GADNR Seeks Applicants for Coastal Marshlands, Shore Protection Committees
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is seeking nominees for an appointment to a four-year term on the Coastal Marshlands and Shore protection committees.
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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.
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History of the Southwest Florida Waterway
An interesting report on the early development of the Southwest Florida Waterway.
History of the Intracoastal Waterway
Bradenton Times
View of the Intracoastal Waterway at Lido Beach circa 1946. Photo: State Archives of Florida
View of the Intracoasta Waterway at Lido Beach circa 1946. Photo: State Archives of FloridaSunday, Jan 16, 2022I’ve always been intrigued about the brackish lake located at the south end of Siesta Key. Where did it come from? Was it originally freshwater? Was it once part of Midnight Pass? It got me thinking about dredging operations along the barrier keys and the creation of the Intracoastal Waterway. Here’s what I found out about the area.Back in the 1890s, when people were just starting to realize the agricultural potential of the area, it became clear that there was an advantage to transporting popular exports like citrus, vegetables, livestock, lumber and fish to neighboring villages through inland waters, which were sheltered from severe weather and could provide safe passages to shallow-draft vessels unable to go offshore.
Local communities requested the assistance of the federal government and the United States Congress committed $5,000 for the project. In 1895, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began dredging a 100-foot-wide channel, nine feet deep, that ran from southern Tampa Bay to Charlotte Harbor. The Intracoastal Waterway took 72 years to complete, according to document The Historical Development of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway: The Boating Geography of Southwest Florida Before Development.
At the time, the 54-mile stretch from Tampa Bay to Gasparilla Sound included three separate bays that were not connected: Big Sarasota Bay; Little Sarasota Bay and Lemon Bay. These bays were separated by natural barriers, mostly mangroves, and had varying depths and navigability. Settlers were forced to sail around these barriers into open water, which left them vulnerable to choppy seas and unpredictable weather patterns.
The dredging occurred sporadically and began in south Tampa Bay with a series of cut-throughs. The first “cut,” joined Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay in 1895. The following year, Sarasota Bay joined Casey’s Pass. In 1907, another cut through extended to Venice. The plan worked. By 1917, all sorts of goods were being transported safely from Tampa to Charlotte Harbor. Some of the major supplies were brick, canned goods, groceries, cement, corn, fertilizer, grain, ice and lumber. In 1919, Congress approved more funding for a wider channel to accommodate more traffic.
At the time, an experimental vessel was tasked with the dredging project. “Suwannee” was a U.S. steam snag boat, 100 feet in length with a shallow draft and a square bow. With the help of a 10-man-crew, she sucked slurry from the bottom and discharged it along the shore while a derrick lifted rocks and snags from the bottom. A launch, float boat and two rowboats accompanied her during the project.
The project went so well, that in 1939 the Board of Engineer for Rivers and Harbors recommended another intracoastal project reaching from Tarpon Springs to Fort Myers. A 3-foot-deep by 75-foot-wide channel existed from Sarasota to Venice. The Corps of Engineers surveyed Lemon Bay in 1899 but determined insufficient economic justification for dredging the southern inland waterway sector to Gasparilla Sound.
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What’s on the line? It’s a bird, it’s a plane — it’s a sea robin
The sea robin is one weird-looking fish.
A striped sea robin. Photo: Robert Michelson
What’s on the line? It’s a bird, it’s a plane — it’s a sea robin
CoastalReview.orgBe the first to comment!
Lost photographs: Remembering NC’s fishing communities by David Cecelski
Historian David Cecelski illustrates with a series of photographs life in 1930s and 1940s fishing communities as well as the man who took the photos, Charles Farrell.
Manns Harbor, 1937-39. Photo: Charles A. Farrell, courtesy, State Archives of North Carolina
Lost photographs: Remembering NC’s fishing communities
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The Mullet Wrapper from the Gulfport Historical Society, Gulfport, FL
The Gulfport Historical Society continues to offer educational activities for 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.
The Mullet Wrapper
Vol. #9 Issue #1Let’s Make 2022 One for the History BooksHappy New Year! I think I speak for all of us when I say we’re hoping for a relatively … uneventful… 2022.
That’s not to say we won’t have events – we have plenty on tap for 2022, and we’re excited to see everyone again. We continue to practice safety protocols at the museum: regular cleaning, of course, and we have masks and sanitizer available for all our guests. We do not require masks for fully vaccinated guests, but even if you’re fully vaccinated and want to wear a mask, that’s fine by us – we recognize many people want to wear masks, so we’re leaving it at your discretion. Whatever it takes to make you feel good about attending our porch parties and other events, because we want to see you in 2022!
