Lake Okeechobee Water Release

Please take action!

For many people, recent rain and subsequent release of water into the Caloosahatchee River has been a huge problem. We have received several inquiries from members asking what we can do?

Because of the unusually heavy rains this winter, a massive amount of fresh water tainted with pollutants is being released from Lake Okeechobee into the Caloosahatchee River basin and the St. Lucie Waterway. We have received several inquiries from members asking what we can be done to affect change?

As the system currently exists there is no other option for release of the extreme quantities of water other than the Caloosahatchee River and the St. Lucie Waterway. There are plans as part of the overall Everglades Restoration Plan to provide other options. These are expensive and complex fixes and funding has been held up for many years. Due to the inaction of our government our beautiful rivers, estuaries and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico are paying a terrible price with this unnecessary influx of polluted fresh water. It is time for our government to take both short and long-term action.

What can we do? We can join others in a rallying cry to the agencies involved.

Mayor Kevin Ruane of Sanibel has issued a call to action and our Government Affairs Consultant, Joe Mazurkiewicz, has suggested that SWFMIA members back his effort. SWFMIA members can support this effort by urging your elected officials to support the Mayor’s “3 Step Action Plan” described below. Additionally, the SWFIMA is leveraging this situation as a call to action. Members are asked to contact our Congressional delegation to get them to help move the Federal government to fund their share of the Everglades Restoration projects ASAP.

This is a real issue that exemplifies the need for all our members to get involved. Nothing is more effective than residents and local businessmen taking direct action to contact legislators.

Please copy us on any e-mails or faxes you send.

Sanibel Mayor Calls for Immediate Implementation of 3-Point Action Plan in Response to Lake O. Releases

While in Tallahassee addressing our State legislators on critical long-term local and regional water quality projects Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane issued a call for immediate action by the South Florida Water Management District and the Army Corps of Engineers to address the current Lake Okeechobee releases. Simultaneously, Mayor Ruane issued a call to the mayors of each city in Lee County to work collectively on requesting a 3-Point Action Plan. “As a community, as a region and as a government restoring and protecting the quality of our economic lifeline, water quality, is our highest priority. We know we are most effective in Tallahassee and Washington when we speak with one unified voice. Today I am calling on the mayors of our sister cities to support this 3-Point Plan for immediate action steps” stated Ruane as he issued the “Call for Action.”

The “3 Step Action Plan” calls for:

  • Maximizing storage on all private lands currently under contract with the SFWMD
  • Maximize potential storage on public lands within Lee County
  • Call on the Army Corps of Engineers and the SFWMD to exercise their operational flexibility to hold more water in the Lake

Click here to read Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane’s request to the mayors of Lee County.
Click here to read the City of Sanibel’s Caloosahatchee Watershed Regional Water Management Issues White Paper: Short and Long-term solutions for storage and treatment.

Have you seen a direct impact?

Our Tallahassee Lobbyist, Missy Timmins is looking for any numbers you might have on direct impact to your business of the water release. Or, relay any specific comments of customers or related incidents

This is needed immediately. Please e-mail [email protected]

Please contact your senator and representative

Below is a contact list for our Senators and Representatives, and a link that will help you identify your district. Click on “Map of Congressional Districts” and zoom in.
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/FL

