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).
Siri Rescues Boaters in Florida Three men in an 18-foot fishing boat were rescued four miles off Key Biscayne, FL, after the boat sank. None of the three was wearing a life jacket and they had gathered around a cooler to help them stay afloat. They had previously put their cell phones in a sealed plastic jar, which floated off the sinking boat and they were able to retrieve them. But their fingers were too wet to operate the phones, so one of them talked to Siri on their iPhone and commanded Siri to call 911. It was an iPhone 7 and waterproof. They were rescued shortly afterwards.
Florida Passes Law Exempting 501(c)(3) Organizations from Boat Trailer Fees On July 1, a new Florida law (HB7109) went into effect that exempts any boat trailer that is owned and operated by a boating organization that is a 501(c)(3), and that is used exclusively for the organization’s activities, from any
What a concept!
As of press date in early July, Lake Okeechobee was at 12.45 feet above sea level. This makes the navigational depth for Route 1, which crosses the lake, 6.39 feet, and the navigational depth for Route 2, which goes around the southern coast of the lake, 4.59 feet. Bridge clearance at Myakka was at 51 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 renewal fees, charges and taxes. Ross Webb of the Edison Sailing Center (Fort Myers, FL), local banker Pete D’Alessandro, and Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen and her legislative assistant, Eddie Metzger, were instrumental in making the bill a reality.
Seven Seas Cruising Association Moves Home Base from Florida to KFR Services, Inc. in Summerville, South Carolina
It is engineered to be easily serviced. • Marine engines using Kubota Diesels from 13.5 to 100 HP • Including Atomic 4 replacements and saildrive engines • Serpentine belt drive system for alternator is now standard on every propulsion engine
Okeechobee Water Level Rises 10 inches Since June
The Seven Seas Cruising Association recently moved their administrative offices from Florida to Summerville, SC, where SSCA’s operations will be managed by KFR Services Inc. Founded in 1975, KFR is a family-owned business that provides administrative support to associations and businesses. Said Rich Boren, SSCA Board President, “While we have been very ably led by our previous administrative director, Judi Mkam, the cost of maintaining our own office and staff has become burdensome to SSCA’s growth. The
Model Shown
Beta 38
Quiet diesels with clean emissions that meet current EPA requirements, without the need for computer-controlled common rail complexity.
Beta Marine US, Ltd . PO Box 5, Arapahoe, NC 28510
877-227-2473 • 252-249-2473 • fax 252-249-0049
info@BetaMarinenc.com www.BetaMarineNC.com News & Views for Southern Sailors
SOUTHWINDS August 2017
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