Tag: Florida

Welcome Back, Manatees!

In January, both manatees and boaters are on the move looking for pleasant temperatures and good food. As long as sea cows stay in the shallow and captains stay in the deep, all is well. Captains and mates spot manatee shapes at their seagrass restaurants by the flip of a tail, a swirl of water and nostrils nosing the surface. Be ready to back away, captain.

Don’t let them nose up to your propeller. Sea cows get pretty curious sometimes, and not in a safe way. Florida’s manatee population is coming back—careful boaters deserve some of the credit for that—and seagrass acreage is expanding thanks to clean water initiatives throughout Florida. But here’s another item on the good citizens’ to-do list. If you see an injured manatee, call it into Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC).

Email tip@myfwc or text/talk to FWC at (888) 404-3922
myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/manatee/how-to-help/

by Bill AuCoin, Southern Boating January 2018

Florida Fly Fishing Expo

Florida Fly Fishing converges on the Crystal River

Fly fishers of all skill levels meet up in central Florida February 9-10, for the 2018 Florida Fly Fishing Expo, to see the latest in fly fishing gear displays, boats, and kayak exhibits, and fly casting and fly-tying classes. The venue is Plantation Inn on Crystal River, an on-the-water resort with spacious grounds and meeting rooms for all the demonstrations, classes and seminars led by acclaimed fly fishing experts brought in by the Florida Council of Fly Fishers International. The $25 entrance fee includes full access to seminars, demonstrations and a Friday meet-and-greet with food and beverages.

flyfishersinternational.org; plantationoncrystalriver.com

by Bill AuCoin, Southern Boating January 2018

Jacksonville Boat Show 

If you missed the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in early November and the St. Pete Boat Show in late November, and can’t make the Stuart Boat Show in mid-January or the Miami Boat Show in February, then point your bow toward Jacksonville, Florida.
The Jacksonville Marine Trades Association presents the 71st Annual Jacksonville Boat Show January 26-28. As one of the oldest boat shows in the country, Jacksonville is excited about the 2018 show, since more than 25 dealers are expected to bring hundreds of boats guaranteeing at least a couple of boats on display for everyone’s taste and budget. Activities include seminars on fishing and boat safety. Events are also planned
for children to help introduce the next generation to a life on the water. The show will be held at the Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water Street in Jacksonville.

Show details are available at boatjax.com/

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating January 2018

More from the Southeastern Seaboard

Sailfish 400

Nautical Flea Market

 

Tarpon Springs, Florida

Tarpon Springs, Florida

It’s all Greek to me! Traditions run deep in Tarpon Springs.

North of Tampa Bay on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Anclote River marks the end of the Florida Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Mile 150 and the entrance, upriver, to the city of Tarpon Springs, a true gem for visitors arriving by land or sea.

This quaint and picturesque community carries a history steeped in Greek culture, heritage, and religion, the stories of which are displayed throughout the town on murals and carried on through traditions that are sure to make an impression. It makes sense; Tarpon Springs boasts (by percentage) the largest population of Greek Americans anywhere in the U.S.

Spongey

Permanently enriched by the Mediterranean heritage brought by the sponge divers and their families who arrived at the turn of the 20th century, the Hellenic influence remains strong in Tarpon Springs to this day. George Billiris was a prominent citizen and personification of the history and culture of Tarpon Springs present and past.

Greece had a thriving sponge industry and the only sponge divers in the world, and around 1900, his grandfather emigrated from Greece to develop and work in the sponge industry in Tarpon Springs, where an abundance of sponges was found, which led to migration. In 1940, George was 14 years old and joined the family tradition of diving for sponges. Right up until his death in 2016 at age 89, he was operating a sponge business from a small office along the city’s sponge docks. George’s son now runs the business and carries on the family customs.

Sponge Docks

Indeed, the Greek influence here is strong along Dodecanese Boulevard, commonly referred to as the Sponge Docks. Enjoy strolling in the Greek fishing village, savor authentic dishes at the many Greek restaurants and shop for sponges—the Sponge Factory or Spongeorama are worthwhile stops—and other delights at stores lining the boulevard.

There, you’ll also find the city marina and a visitor center that offers area information, including a detailed map. When you’re all shopped out, consider dining at Shrimp Wrecked, Mykonos or Rusty Bellies to replenish your energy reserves. Or shop ’til you drop at The Sponge Exchange, an outdoor shopping mall with interesting stores, Anclote Brew and Mom’s Restaurant. If you’re up for a leisurely boat ride, along the docks are several boat charters you can board for a sponge diving experience, dolphin viewing or a trip to the beach at Anclote Key. Spongeorama also offers excursions to see dolphins and go to the Anclote Key beach for shelling and finding sponges.