US Congressional Contacts in SWFMIA Member Area

Senators DC Phone DC Fax Contact Form
Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) 202-224-5274 202-228-2183 https://www.billnelson.senate.gov/contact-bill
Nick Russell – Legislative Asst. [email protected]
Abby Tinsley – Legislative Assistant [email protected]
Senator Marco Rubio 202-224-3041 202-228-0285 http://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email-senator-rubio?p=Contact
Eleni Valanos – Legislative Correspondent [email protected]
Lauren Reamy – Professional Staff Member [email protected]
District Congress DC Phone DC Fax Contact Form
11 Representative Richard Nugent (R – 11) 202-225-1002 202-226-6559 https://nugent.house.gov/contact/email-me
12 Representative Gus M. Bilirakis (R – 12) 202-225-5755 202-225-4085 https://bilirakis.house.gov/email-congressman-bilirakis
13 Representative David Jolly (R – 13) 202-225-5961 202-225-9764 http://jolly.house.gov/contact/
14 Representative Kathy Castor (D – 14) 202-225-3376 202-225-5652 https://castor.house.gov/contact/contactform.htm
15
Representative Dennis Ross (R – 15)		 202-225-1252 202-226-0585 http://dennisross.house.gov/contact/
16
Representative Vern Buchanan (R – 16)		 202-225-5015 202-226-0828 https://buchanan.house.gov/contact
17
Representative Thomas J. Rooney (R – 17)		 202-225-5792 202-225-3132 https://rooney.house.gov/contact/email-me
18
Representative Patrick Murphy (D – 18)		 202-225-3026 202-225-8398 http://patrickmurphy.house.gov/contact/email-me/
19
Representative Curt Clawson (R – 19)		 202-225-2536 http://clawson.house.gov/contact/
19 Pat Cauley – Chief of Staff [email protected]
19 Jack Tymann – Senior Advisor [email protected]
26
Representative Carlos Curbelo (R – 26)		 202-225-2778 202-226-0346 https://curbelo.house.gov/contact/

Here is a a copy of the letter SWFMIA is sending to our U.S Senators and Representatives in our membership area. Please personalize any correspondence you send but you are welcome to use any of our wording that you wish.

SMA Okeechobee letter

Posted by Scott Q News

Notice to Navigation: Canaveral and Okeechobee Waterway Lock Closures for Manatee Protection System Maintenance

NTN 2016-004 Lock Closures for Manatee Protection System Maintenance Notice to Navigation Interests: Canaveral and Okeechobee Waterway Lock Closures for Manatee Protection System Maintenance: read notice.

Notice is given that Canaveral, W.P. Franklin and St. Lucie Locks will have scheduled 4 hour closures 7:30 -11:30 a.m. and 12-4 p.m. at locations and dates listed below to support annual maintenance to the Manatee Protection System.

W.P. Franklin: Monday, February 22, 2016
St. Lucie: Tuesday February 23, 2016
Canaveral: Wednesday – Thursday, February 24 – 25, 2016

To be notified about future Notices to Navigation, sign up for the e-mail distribution list here.

Get connected with social media for the most up to date information:
Twitter @JaxStrong
Jacksonville District Facebook
Lake Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway Facebook:

Posted by Scott Q News

Southwest Florida Yacht Club – “The Cruisingest Yacht Club in the USA!”©

SFYC1 Southwest Florida Yacht Club (SFYC) has been a very active cruising club since its inception in early 2012. Our cruise program is year-round and last year we had 32 cruises to over 25 destinations! Our fleet travels ranged from Everglades City in the south to Tarpon Springs in the north. In addition to these cruises, we also participated in a Celebrity Caribbean cruise and our monthly Lunch Bunch outings that are accessible by land or boat.

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As can be seen on our cruise calendar, we are not slowing down this year. For 2016 we have 37 scheduled cruises to over 25 destinations. Our cruises range from 3 days/2 nights to 2 weeks in length and include a Keys cruise and an East Coast cruise. Several short cruises are frequently scheduled back-to-back so that members can maximum their time on the water. An example itinerary is Pink Shell – Marco Island – Naples in April.

Each cruise has one or two couples that act as cruise leaders. By sharing the responsibilities, each cruise enjoys the energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to make it special. Several cruises have themes, such as our “Touch of Class” everglades cruise or take advantage of local festivities such as Shrimp Fest on Fort Myers Beach or the golf cart parade on Boca Grande. No matter how long or short, busy or laid-back, every cruise offers our members the chance to enjoy cruising with other boaters. Cruising with your Yacht Club provides a unique opportunity to develop uncommon relationships with your fellow cruisers. It’s no surprise that “Cruising” is our members’ most valued activity. It is also no surprise that Southwest Florida Yacht Club remains committed to being “The Cruisingest Yacht Club in the USA!”©

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If cruising is one of your passions, come check us out at our home base, The Marina at Edison Ford/Pincher’s in Fort Myers. If you are interested in participating in a trial cruise or attending one of our monthly meetings to see what we’re about, please contact our Vice-Commodore, Harvey Steele, at (239) 671-8887 or [email protected].

