Warmer waters make for cooler cruising. Southern Boating publishes a U.S. Gulf Coast Regional Report each month to make your Gulf Coast cruising a success. Chock-full of information for everywhere from the panhandle of Florida to the tip of Texas—Southern Boating gives you the lowdown on all events, happenings, marinas, destinations, and more!
From Brownsville, Texas, to the Florida Keys, Gulf boaters will anchor in bays, bayous, coves, and marinas to see and hear the fireworks marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Boaters know they will get to see the rockets’ red glare from above and below, in the sky and in the reflections on the water. Corpus Christi, Texas, is usually the first with its four-day “Big Bang” celebration starting June 30th and ending with the July 4th fireworks display.
The Fourth includes a sailboat regatta presented by the (you might hear the starter’s pistol), the Mayor’s Big Bang Celebration Parade and when it’s dark, the light show and fireworks glow for thousands of spectators on the hard and for boats anchored in friendly Corpus Christi Bay. And there’s a patriotic bonus: Some of the fireworks are launched from the famous WWII aircraft carrier USS Lexington. Over in Galveston, get out on the water to watch Galveston Island’s 20-minute firework show launched from the beach.
New Orleans
In New Orleans, celebrate “Go 4th on the River,” where dueling barges launch rockets that are visible from both sides of the Mississippi River as well as for those on the water who move in for a close-up view of bombs bursting in the air.
Alabama
In Alabama, the Mobile Pops Orchestra plays the “Star Spangled Banner” and other patriotic music from Battleship Memorial Park on Mobile Bay.
Panama City
Panama City’s after dark flashes are among the most popular on the Panhandle. About 50,000 spectators will watch “Salute to Freedom” fireworks near Panama City Marina. Hundreds more will watch from boats anchored in St. Andrew Bay.
Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay area produces an array of colorful sky bursts, including front row anchoring on the Manatee River and Sarasota Bay for fireworks reaching above Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Long Boat Key, and Sarasota.
Cape Coral
The Cape Coral “Red, White and Boom” festival may deserve the blue ribbon for the most boater-friendly venue. By the hundreds, boats raft up around the Cape Bridge that connects to Fort Myers. Remember, the bridge will be closed all day, so plan for other travel routes.
MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS are mandatory business school courses, however, a little thing called the Great Recession all but halted such talk in the marina industry. Suddenly, or so it seems, marinas are turning over like flapjacks the day before Lent, the latest three to sell—all on Florida’s Southwest Coast. Marina mergers are booming.
Calusa Island Marina in Marco Island is now part of the Safe Harbor Marinas group, a company with 64 properties nationwide, including eight marinas in Florida. Calusa is one of those rare marinas that caters to both sport yachts and a customer who wants to rent a small boat for exploring the mangroves of the Ten Thousand Islands. It has 115 permanent wet slips, covered rack storage for up to 420 vessels, open yard storage for big boats, and on-site Yamaha outboard technicians.
Earlier this year, Safe Harbor announced the acquisition of Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda and Cape Harbour Marina in Cape Coral. Also in the West Coast portfolio is Pineland Marina in Bokeelia, Bradenton Boat Club in Bradenton and Harborage Marina in St. Petersburg. Two marinas on the East Coast—Harbortown in Fort Pierce and Halifax Harbor in Daytona Beach—are operated by Safe Harbor, as well.
In less than four months, Safe Harbor was able to add an astonishing 28 marinas to its existing presence both on the eastern seaboard and in Florida, all because of the Calusa deal. The big numbers come in part thanks to the merger with the iconic Brewer Yacht Yard Group, a powerhouse in the Northeast. That junction, announced in January, included the addition of Jack Brewer and senior members of his team who now provide much of the day-to-day strategic operations.
Safe Harbor was formed in 2015 by American Infrastructure Funds through the acquisition of three marina portfolios and an experienced management company. Jason Hogg, senior vice president of investments, says Safe Harbor Marinas has noted that not only have boat sales recovered to pre-recession levels, but boat owners are again resuming longer cruising adventures. “Our goal is creating a world-class network of properties for our boaters to enjoy, and Calusa Island Marina blends nicely into our plans.”
SUNTEX IN ACQUISITION MODE
Dallas-based Suntex is on track to double its marina holdings this year. Fresh off the purchase of Marina Jack in Sarasota, in April it bought the Loggerhead Marina Portfolio that comprises 11 properties in Florida—in all, 2,300 slips from Daytona Beach to St. Petersburg. Simultaneously, Suntex acquired State Dock Marina (below) on Lake Cumberland in Kentucky, the Capital of Houseboating, and took over management of 550-slip Laurel Marina in Bristol, Tennessee, located on South Holston Lake. Both acquisitions come on the heels of Anchor South Investments of Knoxville, Tennessee, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Suntex. With an infusion of cash, its eye is set on the Caribbean.
The other big player in this unprecedented accumulation is IGY Marinas, with a portfolio of 15 marinas in a more traditional yacht category. IGY has a large international presence and recently introduced its first South Florida location: One Island Park, on Miami Beach’s Terminal Island.
For cruisers, the network of marinas and accompanying app-based online reservation systems will add a degree of confidence and continuity. As the new owners replace the Mom-and-Pop ownership cycle, expect to see some additional spending on facility upgrades.
Years ago as a TV news anchor, I cringed when news managers carelessly tossed around the notion that boating was a rich man’s sport and thus rarely made daily broadcasts about the subject. As a boat owner, I knew better. The majority of boats sold were less than 25 feet, and more affordable used boats outsold new models 80:1. When you did come across a yacht owner, they were your “go-to” people for charity events.