Historic Sites and Sights

It is about a five-minute car ride to the Old Downtown and Historic District, or take the bus or trolley. In the early 1900s, downtown Tarpon Springs was the major center for shopping in this area. The Victorian-style buildings date from 1894 to 1943 and are another representation of the rich heritage of Tarpon Springs. Walk the brick sidewalks under tree canopies, or find a quiet bench and sit between old-fashioned street lamps.

The historic buildings are still a center of commerce for antique shops, boutiques, art galleries, cafés, two microbreweries, bed-and-breakfast inns, and specialty stores. Top-quality, chef-owned restaurants and cafés provide mouthwatering menus flaunting seafood, steaks, Greek favorites, and the chef-owners’ own specialties. The Chamber of Commerce at the corner of East Tarpon Avenue and Pinellas Avenue is a good resource for maps and other helpful information, while the Historical Society Museum & Visitor Center is housed in the original train depot—built in 1909—at 160 East Tarpon Avenue.

Cultures Collide

The City Library, Cultural Center, Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, Heritage Museum, Safford House Museum, and the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral are also located in this area. Devotion to Christianity and the Greek Orthodox Church is what led the parents of Nicholas and Peter Stamas from New York City—after emigrating through Ellis Island—to Tarpon Springs, where they opened a hotel and restaurant.

It was in the back of that hotel, in the late 1930s, where Peter and Nicholas built their first boat, a 22-foot wooden cruiser that was awarded first place at the Florida State Fair. Their influence came from Greek craftsman highly skilled at building strong seaworthy vessels, and it was in this unique environment that the Stamas brothers began building boats.

How Did Tarpon Springs Get Its Name?

Tarpon Springs is a short distance up the Anclote River at the north end of Pinellas County. It’s quite well known for its Greek heritage and food and for its downtown sponge docks and boats.

It turns out that the first non-native settlers in Tarpon Springs, A. W. Ormond and his daughter Mary were from Nassau, The Bahamas. They arrived in 1876 and lived on Spring Bayou which connects to the Anclote River. Mary loved to watch the huge schools of fish in Spring Bayou at certain times of the year. The story goes that she started calling it Tarpon Springs.

The problem was, those fish weren’t tarpon; they were mullet, but Tarpon Springs it is. The city celebrates its Greek culture and history at the downtown Sponge Docks, and the Opa! Palooza Greek Festival is June 14-15.

Tradition Runs Deep

Today, after 65 years, Stamas Yachts is the oldest, continuously family-owned boat company in the U.S. Actually, the epicenter for all things Greek in this town might just be the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The first structure was built in 1907, and then replaced by the much larger St. Nicholas Cathedral in 1943, and is named after Saint Nicholas, the Patron Saint and protector of all mariners.

The Cathedral is not only beautiful, but it is also home to the largest Theophany celebration in the Western  Hemisphere on January 6th, which marks the Christian celebration of Epiphany. The annual event is marked with a procession from the Cathedral to a platform on Spring Bayou. The Archbishop bestows a blessing of the waters, releases a white dove and throws a crafted cross into the water. Then, dozens of 16- to 18-year-old boys dive into the water in search of the cross; the boy who retrieves it is said to have blessings for the rest of the year.

This celebration also includes a “Blessing of the Fleet,” dining, dancing, and revelry as a part of Epiphany’s “Glendi,” the Greek word for festival.

Brother Nature

For visitors who are more inclined to celebrate the outdoors, Tarpon Springs’ warm winter waters are home to manatees and dolphins, while in the spring, eagles and osprey can be
found on their large nests feeding offspring. All this can be experienced by kayak, canoe, nature trails, and tour boats in the beautiful bayous that run through the city. Investing time to explore the many parks throughout the area is well spent since sheltered picnic sites, walking trails, fishing, water access, playgrounds, and wildlife are found in most.

Anclote Key Preserve State Park is located three miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs and is only accessible by boat. Whether you come for the culture and heritage or the shopping and dining, Tarpon Springs will certainly take up residence as a fond place in your heart and memories. Opa!

Cruiser Resources

Marinas

Anclote Harbors Marina
523 Anclote Road
(727) 934-7616
ancloteharbors.com

Anclote Isles Marina
331 Anclote Road
(727) 939-0100
ancloteisles-marina.com

Anclote Village Marina
1029 Baillies Bluff Rd.
(727) 937-9737
anclotevillagemarina.com 

Belle Harbour Marina
307 Anclote Road
(727) 943-8489
belleharbourmarina.com

Port Tarpon Marina
527 Anclote Road
(727) 937-2200
porttarponmarina.com

Tarpon Landing Marina
21 Oscar Hill Road
(727) 937-1100

Tarpon Springs Municipal Marina
100 Dodecanese Blvd.
(727) 937-9165
ctsfl.us/marina.htm

Turtle Cove Marina
827 Roosevelt Blvd.
(727) 934-2202
turtlecove-marina.com

A Different Type of Venice

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.