So how can you see us in January? I’m so glad you asked! Just before we zoomed into lockdown in 2020, we held our inaugural “Gulfport Stories” live oral history event with former Gulfport mayor, Yvonne Johnson. We’re pleased to resume these this month with another living Gulfport legend: Dawn Fisher. Dawn’s a former councilmember, but in more recent times people know her because they see her around the city picking up litter. She’s an amazing woman with a rich history, and I hope you’ll take the chance this month to hear her story – and, if you’d like, ask her a few questions of your own.
We have lots more happening, too – stop by and check out our new hours (Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and come see us at the Gulfport Tuesday Market. We’ll be at 31st Avenue and Beach Boulevard South every Tuesday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Also, we’d love new volunteers to work with us during those times. It’s fun – why not sign up for a shift?) Thank you all for supporting our history, and we look forward to a fruitful and historic (but in a good way!) 2022!
–Cathy
Cathy Salustri, President, Gulfport Historical SocietyDonate January at the MuseumGulfport Stories: Dawn Fisher Come meet a living legend and listen to her tell her story of Gulfport. Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m. Gulfport History Museum. Free. Register now – space is limited!.
The Original Gulfport Waling 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. Jan. 15, 3 p.m. Meet at the Gulfport History Museum. $15; free for members (but members MUST register!). Register now to save your spot!
Coming in February: “To Sir, With Love” Welcome back our snowbirds with this classic movie on the lawn. Bring a picnic-style dinner, your own seat, and drinks (members have access to the Square Mullet Clubhouse.) Dogs, other pets, and well-behaved kids welcome. Friday at sunset; exact date TBA!
Become a member today! 
It’s Time to Elect Our Next Pet Mayor
The time has come to elect a new pet mayor! Support your favorite cat-idate or can-dog-date by voting (as often as you like) at the Gulfport History Museum, the North End Tap House, Gulfport Public Library, Gulfport Beach Bazaar, Stella’s or Paw Paws – each vote costs $1. We’ll announce the winners at Gulfport’s Get Rescued on Feb. 26. All proceeds benefit the Gulfport Historical Society and SPCA Tampa Bay, a non-profit animal welfare agency that runs an open-admission animal shelter and public pet hospital. Voting opens this week, so vote with your wallet ($1 = 1 vote) and vote often! May the best dog, cat, or honey badger win! Vote now!We Need You!The Gulfport Historical Society needs volunteers to help keep the doors open, assist with projects, work on special events, and at our booth at the Tuesday Morning Market. You do not need to be a Gulfport expert; we just need people who want to help make history come alive! Sign up here.
Have a Gulfport history question? Email our historian, Joey Vars. 
Copyright © 2021 Gulfport Historical Society. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is:
Gulfport Historical Society
5301 28th Avenue South
Gulfport, FL 33707Be the first to comment!
Bigger Boats Equals Bigger Opportunities & Bigger Challenges
Is your boat over 50ft? Is bigger better? After ten years on a 50ft trawler on the ICW, this editor was thinking smaller. What do you think?
Bigger Boats Equals Bigger Opportunities & Bigger Challenges
Marina Dock AgeBe the first to comment!
Southeast Marine Fuel Best Price Summary as of Jan 12
This week’s lowest current marina fuel prices as of Jan 12
Diesel Range: $2.76 to $3.99 Lowest @ Dudley’s Marina in (North Carolina)
Gas Range: $3.40 to $4.73 Lowest @ Mandarin Holiday Marina in (St Johns River)
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 $2.76 to $4.72)
Lowest By Region
Virginia to North Carolina (Price Range $3.29 to $3.82)
$3.29 Bluewater Yachting Center (01/10)
$3.36 Portsmouth Boating Center (01/10)
$3.44 Centerville Waterway Marina (01/10)North Carolina (Price Range $2.76 to $3.99)
South Carolina (Price Range $2.90 to $4.72)
$2.90 Wacca Wache Marina (01/10)
$3.21 Myrtle Beach Yacht Club (01/10)
$3.30 Georgetown Dry Stack Marina (formerly Boat Shed Marina) (01/11)Georgia (Price Range $3.29 to $3.83)
$3.29 Two Way Fish Camp (01/10)
$3.49 Hampton River Club Marina (01/10)
$3.51 Jekyll Harbor Marina (01/10)Eastern Florida (Price Range $3.41 to $4.64)
$3.41 Port Consolidated (01/11)
$3.51 Halifax Harbor Marina (01/10)
$3.51 Mariner’s Cay Marina (01/10)St Johns River (Price Range $2.85 to $3.90)
$2.85 Mandarin Holiday Marina (01/10)
$3.25 Lambs Yacht Center (01/10)
$3.51 St Johns Marina (formally Pier 44 Marina) (01/10)Florida Keys (Price Range $3.59 to $4.27)
$3.59 Herbert Hoover Marina (01/10)
$3.60 World Wide Sportsman’s Bayside Marina (01/10)
$3.76 Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina (01/10)Western Florida (Price Range $2.99 to $4.28)
$2.99 Shields Marina (01/11)
$3.24 Gulfport Municipal Marina (01/10)
$3.29 Gateway Marina (Formerly Miller’s Marina) (01/10)Okeechobee (Price Range $3.71 to $3.71)
Northern Gulf (Price Range $3.20 to $3.64)
$3.20 C-Quarters Marina, Carrabelle, FL (01/10)
$3.30 Moorings of Carrabelle (01/10)
$3.64 St. Andrews Marina (01/10)Be the first to comment!
