Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

May 23, 2022by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.1509,-76.01089999
USACE: Oregon Inlet Unnavigable by Most Vessels

View In Chartview

Cruisers Net has long advised navigation of Oregon Inlet only by shallow draft vessels with current local knowledge.
Oregon Inlet unnavigable by most vessels: Army Corps
CoastalReview.org
Share:
Be the first to comment!
May 21, 2022by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
2022 Letter #2 from the Bahamas by Greg and Barbara Allard
Our sincerest thanks to Greg and Barbara Allard for once again sharing their thoughts and beautiful photography from their Bahamas cruises. These photos and descriptions will have you aching to follow in Meander‘s wake! For more this excellent photography, type Allard in our Homepage search window for letters from previous cruises.
Hello Everyone – Here is our second Letter from the Bahamas for 2022.
Several of you did not receive the photos with the last Letter. It may have to do with the capacity of local internet service; if you do not receive the photos, please let us know.
This from a recent news report from the Bahamas:
“He said as he approached Grand Bahama, he realized his fuel was almost empty and immediately knew he was in “problems.”
-Andrew Rolle, a Bahamian, upon being rescued after several days at sea, when he ran out of fuel.”
It is a rare cruiser to the Bahamas who doesn’t at some point realize that he is “in problems”, an appropriate Bahamian expression if there ever was one. Stuff on boats always seems to fail no matter how much rigorous preventative maintenance has been done. The worst situation is breaking down while in the open ocean.

This young Bahamian, Stephen, found himself “in problems”. Fortunately he was not far from help. While in our dinghy, we came upon him in his disabled boat – the outboard motor would not run. We took his boat in tow, and learned that he was from a fishing boat named My Rebecca from Nassau, and they were going for conch. They hoped to take 7,000 conch to market.

A couple of days later, at the mouth of the entrance cut into the harbor, we saw the fishing boat Stephen was working on, anchored with the stern placed in very shallow water near some rocks – a strange place to anchor. We went over, and Stephen explained to us that the propellor shaft on the boat, which connects the engine and goes through the bottom of the boat to the propeller, had broken. They had ordered and received a new shaft, and they installed it, which explains why the aft end of the boat was in shallow water – to allow them to pull the shaft out of the boat while the crew was standing on the shallow sandy bottom. When they installed the new shaft, they found it was too short, so they were waiting for a shaft extender piece to arrive. Incredibly resourceful.
Five fishermen live on this boat. They had their laundry out to dry.

Yet again, a few days later, we found My Rebecca tied up at the government dock. The man in the red shirt is the diver – he is the one who retrieves the conch from the bottom, breathing compressed air from a pump on the surface. Stephen Sands, whom we towed in, is in the rear of the small boat.

Stephen wasn’t so anxious to have his picture taken but eventually agreed. On his arms were tattoos with the names of his three children: Stephenelle, Stephenique and Stephanos. In the rear pocket of his jeans was a flask of something, likely needed to survive on the cramped quarters of the old fishing boat.

In our last letter, you met Alvin, who found a perfect hose for a repair on our boat. This is Alvin’s son Quincy – Alvin’s second youngest of his nine children. Quincy has a full row of beautiful gold teeth on top. He is a smart, affable young man with a good sense of humor. He has solid experience around the water, which shows as he assists boats entering the marina, and helps them to safely and securely dock their boats – which is quite an art. A bad dock-hand can cause damage to a boat in an instant. Quincy just had a new daughter in Nassau, and he flew there this week to see her for the first time. This highlights one of the realities of the Bahamian economy – many families are split when (usually) the father has to travel to a distant island for work. Moving between islands is expensive – usually by local small aircraft.

We explored the sand flats off the west side of Great Harbour Cay. The water is shallow, especially at low tide, and there is much wildlife: sting rays, fish, conch and juvenile black-tip sharks about 2-3’ long. Barbara is in the dinghy behind me. Our friends who were with us said that they wondered if she was paddling away…
This year there was an abundance of these beautiful Cushion Sea Stars, which can grow up to 20” across. It has a thick body and knobby spines which form geometric designs. Some are tan; this one is orange-brown. We don’t keep them and it was returned to the water.

One of our favorite adventures while at Great Harbour is to do a “dinghy expedition” a number of miles south to an island called Money Cay. Legend has it that a hermit found a trove of money there, years ago. The entire area has to be one of the most spectacular places on earth. Pristine beaches, sparkling water and total solitude. One day we saw a local fishing boat there, but the majority of time we are totally alone.
It’s a bit of a challenge to reach Money Cay – you can go there only on the top half of the tides over the sand flats. Otherwise there is barely enough water to float the dinghies, let alone run them at any speed.
In this photo, our friends Jim and Ellen have just explored a secluded bay. The water under their dinghy is about 12’ deep. Both of our dinghies are equipped with bimini tops to provide shade from the Bahamian sun.

Here is a Queen Conch, with the most exceptional range of colors we have seen. This one is live – you can see the little critter poking out. We took its picture and returned it to the water.

This is the same Queen Conch as shown in the prior photo, and how it looks in its normal place on the bottom. The sea growth on the top of the outer shell serves as camouflage, making it difficult for most predators to find them. They use a big single claw to drag themselves across the bottom looking for food.