As summer season kicks in along the Gulf Coast, in each community from Texas to Florida, you’ll hopefully see news about local fishing tournaments, or as they say in Grand Isle, Louisiana, rodeos. The annual Swollfest Rodeo, staged out of Sand Dollar Marina, will celebrate 19 years of charitable work this June. As their simple website banner says, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Local dentist Dr. Nick Rauber launched the concept as a teenager and nurtured the fishing rodeo’s growth to some impressive numbers: 600 registered anglers, hundreds of sponsors, 75 volunteers and thousands of attendees who descend on Grand Isle the first weekend of June every year.
This year’s charities are Children’s Hospital at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge and the Outdoor Wish Foundation (OWF). OWF finds recipients and, unbeknownst to them, learns of their background and begins developing a unique experience for that individual. There are two recipients chosen each year, and one hundred percent of the cost is borne by the all-volunteer OWF.
When you think of some billfish tournaments, large boats come to mind. However, Swollfest’s variety of categories include kayak anglers, children 12 and younger, a women’s division, and the best boat in shore and best boat off shore. These categories help unite all anglers who have a love for ecological conservation, a passion for the competition and a heart to help those in need.
You don’t have to speak with a Cajun accent to compete, but it does help to explain how the rodeo got the name Swollfest. It’s a whimsical take on swell, competition and catching the biggest fish. The fishing tournament takes place June 7-10 and includes nightly musical talent.
Nine months after Panama City selected a developer to revitalize the marina and aging downtown district, the city finally has a plan to review. Some of the most notable changes involve partnerships. Bellingham Marine, one of the world leaders in marina construction, is replacing local favorite Legendary Marine and joining lead designer Sonnenblick Development. Together they envision new environmentally friendly docks, two hotels, a public fishing pier (built with oil spill money), an event lawn, a 10-plex movie theater, two parking garages, restaurants with outdoor dining along the T-dock, residential high-rises, and a lighthouse. Artist renderings also show a boat ramp, but its precise location is expected to be somewhat fluid.
The marina plan includes room for transients with an eye toward tourism. A dedicated water taxi area for transportation to popular nearby St. Andrews Marina will also be included. The plan now goes before several review boards with construction expected to begin after this year’s boating season.
A visit to this sleepy, seaside city invites equestrian-minded cruisers to experience “horse power” at its best.
When someone mentions a trip to Venice, it’s probable that the famous Italian city comes to mind. A close second would be Venice, California, with its beachy, boardwalk vibe. But in the Venice on Florida’s southern Gulf coast, you’ll find artistry of another kind and beaches that rank among America’s top rated. Once you see it for yourself, you’ll find this Venice remains all at once mysterious and inviting.
Venice offers 14 miles of sweeping shoreline that brushes up against the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches curate history, and along them you’ll find barefoot beachcombers diligently sifting through the sand as they search for gray, brown and black fossilized shark teeth. The city rests upon a fossil layer that dates back thousands of years to the time when the whole of Florida was under water. This makes Venice’s beaches one of the best places to find these fossilized artifacts and reaffirms the city’s claim to the moniker of “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.”
Not far from the beach, Venice Avenue’s architecture is inspired by classic Mediterranean design, which echoes in the brightly colored pink stucco buildings. You won’t find any chain stores here. Instead, a nice variety of boutique shops sell everything from nautical novelties to shark teeth necklaces. Venice’s orderly and well-planned design renders the coastal city as one of the most biker-friendly vacation spots in the state. Check out the Venetian Waterway Park as well as the Legacy Trail to avoid cars altogether and experience a scenic, peaceful ride through winding neighborhoods and shady foliage.
One of Venice’s best-kept secrets, however, is its quietly growing equestrian community.
Venice Yacht Club
A sign alongside Venice’s streets explains the history of the city.
A lifeguard stand watches over one of Venice’s pristine beaches on a perfectly clear day.
The family-run Fox Lea Farm is helping Venice rise in the rankings as a top equestrian mecca.
Venice Avenue cuts through the heart of the town’s historic district
Venice is also a haven for cruisers. The Crow’s Nest Marina, located right inside the Venice Inlet, caters to transients and is one of the best places to dock the boat overnight. With Venice Beach only 200 yards away, the beachcombers and sun worshippers in your crew have easy access to the shoreline.
One of Venice’s best-kept secrets, however, is its quietly growing equestrian community. Florida is widely known for all things equine, from the Winter Equestrian Festival (the world’s largest horse show) in Wellington to the rolling pastures of Ocala, but it’s about time to add Venice to the list.
The family-run Fox Lea Farm (foxleafarm.com) is helping Venice rise in the rankings as a top equestrian mecca. The sprawling farm hosts dozens of horse shows annually and draws hundreds of spectators and participants to the area. Vendors arrive as well and help pump almost $75 million a year into the local economy, according to the Sarasota County Sports Commission.
Even though the facility draws some of the sport’s fiercest competitors, including multiple Olympians, the atmosphere fostered by Venice lends to a more relaxed, low-key setting. The increasing prestige of the show will test whether Venice will be able to keep its down-home soul, but for the people who visit and compete here, the venue remains a popular favorite. For many competitors, showing at Fox Lea Farm and being able to benefit from the Venice area brings a nice change of pace to their frequently hectic show routine.
If you’re looking to see the up-and-coming showgrounds, heading down Auburn Road will lead you right to the farm’s entrance. The long driveway is framed by shady foliage that eventually clears and allows for views of the show rings and multiple pastures. You’ll probably be able to spot a child trying to coax a stubborn pony to behave or see the larger show horses grazing peacefully along the driveway.