Keys History by Brad Bertelli
When East Florida and West Florida were still Spanish territories, they were wild, sparsely-populated frontiers.
KEYS HISTORY: LIEUTENANT DECLARES U.S. POSSESSION OF KEY WEST SOME 200 YEARS AGO
Keys WeeklyBe the first to comment!
FOCUS ON TopSide Marinas
TopSide Marinas is a family owned marina company that is looking to buy and operate marinas – they are not a broker – and they would love to meet marina owners who are ready to sell. TopSide Marinas is A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Video Introducing TopSide Marinas
Remember when you used to pull into a marina and the person helping you dock was probably the owner. Marinas operated by families with family values, family hospitality and friendliness became “old friends” and we looked forward to seeing these friends again with each cruise. It was as if we were living the lyrics from the theme song for the TV program, “Cheers” … remember ?… “Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got, taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot. Wouldn’t you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came….”
The environment in which marinas operate today is rapidly becoming more complex. There are an increasing number of regulations that must be followed to keep our waters clean and our stays safer. Providing potable water, electrical power, fuel, Wi-Fi, safe docks, carts, and professional staff to assist, while earning enough money to continually invest in the infrastructure and operations is and has been essential to a marina’s survival.
To say life was simpler in the past is an understatement. The marina where we keep our is our on-the-water neighborhood, and we don’t want that comfortable, friendly, and enjoyable ambiance to disappear. Keeping that warm hospitality and “Cheers ambiance” around our homeport marina is becoming a challenge.
Meeting that challenge is the passion of Stephen Lehn and Jacob Boan, co-founders of TopSide Marinas. Ever heard the expression, “mid-western values”, used to describe someone’s solid work ethic and high standards? Well, that describes Stephen and Jacob. They also grew up in families that loved family time on the water! This team knows the value of having safe, enjoyable and fun times on the water. Doesn’t matter if it is located on the coast, near coastal, on rivers, bays or lakes, the common denominator is precious water! Marinas often become the second or even primary homes for many boaters.
TopSide Marinas was formed just last year, 2020. Their mission is simple: To foster a high-quality environment where our customers can create lifelong memories, relax, enjoy life and be healthy. Their research has shown that time spent in and around oceans, rivers and lakes promotes health and wellness. Time on the water can be very good for us.
With a strong family orientation, the team at TopSide Marinas is looking to work with marinas who are now ready to move on to something else, but don’t want their marinas and longtime customers to lose the specialness that has taken years to development. As owners/sellers they want the new owner to be ready to invest in the enterprise to bring it up to date, improve the quality of service, enhance their customers’ quality time at the marina, making it a second home. These are the core values of TopSide Marinas. Both Stephen and Jacob have worked in executive capacities with a large corporate owner of marinas and their operational business experiences, educations, personal family boating experiences, are guiding them in their devotion to their customers’ marina and boating enjoyment.
Stephen and Jacob are always on the lookout to bring high quality marinas into the family. In their own words,
We understand that for many marina owners, selling their marina is much more than a transaction, it is like selling your longtime family home, where your children were raised and years of memories have occurred. Yes, as current owners, you want a fair price and may want to sell to someone with similar values. TopSide can offer both. We are family owned and we consider our marina customers to be part of our family. So if you own a marina, then we would love to initiate a conversation with you. Whether you are curious about the value of your marina, thinking about transitioning ownership, looking for strategic partners or any other reason, please click here to provide us with your preferred contact information. We are looking forward to talking with you.
TopSide Marinas’ most recent acquisition: Beaver Bend Marina
Beaver Bend Marina – Click image for video
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Shared Photo – Cape Fear River Sunset
Cape Fear River sunset, from Fort Fisher State Park
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Greg
Winston: Beautiful photo – with perfect composition. Nicely done.
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