FL WEST COAST AND OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY UPDATES07 September 2010 Johns Pass Channel, abandoned fishing vesselThe F/V Lilly Anne has reportedly been abandoned, aground and unlit, in 2 feet of water at approximate location 27-46.17N 082-46.9W which is 3.75NW SW of Johns Pass.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
Tampa Bay, Cats Point Channel, hazard to navigationCats Point Channel Light 6 has reportedly been destroyed with the piling exposed an unknown amount above the waterline.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
31 August 2010 Anclote Key, Anclote River, hazard to navigationAnclote River Entrance DBN 2 (LLNR 26140) has been reported destroyed with 2-3 FT of the piling exposed above the waterline.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
Charlotte Harbor, Stump Pass, hazard to navigationThe vessel may have been removed. The Coast Guard has received a report a 17 FT blue BAJA boat sunk at the mouth of Stump Pass in approximate position 26-53.79N 082-20.54W.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
24 August 2010 Cedar Key, hazard to navigationThe Coast Guard has received a report of a 324 FT drydock that is submerged with 6 FT showing above the waterline in position 28-58.77N 083-12.593W approximately 15 NM SW of Cedar Key.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
03 August 2010 Johns Pass, reduced channel widthFlatiron Construction will conduct operations on the Johns Pass Bridge from 01-31 Aug 2010. The main channel width will be restricted to 50 FT under the bridge due to a construction barge moored in the channel. The barge requires at least 2 hour notification to move. Vessels requiring more than 5O FT of width may contact Flatiron Construction on VHF CH 16.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
27 July 2010 Boca Ciega Bay, Johns Pass, shoalingExtreme shoaling has been reported on the green side of Johns Pass Channel extending well past the middle of the channel.
If you have knowledge of this WG would appreciate your comments.
Comment submitted by Sam - Aug 16th I agree. I came through the pass recently and found it one of the worst marked channels on the west coast with no temporary buoys marking the problem areas. It's not a well marked channel and agree with the bridge construction area. The construction is taking forever and there should be signs clearing advising of the conditions in addition to the LNM bulletins.
Comment submitted by Jim - Aug 16th August 16
I concur with previous poster (Dick Booth) on the approximate best approach through this area. Unfortunately I found out the hard way, yesterday, when I approached the channel and transgressed down the center unaware there was extreme shoaling from the center to the green side. At or about the dredging barge the water depth in the channel was slightly less than 5.2 feet with a +1.1 MLLW. My propellers encountered the soft bottom only gently.
The status of the channel is understandable; however the current markings considering the known conditions is highly irresponsible in both respects to the USCG’s accountability for buoy markings and ensuing Army Corp of Engineers warnings.
Additionally, the construction barge in the middle of the bridge makes it appear from afar that two entrances are “working” under the bridge. Boaters not familiar with the area can easily be confused on which approach is best or deepest under the bridge (south of the barge or north of the barge). I suggest calling the bridge tender on 09 for instructions and guidance (if they even answer you).
This is a mis-managed project that unfortunately reflects on the community. It requires better supervision from regulatory authorities.
Any vessels running aground while transgressing this channel should file a complaint with authorities.
Comment submitted by mike albertson - Aug 10th Dredging operations have started on outside channel at johns pass on august 7th 2010.