One day while exploring some remote islands, we spotted this bonefishing boat in the distance. The man standing on the platform at the rear of the boat is Percy Darville, one of the most famous bonefish guides in the Bahamas. He is 69 years old, and has served as guide to Jack Nicklaus, who has been a regular at Great Harbour.
Percy is using a long pole to push the boat through the flats while his client, standing in the bow, scans the water for the elusive fish. Bonefish are between 1′ to 2 1/2’ long and live in the shallows; they are considered a premier gamefish, and give the angler an extraordinary fight. It has been said that if a bonefish were as big as a battleship, it would take a battleship to land it. All bonefish are returned to the water, both out of sportsmanship and since they are difficult to eat because of……

Barbara anchors the dinghy, ready to explore a new cay we just landed upon.
Since our first letter, we have received several questions about how the Bahamas may have changed, post pandemic. Masks are to be worn any time you are inside (except while eating), and it is enforced. We met one cruiser who was asked to leave a food store because he had no mask. All of the dockhands, even outside, are masked.
Diesel fuel at our marina is now around $7.50 a gallon, about average for the Bahamas.
There is a good deal of construction going on here, mostly higher-end vacation homes for foreigners. But the economic downturn and possible recession have appeared to put many of those plans on hold.
There aren’t really food shortages, just gaps in time as to when the food is available. The mail boat came in again yesterday (on-time two weeks in a row) so the stores should be re-stocked by now. Few are going hungry but people often run short of things they would need.

There are three food stores on this island; two of them have a limited selection, and one of the two has no fresh produce or dairy products at all. This is the third, and best one, A & L.

Since the mail boat had just arrived, the A & L store was well stocked with fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, cheese and breads. Most meats are frozen, and consist of chicken, pork and some goat.

A price list on the refrigerated case at the A & L store. Virtually all food comes from the U.S., and the higher costs are reflective of the significant shipping and handling expenses from Florida. Much of what is shipped needs constant refrigeration. Everything from the U.S. goes through Nassau, and then is transferred to mail boats for delivery to the remote islands. Inflation has hit the Bahamas too. A box of breakfast cereal is $7.00. The Bahamian dollar is on par with the American dollar, and both types of currency are accepted everywhere.

On these remote trips, miles from anywhere, we always value having another dinghy exploring with us, in case we find ourselves “in problems.”

While cruising on a boat, approaching storms may soon get you “in problems.” But it’s all worth it to be in such a beautiful country.
_____________________________________________________________________
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” – Nelson Henderson
Best regards to you all.
Greg and Barbara
Copyright Greg Allard, 2022
Final 5/20/22
Share:
Be the first to comment!

May 20, 2022by: Larry Dorminy No Comments

Charleston County Parks’ Summer Entertainment Series, Charleston, SC

Charleston County Parks, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is proud to announce the return of Summer Entertainment Series beginning in June. Fun for kids and grandkids at James Island and Wannamaker County Parks.

Charleston County Parks’ Summer Entertainment Series is back in June

Sarah Reynolds

Public Information Coordinator

Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission

861 Riverland Dr

Charleston

29412

Primary:

843-762-8089

sreynolds@CCPRC.com

CharlestonCountyParks.com

Be the first to comment!

May 20, 2022by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.0558,-76.619999

Get to know the Edenton Museum Trail, Edenton, Albemarle Sound, NC

View In Chartview

Edenton, NC - the prettiest town in the South!

A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, historic Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events! Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.

View Our Visitor Services

800-775-0111 • info@visitedenton.com

Hello!

You’ve certainly heard about the Edenton Trolley Tour and Captain Mark’s Edenton Bay Cruises.

Both are surefire “can’t miss” experiences when you come to Edenton.

But there’s a third one, perfect for a lazy afternoon.

It’s the Edenton Museum Trail.

The Edenton Museum Trail gives you an up-close and personal look at many of the most exciting and iconic places in Edenton.

It’s the perfect way to kill some time before dinner or walk off a big lunch.

The Edenton Museum Trail is engaging, easy, and relaxing.

So, when you schedule your next trip to Edenton, make sure you put it on the agenda.

Erienne,

Tourism director

PS-Want a little more information about the Edenton Museum Trail? Click here to find out about it.

Visit the Prettiest Small Town in the South

* Shop * Dine * Stay *

STAY CONNECTED WITH US!

‌

‌

‌

Visit our website

800-775-0111 • info@visitedenton.com

Chowan County Tourism Development Authority | PO Box 245, 101 W Water Street, Edenton, NC 27932

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Edenton Harbor City Docks

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor City Docks

Be the first to comment!

May 19, 2022by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 35.533,-76.5359999
More Praise for Dowry Creek Marina, Belhaven, NC, AICW MM 131.5

View In Chartview

A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Dowry Creek Marina is owned by the Zeltner family who want to roll out the red carpet to transients, doing whatever you might need during your visit. This highly praised and transient friendly marina lies off the AICW/Pungo River north of Belhaven, NC. This review of Dowry Creek Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is reprinted from Bob Sherer’s review on Bob423.