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.

CRUISER RESOURCES:
Marinas:

The Crows Nest

1968 Tarpon Center Drive

(941) 484-7661 • crowsnest-venice.com

Fisherman’s Wharf Marina

509 North Tamiami Trail

(941) 486-0500 • fishermanswharffl.com

The Venice Yacht Club

1330 Tarpon Center Drive

(941) 488-7708 • veniceyachtclub.com

 

Dining:
Luna Ristorante

200 Saint Augustine Avenue • (941) 412-9898

Sharky’s on the Pier

1600 Harbor Drive South

(941) 488-1456 • sharkysonthepier.com

By Susanna Botkin, Southern Boating Magazine January 2017

Palm Beach Preview

Don’t miss the 32nd Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show!

The show starts Thursday, March 23rd and runs through March 26th.  The Palm Beach International Boat Show is located along the charming downtown area of Flagler Drive. The Intracoastal Waterway and Palm Beach Island will provide spectacular views while you stroll the docks and tents.

This year will feature the largest superyacht lineup in its 32-year history and will feature more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories.

From mega-yachts to tenders, magazine subscriptions to outboards, the Palm Beach International Boat Show is sure to have all the products for your boating and cruising needs.

This year’s show will also include a variety of educational activities, including free youth fishing clinics, IGFA School of Sportfishing seminars, long-range cruising clinics and on-the-water boat handling classes—making the Palm Beach International Boat Show a fun and educational event for the whole family.

Show entrances are located at Evernia St./Flagler Dr. and North Clematis St./Flagler Dr. This year, a new VIP entrance and VIP Lounge will be located at Palm Harbor Marina.

This year’s show will feature roughly 400 exhibitors, more than 700 boats in-water, and a few hundred boats on land. It’s sure to be an exciting weekend!

2017 SHOW SCHEDULE:

12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday, March 24

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, March 25

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, March 26

TIP: Want to take advantage of Palm Beach’s beautiful water and weather? Come to the show by boat! Cruisers are welcome to aie-up to the convenient Come-by-Boat docks– located south of the in-water displays near Fern Street.

Don’t forget to stop by Southern Boating! Booth 612, right on the corner!

For more information, visit the Palm Beach Boat Show site or if you want to do some window-shopping, take a look at YATCO’s PROBOOK – the official MLS of Yachting.

Florida’s Last Frontier: Chokoloskee

In Chokoloskee, Florida, fishing reigns supreme against a backdrop of local flavor.

On the southwestern coast of Florida, a small community amidst the mangroves preserves the final remnants of the Old Florida lifestyle. In Chokoloskee, and its neighbor, Everglades City, seven miles to the north, there’s no pretense. There is, however, a legacy left by early pioneers, whose descendants now populate the area. There are also ghosts—if you know where to look.

The locals have been here for generations. They’ll eye you steadily from their seats as you launch your boat at the marina, and maybe even ask where you’re from. “We’re Florida folk, here to do some fishing,” is a fine response. But don’t ask about the town’s drug smuggling bust in 1983. Mention that, and the locals might reply that people can easily get lost out in the mangroves. And out in the mangroves is really what it’s all about.

Chokoloskee borders the western edge of Everglades National Park, and with it the Ten Thousand Islands. The name is well deserved. With over 2,000 square miles of identical-looking mangrove islands and channels, oyster bars, bays, and shallow waters, it’s easy to get lost. When you’re out on the boat each turn in the channel looks the same. The blue-green water reflects both the mangrove islands and the sky, creating natural fractals as far as the eye can see. Even when you think you might be in the clear, shallow flats and treacherous ridges silently wait.

Like a Local

You need a guide. A local, someone who knows the twists and bends in the channels. Someone who knows when markers have been flipped. Someone like Brian Sanders, who runs fishing charters in Chokoloskee over 250 days a year. He knows where the fish will be biting, when the tide will turn and, most important, the way back inland. For decades, the wilder side of Collier County has drawn sportsmen and outlaws alike. The area’s isolation was, perhaps, the biggest draw for the latter, but it has also fostered the perfect atmosphere for a fishing experience unlike any other on this remote edge of the Everglades.

There aren’t many places on earth that can rival the beauty and complexity of the Ten Thousand Islands. A diversity of animal and marine life comes from a shared ecosystem as freshwater and saltwater combine. A quick offshore run reveals everything from dozens of bird species and smaller fish to large alligators soaking in the sun and dolphins breaking through the waves. The beaches sometimes offer glimpses of deer, wild pigs, and even bears.

