchoring ban to even more of the waters at Miami Beach waters and limits anchoring to 30 days in a six-month period in Florida’s four most populous counties. This law was directed at liveaboard sailors in particular because their vessels are deemed most likely to eventually become derelict.
The law also increases from 100 feet to 300 feet the distance from the marked boundary of a public mooring field where boats cannot anchor.
Boating coalitions argued that local authorities could use existing Florida laws to prevent vessels from becoming derelict instead of passing new restrictions on anchoring. Proponents—including bill sponsor Miami Republican Rep. Vicki Lopez—shrewdly framed the issue in terms of safety and environmental protection.
“Current legislation leaves gaps that threaten the well-being of boaters and the health of our marine ecosystem,” Lopez said. By boaters, Lopez may be referring to the folks that own center-consoles, which they keep on a dock in front of their waterfront homes. These elite property owners have been the driving force behind a perpetual bid against anchoring in Florida.
On Monday, the governor signed the “Boater Freedom Act,” which forbids Florida police from pulling over and boarding recreational vessels without probable cause that a violation has occurred. Sure, this change applies to sailboats and trawlers, too, but in practice the vast majority of boaters being pulled over for safety checks were operating…you know it…center-consoles. That’s because there are so many more of them.
No More Random Police Stops on Florida Waters, Unless by the Coast Guard
·May 20Read full story Florida center-console people often recreate in celebratory herds during events such as Boater Skip Day, sandbar rallies and boat parades for Donald Trump. On these occasions, it is also all-hands-on-deck for the water cops. Alas, they will now have to witness real-time idiocy before they can motor over close enough to catch a whiff of alcohol.
Meanwhile, in Miami-Dade, Broward (Ft. Lauderdale), Hillsborough (Tampa) and Palm Beach counties, the message will be, “Time to move along, old-timer. Your 30 days are up.”
A recent Boater Skip Day at Bayard Point on Florida’s St. Johns River. LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Every so often he tries to be funny. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.
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AIWA Newsletter May 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.
President Releases FY2026 Budget and
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Releases FY2025 Work Plan
We are pleased to report recent actions in Washington, DC have led to more clarity for upcoming federal funding for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) through the President’s release of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) release of their work plan for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) funding.
Fiscal Year 2026 President’s budget request
On May 2nd, Russel Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, transmitted the FY26 President’s budget request to Congress. The transmittal package is available by clicking here or via the link below. This version is called the “skinny budget” as it only provides top line numbers for departments and agencies and further detail will be provided in a subsequent release. At this point, we are expecting less money will be proposed for the Corps than was enacted in Fiscal Year 2025, but this is common practice and Congress typically increases funding above the President’s budget request. Stay tuned!
Corps’ Fiscal Year 2025 Work Plan
On May 15th, the Corps released their FY25 work plan listing funding for projects between October 2024 and September 2025. We have good news to share. Once again, we have Operation & Maintenance funding for every state along the waterway! In addition, the final amounts match the FY25 President’s budget, and we are receiving $33.271 million total. Below is a brief summary of the allocations for each state.
Summary of appropriations in the FY25 Work Plan
VA – President’s budget (PB) – $5.292 Million, Senate Appropriations Amount (Senate) – $5.292 Million, House Appropriations Amount (House) – $5.292 Million, Final FY25 Appropriations Amount (Final) – $5.292 Million
NC – PB- $10.935 Million, Senate- $10.935 Million, House- $15.157 Million, Final- $10.935 Million
SC – PB- $8.628 Million, Senate- $8.628 Million, House- $8.628 Million, Final- $8.628 Million
GA – PB- $4.235 Million, Senate- $4.235 Million, House- $4.235 Million, Final- $4.235 Million
FL – PB- $4.181 Million, Senate- $4.181 Million, House- $10.181 Million, Final- $4.181 MillionTotal for AIWW – President’s budget – $33.271 Million, Senate Appropriations Amount – $33.271 Million, House Appropriations Amount – $43.493 Million, Final FY25 Appropriations Amount- $33.271 Million
Our New Jersey partners were a big winner and received $3 million more than the FY25 President’s budget.