The Fox Lea show circuit caters to riders that participate in hunters, equitation and show jumping. Each discipline offers entertainment for every spectator, although sometimes knowing what you’re watching beforehand can help you better enjoy the experience. A hunter class will judge the horse as it goes around a series of jumps, while an equitation class will judge the rider on their position and ability to make every jump look effortless. In a show jumping class, the jumps are normally larger than in the other disciplines. The winner is determined by the fastest time around the course, which always leads to an edge-of-your-seat experience for the audience.
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has approved Fox Lea to launch a brand new six-week winter circuit called the Venice Equestrian Tour (VET). The circuit begins on January 25th and will continue through March 5th. Each circuit “week” begins on Wednesday and ends on Sunday, meaning that competitors (and showgoers alike) will be able to experience everything Venice has to offer during their days off. Each week will also showcase a $25,000 Grand Prix that will include participants as famous in the equestrian world as Michael Jordan is in basketball.
Part of the reason for Fox Lea’s success is the quiet atmosphere of Venice. The farm draws equine enthusiasts from around the country who love to “showcation” and are looking to combine both turf and surf. When things around the showgrounds settle down on Sunday afternoon, many of the show’s participants and riders head to the beach or their boats for a few days to relax, rest and recharge before another week at the show begins.
The Venice Municipal Beach is as delightful as the surrounding town. It features wide, open stretches of sand as far as the eye can see, and there’s no shortage of things to do. Instructors offer free yoga sessions each morning starting at 8AM that are perfect for beginners. If yoga isn’t your thing, there’s also the option to rent personal watercraft and toys for the day. To search for the area’s famous shark teeth, venture on over to Caspersen Beach, which features direct access to the Venetian Waterway Trail.
Recharge and participate in a Venice tradition by grabbing a drink and some fresh fish tacos at Sharky’s on the Pier. This seafood restaurant serves great seafood in an atmosphere as relaxed as the beach. Afterward, head on out to the end of the pier to try your hand at fishing or just admire the view. The sunrise and sunset in Venice are both noteworthy, and the pier is a perfect place to catch glimpses of both after a long day. When you wake up the next morning, you can do it all over again.
Sand ‘Fantaseas’, new electronic boat shuttles, lingering Red Tide effects and more in the Florida Gulf Updates April 2017.
Sugar Sand Fantasea
Anyone with children understands Sand Castle Construction 101. However, put those same tools, including buckets and shovels, in the talented hands of 11 world-class sand sculptors and you’ll get an end result that’s worthy of PhDs in both art and engineering. On April 14-23, Clearwater Beach will host the 5th Annual Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit. The event takes place just a block from the city marina at Pier 60. The theme changes every year, meaning you’re unlikely to see the same sculpture twice. Sugar Sand Fantasea, a Magical Adventure Above and Below the Sea is the theme for the 10-day event that features sand-sculpting classes, live entertainment, crafters, street performers, fireworks, and a sand-sculpting contest with a prize of over $6,000 to the winner. While the events are free, there is an admission charge for access to the Sugar Sand Walk. The fee is $10 for adults and $8 for adults 55 and over. sugarsandfestival.com
Free lift for Sarasota cruisers
Sarasota’s developing downtown district is only three blocks away from Marina Jack. But after a full day of browsing the artisan shops, stopping for a cappuccino at one of the many colorful sidewalk cafes and a gourmet dinner, a ride back to the boat may be in order. Sarasota has approved seven electric shuttles that carry six passengers each. Ferry tourists and residents alike can take advantage of the new ride option throughout the downtown district. This new feature is part of a city-funded plan to reduce motor vehicle congestion on the roads. The upcoming $339,000 project includes an app to hail a ride from the service and will be called Gotcha Ride.
Bay scallops – St. Joseph Bay
The residual effects of a prolonged 2015 Red Tide outbreak is anticipated to once again impact the annual Bay Scallop season in Florida’s Panhandle. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioners (FWC) approved a recreational bay scallop season lasting from July 25th through September 10th off Gulf County. This also includes all waters in St. Joseph Bay as well as those west of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County through the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County.
Bag and vessel limits throughout the entire bay scallop harvest zone will be capped at two gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or one pint of bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or a 1/2 gallon of bay scallop meat per vessel.
FWC researchers conducted a scallop restoration project last year within St. Joseph Bay to help speed the recovery of the scallop population. Scientists reported these efforts have been going well, and the scallop population has shown signs of improvement. Still to be decided are dates for the season in nearby Dixie and Taylor Counties.
My first exposure to the term PT Boats (Patrol Torpedo) was courtesy of Ernest Borgnine in the 1960s sitcom McHale’s Navy. Set in the Pacific theater of World War II, the fictional crew of PT-73 were wacky but dedicated sailors, always outsmarting the enemy and Navy brass and made us laugh about an otherwise serious side of war.
Patrol Torpedo boats were fast, highly maneuverable and saw battle not only in the Pacific but also along the southern French coastline, the Mediterranean and in the defense of Italy. One such vessel named PT-305 survived dozens of operations, a few near-misses and, until about 10 years ago, decades of neglect. Now, it’s about to see action again on Lake Pontchartrain as part of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.
PT-305 at its final resting place in the National WWII Museum.
Beginning March 25th, PT-305—the world’s only fully restored, combat veteran PT boat—will launch 45-minute deck tours for the cost of $12-$15 per person. For those of you who are history junkies with $350 to spare, a thrilling 90-minute ride with a five-member crew helps bring history to life. “For the last 10 years, 200 volunteers put in 105,000 hours of blood, sweat and tears into the restorations,” says Stephen Watson, museum executive vice president. In December, Watson spoke to a gathering of reporters as the PT boat was carefully trailered through the streets of New Orleans from the museum’s restoration pavilion to a new permanent home. This final stop is currently undergoing completion as part of a redevelopment of the lake’s shores following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Many maritime facets of New Orleans are slowly coming back to life since Hurricane Katrina, and grandiose plans are in the works for an amphitheater, music studio and arts center adjacent to the idle South Shore Harbor Marina.