To the northwest of Chokoloskee lie thousands of mangrove islands that dot the murky waters and echo postcard-perfect scenes. They also confuse and confound the uninitiated. To the south, tidal rivers flow through the backcountry. You can fish scoured holes, river mouths and oyster bars here. The rivers and flats form habitats that support and nurture the species anglers are after. Both artificial fishermen and live baiters will have luck fishing the rivers. Sight fishing is also an option in the clear headwaters of the river, even with the slight tint due to the tannic acid of the mangroves.

Fish Heaven

The rivers to the north of Chokoloskee include Pumpkin, Ferguson, Wood, Little Wood, and others. Here, you’ll find that the small mangrove islands and feeder creeks form a safe refuge for fish, including the area’s local population of smaller tarpon. Each northern river dumps into large bays, while the surrounding mangrove islands form channels of flowing tidal waters. With depths of scour holes reaching some 20 feet deep, the largest of the snook, tarpon and goliath groupers move into areas in the warmer months. The cooler months bring large black drum, Spanish mackerel and cobia.

The southern rivers—Chatham, Lopez, Lostman’s, Broad—are big enough to hold redfish, tarpon, and snook. There are more fishing spots than you could explore in a day, or perhaps even a lifetime. And oftentimes, a trip through the backcountry will see a catch of over a dozen different species of fish. Head a bit offshore to find the numerous natural and artificial formations that attract fish like cobia, kingfish, snapper, and even permit.

Smallwoods, Tall Tales

While there’s plenty of space for fishing in the Ten Thousand Islands, there’s a lot of history and character packed into the 137 acres of Chokoloskee. The story begins with Ted Smallwood’s General Store at the turn of the 20th century. Ted Smallwood built his store on the edge of Chokoloskee Bay in 1906, and it soon became the central meeting place for all of the town’s happenings—drawing gossip, gambling and trade. It also drew some of the more unsavory figures in the area.

There are skeletons in the closets of the town, even if they don’t make much noise. One such skeleton is that of Edgar J. Watson, who was rumored to have been an outlaw that once ran with Jesse James. Watson settled on a plantation at Chatham Bend and was a frequent visitor at Smallwood’s store. Once his hired workers began disappearing one by one, however, the town grew suspicious. The townsfolk later confronted Watson at Smallwood’s in an event that led to Watson’s demise. Local rumor says the ghost of Watson lives around the store to this day.

Smallwood’s is no longer a general store. Instead, it’s now one of the most unique museums in Florida. Open the wooden doors, walk inside and be transported back to the 1920s. Within the walls, you’ll find rocking chairs, wagon wheels, old glassware, and even quirkier artifacts. Ever since Ted’s family reopened the store as a museum, it’s stood as a time-weathered monument to the unique history of the Ten Thousand Islands.

Personal History

There’s history here in Chokoloskee and a colorful past with tales of mystery and intrigue. There’s fishing and a peaceful solitude that’s hard to find elsewhere. But there’s also the present moment while you’re out in the bay. One of my favorite parts of Chokoloskee is its ability to make an impression. It changes you in small ways for the better. It fosters a sense of community and togetherness that’s hard to find in other parts of the country. Events like the annual Seafood Festival in Everglades City, for example, delight locals and guests alike with its bounty of fresh seafood and craft booths. Finally, it creates memories that will keep you coming back, time and time again.

Yet, while Chokoloskee has the ability to create memorable experiences, it also teaches some tough life lessons. Rabbit Key, the site where the notorious Edgar J. Watson is buried, is also the place where I lost my first redfish when I was five years old. Back then, I didn’t really understand fish mortality, and I pressured my father to dip the redfish back in the channel so it could breathe. A quick flip of the tail and it got away. I remember feeling slightly relieved. My father was arguably less so. But this means that now, years later, I have one more excuse to head through the channels past the sweeping mangrove islands out toward Rabbit for some redfish redemption—with a guide, of course. It is always, already, a place I like to be.

—CRUISER RESOURCES—

Marinas:
Chokoloskee Island Park Marina
1150 Hamilton Lane
(239) 695-2414
chokoloskee.com

Parkway Motel & Marina
1180 Chokoloskee Drive
(239) 695-3261
parkwaymotelandmarina.net

FISHING GUIDE:
Captain Brian Sanders
(954) 802-0868
sandersoutdoorguide.com

By Susanna Botkin, Southern Boating Magazine November 2016

Eyes on U: Keep an eye on UMiami’s Marine Biology Programs

With outstanding programs in marine biology, two University of Miami campuses have become focal points for environmental studies.

From its humble beginnings in 1925, the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus has weathered many storms, both natural and manmade, and has come out on the other side as a major institution for higher learning. Respected for its exceptional staff of educators, the accomplishments of its student body and its Division One athletic program among many other notable accomplishments, Miami has set a course in both academia as well as having a broad view of the world.