NJ- PB- $5.795 Million, Senate- $5.795 Million, House- $5.795 Million, Final- $8.795 Million
While less than in previous years, this funding level is a relatively good outcome for the AIWW in light of all the other cuts in government. We fared better than many other projects that sustained funding reductions or no funding compared to the FY25 budget. Unfortunately, the continuing resolution did not allow for the Community Project Funding requests (earmarks) by Rep. Brian Mast (FL) and Rep. Greg Murphy (NC) that were in the House bill or we could have possibly received over $10 million more in federal funding for the AIWW.
One other highlight for the AIWW is that our final funding was the same regardless of the presidency since the FY25 budget was developed under the Biden Administration and the work plan under the Trump Administration. This demonstrates the value of the waterway to the nation is not a partisan issue and bodes well for future funding allocations.
Additional details regarding the amounts provided to various programs, projects, and activities on the Work Plan may be found at: https://www.usace.army.
mil/Missions/Civil-Works/ Budget/#WorkPlans. Looking forward
With the release of the Corps’ FY25 Work Plan, our focus turns to the FY26 appropriations process. The next step will be for the President to release his detailed budget and for the House and Senate to develop their appropriation bills. The current FY25 funding ends on September 30, 2025.
We are working closely with our federal partners, and the AIWA board and executive director participated in 17 Congressional meetings with members and staff in Washington, DC in March and May. While the appropriations process would typically be further along by now, it was slowed to complete FY25 appropriations, and Congress is now awaiting the President’s detailed 2026 budget.
An important process that could have an impact on the appropriations process this year is budget reconciliation. Reconciliation allows for expedited consideration of changes in law to align spending, revenue, and the debt limit with agreed-upon budget targets. In this case, the Republicans in Congress are attempting to create a budget reconciliation package to address funding for their priorities and the priorities of the Administration since it only requires a majority vote and they have a majority in the House and Senate. It’s a complicated process and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has set a deadline of Memorial Day to pass the House version. The Senate would then consider the House bill. It is too early to tell if the GOP will pass a reconciliation bill, and more importantly for the AIWW, if the reconciliation process will delay the drafting of the annual appropriations bills.
We are proud to continue work with our Corps partners on execution of FY25 funding, and look forward to participating in the FY 26 appropriations process.
AIWA Participates in
North Carolina Beach, Inlet and Waterway Association
Spring Meeting
On May 8-9, Brad Pickel participated in the N.C. Beach Inlet & Waterway Association’s Spring Meeting on Emerald Isle, NC. This meeting is a high point each spring for the AIWA to visit with our NC waterway stakeholders, learn from our state and federal partners about current programs and initiatives, and offer an update on AIWA activities and what we are working on this year. Our presentation this year covered ongoing federal actions and what we are watching in Washington. We are grateful to report that projects were completed or underway in all five states along the waterway in 2024 and 2025, and we hope this trend will continue in the coming years!
Photo above | Brad Pickel, Executive Director, and Dennis Barbour, AIWA and NCBIWA Board Member
Coast Guard Authorizes
Temporary Schedule Change for
Little River Swing Bridge
Horry County, South Carolina
Important notice for waterway users migrating north for hurricane season:The United States Coast Guard has authorized a temporary schedule change for the Little River Swing Bridge in Horry County, South Carolina. During this temporary deviation, the bridge will open on signal except from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays. The draw will open on the hour and half hour. Public vessels of the United States and tugs with tows, upon proper signal, will be passed through anytime.
Great News! The Dismal Swamp Canal is Open to Boaters
From our Partners at the Dismal Swamp Canal Visitors Center
https://www.dismalswampwelcomecenter.com/ SAVE THE DATE
AIWA Annual Meeting
November 18-20, 2025 | Savannah, Georgia
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.orgWant to change how you receive these emails?