This is a homecoming of sorts for PT-305. Built in New Orleans by Higgins Industries nearly 70 years ago, the vessel was found by the museum in Galveston, Texas, showing the ugly scars of war and many modifications. By the numbers, PT-305 went to sea on 77 offensive patrols and operations, and she saw action in 11 separate naval skirmishes. She also participated in the sinking of three German ships during her 14-month deployment. After the war, the battle-hardened boat turned civilian in New York as a tour boat. She would later become a fishing boat and finally, after years of neglect, she resurfaced as a relic just waiting for rescue.
Watson says, “The restoration of PT-305, like all museum restoration projects, is aimed at making history accessible to today’s audiences in as detailed and authentic a way as possible.” Tickets for the launch of PT-305 are available online at pt305.org.
By Alan Wendt,Southern Boating Magazine March 2017
It’s not a hostile takeover, however, like Captain Phillips experienced. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
On January 28th, Tampa’s flotilla of private pleasure craft intends to defend the city and square off against the annual pirate invasion for an epic weekend of hedonistic celebration. For 113 years, the city has surrendered amidst a cacophony of cannon fire as Jose Gasparilla, the world’s only fully-rigged pirate ship, shoots its way through thousands of boats that guard the downtown waterfront. Themed around the swashbuckling pirate Jose Gaspar, who menaced Florida’s Gulf Coast in the 1800s, the invasion is followed by a bead-throwing pirate parade that attracts a crowd of nearly half a million. This is the city’s signature social event led by Ye Mystic Krewe, a merry band of elite movers and shakers who don war paint, fake jagged scars and festive costumes.
Transient slips are ransomed for gold at the downtown Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina, Convention Center and Harbour Island docks, but if you know a resident along Harbour Island or Davis Islands that flank the channel to downtown, you may get lucky with an unused overnight slip. Now, here’s your tip. Located on the west side of Tampa’s peninsula is a hidden gem, West Shore Yacht Club, with space for vessels up to 80′. Dockmaster Ryan Smith says the weekend is popular and transients enjoy full use of the clubhouse and amenities. By boat you are less than 40 minutes away from joining the flotilla. Other marina venues close by include St. Petersburg Municipal, the nearby Vinoy Resort and marinas in and around Ruskin and Apollo Beach. Gasparilla is a weekend-long participatory sport. It’s best to bring beads for ransom and trade, plenty of that spicy brown concoction bearing the likeness of a certain pirate and ear plugs. gasparillapiratefest.com
Cabbage Key
A far less raucous destination this time of year is secluded and off the proverbial beaten path: Cabbage Key located just south of Charlotte Harbor. Every Jimmy Buffet fan knows that Jimmy sailed here, enjoyed a famous cheeseburger and maybe even signed a dollar like thousands of other mariners who continue the tradition of taping a beer buck to the ceiling. What you may have overlooked are the unpretentious docks with power for an overnight stay. The Inn and famous restaurant sit atop a 30-foot-tall Indian shell mound. Climb the water tower for an incomparable view of nearby Useppa Island Club to the east and Gulf of Mexico to the west. Dinner, the honky-tonk piano and stories well into the night, coupled with a lush, island-like display of tropical flora and fauna help you forget that the mainland and all those tourists covered in oil are just a few miles away. Not to be overlooked is pulling in for a simple breakfast of pancakes and eggs. Winter is an ideal time to visit. The air temperature is perfect and sunsets are as pink as steamed Gulf shrimp, but running the protected ICW is often necessary thanks to the weekly cold front that riles up the Gulf for a day or two. Docks that were rebuilt after a couple of hurricanes a decade ago are solid and well suited for yacht traffic. cabbagekey.com
By Alan Wendt, Southern Boating Magazine January 2017
For more than a century, Gasparilla Island has lured anglers seeking to combat the mighty silver king.
If you’re looking for a cruising destination with exciting nightlife, a vibrant social scene, reservation-only restaurants, and high-end shops that stay open well after sunset, Gasparilla Island is not it.
It also doesn’t have fast-food restaurants or a large supermarket, a shopping mall with department stores, high-rise condos, stoplights, neon signs on storefronts, a gas station, or traffic—golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation. And from what I could tell when I first drove into the town of Boca Grande (Spanish for Big Mouth), it doesn’t appear to have much of a police force either, or at least one that uses radar guns.
I was still in turnpike-driving mode and evidently missed the slower speed limit sign when a uniformed officer on the side of the road extended his arm and executed the universally understood palm-down motion for “slow down,” then casually resumed his conversation with a bicyclist. Indeed, what Gasparilla Island doesn’t have is what’s drawn second-home buyers seeking the old-Florida charm that’s disappeared from touristy towns. But what it does have is what’s drawn anglers from around the world for more than 100 years: tarpon.
Laidback Living
Gasparilla is a seven-mile-long barrier island on the north side of the mouth of Charlotte Harbor on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The barrier island on the south side is Cayo Costa. The distance between the two islands—Boca Grande Pass—is less than a mile across, and with holes reaching depths of more than 70 feet, it’s the deepest pass in the state of Florida. Tarpon frequently gather in the holes and sometimes stack due to their numbers. Exactly why they collect in the pass is still unknown, and speculation is wide in theory and varied in nature.
Yet while many other tarpon fisheries throughout the U.S. are now all but barren, the stock in Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor continue to proliferate, a phenomenon the surrounding communities seek to preserve through education and conservation.