The “U”, as it’s affectionately known, can boast of yet another achievement: its undergraduate Marine Biology curriculum and its advanced degree syllabus at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) located on nearby Virginia Key. Known globally for its outstanding scientific studies, Rosenstiel is committed to being the steward of the health and wellbeing of Florida’s waters—whether ocean, Gulf, rivers, or lakes—and its wildlife, both marine and terrestrial, including coral reefs, mangrove areas, and the environment. Rosenstiel also contributes to the global initiatives, study, and efforts to solve our planet’s environmental ills.

“Since I became dean of the school, we have worked quite energetically to improve our infrastructure and to implement transformative changes,” says Dr. Roni Avissar, Ph.D. and RSMAS Dean. “This to poise the school as a leader in research, education, and services to the community, as an integral part of the University of Miami, which is to be the next great American research university.” To that end, Dean Avissar’s vision has already become a reality. One merely has to look at Dr. Emily Shuckburgh, a past recipient of the Rosenstiel Award for her Open Oceans study with the British Antarctic Survey in understanding the role polar seas play in the global climate system. Then there’s marine ecologist and Research Assistant Professor of Ecosystem Science & Policy, Dr. Neil Hammerschlag, who also serves as the director of the University’s world-renowned Shark Research & Conversation Program.

Given its strategic location on Biscayne Bay, RSMAS now presents its latest acquisition, the Hurricane Lab. The new building houses the largest wind wave facility in the world and is capable of generating a Category 5 storm in its 75-foot, 40,000-gallon seawater tank. Overseen by Dr. Brian Haus, the respected director of the school’s Department of Ocean Sciences, the facility studies potentially catastrophic effects such as storm surge and why some hurricanes cause calamitous damage while others huff and puff themselves to death when coming ashore.

Docked outside the Virginia Key campus is the 96-foot R/V F. G. Walton Smith. Named after the school’s founder, the vessel is a state-of-the-art power catamaran packed with 800 square feet of laboratory space, a nitrox dive center and accommodations for 20 people. She is also equipped with dynamic positioning for exact station keeping, a transducer suite for measuring ocean currents, a dedicated space between the hulls for drilling and coring operations, and a notched stern area for maneuvering equipment into place. To that end, when the environmental disaster caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil well blowout occurred, the Smith participated in aftermath operations.

But as much as these things are what one would expect from a major research center, it’s the experiences students carry forward that’s going to make the difference in the future. “I knew at an early age that I wanted my life’s work to be involved with ocean conversation,” says Justine Zoe Gapayao, recent U/RSMAS graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and Biology and a minor in Chemistry. “It was well worth all the effort to become part of the U family and with both my stateside studies and those abroad, I was able to set a solid path on which to build my career.”

While she had an inspiring study abroad semester at James Cook University in Queensland, Australia, her most fulfilling experience through RSMAS was a yearlong internship at Dr. Baker’s Coral Conservation Laboratory. “I learned field work and genetic techniques to analyze coral larvae and their susceptibility to nutrient and climate change.” Since graduating, Zoe has been involved with conservation organizations in the Gulf of Mexico and Philippines. Her current endeavors involve attaining her PADI Divemaster and volunteering with the Hawaiian Marine Mammal Alliance while applying to graduate school.

Samantha Kreisler recalls her fascination with living things, especially those ocean dwellers and ecosystems she was exposed to at a very early age. “After spending a semester abroad at the Cape Eleuthera Island School in The Bahamas during my sophomore year in high school, where I received my open ocean diver’s certification and studied the local coral reefs, as well as the effects of non-endemic species such as lionfish, it was a natural progression to make Miami and RSMAS the place at which to launch my career.” She studied Marine Affairs and Policy and continued on to a Masters of Professional Science in Coastal Zone Management.

“Besides having incredible and prestigious professors, I was given many opportunities to take classes abroad such as water resources and policy in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Kunming, China, where I was exposed to knowledge that not only allowed me to gain specific information about overseas hydrological systems, but also provided me with new insights into national-based policy.” Samantha currently works at the nonprofit Clean Water Action, whose efforts to protect New Jersey’s environment and public health is done through lobbying and legislation. “I know I can make a difference,” she says. The University of Miami’s programs in this endeavor are the kind that sends its students out into the world prepared to take on the big problems and solve them one at a time. It’s what the world needs.