Comment submitted by Dick Booth - Aug 2nd 1/3 way east of red 2 sand bar extends south of line connecting red 2-red 4. Need to come into channel at red 2 angle south of red to red line by 75 feet and parallel red to red line. Then point north to be back in channel by red 4. Floating green is not the end of sand bar. 7 feet plus following this route. Swells reduce depth. Use caution C of E to dredge channel starting Aug 1
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
13 July 2010 Lake Okeechobee Rim Route (Route 2) closed at Structure C-5AThe US Army Corps Of Engineers has advised that navigation in an area approximately 3.5 M past the Moore Haven Lock and directly across from Structure C-5A in Moore Haven FL is restricted until September 1, 2010 due to the presence of a cable. The following is taken from the Corps of Engineers Bulletin. 1. Mariners are hereby notified to use caution when navigating the rim canal closure area. The area is approximately 3.5 miles past the Moore Haven Lock and directly across from Structure C-5A. 2. The cable across from Structure C-5A will be present until September 1, 2010. The purpose of the cable is to prevent vegetation from causing navigation and flood control problems downstream near Moore Haven Lock. 3. Mariners should use caution in the area due to potential of floating debris, navigational buoys and the cable itself. Fishing and access to the area is still permitted, however, the rim canal is not passable in this area. Additional information is available of the Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, web site.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
12 July 2010 Lake Okeechobee Rim Route cruising reportIn this area -the topic of the transiting the Southern rim route of Lake O has been discussed among cruising yachtsman. Today and yesterday, we (trawler Freelance) traveled west to east- Moore Haven to Port Mayaca. We experienced 9-10 feet of water most of the way until we reached
approx. Four miles south of the Locks- depths then started to average
7-8 feet then down to 5 1/2 at marker #4 just at the dog leg to the
Locks. Take at risk - if the lake is low. I will have to verify the Army corps datum for these dates. If you
want to take the rim to experience the Torrey Island manual swing bridge
or the wonderful anchorage just to the west of the bridge- cut the
corner and enter the Rim Route with plenty of water depth. Thanks
Darrell Brand Ed Note: "Freelance" traveled the rim route (Route 2) on July 10/11. Lake stage was 14.41 ft NGVD.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
06 July 2010 Boca Ciega Bay, Johns Pass & Blind Pass, dredgingDredging operations will be taking place in Johns Pass and vicinity and Blind Pass and vicinity between July 19 - December 16, 2010 to correct beach erosion.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
23 June 2010 Wiggins Pass, shoalingThe Coast Guard has received a report of severe shoaling in and around Wiggins Pass. All mariners are advised to transit the area with caution.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
15 June 2010 Tampa Bay Bayou Grande Channel, hazard to navigation.The Bayou Grande Channel DBN 21 has been reported destroyed with the piling exposed below the waterline. All mariners are advised to transit the area with caution.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
Gulf of Mexico firing exerciseThe Coast Guard will be conducting a Live Fire Gunnery Exercise 15NM west of Lido Key in the approximate position 27-18.1N 082-52.2W from 1000-1800 local time on June 18, 2010. All mariners are required to keep an 8NM distance from this position and to exercise extreme caution when transiting the area. Mariners may contact Coast Guard Sector St Petersburg or the command vessel on VHF CH 16 with any concerns.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
19 May 2010 Marco Island, dredge operationsThe Dredge EL 370 will commence dredging operations in the vicinity of Marco Island from 25-57-44.38N 081-44-55.09W to 25-58-1.12N 081-44-
43.66W. In addition, the project includes the construction of 6 sheet pile T groins. The project is scheduled to commence on June 1 and continue
until November 1, 2010. the dredge barge will be monitoring VHF CH 72. For further information, contact Gunderboom Inc. at (401) 559-1787.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
Okeechobee Waterway, Mile 103.0, Labelle Bridge, repairsDue to bridge repairs the Labelle Bridge (Caloosahatchee River Bridge/SR 29), Okeechobee Waterway, Caloosahatchee River mile 103.0,
Labelle, Hendry County, Florida, the bridge regulation have been temporarily changed:
1. The bridge shall open a single-leaf on signal from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday except Federal holidays. A
double-leaf will be available with a three-hour notice to the bridge tender.
2. The vertical clearance of the down span will be reduced by five feet.
3. The bridge will be closed to navigation from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
4. From 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. the draws shall open if at least three hours notice is given.
5. At all other times this bridge will open on signal.
6. At times there may be a work barge under the down span.
This work is expected to start on June 1 and will continue through December 30, 2010.
Ed Note: The charted closed vertical clearance is 28'. Note that this is reduced during repairs.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
Okeechobee Waterway, Mile 116.0, Alva Bridge, repairsDue to bridge repairs the Alva Bridge (SR 78), Okeechobee Waterway, Caloosahatchee River mile 116.0, Alva, Lee County, Florida, the
bridge regulation has been temporarily changed:
1. The bridge shall open a single-leaf on signal from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday except Federal holidays. A
double-leaf will be available with a three-hour notice to the bridge tender.
2. The vertical clearance of the down span will be reduced by five feet.
3. From 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. the draws shall open if at least three hours notice is given.
4. At all other times this bridge will open on signal.
5. At times there may be a work barge under the down span.
This work is expected to start on June 7 and will continue through October 29, 2010. Ed Note: The charted closed vertical clearance is 23'. Note that this is reduced during repairs.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
28 April 2010 Charlotte Harbor, Stump Pass, aids to navigationCharlotte County has removed the following (4) buoys due to shoaling:
Stump Pass Buoy 3 (LLNR 21350)
Stump Pass Buoy 4 (LLNR 21355)
Stump Pass Buoy 6 (LLNR 21370)
Stump Pass Buoy 7 (LLNR 21375)
Mariners are advised to use extreme caution, the pass is subject to shoaling; local knowledge is advised while transiting this area.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
08 April 2010 Crystal River, hazard to navigationA manatee sign has broken off its piling in position 28-53.8N 082-36-51W. All mariners are advised to use extreme caution while transiting the area.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
02 April 2010 OWW, Port Mayaca Lock, restricted gate opening - update4/6/10
Note: Waterway Guide called the lock and found that while the restriction still remains, if a vessel due to beam width cannot transit the opening between the barge and the gate, then the lock will direct the barge to be moved. The delay in locking may be 15 or 20 minutes. So, all vessels may transit the lock.