The beachfront swimming pool overlooks the Gulf of Mexico.
The Certified-Green Inn Marina offers a quiet setting and full service. Photo credit: John J Unrue
Old Florida’s island elegance greets guests upon arrival at The Gasparilla Inn
Paraphernalia outside Whiddon’s Marina hints at more “treasure” inside their Maritime Museum. Photo by Liz Pasch
Water hazards along perfectly manicured greens await golfers at the Pete Dye 18-hole course.
The Silver Kings
The lure of “boating” a tarpon—hooking and reeling the fish to the boat to release—is understandably on many anglers’ bucket list of accomplishments. In fishing tournaments, catching a tarpon, snook, seatrout, and redfish in one day is classified as a “grand slam.” Tarpon is widely considered to be the most difficult. Winning top prize is highly sought after in the numerous tarpon tournaments, most of which are held in May and June.
Tarpon are also called silver king, sabalo, silverfish, or poons. An adult tarpon can live to 55 years and weigh up to 150 lbs., although the tarpon record with the International Game Fish Association (igfa.org) is an astounding 283 lbs. 4 ounces. There’s no doubt that the biggest draw of tarpon fishing is the explosive fight that ensues once they’re hooked. In an attempt to free or break the hook holding them hostage, they repeatedly leap into the air writhing with all their strength, then dive to the bottom before resurfacing to leap again.
Even for experienced anglers and owners of fishing boats, it’s vitally important to know how to boat and fish in the Boca Grande Pass. Fishing captains in this area know the pass’s landscape, its currents, each other’s boats, and each other. They use established boating and fishing methods, and newcomers must adhere in order to ensure a safe and productive fishing experience for all. Even if you own a well-equipped fishing boat, a better option is to hire one of the many local charter captains; your marina can provide a recommendation.
Come on Inn
Though tarpon fishing is certainly exhilarating, it can also be exhausting. For cruisers who prefer swimming pools to fishing “poons,” all things restful and charming can be found at The Gasparilla Inn & Club, a classic and historic resort known for its endearing hospitality.
The original small hotel was built in 1911 before it was expanded and renamed The Gasparilla Inn. Soon after its reopening in 1913, affluent guests from the Northeast arrived having learned of the legendary fishing. News of The Inn spread so quickly that by 1915, plans were made to double its size, with budgeting for servants quarters and elegant hotel furnishings brought in from Boston. The Inn continued to grow in popularity and accommodated clientele such as J.P. Morgan, Henry DuPont and other noteworthy guests. Prior to the construction of the Boca Grande causeway in 1958, guests arrived by train or boats.
Today, The Gasparilla Inn & Club offers much more than a clean room and soft bed after a day of fishing. Far beyond its humble beginnings, the resort now offers 163 guest accommodations including suites, cottages, villas, and even larger properties. The grand resort is known for its “civilized” charm, so pay attention to the dress code, especially in the evenings and for dinner during the social season. If all you need in the morning is coffee and the daily paper, it’s complimentary in The Living Room, as well as afternoon tea and sweet treats in season. For those with a heartier appetite, The Inn’s Dining Room offers full breakfast daily and full dinner menu. Just down the block, enjoy the talented chef’s specials at The Pink Elephant Restaurant.
Golfers can enjoy a Pete Dye-designed course at The Golf Club, with practice facilities, pro shop and lessons with PGA pros. The Tennis Club offers seven Har-Tru tennis courts, pro shop and lessons. Take in a yoga class or work out in the fitness area followed by a steam or spa treatment. Stroll on the private beach or sit poolside at the Beach Club, and while you’re there arrange for a golf cart to explore the island or a bicycle if you don’t carry one on your boat. The paved bicycle path was formerly an abandoned railroad bed, which one of The Inn’s former owners and his brother acquired in the early 1980s by trading it for waterfront property.
Explore More
First, stop by the Johann Fust Community Library, which is a pretty pink building on 10th Street that looks more like a home than a library. In addition to books, magazines, DVDs, music, and a children’s area, there’s a lovely garden in the back with an open-air reading area and beguiling shell collection. It’s much more than a library and serves as a cultural center offering a variety of authors, speakers, and musical events during the social season.
Explore the neighborhoods in the downtown area and the old-Florida architecture, and treat yourself to a latte and sweet at The Inn Bakery. There are a number of quaint shops downtown to explore—no chain stores here—most of which close at 5 PM. Then stop at Whiddon’s Marina & Maritime Museum on your way to the south end of the island to explore the state park and the lighthouse museum at Boca Grande Pass; the museum closes at 4 PM. After dinner, explore The Pelican Room at The Inn.
Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your visit to The Gasparilla Inn. Reservations for The Gasparilla Inn fill up quickly for the social season and special event weekends, and it closes for several months offseason for renovation and upkeep.
The Inn’s owners—including those currently who are involved in all décor selection—invest an extraordinary amount of attention on all properties. More than 325 seasonal employees continue the tradition of hospitality that began more than a century ago, traditions that have been passed on to generations of owners and guests. Whether you fish for tarpon, golf for birdies or just lie poolside, time spent on Gasparilla Island lets you be part of its history—and its enduring legacy.
Marina Jack in Sarasota, Florida, recognized as National Marina of the Year in 2015, has been sold to Suntex Marina Investors LLC. The Dallas-based investment firm did not disclose the sale price. The merger includes the 316-slip marina in downtown Sarasota, adjacent to Oleary’s Tiki Bar, as well as Bayfront Yacht Works & Marina, Bayfront Excursions and Turtle Beach Grill on south Siesta Key, Florida. “This is without question a merger of strengths from an operational and managerial standpoint,” says Robert L. Soran, CEO of Marina Jack. “We share a vision of future growth opportunities for our people and our combined companies.” Soran will have an equity interest and board advisory capacity with Suntex. Suntex now has a portfolio of 34 marinas in Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and St. Maarten.