— By Ken Kreisler, Southern Boating Magazine December 2016

Florida anchoring ban bill and at-risk vessel bills effective July 1

Despite fervent opposition from cruisers, Florida passed a law banning overnight anchoring in several popular locations, with a few exceptions. Starting July 1st, anchoring from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise is banned on the section of Middle River between Northeast 21st Court and the ICW in Broward County, Sunset Lake in Miami-Dade County and sections of Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County lying between Rivo Alto Island and Di Lido Island, San Marino Island and San Marco Island, and Biscayne Island. Exceptions pertain to mechanical failures, certain weather conditions, special events, government vessels, construction or dredging vessels, and recreational fishing. Fines start at $50. The law may be offset by the results of the FWC’s Anchoring & Mooring Pilot Program in January 2017.
Also effective July 1st, at-risk vessels will be fined from $50-$250 in Florida. At-risk vessels are described as follows: vessels taking on or have taken on water without an effective means to dewater, vessels with spaces on the vessel that are designed to be enclosed that are incapable of being sealed or remain open to the elements for extended periods of time, vessels that have broken loose or are in danger of breaking loose from anchor, vessels that are left unattended or stored aground in such a state that would prevent the vessels from getting underway, or vessels that are listing due to water intrusion, are sunk or partially sunk.

Miami Science Barge

A floating ecological laboratory and environmental education center sits atop a 30- by 120-foot barge next to the Perez Art Museum at Museum Park. Cages encircling the barge contain developing oysters, crabs, seagrass and mangroves, while remotely operated underwater cameras capture action below the surface. Solar panels, biodiesel generators and batteries provide renewable energy, as local seawater and rainwater enable zero discharge. It is the sole Miami winner of the 2015 Knight Cities Challenge that strives to make the 26 Knight communities “more vibrant places to live and work”. Program Director Matt Haggman says the barge is “an exciting way to connect and focus our community on creative ways to think about innovation and sustainability.”

North Carolina bridge construction

A new bridge will replace the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge that crosses the Oregon Inlet. Construction began in March with completion expected in August 2019. Broadcasts and bulletins convey information and updates to mariners on work conducted 24/7. Construction equipment including a work trestle/loading dock with a lit 245′ breast-line surround the bridges. Civil Constructors’ tugs and vessels monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. For details, visit: ncdot.gov/projects/bonnerbridgereplace.

Free entertainment at Carolina Beach, NC

Why wait another month for fireworks? Visit Carolina Beach, North Carolina’s Boardwalk, and enjoy music from the gazebo every Thursday this summer at 6:30PM and then fireworks at 9PM. Both are free and open to all. Carolina Beach Harbor’s dock at Gibby’s Dock and Dining is a suggested tie-up spot.

By Nancy E. Spraker, Southern Boating Magazine June 2016

Gourmet food scraps

The Cajuns of South Louisiana are known for their interest in spicy food and exotic flavors, but fishermen all along the northern Gulf Coast have their secret culinary delicacies as well. Most anglers who have grilled a monster blackfish appreciate the fish’s sweet and delicate cheek meat, but only the truly old school fully uses the bounty of these waters and can turn a fish carcass into blackfish jelly. Generations on the coast have long kept this culinary knowledge secret, yet it was fading into “culinary backwaters” until a revival of interest saved these savory treats from vanishing. These are some of my favorites.

Perhaps shrimp throats, aka “spiders,” are among the more common and likely the easiest to go mainstream. On the larger, jumbo to colossal-sized white shrimp, there is a bit of sweet meat that is nearly always wasted. Easily freed by placing an index finger into the head along the bottom and pushing down, this tasty nugget when washed, spiced, breaded, and fried is an amazing twist on shrimp meat with a unique texture and becomes a perfect and delicious finger food.

Mullets are one of the rare species of fish to have a gizzard, similar to a bird. Mullets are bottom feeders and it is best to only use the gizzard from mullets caught near the islands offshore where bottoms are sandy and not full of mud. The mullet gizzard is a small little nodule about the size of a fingernail and located after the throat. It must be sliced open and thoroughly washed before being simply spiced, battered and fried, just like the shrimp “spiders”—a tasty treat.

Red snapper are highly prized along the entire Gulf Coast, but from the piers of Galveston, Texas, to Orange Beach, Alabama, the snapper throats are simply tossed out. Yet these throats on the larger snappers are filled with delicate meat between the pectoral fins and are almost always scraped off the fish stations into the water for crabs or pelicans. I knew of a group of cruisers from Pascagoula, Mississippi, that would often do the voyage to Destin, Florida, along the ICW and arrive as the Destin charter boats were docking and the fish was being cleaned. Florida’s charter captains always found it a bit curious that these Mississippi natives would walk up and ask for these discarded portions of the large snappers. That was until they tasted the snapper throats scaled, spiced, breaded, and fried.

There is obviously a theme here regarding the frying of these tiny leftover morsels of meat, but with reason: They’re delicious and have a sweetness to them not found in the other meatier portions of fish or shrimp that is accentuated by the spicy batters of the Gulf Coast. Ask anyone who’s tried the little thumb-sized scallop of meat above and behind a redfish’s eyes.