I was fortunate to get a dock at Dowry Creek Marina for a week. The wind has been unrelenting at 20 kts with gusts to 32 but at least it’s been out of the north, a good direction for Dowry. We were also fortunate in being downwind from a large powerboat that is shielding us from much of the wind.
If you have to hole up somewhere, Dowry Creek is a good place to chose with their free courtesy cars, free laundry, $5 pumpout right at your dock, WiFi that works (although it does slow down when everyone gets on for their evening streaming), free saltwater pool (too cold now, however), a captain’s lounge with a 65 inch TV (where I gave a presentation on the use of Bob423 tracks), and a well stocked convenience store – better than any I’ve seen in a marina on the ICW. As a last comment, they also have propane refill on site. How many marinas have that!
They are in the process of building a restaurant on site that will seat 180 people with more seating outside. They hope to have it done by the fall migration this year.
However, there’s one more thing to be aware of. They have a water level gauge that is correlated to the Wilkerson Bridge. A photo is shown below. The Dockmaster can view the gauge from the clubhouse and relay the height of the bridge over the phone (252-943-2728). That information can be real handy for those headed for the bridge with a high mast, especially when the winds blow.

Click Here To View the Cruisers Net North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Dowry Creek Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dowry Creek Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!

May 17, 2022by: Larry Dorminy No Comments

Get Caught Up in Gulfport! Gulfport Historical Society, Gulfport, FL

Gulfport Marina includes dry boat storage, ship store, bathroom, public boat ramp, parking, fueling stations, lighted range markers and guest docking facility.

The Gulfport Historical Society offers educational activities for kids of all ages and the City of Gulfport, home to Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, located on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay and easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.

President’s Message

We’re excited to see the Gulfport Arts Center coming together, and looking forward to assembling our steering committee to work towards our grand reopening. Interested in shaping the future of the “arts for all” initiatives at the Gulfport Arts Center? Email us and let us know you want to be part of the steering committee.

Lots of great things are on tap at the Gulfport History Museum, too – we’re getting ready for our lowcountry shrimp boil May 20 as well as our annual members meeting. We’re excited to welcome some new board members as we grow. In June, we’re bringing back our “So You Think You Know Gulfport?” irreverent history quiz show – this time with cash prizes! – and in July, we have another Gulfport Stories interview.

We’d love to have you support us, either with your time, talents, or wallet. Email us about volunteering either of the first two, or make a donation to support our mission – which is to preserve and celebrate Gulfport culture and history through exhibits and programs that educate and inspire the community and visiting public – today.

See you soon!
Cathy
Cathy Salustri Loper, President, Gulfport Historical Society

Donate

May at the Museum

Give the Gift of Gulfport this Father’s Day. Not sure what to get dad? How about a $20 annual membership to the Gulfport History Museum? We have a personalized membership card inside a Gulfport note card just for him! It’s the gift that gives all year long with special holiday events, monthly porch parties, Gulfport Stories series, book talks, Gulfport walking tours, Gulfport haunted walking tours, Cinema Under the Stars, our newsletter and so much more – FREE with a membership! Stop in the museum Thursday, Friday or Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. or email for more options.

2022 Annual Members Meeting. Join us for our annual meeting at the Gulfport History Museum. Agenda items include the year-in-review reports, Gulfport Arts Center update, and board member elections. Anyone may attend, but only members in good standing may vote and/or contribute at the meeting. We hope you can join us. May 20, 6 p.m. Gulfport History Museum. Please register to help us accommodate you as best we can.

Porch Party – Low Country Style Shrimp Boil. Join us at the museum right after the members meeting to enjoy a true Southern Shrimp Boil. All proceeds from this event benefit the Gulfport Historical Society and Gulfport Art Center. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance so we have plenty of tasty food to go around. Tickets can be purchased at the museum, online here or at the Gulfport Beach Bazaar ($10 members, $12 non-members). Canned soft drinks and water will be available at the event at no charge. Members have access to the Square Mullet Clubhouse. Dogs and well-behaved kids welcome. May 20, 7 p.m. Gulfport History Museum. Register here & purchase your tickets!

The Original Gulfport Walking Tour. Join a local historian with the gift of gab to learn about Gulfport’s unusual history. The tour ends right as Gulfport’s Indie Market starts downtown, so leave time after to browse the artists and artisans and grab a bite to eat. May 21, 3 p.m. Meet at the Gulfport History Museum. $15; free for members (but members MUST register!). Register now to save your spot!

Coming Soon! The Original Gulfport EVENING Walking Tour, “So You Think You Know Gulfport?” history quiz night and Gulfport Stories!

Become a member today!

History Hideout

Communities rally around each other during times of war and Gulfport is no different. Here we see residents flocking to the third casino constructed on this location in Gulfport for a war drive rally in 1944. The wartime casino often featured USO rallies, war bond drives and other patriotic celebrations that united the region and supported the local soldiers fighting overseas. An “Honor Roll” sign listed the names of all Gulfportians who were currently serving in World War II. A 1950 renovation altered the facade of this casino to its present appearance. St. Petersburg’s municipal streetcar line terminated in front of the casino for over 44 years before its tracks were removed in late 1949.

The Gulfport Historical Society needs the community to rally once more, as we are in dire need of volunteers. If you want to do your part in the effort to preserve and promote Gulfport’s history, please contact us to see how you can help!

Joey Vars, Historian, Gulfport Historical Society

Volunteer Opportunities Sign up now!

Membership Perk Makes Time Travel Possible

Membership in the Gulfport Historical Society (GHS) now comes with even more perks! The GHS recently joined a nationwide program called Time Travelers. Time Travelers is a reciprocal membership network for historical museums and societies in the U.S. It was created by the Missouri Historical Society in 1998 to allow members of participating institutions to receive exclusive benefits and privileges at historical sites through the country. These benefits may include free or reduced admission, gift shop discounts, free parking and more.