With direct, no-bridge access to the Gulf of Mexico, Marina Jack’s marina operations have kept up facelifts and improvements at a pace that is matching the transformation of downtown Sarasota. The marina features slip accommodations for vessels up to 228 feet with 316 wet and dry slips, a full-service fuel dock, ship’s store, and an on-site Yacht Services department. Downtown Sarasota has become a trendy center for urban condo living and features many eclectic street-side dining venues for foodies, a Saturday morning farmers market, and an ever-changing collection of boutique shops that are favorites of cruisers.
Marina Jack acquired the Turtle Beach Marina in September of 2015. Now known as Bayfront Yacht Works & Marina, this south Siesta Key business features a full-service boatyard with haul-out capabilities for vessels up to 65 feet. Bayfront Yacht Works & Marina adds an additional 60 dry and wet slips to the portfolio, along with a rapidly growing boat and watersport rental business known as Bayfront Excursions. The merger also includes three well-known restaurants, including the Marina Jack II—a 96-foot passenger vessel known for Sarasota’s preeminent sightseeing and sunset dinner cruises.
Holiday Boat Parades
While a few communities are struggling to rebuild docks and find enough money just to survive, let alone sponsor annual lighted boat parades, the show will go on in some of Florida’s Panhandle cities.
• Carrabelle, December 10th: The Boat Parade course starts at the Pavilion on Marine Street and proceeds up the Carrabelle River to the Tillie Miller Bridge. It can be enjoyed from anywhere along Marine Street and Highway 98. carrabelle.org
• Destin, December 11th: Judging of the 30th Annual Harbor Lighted Boat Parade will start at 6PM upstairs at Harry T’s Restaurant. Boats will start lining up in the harbor between 5-5:30PM. Fireworks in the East Pass will light up the sky after the parade.
• Cedar Key and Steinhatchee have both sustained significant dock damage, and at press time, were unsure whether the events normally scheduled for the first week of December would take place.
By Alan Wendt, Southern Boating Magazine December 2016
The Corpus Christi Marina now has 600 slips, cruiser’s facilities, three yacht clubs, and a massive public boat ramp. The improvements to the marina district have inspired a Greater Downtown Area of culture, sports, convention and hospitality venues.
The premier boating destination on the Texas Gulf Coast, caps a successful summer of expansion with the dedication of 35 more slips for boats 30 to 45 feet in length—the seventh major addition in the past 16 years.
Infrastructure Improvements
Since 2000, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has provided $1,764,050 in federal funds via Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) grants specifically targeted at an improved marina infrastructure, access for boaters and improved sanitary facilities to maintain clean water.
The grant monies, matched by the City of Corpus Christi and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, have built modern septic pump-outs, restrooms and showers, a laundry, meeting rooms, a four-lane boat ramp, and more than 80 slips for boats greater than 26 feet in length at the Corpus Christi Marina.
“This marina is hugely important to both boaters and anglers on the Texas Gulf Coast, and exemplifies how the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program works in partnership with others to improve boating access and infrastructures,” says Cliff Schleusner, Chief of WSFR in the Southwest Region. “Boaters and anglers paid for it in excise tax, and now they and others reap the benefits.”
The new infrastructure replaces outdated and decayed materials and should better withstand the forces of future hurricanes. A part of the infrastructure upgrades includes Internet systems needed for navigation.
While the marina is the anchor on the Bayfront, civic leaders and business owners continue to expand what’s known as the Marina Arts District. The area features a vibrant nightlife, music scene, art galleries and outdoor art, along with many weekend festivals. marinaarts.com
When you start to feel that winter chill settling in your bones, remember: you can (and should) go south—particularly the gulf coast.
Whether it’s The Sunshine State, Sweet Home Alabama, the South’s Warmest Welcome in Mississippi, the Sportsman’s Paradise of Louisiana, or the gulf of the Lone Star State, you’ll find that the Southern US is filled with unexpected destinations that can warm even the coldest of toes.
Here at Southern Boating, we (obviously) want to be out on the water wherever we go. So when we go South, we go by boat. And what’s better than pulling up to a waterfront restaurant and having a drink in the sun?
If you’re hoping for a getaway, here’s a round-up of waterfront restaurants/destinations to pull up during a southern cruise.
Florida
Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro
When in St. Petersburg, Florida– not the frozen Russian city (although that does sound like a promising drink), pull your boat into Fresco’s. Their menu contains something for even the pickiest of eaters. With views of Tampa Bay and happy hour from 3-7pm, you’re sure to love the atmosphere at Fresco’s.
If you make it to Orange Beach, you need to stop in to Bear Point Marina, AL. Flippers is dockside dining done right—complete with Tiki bar, colorful locals, and live music, it’s certain to warm you right up. Especially if you’ve consumed a famous Bushwhacker or two!
Flippers; S5749 Bay La Launch Ave Orange Beach, Al 36561
Mississippi
Anthony’s Steak and Seafood
If you find yourself along the shores of Ocean Springs, you must try Anthony’s Steak and Seafood. Locals say take the seafood over steak, but who are we to judge? With stunning views of the bay, you can’t go wrong with this quaint eatery.
Anthony’s Steak & Seafood; 1217 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Louisiana
Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar
The Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar actually wants people to arrive by boat. Overlooking beautiful Lake Pontchartrain, the restaurant is locally owned and operated, and proudly serves only the finest Louisiana seafood.