Go for it and try one of these Gulf Coast’s unique delicacies. A nice comeback sauce and saltines will certainly help for that first sampling.

By Troy Gilbert, Southern Boating Magazine April 2016

 

Florida governor recommends GPS emergency beacons.

Boating tragedies in Florida’s waters prompted Governor Rick Scott to write a letter to the state constituents supporting proposed boating safety legislation. The legislation encourages emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) and personal locator beacons (PLB) to be part of all boaters’ onboard safety equipment, reducing registration fees for all classes of boats with the equipment.

 

Proposed law for FWC pullovers

Some say that overzealous Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers ruin great days on the water with their random checks. Others say they are necessary to deter illegal fishing, hunting and safety violations. Under a law proposed by Florida State Representative Ritch Workman, officers would need probable cause before stopping boaters. Workman said he wants to see more reasonable stops with FWC officers checking boats only if suspicious activity is observed. Workman said he envisions a safe boating sticker placed next to the boat’s registration after it passes inspection to limit boaters being hassled. If the proposed law (House Bill 703) passes, it would take effect July 1, 2016.

Improved Cuba charts

With increased cruising to Cuba from the U.S., the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Cuba are working together to improve nautical charts especially in the Straits of Florida. Following up on a Spring 2015 meeting with U.S. and Cuban chartmakers in Havana to work on a new international paper chart—INT Chart 4149 covering south Florida, The Bahamas, and north Cuba—the group then met in Maryland to discuss future collaboration and improving nautical charts.

Shipwreck artifacts returned

Updating the discovery of items from the Confederate CSS Georgia shipwreck, 30,000 articles were raised. Unique items kept for archiving by the U.S. government include small buttons, hilts of knives and swords, an intact glass bottle, leather boots, and an earring. Texas A&M is studying 13,000 articles at their lab, and 16,697 non-unique articles were returned to the mud of the Savannah River in plastic boxes, which, according to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers archaeologist Julie Morgan, will help preserve them. The Confederate gunship was sunk in 1864 in the Savannah River by its own crew to prevent the ship’s capture by Union troops during the Civil War.

Shoaling at Lockwoods Folly Inlet

North Carolina’s Lockwoods Folly Inlet Intersection near Cape Fear River, Little River Buoy 47, has a 250-yard shoal extending into the federal channel with depths from less than one foot to five feet at mean low water.

Handicapped sailor sails solo

Be on the lookout for Cliff Kyle aboard his 26′ Pearson Abby Normal traveling south on the ICW. Sailing solo can be challenging and for a man with one leg it could be more so, but Kyle throttles full steam ahead with a cheery disposition. “One thing sailing teaches you is how to handle what’s thrown at you and navigate through it,” says Kyle. When his house in Kentucky was foreclosed a couple of years ago, 40-something Kyle headed back to the sea and lived off the coast of Florida in the 1990s. He personally made several modifications on his vessel while sailing to Block Island, Mystic and the Chesapeake Bay. His final destination this season is St. Augustine or possibly The Bahamas.

 

By Nancy E. Spraker, Southern Boating Magazine April 2016

Buccaneers return to St. Augustine.

St. Augustine, Florida, is about to get plundered just like it did four centuries ago! Join the annual historic reenactment of the sacking and burning of the town on Saturday, March 5th. The event is a recreation of Captain Robert Searle’s and his privateers’ raid in 1668 and begins at 4:30PM in the old city starting at the Plaza de la Constitución and ending at the Old City Gates, where the English brigade will battle the pirates. (Searle and crew sailed from Jamaica to loot the silver ingots held in the royal coffers.) During the day from 10AM to 4PM, the Fountain of Youth Park will host drills, demonstrations and living history interpretations. The event is free and new recruits are welcome. hfm.club

Cocoa water tower gets recognition

The Cocoa water tower, a famous ICW landmark that guides mariners into Cocoa, Florida, was named 2015 Tank of the Year. The 156-foot tower is the cover photo on the 2016 Water Tank Calendar. Its freshly painted 25-foot-high American Flag must have wowed judges.

Free dockage & services

•  Oriental, North Carolina: A free, town-maintained pump-out station is available. New restrooms for maritime guests were opened early December at Town Dock #2.

•  Thunderbolt, Georgia: Just outside of Savannah on Country Club Creek, make way to The Wyld Dock Bar, where patrons can dock for free. Gypsy Jazz Music and a $20 all-you-can-eat oyster roast beckon for a stop over.

•  Little Sisters Creek, Florida: At the junction of the St. John’s River and the ICW, Jim King Park offers free dockage. The park boasts a new ramp and is a prime spot for offshore and inshore fishing.