Currently, the Time Travelers program includes over 300 organizations in more than 40 states, with the organization’s site map indicating 440 participating locations. For a list of these locations, click here

You can only access these benefits by being a member of a participating organization such as the Gulfport Historical Society. So, if you haven’t joined the GHS yet – what are you waiting for? Register to become a GHS member here .

You are receiving our emails because you either signed up at the Gulfport History Museum, the Gulfport Arts Center, online or at one of our events. You might also be on the city of Gulfport’s mailing list. You may unsubscribe from this list at any time, although it will make us sad.

Our mailing address is:
Gulfport Historical Society
5301 28th Avenue South

Gulfport, FL 33707

Be the first to comment!

May 16, 2022by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.7404,-82.69619999

Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter, City of Gulfport, May 16, 2022, Boca Ciega Bay, FL

View In Chartview

Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, and the City of Gulfport always have a full calendar of events for all ages. Located in the heart of downtown, 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

May 16, 2022 | City of Gulfport, FL – Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter

Upcoming Events

See what’s happening this month.

City Manager Report

Read the current community news.

Senior Center E-news

Click here to see what’s happening next.

Library Calendar of Events

Upcoming activities at the Gulfport Library.

Michael J. Yakes Recreation Center

Click here to see all classes and activities.

Historic Casino Weekly Dance Events

Click here to see the Casino’s Weekly Dance Schedule.

Gulfport City Hall & Facilities will be Closed Monday, May 30th in Observance of Memorial Day !

Gulfport Municipal Marina

will be open. The sanitation schedule will not be affected.

This Weeks Events & Meetings

Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market

Tuesday, May 17th | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Downtown Waterfront District, Beach Blvd. S.

Join us weekly at our open-air fresh market for the region’s freshest produce, arts & crafts from local creators and a fresh array of locally sourced botanicals along the shops and restaurants of scenic Beach Boulevard.

More info

Ask a City Councilor Event at the

Third Tuesday Fresh Market

Tuesday, May 17th | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Gulfport Welcome Center, 3101 Beach Blvd. S.

The City of Gulfport, Ward I Representative, April Thanos will be hosting an “Ask a City Councilor” event, every third Tuesday of the month, for residents to get to know their Councilmember, ask questions, and provide comment.

For more information, please call City of Gulfport, Ward I Representative, April Thanos at (727) 826-7138.

Weekly dance info

Ballroom Dance Lessons w/ Carol Baker

Tuesday, May 17th

Noon – 1 p.m. Beginner Waltz

1 – 2 p.m. Intermediate Waltz

2 – 3 p.m. Ballroom Dancing

Gulfport Casino Ballroom

5500 Shore Blvd. S.

$10 admission

Call 727-798-3660

City Council Meeting (In-Person & Zoom)

Tuesday, May 17th | 6 p.m.

PUBLIC NOTICE | AGENDA

City Hall, 2401 53rd St. S. | 727-893-1012

https://mygulfport.us/councilmeetings/

Argentine Tango Dance & Lesson

w/ Kathleen & Steve Prucher

Tuesday, May 17th | 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom

5500 Shore Blvd. S.

$10 admission

Call 727-742-3368

Weekly dance info

City of Gulfport Police patch. Picture of a sun with a gateway.

Virtual Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Every Wednesday | 1:30 p.m.

Broadcasting “on Facebook” Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Check on updates for your area and learn about recent incidents related to vehicle, residential burglaries, BOLO’s and stolen vehicles. For more information, please contact Mr. Jim Wright Volunteer Coordinator at 727-893-1022 or jwright@mygulfport.us.

www.swingtime.info

Events@SwingTime.info

Swing Dance & Lesson w/ Swing Time

Wednesday, May 18th

Lesson 7 – 8 p.m. | Dancing 8 – 11 p.m.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom

5500 Shore Blvd. S.

$10 admission

Weekly dance info

Latin Night at the Gulfport Casino

Thursday, May 19th | 7 – 11 p.m.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom

5500 Shore Blvd. S.

$10 admission

Call 727-254-6563

www.salsarivera.com

Weekly dance info

Gulfport Casino Ballroom

5500 Shore Blvd. S.

727-893-1070

Sock Hop with the Legendary Impacs

LAST SHOW THE 2022 SEASON

Friday, May 20th | 7 p.m.

Step back in time as you dance to the sounds of the 50s and 60s with the Legendary Impacs. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Live music at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and available at the Gulfport Casino Box office, 5500 Shore Blvd S. or the Downtown Beach Bazaar at 3115 Beach Blvd. S. http://www.impacsband.com/.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom 5500 Shore Blvd. S.

ADMISSION: $5

(children 14 and under free)

For more information,

contact Ken Breslauer at KenBreslauer@gmail.com

or visit Floridania Fest.

Floridania Fest 2022

Saturday, May 21st | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

ADMISSION: $5 (children 14 and under free).

Door prizes every hour.

Collectors of vintage Florida ephemera, including souvenirs, postcards, books, art and related memorabilia will be gathering for the 2022 Floridania Fest in Gulfport, Florida.