Much more information, including our cruise schedule, is also available on our website www.southwestfloridayachtclub.com. You can also visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SouthwestFloridaYachtClub.

Posted by Scott Q Cruising

“Snook action can be very good; especially the small and medium sizes along the mangroves…” Says Captain Terry

(Ft. Myers Beach to Charlotte Harbor) The full moon is phasing out and the tides are positioned for several more days of good fishing during the daytime hours. Hopefully, the cold snaps will stay away for a while so that the fish adapt to sustained water temperatures.

Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel and Pompano have been hard to find due to the cold fronts. However, the Snook action can be very good; especially the small and medium sizes along the mangroves, in and around creek openings and passes such as Redfish and N. Captiva. Free-lining shrimp make a good presentation, as the cold fronts have made cast netting for the Pichards very tough.

The good news is Sheepshead are back in bigger sizes. I look forward to this time of the year, as do many of my charter clients, to have the opportunity to catch them on light tackle, using shrimp or fiddler crabs. Pictured here is one of my favorite clients, Disabled Military Veteran, Bobby Powell of Cape Coral, Florida, holding one of the first big Sheepshead of the year. He caught it along the mangroves using a piece of shrimp on a #1 bait hook (weighted just enough to hold his presentation down). Nice job Bob!

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During the Christmas Holidays, I had the opportunity to take out one of my favorite junior anglers, Seth Loehr (10) of Indianapolis, Indiana. This has become and annual event for Seth and I. He proudly displays one of many Seatrout he caught on his charter with Captain Terry. Seth is very independent, a good angler and loves to fish! This year, Seth fished along side his cousin, Abigail Manoukain (7) of Nashville, Tennessee. This was her first fishing trip in Florida and she caught the nice Seatrout pictured here. Nice going Abigail!

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Remember to fish on rising or outgoing tides for best results. Tide information may be found on line at www.saltwatertides.com or in the 2016 Tides Publication, which I sponsor and that has my picture on the cover holding a big Snook. This publication may be found at several Lee County bait, tackle and marine stores or access it on-line at www.leecountyboater.com.

Information regarding ‘charters on my vessel ‘or me as your ‘Captain for Hire’ may be found on my website at www.fishfacecharters.com or by calling me direct at 239-357-6829. I am also reached via email at [email protected]. Regardless of which of the above ‘charter choices’ you select: I provide valuable navigational instruction, fishing tips, techniques and fishing locations for every client.

This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone safe boating and tighter lines!

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Manatee Down-listing – Public Comment Needed

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced plans to downlist the West Indian manatee from endangered to a less-serious status of threatened under the Endangered Species Act.  This is primarily a result of a steady increase in the manatee population in recent years.

It is not anticipated that this would mean any short-term changes in speed zones or other protections currently in place.  In the longer term, it could ease some restrictions on dock permitting and dredging and may lessen the chance for further speed zone restrictions.

The Marine Industries Association of Florida actively supports responsible boating practices and stewardship of all natural resources.  We continue to advocate for sound decisions, based on science, in managing the manatee.  It is our belief that this is a responsible move on the part of the service and indicative of the success of the Endangered Species Act in bringing the manatee population back to sustainable levels.

The Service is now asking for public comment, a key step in the downlisting process.  We encourage every boater, fisherman, and outdoorsman to participate in this process.  Comments from actual waterway users has far more impact than any other single source.

Please link to the comment site at:
http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FWS-R4-ES-2015-0178-0001.

Be respectful, be factual, and point out that you actually live in Florida or make use of Florida waters. Below is a sample response, but please use your own words and personal experience in crafting your reply. The more individual each response is without it looking like a form letter the more likely it will be read and considered.

“Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed down-listing of the manatee from ‘endangered’ to ‘threatened’. As a Florida resident and a boater, I have personally seen the growth of the population, and the expansion of their range. Given this growth over the past decades, “endangered’ status is not applicable. I encourage wildlife managers to develop a long term program to sustain the population in balance with other critical resources important for our estuaries. As with other species, we should study carrying capacity, food resources, and possible threats from an over-abundance of animals in certain locations.  Those efforts cannot be undertaken with a species listed as “endangered’.  This step is long over-due, and I applaud the Service for its action and more importantly it’s success in recovering the manatee.”