Blue Crab; 7900 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, La 70124
Texas
Stingaree Restaurant & Bar
This is the first (and last) time we’ll tell you not to get BBQ in Texas. Instead, we’re going to direct you to Stingaree Restaurant & Bar, located on Galveston Bay. The food is described as “fresh, plentiful, and cheap.” Combined with water views and good company, it’s a must see!
Stingaree’s; 1295 N Stingaree Rd, Crystal Beach, TX 77650
Hurricane Hermine damaged many marinas and public ramps that dot Florida’s shallow west coast between Homosassa and the Big Bend. Like many Labor Day storms of decades past, Hermine intensified as it approached the coast. Most of the resulting damage was due to tidal surge rather than wind. For nearly 24 hours, the Coast Guard restricted vessel movement with the issuance of Port Condition Zulu along the coast until the 80-mph winds had passed.
The brunt of Hermine was felt on the southern and eastern sides of the storm, which pushed debris inland, eroded waterfront roads, filled marina ships’ stores with water, and decimated inventory. From a recovery standpoint, most marinas were able to limp back to business within a few days, although the normally busy Labor Day weekend was reserved for front loaders and trash trucks—not cruisers and anglers. The worst of the storm damage occurred in Horseshoe Beach located in Dixie County, where a 12-foot tidal surge destroyed the well-known Shrimp Boat Restaurant. Furthermore, Steinhatchee-based marinas all reported surge-related damage, including the municipal docks at the public ramp that were twisted upward by the surge and severely damaged.
At River Haven Marina, a nine-foot storm surge pushed mud, water and debris inside the ships’ store but didn’t cause any permanent damage to the floating wooden and steel docks. Despite inventory losses, the marina was back up and operating within a week of the storm’s passing. At the nearby Sea Hag Marina (Marker 47) the floating wet slips had plank damage yet remained intact. Storm surge lifted several boats from bottom racks and pushed them inland, where they settled on the hard. Before the storm hit, Sea Hag was nearly finished with construction of a new steel building intended to provide covered dry storage for 100 vessels up to 38 feet in length. The building was designed to handle hurricanes and easily handled the 80-mph winds.
Cedar Key sustained heavy structural damage to waterfront motels, cottages and the city marina. Cedar Key Marina II, its phone lines out, took to Facebook to post: “There was a lot of water damage, no boats that are stored at the marina were damaged, but operations took a major hit. Right now we are trying to recover and pick up the pieces that were spread across the marina floor. Please give us time to get back on our feet, so we can best serve you and make your boating/fishing experience as pleasurable as possible.”
Crystal River, known for its manatees and diving, also reported flood damage. Several vessels were ripped from moorings and tossed up onto shorelines or carried inland by the storm surge. “At one point we had about three feet of water in the middle of U.S. 19 in downtown Crystal River,” says Commander Buddy Grant of the Citrus County Sheriff’s office. Twin Rivers Marina at the mouth of Crystal River was without power for several days. The ships’ store was heavily damaged by flooding, but the marina docks themselves held up reasonably well even though they were underwater for hours. Resilient and laid back, all of the marina operators expect to have repairs completed by winter in time for the annual return of northern visitors.
By Alan Wendt, Southern Boating Magazine November 2016
Everything is bigger in Texas and this includes fishing tournaments. With more than 367 miles of coastline on the Gulf of Mexico and along the famed Laguna Madre with charters running from Galveston to Corpus Christi and all the way south to the Mexican border in San Isabel, Texas can satisfy your need for deep or near-shore saltwater fishing.
One of the largest tournaments, the Texas Star State of Texas Angler’s Rodeo run by the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) lasts a solid three months. This tournament with more than 45,000 participants is unusual in that tagged species of fish are specifically released throughout the coast for the purpose of the tournament. Registered participants have the entire summer to reel in those tagged reds and trout. Successful anglers can reel in their share for more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships. ccatexas.org, startournament.org
Chandeleur Island Fishing off Mississippi Motherships. Photo: Troy Gilbert
Chandeleur Island Fishing off Mississippi Motherships. Photo: Troy Gilbert
Chandeleur Island Fishing off Mississippi Motherships. Photo: Troy Gilbert
Chandeleur Island Fishing off Mississippi Motherships. Photo: Troy Gilbert
Down the coast in Matagorda, the Matagorda Bluewater Challenge is another monster multiple species tournament with boats allowed to leave from several ports. The tournament also includes a small boat (under 25 feet) class. The big action is offshore where winners are decided over the combined weight of multiple and specific species hauled in. This two-day event brings out the Who’s Who of Texas fishing and novices who charter vessels with groups of friends and try their luck at bringing in the largest kingfish, ling, and dolphin. Winning isn’t everything, but two days spent offshore is a perfect recreational investment for men, women, and children.
Not to be outdone and celebrating its 19th anniversary on the legendary Louisiana barrier island of Grand Isle, the Swollfest Fishing Rodeo kicks off June 8-12. Headquartered at the Sand Dollar Marina on the easternmost reach of Grand Isle, this event has exploded from its humble beginnings as a group of eight guys going out fishing one weekend to one of the largest fishing rodeos in Louisiana.
With world-class offshore and inshore fishing throughout the waters of Louisiana, Swollfest was among the early to recognize and adopt the growing trend in spear and kayak fishing and have adopted them as classes alongside the standard fishing rodeo classes. Kayak fishing is ideal in these estuaries of southeast Louisiana with kayaks able to navigate all of the shallow coastal marsh and find those hidden and previously unreachable honey spots.
Located at the edge of Barataria and Caminada Bay and the deep-water oil platforms of the Gulf of Mexico that serve as incredible artificial reef habitats, Grand Isle is known for hosting multiple world-class fishing events. The species of fish from the multiple habitats are far too numerous to list, but there is a definitive reason why southern Louisiana is known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise.”
