NEWS FROM AROUND THE SOUTH AND THE WORLD OF SAILING Send us news, including business press releases, to editor@southwindsmagazine.com. We need to receive them by the 1st of the month preceding publication. Contact us if later (it most likely will get in, but not certain). Okeechobee Water Level Goes down about Nine Inches Since February As of press date in early March, Lake Okeechobee was at 16.27 feet above sea level. This makes the navigational depth for Route 1, which crosses the lake, 9.48 feet, and the navigational depth for Route 2, which goes around the southern coast of the lake, 7.68 feet. Bridge clearance at Myakka was at 49.24 feet. For those interested in seeing the daily height of the lake, navigation route depths and bridge clearance, go to http://w3.saj.usace. army.mil/h2o/currentLL.shtml (copy this address exactly as it is here with upper and lower cases). This link is also available on our website, www.southwindsmagazine.com. See the left column.
Florida Legislature Overwhelmingly Passes Anchoring Restrictions On Friday, March 4, the Florida House passed anti-anchoring legislation HB 1051 by a vote of 105-12. On the follow-
ing Monday, the Florida Senate passed SB1260, which is essentially the same as the one passed by the house. The bills would prohibit anchoring from a half hour after sunset until a half hour before sunrise on the Middle River between N.E. 21st Court and the Intracoastal Waterway in Broward County; Sunset Lake in Miami-Dade County; and the sections of Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County between Rivo Alto Island and Di Lido Island, San Marino Island and San Marco Island, and San Marco Island and Biscayne Island. BoatUS reported the following: Even after hearing from thousands of Florida boaters requesting they not approve this legislation, the Florida Senate has just decided to treat a few areas differently than the rest of the state when it comes to public access to the waterways,” said BoatUS President Margaret Bonds Podlich. “Despite today’s vote, we remain committed to seeing the Pilot Program through to completion. We want to work with all communities so that
ON A ROLL. Schaefer is known worldwide for premium quality jib furling systems that will stand the test of demanding ocean passages. Our drum-bearing unit is machined from a solid block of 6061-T6 aluminum, creating unparalleled strength. Torlon bearings assure smooth operation so you can keep rolling along in the most demanding conditions.
24
April 2016
SOUTHWINDS
The Rigging & Sailboat Hardware Specialists MIAMI, FL
305-758-1074 sailingservices.com Need a rigger in the Southeast? Call us.
www.southwindsmagazine.com