4/2/10
We locked through Port Mayaca lock Thursday 4/1. Only the north side
of the gate on the lake side opened to let eastbound boats enter from
the lake, and westbound boats exit the lock to the lake. A barge and
crane working just outside the south side gate blocked that side of
the gate from opening. Lockmaster was very helpful but said that boats
with beam wider than 14 1/2' would not fit through the restricted opening.
Eastbound MTOAers headed through Okeechobe waterway may want to ask
Franklin, Ortona or Moore Haven lockmasters for an update.
Westbounders may ask St. Lucie lockmaster for update. Calvin Cornish and Wendy Young
MOTA #2641
"Blue Crab" Island Gypsy 32 Europa
Comment submitted by Chuck - Apr 5th bc, You can contact the Corp. of Engineers at
(904) 232-3732
Comment submitted by b.c. - Apr 3rd Plannning on movign 37 foot cat with 17 beam from ft. myers to east coast on Friday 3-19, who/how do you find out if beam max of 14.5 at Prot Mayaca has been removed?
Thanks
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
31 March 2010 Sarasota Bay, Big Sarasota Pass, discontinued aids to navigationSarasota County has removed (6) daybeacons due to shoaling. Big Sarasota Pass DBN 7 has been changed to Big Sarasota Pass Buoy 7.
Big Sarasota Pass DBN 1
Big Sarasota Pass DBN 2
Big Sarasota Pass DBN 3
Big Sarasota Pass DBN 4
Big Sarasota Pass DBN 5
Big Sarasota Pass DBN 6
A new channel will be remarked and aids re-established. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution the channel is subject to shoaling; local knowledge is advised while transiting this area.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
17 March 2010 Ft. Myers Beach, Matanzas Pass Channel, shoaling & marker relocationDue to encroaching shoaling between Matanzas Pass Channel Daybeacon 4 and Matanzas Pass Channel Daybeacon 6 the Coast Guard has relocated Matanzas Pass Channel Daybeacon 4 20 yards channelward to mark best channel. Local knowledge is advised.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
03 March 2010 Gulf of Mexico, approx. 12NM west of Sanibel Island, sunken vesselThe Coast Guard received a report of a 67ft submerged vessel in approximate position 26-24.7N, 082-19.8W (approximately 12NM west of Sanibel Island). The vessel has an approximate debris field of 3/4 square miles and is sunk in 34ft of water. All mariners are requested to exercise extreme caution while transiting the area.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
24 February 2010 Big Sarasota Pass, shoalingThe Coast Guard received a report of shoaling seaward of Private Aids - Big Sarasota Pass Daybeacon 3 and Big Sarasota Pass Daybeacon 4 due to recent storms. Shoaling crosses the width of the channel at 27-16.172N, 082-34.138W.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
05 February 2010 Cape Coral, GIWW, sunken bargeThe Coast Guard has received a report of a sunken barge in the vicinity of Cape Coral in approximate position 26-33.60N 081-59.53W.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
11 December 2009 Tampa Bay, Manatee River Cut, shoalingSevere shoaling has been reported in the vicinity of Manatee River Cut A Range Front Light 4. Shoaling was out fifty (50) feet from RFL 4 on a bearing of 300 deg true from RFL 4. Water depth reported at five (5) feet at low tide. Water depths better than nine (9) feet on red side of channel. Charted depth at 6.5 feet.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
06 September 2009 Matanzas Pass - Aids to navigation to be changed, renumberedVarious navigation aids in Matanzas Pass will be changed, renumbered and relocated at various stages as time and allocation of aids permits. Boaters should transit the area using cuation and refer to District Seven (D7 Miami) Local Notice to Mariners Chart Corrections Section IV, Advance Notices Section V, Proposed Changes Section VI, and Light List Corrections Section VIII for further updates.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
30 June 2009 Gasparilla Sound, Boca Grande Bayou, shoalingBoca Grande Yacht Basin channel has a shoal in mid-channel of less than 5 feet. We went aground after flashing green 7 even after giving the wide berth called for in the 2009 Waterway Guide. This happened one hour past high tide. Merrick White
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
02 June 2009 South Seas Plantation Entrance ChannelNew Channel into South Seas Plantation on Captiva coordinates are Marker 24 (ICW Side) N26 33.045 W82 10.189 . Channel comes from Gulf thru Redfish pass. First Mark 24 Red should therefore be kept to PORT. Entrance is just North of ICW Mark 38. Capt Gene Goddard