Show promoter Ken Breslauer, who founded the Floridania Fest in 1994 at the Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables, is the author of several Florida books relating to Florida souvenirs and collectibles. “The Floridania Fest is a fun, informal gathering of vintage Florida enthusiasts, stated Breslauer. “Many of the leading dealers of Florida travel souvenirs, postcards, books, art and related vintage Florida collectibles will be attending. A wide range of Florida memorabilia will be available.”

More info

Third Saturday Indie Faire

Saturday, May 21st | 5 – 9 p.m.

Downtown Waterfront District

Beach Blvd. S.

Welcome to Third Saturday Indie Faire! The Indie Faire features high quality local art and contemporary crafts from across a wide range of mediums, as well as jewelry and locally sourced botanicals in an outdoor and socially distanced manner along scenic Beach Boulevard in downtown Gulfport.

Upcoming Events & Meetings

More info

USA Ballroom Dance at Historic Casino

Monday, May 23rd | 7 – 10 p.m.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom

5500 Shore Blvd. S.

Gulfport, Florida 33707

Admission: $7 Members, $10 Non-members

Lesson: 7:15 – 7:45 Gina Santamaria

Show: 8:30 Gina & Aladdin

2022 Hurricane Preparedness Seminar

Thursday, May 26th | 6 p.m. | Doors open at 5 p.m.

for vendor information

Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

The Atlantic basin hurricane season begins June 1. Get informed to be prepared during the City of Gulfport’s Annual Hurricane Seminar. This informative seminar is free and open to the public. Attendees can enjoy a slice of pizza and soft drink for $3 beginning at 5 p.m. For more information or to become a hurricane related vendor, call 893-1118 or email kossola@mygulfport.us.

Weekly dance info

Fourth Friday Singles Dance w/ Carol Baker

Friday, May 27th | 6 – 10 p.m.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.

Teacher: Carol Baker | 727-798-3660

$10 admission

Lesson: 6:15 – 6:45 pm: Carol Baker

Dancing 7 – 10 pm

Weekly dance info

Ballroom Dance Night at the Casino Ballroom

Sunday, May 29th | 6 – 9:30 p.m.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.

Teacher: Carol Baker | 727-798-3660

$10 admission

Lesson: 6 – 7 pm: Carol Baker

Dancing 7 – 9:30 pm, to the fabulous music of Daniel Fugazzotto

Bring a friend, they will have a ball!

Annual Pride Flag Raising

Wednesday, June 1st | 6 p.m.

Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

Start out Pride Month with the City of Gulfport and the LGBTQ Resource Center of the Gulfport Public Library on Wednesday, June 1. For more information, please visit https://mygulfport.us/lgbtq-resources/.

Gulfport Public Library

5501 28th Ave. S.

More info

5th Annual ArtOut Exhibit

June 1 – 30, 2022 | Viewing hrs. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Hosted by the LGBTQ Resource Center of the Gulfport Library, this international juried exhibit will be held both in person at the Gulfport Public Library in Gulfport, Fla., and virtually at https://artout.lgbtqgulfport.org.

This exhibition features artwork created by LGBTQ+ artists and Allies that is inspired by experiences of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary goal of the exhibit is to lift up LGBTQ+ experiences and responses generated by the COVID-19 pandemic: resilience, creativity, suffering, persistence, and more.

Catherine Hickman Theater

5501 27th Ave. S.

To learn more about Destination Theatre, please visit

www.destinationtheatre.org

or contact Artistic Director,

Cory Phelps at cory@destinationtheatre.org

Boley Centers on Broadway Presents

Legally Blonde – The Musical

Thursday, June 2nd | 7 – 9 p.m.

Destination Theatre is partnering with Boley Centers to put on a production of Legally Blonde, Jr.! Boley Centers’ clients will perform as actors in the show working alongside Destination Theatre’s professional actors. Join us for this remarkable theatre experience!

Performance dates:

• Thursday, June 2nd at 7pm: Reserve a Seat!

• Friday, June 3rd at 2pm: Reserve a Seat!

• Friday, June 3rd at 7pm: Reserve a Seat!

*seat reservations available online only

First Friday Art Walk flyer. Picture of art.

More info

First Friday Art Walk

Friday, June 3rd | 5 – 9 p.m.

Downtown Waterfront District

Beach Blvd. S.

Come join us with free live music up and down the street. Follow the flags for artist clusters, displaying paintings, jewelry, glass, mixed media sculpture and more. First Friday Art Walk is a juried event that welcomes emerging and professional artists in all media to engage in our arts loving community.

Downtown Waterfront District

Beach Blvd. S.

More info

2nd Annual Gulfport Pride

Saturday, June 4th | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Downtown Gulfport will host its 2nd Annual LGBTQ Resource Center Pride event to benefit the award-winning LGBTQ Resource Center of the Gulfport Public Library.

Activities will include the Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band, the ArtOut Exhibit and vendors showcasing art, pride gear, services and resources that serve the community. Additional activities and fundraisers sponsored by Gulfport’s all-inclusive local businesses include live music, fun-raisers, a local business décor contest and more.

https___cdn.evbuc.com_images_275041649_780348074263_1_original.jpg

More info

SpeakOut: The Intersection of LGBTQ Identity and Art

Saturday, June 4th | 5 – 8 p.m.

Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

70+ artworks reveal the impact of COVID on LGBTQ+ art, plus a discussion of “What is Queer Art?”, with Saudade Toxosi and Steve Glassman.

Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

Tickets and info

The Gulfport Community Players Present:

Torch Song, by Harvey Fierstein

June 9 – 12 & June 16 – 19

Thurs-Fri-Sat at 8 p.m., Sat & Sun at 2 p.m.

The life of Arnold Beckoff, a torch-song singing, Jewish drag queen living in New York City, is dramatized over the late 70s and 80s. Torch Song follows Arnold’s odyssey to find happiness. All he wants is a husband, a child, and a pair of bunny slippers but a visit from his overbearing mother reminds him that he needs one thing more: respect.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom

5500 Shore Blvd. S.

$10 admission

https://swingtime.info/soul.html

Disco Party w/ Swing Time

Friday, June 10th

Lesson 7 – 8 p.m. | Dancing 8 – midnight

The Disco Party returns to the Gulfport Casino! Dance 8 p.m. – midnight to those funky disco grooves and beats. Arrive early for a Dance Lesson 7 – 8 p.m., where you can learn the Hustle and other Disco-era dances. Get ready for the Soul Train! Just $10 includes everything. The Disco Party happens the second Friday of every month.

City of Gulfport Flag Day

Tuesday, June 14th | 10 a.m.

Veteran’s Park, 5350 31st Ave. S.

Join the City of Gulfport for a flag retirement ceremony with special guests, the New Horizon Band of Gulfport. For questions, please contact 727-893-1118.

Celebrate JuneTEENth

Saturday, June 18th | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Gulfport Recreation Center (backfield)

5730 Shore Blvd. S.

The Kiwanis Club of Gulfport invites teens, youth and families to Celebrate JuneTEENth at Gulfport’s 2nd annual Juneteenth event. Join us for music, games, local vendors and nonprofits, food, fun and fellowship!

Fraud Prevention Forum

Saturday, June 22nd | 2 – 4 p.m.

Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

Please register at https://www.gulfportpolice.com/fraud-prevention-forum.html. Limited seating is available. Free and open to the public.

Community Outreach

Latest Beach Water Quality Sampling Data

See the latest report here.

Public Cameras

Check out our live streaming cameras here, to see what you are missing.

Gulfport Charter & Code of Ordinances

Online access is provided at the following link.

Utility & Marina Bill payment

View and pay Utility & Marina Billing accounts online here.

The Atlantic basin hurricane season begins June 1.

Are you prepared?

Gulfport Hurricane Center

New Website for Housing Resources

Pinellas County has launched a new website to help residents in need of rent guidance more easily access this information and affordable housing and legal resources in our community.

Know your rights and where to get help when making rental decisions.

Learn more

FSI Connect

Real-Time Help for Families is a Call or Click Away

727-888-HELP (727-888-4357)

FSI is a prevention initiative focusing on providing families the right service, at the right time. The initiative provides support and wrap-around services to meet the family’s basic needs and helps to empower and educate them to become self-sufficient, and anchored within our community.

Learn more

Veterans Park, 5350 31st Ave S.

More info

Veterans Park Memorial Ribbon Campaign

Available Now to Support

the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation

The Gulfport Senior Center Foundation will be installing a memorial ribbon in the Gulfport Veterans Park as a fundraiser to support programs and services of the Senior Center.

The meandering ribbon of engraved bricks will connect the sidewalk to the flagpole base at the beautiful waterfront park. The public is invited to purchase a brick to honor or memorialize a friend or family member, veteran or non-veteran. Engraved bricks will be a permanent part of the Gulfport Veterans Memorial Park.

Lift Station No.2 Installation and Improvements

The City of Gulfport continues to invest in new infrastructure to move wastewater more efficiently through the system, minimize the potential for wet weather overflows and protect the environment. The Lift Station No.2 Force Main Installation and Improvement Project involves designing, permitting and updating the lift station in the Municipal Marina area. It also includes a new underground pipeline to connect both City of Gulfport lift stations to the City of St. Petersburg system for treatment and disposal. Beginning Monday, February 28, 2022, construction will occur at Lift Station No.2 site and along the pipeline route. There will be temporary construction impacts, including:

Temporary closure at 53rd Street South and 31st Avenue South, extending eastward along 31st Avenue South to Tradewinds Drive, and Del Rio Way, then northward along Tifton Street South to 29th Avenue South.
Lane closures on 31st Avenue South.
Impeded driveway access on 31st Avenue South during horizontal directional drill pipe installation (long segments of fused pipe will be strung along the roadway).
Increased construction traffic near the lift station site and near pipeline construction.
Construction activity, traffic, noise and minor vibration Monday through Friday; some night or weekend work may be required to reduce impacts to the community.
Motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists should use caution when traveling near construction and follow all detour and lane closure signs.

For more information, please contact the City of Gulfport Public Works Department at (727) 893-1085.

Learn more

Duke Energy is working hard in our community to improve reliability, reduce outages, strengthen the power grid against severe weather and prepare our system to serve our growing area by upgrading electrical infrastructure in Gulfport.

As part of this commitment, they are conducting a major grid improvement project in the City of Gulfport and surrounding areas.

Learn more

Duke Energy Crews are performing tree trimming in the City of Gulfport as part of their vegetation management program. Trees and vegetation are part of Florida’s natural landscape and also one of the leading causes of power outages. Trees that are close to power lines must be trimmed or cut down by qualified crews to ensure reliable electric service.

Customers who have questions or concerns about right-of-way or vegetation maintenance can contact a Duke Energy Progress customer service representative by calling 800-452-2777.