Changes to anchorage area

Two separate anchorages have been proposed to protect coral and its habitat in the Port of Miami area by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI). After eight years of study, SEFCRI, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Anchorage Working Group propose a western anchorage and a larger eastern anchorage. Damage to coral from anchoring not only affects coral survival but also the marine ecosystem as a whole. The Coast Guard oversees anchoring for both recreational and commercial vessels and has in the past established anchorages in the Atlantic Ocean east of Miami Beach. All agencies involved are reviewing comments.

Single-leaf operations

Repairs are underway on the Dania Beach Boulevard Bridge in Broward County, Florida, located across the ICW at mile 1069.4. The bascule bridge is on one-leaf operation with a four-hour notice for a double-leaf opening through March 30th. For double-leaf opening call Quinn Construction at (941) 722-7722.

Caffeinated beaches 

In December, coffee lovers’ dreams came true when hundreds of Cuban coffee cans and vacuum-sealed bricks washed ashore on Indialantic Beach, Florida. Delighted beachcombers scooped them into trash bags. The inadvertent presents were cargo from about 25 containers that fell off a large Puerto Rico-bound barge somewhere between Cape Canaveral and Palm Beach. Other lost cargo included cell batteries, ramen noodles, dog food, bird seed, and bags of wine. After the spill, mariners dodged wayward containers in the Gulf Stream.

By Nancy E. Spraker, Southern Boating Magazine March 2015

Lamb’s Yacht Center, Jacksonville, Florida

Located on the Ortega River in Jacksonville, Florida, Lamb’s Yacht Center began in 1936 and, with the exception of the past 12 years, has been owned and operated by the Lamb family. The marina is now back with the Lambs who are proud to call it their own again. PeggySue Lamb Williams recently re-purchased the marina and is now hard at work along with her three daughters and staff to reawaken the marine center and operate the family-founded marina in the “good old-fashioned way,” she says it was always known for.

Lamb’s Yacht Center offers 242 wet slips accommodating 15-foot to 90-foot boats, transient docking for up to 120-foot, as well as a covered and uncovered storage facility. The marina also provides a full service department boasting a 100 metric ton lift to accommodate haul-out and bottom jobs for all makes and models. Their service department is comprised of skilled painters, experienced mechanical repairmen and repower experts, as well as talented carpenters who can perform repairs both large and small—they can also provide complete refit and refurbishing services including classic and antique boat repair.

Located within the “Jacksonville Marina Mile,” the marine center is among the largest concentration of recreational boating services in the region and is proud to recycle and make an effort to keep waterways clean. Less than five miles from downtown Jacksonville, boaters will find all the additional services for their traveling needs (groceries, restaurants, post office, shops, etc.) within historic Avondale district and its tree-lined streets.

Amenities
• 242 wet slips
• Transient docking for up to 120-foot
• Covered/uncovered storage facility
• 50 Amp/30 Amp/120 V power available
• Two 30 ton hoists/one 40 ton hoist/one 100 ton hoist
• Warranty service center for Yanmar, Cummins and Mercruiser
• Warranty service dealer for Mercury and Evinrude
• Carpentry/paint/fiberglass services
• Concierge service
• Wi-Fi
• Pump-out
• Showers
• Restrooms
• Laundry facility

Contact:
Lamb’s Yacht Center
3376 Lake Shore Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32210
(904) 384-5577
lambsyachtcenter.com

Nathalie Gouillou, October 2015 Southern Exposure

Coral planting in the Florida Keys

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

Venture 34 Forward Seating

The newly redesigned Venture 34 Forward Seating is stoutly built to take on big water and maximize the performance of today’s powerful outboard engines. Larger, beefier stringers and an extended transom accommodate twin- and triple-engine configurations. When powered by twin Yamaha F350 four-stroke V-8 engines, the Venture 34 FS runs to a top speed of 56 mph. The boat’s highly efficient hull design and 350-gallon fuel capacity provide excellent range, especially at a cruising speed of 38 mph. Built at the company’s manufacturing facility in Stuart, Florida, the Venture 34 FS measures 34 feet long and offers an impressive amount of storage. The boat features a 188-gallon fish box on the centerline in the cockpit and a 55-gallon livewell in the transom. An optional in-floor livewell is also offered. Rocket launchers, rod holders and a variety of T-top and hardtop configurations are also available for the customer to configure. Seating options on the Venture 34 FS include forward seating, seating centerline of the front console, aft seating, multiple leaning post configurations, and rear-facing seats or helm chairs. Custom helm ergonomics are offered to suit captains of all sizes. The large dash panel can accommodate multiple 17-inch display screens, and an optional head with air-conditioning is offered under the center console pod. (954) 377-3900;

ventureboatsatbradfordmarine.com

By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine July 2014

Exit mobile version