Finally, mark your calendar for February 20th. There will be a public forum at the Buena Vista Palace in Orlando.   It is critical that concerned residents attend and testify in person. The meeting runs from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.

-end-

Posted by Scott Q News

Buying New vs. Used: Things to consider while you’re considering.

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It is a question boat buyers have faced for decades. And, while there is no perfect answer, there are pros and cons to each, and a right and wrong way to go about it. Breaking it down, there are five key areas to consider:

Price
One of the first reasons people consider used boats is cost. Once a boat is 5-10 years old, the depreciation factor starts to cause a considerable gap between used boat prices and their comparable new counterparts—for the most part. However, value-priced new boats can often be close in price to many used alternatives, and come with all the advantages of buying anything new; warranty, ability to finance and the benefits of the most up-to-date technology (things I will expand on shortly). These all enter into a price vs. value analysis that can’t be ignored if you are to avoid the regret associated with many buying decisions.

Financing
Hand in hand with the price factor is ability to finance. If the used boat you are buying is not terribly old, its residual and loan value might make it a sound purchase that doesn’t deplete your savings to afford—provided your bank writes boat loans if you are buying from a private party. But as many used boats don’t qualify, it might need be a cash deal. On the flip side, new boats are easily financed and even give you the ability to add options and accessories to the amount financed, allowing you to outfit the boat how you want it and build it into your payment.

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Quality
The advances made in boat and engine manufacturing in the past decade are considerable. The old adage “they don’t build them like they used to” can often be seen as GOOD news, as today’s products are ofter more reliable and maintenance free than their older counterparts. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule but, on the whole the quality factor almost always favors new.

Warranty
Even the best boats have issues from time to time. This is where warranty protection comes into play. New boats invariably come with warranties and used boats occasionally have either transferrable warranties from the original owner, or you can buy an extended, third party warranty. The extended warranty option often comes with conditions, however, such as excluding pre-existing problems, waiting periods, and deductibles that water down their value.

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Service
Finally, regardless of whether you buy new or used, I suggest buying from an established boat dealer. Private party sales are recipes for post-sale regret as a private seller usually has no motive—or obligation—to take care of you should something break or be discovered shortly after the sale. Dealerships have reputations to protect and the profit from the sale of your boat (and others) allows them to take care of things professionally and they typically stand behind what they sell. It’s your best bet to not being sorely disappointed.

So before you make your decision, I urge you to consider these five factors and weigh your options. A little planning now can save you a world of regret later.

By Keith Yunger
President, Bayliner Boats

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Product/Services

Christmas Memories

This past holiday season I received a phone call from Mr. Chris Kelly of St. Augustine, Florida requesting a charter (on a short notice) for his 10 year old daughter Chloe for either December 23rd or 24th. Like most local ‘Charter Captains’, I was fully booked through the New Year and the only day I had off was Christmas Day. I tried to find Chloe a ‘ride’ but to no avail. Her father told me how much Chloe loved to fish and had requested a charter for part of her Christmas present. Unfortunately, due to Chris’s work on the east coast, their time here was limited. After much consideration, I decided to take her for a half day run to some grass beds for Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle and whatever else would bite.

The weather was absolutely beautiful and since Vicki and I had no family members at the house, I saw no harm in spending quality time with an upcoming junior angler (Vicki was not totally for it, as she wanted me to spend Christmas Day with her and 2nd Mate (Moby), our new Chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy).

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Chloe’s father was given my name by a captain from Ft. Myers, who was booked up as well, but who did not want to run on Christmas Day. I never thought that I would do a Christmas Day run, but ‘never say never’! I was glad I did. Pictured here is Chloe with mom and dad and some of their catches. Chloe is also pictured with a big Blue Fish and Spanish Mackerel, only two of many fish she caught that afternoon. Santa was good to her and she proved to be the avid fisher-lady that her father had indicated. Nice going Chloe!

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Fishing over the holidays was great for every charter that I took out. The weather was warm and the fish were biting. More reports to come. Chris Kelly is the Dock Master at The Town of Marineland Marina, St. Augustine, Florida (www.marinelandmarina.com).

This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone tighter lines! Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for charter information and more articles/fishing tips. I am also available as ‘Captain for Hire’ at 239-357-6829 or via email at [email protected].