Location Map

Pledge to Plan

To help our community prepare for hurricane season, Pinellas County Emergency Management presents the 2022 Pledge to Plan Hurricane Preparedness Series.

Pinellas County Emergency Management and affiliated community partners will discuss preparation, evacuation procedures, shelter options, special needs, insurance considerations and resources available to communities within Pinellas County. The webinars are designed to focus on a special interest and are open to all residents, business people and visitors.

Faith-Based Communities – Wednesday, May 25, 1 – 2 p.m. | REGISTRATION LINK

Registration in advance is required to attend each event. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about accessing the webinar. For assistance with registration or questions, please contact Emergency Management at (727)464-5550 or ema@pinellascounty.org.

Learn more

The City of Gulfport Private Waterline and Sewer Lateral Replacement Assistance Program offers financial reimbursement after the replacement of a deteriorated residential waterline or sewer lateral. City Utilities residential water or sewer customers are eligible for a rebate of 50% up to $3,500.00 after the purchase, installation, and inspection of failing waterlines or sewer lateral between the home connection and the city connection.

Reassurance Telephone Program flyer. Picture of person on phone.

The City of Gulfport Senior Center’s Telephone Reassurance Program is a free service for Gulfport Residents 50 years of age or older. Volunteers provide daily phone calls to registered members and provide comfort, security, and peace of mind to members and families.

Registration is simple and free. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service during this difficult time, please call (727) 893-2237 and register today.

GEMS door-to-door transportation has provided independence & freedom to elderly and disabled residents of Gulfport for over 40 years.

Any Gulfport residents 55 & older or residents with a disability can take advantage of GEMS door to door service for a yearly membership of $70 plus $2 per ride. For more information, call 893-2242.

Call 2 recycle. Leading the charge in recycling.

The Gulfport Public Works Department located at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center (1617 49th St. S.) is an official collection site for rechargeable batteries!

For more information, please call 727-893-1089 or visit https://mygulfport.us/public-works-department/.

Gulfport Library Open to the Public. Regular hours with limited service. Hands with books.

If you have questions, please contact library staff at (727) 893-1073 or (727) 893-1074. Hours are, Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Gulfport Public Library is open with normal business hours. We are committed to the health and well-being of the citizens we serve. The Gulfport Library is open with limited services to the public, observing best practices for the safety of both citizens and staff.

If you continue to self-isolate and require library services: The Gulfport Public Library has a number of free services patrons can utilize to checkout eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, or learn a learn a languag e.

Gulfport on the go. City App Slide. Picture of hand with phone. Casino Ballroom with water and dock.

The City App for iOS and Android mobile devices, allows residents to connect more conveniently with City government to report issues and request non-emergency services. For more information, please email info@mygulfport.us or call 727-893-1118.

Learn more

Visit our Website

Gulfport Municipal Marina

The City of Gulfport Mooring Field is the ideal destination for the traveling sailor. With options to stay for a day, week, or month, we’re conveniently located in the heart of downtown. Our engineered moorings offer a variety of amenities for transient boaters wishing to anchor out in the bay.

City of Gulfport, Florida | https://mygulfport.us/

City of Gulfport Florida | 2401 53rd Street South, Gulfport, FL 33707

Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gulfport Municipal Marina

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

Be the first to comment!

May 13, 2022by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
2022 Letter #1 from the Bahamas by Greg and Barbara Allard
Our sincerest thanks to Greg and Barbara Allard for once again sharing their thoughts and beautiful photography from their Bahamas cruises. These photos and descriptions will have you aching to follow in Meander‘s wake! For more this excellent photography, type Allard in our Homepage search window for letters from previous cruises.
Hello everyone – It has been almost three years since our last visit to the Bahamas and our Letters from the Bahamas. In 2020, in preparation for the trip, we crossed Florida on the Okeechobee waterway, and arrived in Stuart on the east coast; the news of Covid had travelled with us. After waiting for two weeks, we turned around and went home. That was a good choice – we later met some friends who were there already, and they were instructed to leave the Bahamas immediately and were not allowed to even go ashore anywhere.

Last year we made a second attempt, but the evolving new strains caused the Bahamian government to impose strict additional measures, so we cancelled that crossing.

This year was better. Since we had received both vaccinations, as well as two subsequent booster shots, the only requirement was that we have a Covid test no more than three days before we were scheduled to arrive in the Bahamas. That sounds easy, but we had to do it three times; the weather and winds did not cooperate, so the planned crossings after the first two tests were cancelled.

But…we are here now, and we are thrilled to be back. As in prior years, we are traveling with our friends Ellen and Jim on their Outer Reef named Latitude.

So here is our first Letter from the Bahamas for 2022. As always, if you would prefer to no longer receive them, please let us know.

– Greg and Barbara Allard

2022 Letter from the Bahamas

As we sat for our first Covid test in the clinic in Stuart, FL, the technician left the test instruments on the counter for 15 minutes, and we could see that both tests were negative. We then had to upload the results to the new on-line Bahamian web site (called Click2Clear), to obtain our Bahamian Health Care Visas and Cruising Permit. As with any new system it has its challenges; at one point I renamed it “Click2Crash”, but since we had to do it three times, we became experts.

