On World Oceans Day in June, 70 volunteers with the Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) attached 1,600 staghorn coral clippings with special glue onto existing coral in the Florida Keys. It was the organization’s most prolific output in a single day. The Plantapalooza aimed to raise awareness of the importance of restoring, preserving and conserving the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. Since its inception in 2000, CRF has planted 30,000 corals on upper and middle Keys reefs. coralrestoration.org
Ongoing spruce-up at Boynton Harbor Marina
With the demolition of an old dive shop building, Boynton Beach will create a green space and boardwalk for the public at its marina. “This will create more space for the public,” said Vivian Brooks, redevelopment agency executive director. “We want people to enjoy the area. Right now there is really nowhere to sit and no shade.” A 250-foot boardwalk and new sidewalks will be built by July 2016. Hibiscus plants and 17 coconut trees will also be planted. Boynton Beach’s redevelopment agency has spent nearly $20 million to refurbish Boynton Harbor Marina with a master building, new entryway features and boat slips since its 2005 purchase. catchboynton.com
Keeping tradition alive
Seminole maritime history comes to life twice a month at the Upper Room Art Gallery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Traditional Seminole artist Pedro O. Zepeda uses a chain saw, his adze and other hand tools to carve an indigenous canoe out of cypress. The 200-year-old cypress log he shapes weighs more than a ton, is 19 feet long and was recovered from 2005 Hurricane Wilma. Working on the project since February, Zepeda says the 12.5-foot canoe should be completed this month. “For me, it was a way to maintain the canoe culture for us,” Zepeda says. “It’s always good to share your culture with other people; it lets them know we are still here and still practice our culture.” upperroomartgallery.com
Bridge replaces ferry
A pontoon swing bridge in South Carolina replaced the ferry crossing at Estherville Minim Creek Canal on the ICW (mile 411.5). The bridge closes to marine traffic only when a vehicle needs to cross with yellow flashing lights warning vessels to come to a stop. Wildlife refuge personnel and equipment at Cat Island’s Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center use the bridge only twice daily, if at all, says wildlife director Jamie Dozier. “[The bridge] swings open in about 20 seconds, and we can get everything across and back in 4 or 5 minutes.”
Florida bridge under repair
Work continues at Hillsboro Inlet Bridge (AIWW 1053.9) with completion expected in November. Vertical clearance is reduced by two feet. The north and south side channels are closed to navigation as turbidity barriers are in place and a small barge is behind the fender system. Mariners may request an opening by providing a four-hour advance notice to the bridge tender or by calling (954) 943-1847.
By Nancy E. Spraker, Southern Boating Magazine, September 2015