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Fishing Reports

Cape Coral Cruise Clubs 2015 Recap.

The Cape Coral Cruise Club, founded in 1963, is unique among S.W. Florida boat clubs in that it owns a portion of a private island on the Caloosahatchee River east of the Franklin Lock near Alva. Over the years a covered pavilion has been built where members enjoy monthly elaborate picnics, bocce, horseshoes and other relaxing activities.

CCCC is a group of active cruisers. Monthly cruises are planned for September through June each season. If you have a boat with overnight accommodations, reside in the Cape Coral – Ft. Myers area, and would like to get out on your boat with fellow boating enthusiasts, take a look at the destinations of past CCCC organized cruises.

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We regularly visit South Seas Resort and ‘Tween Waters Resort on Captiva Island; Pink Shell Resort and Snook Bight Marina on Ft. Myers Beach. Boca Grande Marina, Uncle Henry’s Marina, Burnt Store Marina, and Fisherman’s Village have all been on the Club’s list of favorite destinations.

Going further north on the GICW we’ve visit both Palm Island Marina and Gasparilla Marina, as well as attractive locations in Sarasota and Longboat Key. The spring 2015 trip had twelve boats cruise further north to Tarpon Springs.

Local short cruises include Tarpon Point and Cape Harbour in Cape Coral, as well as Legacy Harbor in downtown Ft. Myers. Naples is an annual fall tradition with a several day visit to the Naples Boat Club, or Pelican Isle Marina being favorite destinations.

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Venturing further south the Club visited Marco Island in November 2015, and in the past has cruised to Everglades City. Marathon, in the Keys is a set destination for April, 2016.

Each year an extended cruise is planned. In 2014 that destination was to the South Georgia Isles. For 2016 the extended cruise in May will be to the Abacos in the Bahamas leaving from the Club owned island near Alva on the Caloosahatchee Waterway, with stops in Stuart, West Palm Beach, and/or Lake Worth, before making the crossing.

For those interested in extending their local boating distances, or who may be new to the area and are looking for an active boating group, the Cape Coral Cruise Club has had a booth at the Ft. Myers Boat Show in November at the Harborside Event Center & City Yacht Basin for several years.

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The WORD IS OUT, this is an active cruise club, and it will assist folks new to S.W. Florida in how critical it is to start cruising with folks who know local waters. If you like to cruise in your own boat, and wish to do this with like-minded boaters, CCCC is the club for you!

The Club plans no December cruise as this is the when the Club has its only formal meeting, the Change of Watch, where current officers are applauded for their service and new officers are installed for the upcoming year.

The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.

Posted by Scott Q Boating Pro Tips Cruising

Notice: Ortona Lock Closings for Maintenance

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The boating Public should be aware that the U.S. Army Core of Engineers has scheduled maintenance of the Ortona Lock, on the Okeechobee Waterway in Moore Haven. Maintenance, which will affect boating access, is projected to take place over approximately the next seven months.

Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association president, Hans Wilson, contacted the Army Corp to inquire about the schedule and the timing of the lock maintenance. Below is the response from the Army Core’s John Campbell. Our thanks to the Army Corp for a quick response.

“The timing of the project has more to do with the funding we received from Congress and some limitations regarding the time we have for those funds to be spent. Typically, funds that Congress appropriates for operations and maintenance activities have a one-year shelf life before they must be committed through an obligation. These particular funds were appropriated for use in fiscal year 2015, which ended SEP 30.

The Corps committed and obligated those funds through a contract for work that we signed just before the end of the federal fiscal year. The contract allows seven months to complete the work, assuming no issues.

We have had success with a similar locking schedule at Port Canaveral while performing similar repairs. The traffic count at Canaveral is greater than what we see at Ortona. Locking activities will occur three times daily in the morning, at mid-day, and in the evening. While not a perfect solution for everyone, this schedule allows the Corps to complete necessary work on the infrastructure while making it possible for boaters to continue using the facility.

I hope this information is helpful. Please contact me if I can be of further assistance. Best wishes for a wonderful New Year!”

John H Campbell
Public Affairs Specialist
Jacksonville District, US Army Corps of Engineers

Posted by Scott Q News