By Harlen Leslie, Southern Boating Magazine April 2016
Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory is sponsoring the 5th Annual Whatever Floats Your Boat Regatta in Apalachee Bay on Saturday, September 24th. Marine science chronicles unusual sea creatures but nothing quite like the outrageously constructed vessels made of recycled materials that are used in this race. Teams that are up for the challenge design their own vessel and compete in either the sailing or non-sailing categories. Captain and crew sail, row or even scull around the course. Some, however, topple over or slowly sink into the bay, much to the delight of the crowds who gather on the shoreline around the lab and boat basin. The event runs from 12PM-3PM and includes outdoor food, music and fun with an opportunity to teach participants about reducing the environmental impact of plastics and other trash. marinelab.fsu.edu/outreach/regatta
Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 17th Expect plenty of pirate lingo, backslapping salutations and an eye patch or two on International Talk Like a Pirate Day. While Hallmark probably doesn’t have a large display of greeting cards for this annual event, columnist Dave Barry helped publicize the concept some years ago. Now, dozens of pirate-themed events take place across Florida on the weekend closest to this day every year. The Big Lagoon State Park on the Florida Panhandle hosts this year’s Perdido Key Pirate Festival on Saturday, September 17th. Modern-day mutineers celebrate with entertainment including hands-on activities for kids, family games and a chance to hunt for pirate coins that are redeemable for prizes. One lucky pirate who finds the “Lost Key” will take home a grand prize treasure chest. Big Lagoon is a 705-acre state park located about 10 miles southwest of Pensacola along the ICW. The park has a launch ramp for those who trailer, and several nearby, deep-water marinas are an easy drive away.
Ft. Myers Municipal Marina District expansion Interested in putting a fresh face on the marina district in downtown Ft. Myers? A private developer is being sought to transform businesses around the municipal marina, attract more retail, expand docks, and add moorings. Mayor Randy Henderson would like to take the expansion plans even further. Henderson, a pilot and avid cruiser, has potential Key West excursions in mind and would like to create an area for seaplane traffic in the marina district. The marina was originally built in 1937 as a Works Progress Administration project under Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. In 2016, the marina received a major facelift and now boasts 240 slips that are typically full with a long waiting list for entry. The marina currently allows liveaboards, and this policy is not expected to change. Ft. Myers Municipal continues to be a popular overnight destination for cruisers transiting Florida via the Okeechobee Waterway and is a middle-market boating facility, although it has room for larger yachts. In April, the city selected Mainsail, a Tampa-based hotel operator, to take over completion of the proposed Harborside Hotel—a new 225-room, full-service hotel and parking garage. The marina district, however, remains a separate venture with no particular timeline.
By Alan Wendt, Southern Boating Magazine September 2016
Additional docks are nearing completion at Tarpon Point Marina adjacent to the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral, Florida. Sixteen slips are being added to ‘H’ dock to accommodate larger boats from 65-80 feet. Harbormaster Rick Munson says the additions will bring the total number of slips to over 200. Tarpon Point Marina offers direct access to the Gulf of Mexico via the Caloosahatchee River. The sheltered harbor is surrounded by the Westin Resort, which is home to four restaurants, boutique shops and a pool. The Westin Resort is also breaking ground to add a 40,000-square-foot conference center. tarponpoint.com
Megayacht docking comes to St. Petersburg
Construction is complete on seven megayacht slips at downtown St. Petersburg’s Harborage Marina at Bayboro. Accommodating vessels up to 200 feet in length, the custom engineered concrete floating docks provide fully enclosed power (480 volts), plumbing and built-in pump-out, and the 24-inch stressed concrete pilings are capable of withstanding a 10-foot storm surge. One resident’s 145′ Christensen megayacht I Love This Boat homeports here when not on charter. “This is the only megayacht port on the West Coast of Florida,” notes assistant dockmaster David Dabney.
St. Petersburg has shaken off last century’s moniker as “God’s Waiting Room” and is more than alive with activity, from major league baseball to its three world-class museums: Salvador Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts and the Dale Chihuly Collection at Morean Arts Center. The waterfront has turned into a foodie haven with highly rated eateries such as the Z Grille, Parkshore Grill and BellaBrava as well as traditional favorites such as Marchand’s at The Vinoy and the nearby Maritana Grille at Loews Don CeSar Hotel. harboragemarina.com
Country on the Coast
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, a three-day celebration of sun, fun and country music, will host its 4th annual festival on the shores of Panama City Beach, Florida, on Labor Day weekend, September 2-4. Brad Paisley, Jake Owen, The Band Perry, and Sara Evans are just a handful of the artists headlining this year’s event. gulfcoastjam.com
Suwannee River Marina
For years, the Millers were fixtures at Gulf Coast boat shows. Emblematic agents of the laid-back Suwannee River, Bill and Gloria called this place home with their houseboat and fishing rentals. Recently, the Miller family sold the marina to new owners who renamed it Gateway Marina. Fittingly, the marina is closest to the mouth of the storied river and also the Gulf of Mexico.
Major upgrades are underway, with 24-hour fuel-pay at the pump (ethanol and non-ethanol), new live bait tanks, 30- and 50-amp dockside power, and a more robust ships store. In addition to offering transient slips, Gateway will continue to rent the original fleet of 44-foot houseboats, which are ideal for large groups cruising the river. All onboard appliances and linens are updated, and you can enhance your experience with Gateway’s fishing kayak and paddleboard rentals. Be mindful of the marina’s low depth of 4 feet. gatewaymarina.us
By Alan Wendt, Southern Boating Magazine August 2016