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
28 May 2009 Clearwater Marina Channel, shoalingShoaling has been reported encroaching eastward into the center of Clearwater Marina Channel between Clearwater Marina Channel Daybeacon 2 and Clearwater Marina Channel Light 3. Water depth is reported to be 3ft to 5ft at Mean Low Water (MLW). Shoaling is most prominent in the vicinity of Light 3 channelward
within 100ft.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
03 May 2009 Big Marco Pass to Gordon Pass, shoalingShoaling has been reported across the width of the channel extending 100 yards south of Big Marcos Pass-Gordon Pass Daybeacon 67 at a depth of 4.1 feet to 5.5 feet at MLW, extending 100 yards south of Big Marcos Pass -Gordon Pass Daybeacon 71 at a depth of 4.5 feet to 5.5 feet at MLW and extending 50 yards south of Big Marcos Pass-Gordon Pass Daybeacon 31 at a depth of 3.5 to 4.5 feet at MLW. This is in the Dollar Bay area.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
29 April 2009 FL: Upper Gulf Coast - Keaton Beach, shoalingShoaling has been reported in the width of the channel in the vicinity of Keaton Beach Light 1 130 yards ESE. The water depths are reported at 2.5 feet to 3.5 feet at MLW.
Shoaling also exists in the width of the channel between Keaton Beach Daybeacon 15 and Keaton Beach Light 16. The reported depths are 2.0 feet to 3.5 feet at MLW.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
17 April 2009 Tampa Bay, Sunshine Skyway Channel, shoalingSevere shoaling has been reported encroaching westward into the center of the Sunshine Skyway Channel between Sunshine Skyway Daybeacon 2 (LLNR 60320) and Sunshine Skyway Channel Daybeacon 3 (LLNR 60325). Water depth reported at 4.5 feet at low tide. All mariners are urged to transit with extreme caution and use general knowledge of the area.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
14 April 2009 Sarasota, New Pass Channel,dredging, cruiser reportSarasota: 'New Pass' channel dredging in Sarasota has been completed. I entered the pass 4-14-09 with minimum 12' Depths. The markers have not yet been moved so be cautious and look for the dark water that is the channel. As of yesterday the dredging equipment was still there, just to the South of the channel.
Brandon and Simona Rundquist
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
07 March 2009 Lake Okeechobee Rim Route open, Corps says travel at own riskThe Corps of Engineers has opened Route 2, the Rim Route, around Lake Okeechobee. However, they have also issued a Notice to Navigation that boaters who transit Route 2 do so at their own risk. Depths are very shallow and a lot of shoaling has taken place. For the complete text of the Notice to Navigation, click here. In addition, Waterway Guide posts the current lake stage along with the projected navigational depths for both Route 1 and Route 2 on this website. Look under "Latest News" on the home page.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
23 January 2009 Okeechobee Waterway, St. Lucie River, shoaling/hazard to navigationSt Lucie River Daybeacon 6 has deteriorated and has been cut off at the river bottom. Complete removal not possible due to adverse weather and river bottom conditions. The single pile steel (SPS) beam is buried under this sandy shoaling area at approximate position 27-09-54.638N 080-11-21.964W. The daybeacon has been replaced with a buoy to mark the channel. All mariners are advised that shoaling is
proceeding at a rapid pace and proceeding southward. Dredging of the area is scheduled for September 2009. Shoaling also has been reported between St Lucie River Buoy 2 and St Lucie River Buoy 3.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
........................................................................................................................
12 December 2008 Correction: Venice, FL, Locator Chart, Southern 2009 Waterway Guide Page 363
 Charts not to be used for navigation. An inadvertent numbering error on page 363 of the Waterway Guide Southern 2009 Edition has left some mariners befuddled. Cruisers looking for Crow's Nest Marina and Restaurant on Venice Inlet have been improperly pointed farther up the Waterway to another facility, as the numbers are reversed from their proper location.
The Crow's Nest Marina and Restaurant is located on the the Venice Inlet near green daybeacon "5."
The correction pages for this area can be downloaded for printing and insertion into your Guide by clicking here.
We apologize for any frustration or inconvenience this error may have caused.
Click here to comment on this Navigation Update
|