For those who are joining us for these letters for the first time and are unfamiliar with our boat, here is a photo. She is named Meander and we have owned her for almost ten years. It is traditional, for centuries, to refer to a vessel as a “she”. We follow that custom. Meander is a 61’ Tollycraft Raised Pilot House, built in the State of Washington. Her equipment includes two generators, a water maker to convert sea water to fresh water suitable for drinking, and a dinghy with an outboard, stored on the upper aft deck, which allows us to go to shore if we are anchored, or to explore remote back-waters.

The seas were in turmoil from the strong winds which have been blowing in Florida and the Bahamas this season.

This was the goal, one worth reaching. The north shore beach on Great Harbour Cay, in the Berry Islands.

Great Harbour Cay is a small island with a population of around 600. The mailboat is “scheduled” to come from Nassau once a week, but for the last three weeks it has been locked in port due to the heavy winds. That boat is somewhat misnamed, since it does not just deliver the mail, but everything else that this island needs to survive: food, medications, household appliances, building materials. Since the mailboat had been delayed for so long, the two local food stores were essentially out of fresh vegetables, fruit, and staples such as cheese, milk and eggs.
Covid hit this small island hard. Eleven people died, which is a much higher percent than in the U.S. And the economy, dependent largely on tourism, was badly impacted.

While the Bahamas have outstanding beaches and stunning gin-clear water, readers from past Letter know that we focus on what we find most rewarding: the people of the Bahamas. They are wonderful, warm, friendly, and always willing to help a visitor. The first lesson that a traveller needs to learn in a visit to the Bahamas is that the pace of life here is different. There is a commendable lack of urgency about almost everything (except a true emergency.) It takes a while for the average American to adjust to that.

While we were here, we had a problem with a deck drain leaking into the engine room. A hose had failed; when traveling this far from home, we carry an extensive spare parts inventory, but we just did not have a hose of the particular size needed. I mentioned this to our friend Elorn, a local Bahamian whom we have known for years, and a deacon at his church. Two days later another Bahamian named Quincy appeared at our boat with a hose – which exactly met the specs of what we needed. (More on Quincy in the next Letter). The hose was in a package labelled “Peugeot”. I don’t think we have ever seen a Peugeot on this island, so how that hose came to be here is a mystery. Quincy suggested that I discuss the hose with his father, who was sitting in a jeep nearby. So off I went, and met the man in the picture above, Alvin Rolle. Alvin, as almost everyone here, does a little bit of everything to earn a living. He catches and supplies conch meat, does all kinds of jobs, and most importantly, has parts for boats and houses and ’tings. I asked him how he knew what exact hose we needed, and he said “Elorn told me”. He wanted to give me the hose at no charge, but we settled on a fair price.

Great Harbour Cay Marina – at the traditional cruisers’ bar-b-que on Friday nights. A local woman comes to the marina with chicken and ribs, and with the deliciously famous Bahamian Mac ’n Cheese. The fellow cruisers we meet are an interesting group. Most of them don’t hang their hat on their prior achievements; rather, the talk is of cruising the Bahamas, boats, and the weather.

On the eastern shore of Great Harbour is the Beach Club, an outdoor tiki-bar and restaurant operated by the marina. It overlooks a magnificent beach. We go there often for cracked conch and cold Kaliks, the national beer. This is one of the waitresses, Clinique. The first picture I took of her was uninspiring – she had no smile. Then I used the magic phrase universally used by Bahamian women: “Work it girl!”, and it resulted in a much better photo. She is a terrific waitress, and a friendly, warm person. We talked with her for a long time on several occasions.

Barbara holds a beautiful Queen Conch, with some magnificent colors.

Yes, some of you have seen this picture before. It is one of our favorite views on Great Harbour Cay, especially with a
hint of the little pink house down by the water, and the stunning shadows of the palms on the road.

Fresh water is always a concern for residents of these remote islands. In most places there are wells, some produce decent water, and others….that well water is not so good. On Great Harbour Cay, the marina operates a reverse osmosis system (similar to the watermaker on our boat) – a complex piece of machinery which converts sea water into drinkable water. Boats in the marina are charged fifty cents a gallon for that water (if they don’t have their own watermaker). The marina has a decent policy showing support for the community which allows local residents to take that water for their own use at home, for no charge. Here, a father and son fill two five-gallon jugs.

In the next Letter you will meet several other interesting Bahamians and travel with us by dinghy to explore some remote and spectacular areas of the Berry Islands.

Warmest regards to you all.

Greg and Barbara

Copyright Greg Allard 2022
Share:
Be the first to comment!
May 13, 2022by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
News & Updates from Sun Powered Yachts
One of the newest items available this Fall from Sun Powered Yachts, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is the Maxeon Air 330W flex panel. Click the link below for more information.
News & Updates from Sun Powered Yachts
Katie displaying a Maxeon Air 330W flex panel at the Miami International Boat Show
Maxeon Air 330W flex panel
The Maxeon Air 330W flexible solar panel is coming soon! We were lucky to have one at the Miami International Boatshow in February 2022 and they are currently in production in France.
We have been told to expect them in the USA in late Q3.
Share:
Be the first to comment!
May 12, 2022by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Needs Your Help!
Outer Banks Forever is working with our national park staff to coordinate a beach cleanup effort on Hatteras Island in the coming days once road and weather conditions improve.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Needs Your Help!
For more updates from the National Park Service, please visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s News Releases page.
Thank you in advance for your help,
Jessica Barnes, Director
Share:
Be the first to comment!