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Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association · 5A Market · Beaufort, SC 29906-9107 · USA
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Southeast Marine Fuel Best Price Summary as of May 21
This week’s lowest current marina fuel prices as of May 21
Diesel Range: $2.84 to $4.80 Lowest @ Port Consolidated in (Eastern Florida)
Gas Range: $3.64 to $5.09 Lowest @ Centerville Waterway Marina in (Virginia to North Carolina)
Remember to always call the marina to verify the current price since prices may change at any time. Also please let us know if you find a marina’s fuel price has changed via the Submit News link.SELECT Fuel Type:SELECT Format:Lowest Diesel Price in Each RegionLowest Diesel Prices Anywhere
All Regions (Price Range $2.84 to $6.00)
Lowest By Region
Virginia to North Carolina (Price Range $3.07 to $4.95)
$3.07 Safe Harbor Bluewater Yachting Center (05/19)
$3.10 Portsmouth Boating Center (05/19)
$3.35 Atlantic Yacht Basin (05/19)North Carolina (Price Range $2.98 to $5.60)
$2.98 Albemarle Plantation Marina (05/12)
$3.34 Grand Manor Marina (former River Forest Manor & Marina) (05/19)
$3.35 Dowry Creek Marina (05/19)South Carolina (Price Range $2.91 to $4.97)
Georgia (Price Range $3.00 to $5.30)
$3.00 Brunswick Landing Marina (05/19)
$3.45 Jekyll Harbor Marina (05/19)
$3.55 Delegal Creek Marina (05/19)Eastern Florida (Price Range $2.84 to $4.80)
$2.84 Port Consolidated (05/19)
$3.42 Safe Harbor Harbortown Marina (05/19)
$3.48 Fort Pierce City Marina (05/19)St Johns River (Price Range $3.70 to $6.00)
$3.70 Windward Mandarin Holiday Marina (05/19)
$3.75 Morningstar Marina Mayport (05/19)
$3.90 Lambs Yacht Center (05/19)Florida Keys (Price Range $3.79 to $5.49)
$3.79 Suntex Marina at South Miami (05/19)
$3.83 Keys Fisheries Market & Marina (05/19)
$4.03 Safe Harbor Marathon Marina and Boat Yard (05/19)Western Florida (Price Range $3.21 to $5.65)
Okeechobee (Price Range $3.45 to $3.85)
Northern Gulf (Price Range $3.29 to $4.26)
$3.29 Moorings of Carrabelle (05/19)
$3.35 C-Quarters Marina, Carrabelle, FL (05/19)
$4.26 St. Andrews Marina (05/19)Be the first to comment!
USACE: Notice to Navigation: 2025-017 Port Mayaca Width Restriction
The Port Mayaca Lock is a navigable lock and dam on the Okeechobee Waterway, adjacent to U.S. Route 441 and U.S. Route 98 at Canal Point, in Martin County, Florida, United States. It is located near Port Mayaca at latitude 26° 59″ 5′, longitude -80° 37″ 5′. Port Mayaca Lock is open daily from 7:00am to 5:00pm.
There is a 26 Foot Width Restriction at Port Mayaca Lock until further notice.
NOTICE TO NAVIGATION INTERESTS
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS LOCAL NUMBER: 2025-017
JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT WATERWAY: Port Mayaca Lock, Okeechobee Water Way
EFFECTIVE: 16 May 2025
ATTN: CESAJ-OD-SN
PO Box 4970
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32232-0019
POC: Kriss Zeller, Chief of Navigation (772) 380-6928
www.saj.usace.army.mil/NTN
**
Attention all concerned boaters!
There is a 26 Foot Width Restriction at Port Mayaca Lock until further notice.REFERENCE:
a. 33 CFR Navigation and Navigable Waters
1. Notice to Navigation
Width Restriction Port Mayaca
2. For up-to-date Lock information, contact the shift operator 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at:
St Lucie Lock & Dam 772-287-2665 or 863-662-9148
Port Mayaca Lock & Dam 561-924-2858 or 863-662-9424
Julian Keen, Jr. Lock & Dam 863-946-0414 or 863-662-9533
Ortona Lock & Dam 863-675-0616 or 863- 662-9846
W.P. Franklin Lock & Dam 863-662-9908
Canaveral Lock 321-783-5421 or 863-662-0298 (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)Be the first to comment!
This Week’s Events at Toucan’s Grill in Oriental, NC (Statute Mile 181)
Oriental is a wonderful place with friendly people and good food. And, if you do stop here, by all means, eat at our good friends at Toucan’s Grill and stay at Oriental Marina, a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
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