Notice is given that Canaveral, WP Franklin, Ortona, Moore Haven, Port Mayaca 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.
Port Charlotte, FL. (Oct. 18, 2016) — A temporary change in the Sunrise Waterway Bridge clearance will be implemented Monday, Oct. 31 that will restrict boat traffic through the end of January 2017 as part of continuing construction on the Edgewater Drive Phase 2 Improvements project.
Read more “Public Service Announcement: Bridge Construction Update”
Southwest Florida Yacht Club, “The Cruisingest Yacht Club in the USA®”, has developed a Local Waters Seminar as a service to the local boating community. The seminar discusses local water tips “beyond the charts” and our many nearby boating destinations based on SFYC member experiences and insights.
Read more “Southwest Florida Yacht Club Hosts Local Waters Seminar”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking feedback from cruising boaters, local boaters and other residents in evaluating the state’s Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program and related ordinances.
Read more “FWC seeks public input on anchoring and mooring rules, pilot program”
On September 29th, 2016, the Coast Guard will temporarily extinguish the Gasparilla Light in an effort to prevent sea turtles from becoming disoriented. This is a temporary measure to protect endangered and nesting sea turtles in the Gasparilla area. The Light will be relit following the end of turtle season, November 1st, 2016.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will hold a public workshop in Sanibel to share information about and solicit comments on the proposal to designate new Critical Wildlife Areas (CWA) in Lee County.
Read more “Proposal for Critical Wildlife Areas In Pine Island Sound”
Notice is given that Ortona Lock approach wall construction has experienced delays requiring the Monday through Friday lock closures to be extended to 14 October 2016. This approach wall replacement project is necessary for public and vessel safety. During construction, barges, cranes, pile driving equipment and divers will be working in the lock entrance requiring operations will be restricted for safety.
FWC has proposed several new critical wildlife areas (CWAs) in Southwest Florida. Many of these areas could impact accessibility for fishing and boating.
Read more “FWC Proposed CWA’s in Southwest Florida Could Impact Boating”
Bertram Yachts has acquired a new waterfront facility on Tampa Bay. The new facility will serve as the company’s World Headquarters, and will have the capability to build new yachts, as well as service the yachts of existing owners. This is a huge step forward in the company’s strategic vision for future growth.
Read more “Bertram Yachts acquires waterfront facility in Florida”
New laws have taken effect that no longer prohibit bow riding. Marine officers can no longer pull you over merely if someone is safely riding on your bow, as it does not constitute a danger to any person outside of the vessel.
Another new change allows boats who are stopped for safety equipment checks to receive a new state sticker free of charge when they pass.
Read more “New boating laws on stops, operation take effect”