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 Up About Two Inches Since July As of press date in early August, Lake Okeechobee was at 14.48 feet above sea level. This makes the navigational depth for Route 1, which crosses the lake, 8.42 feet, and the navigational depth for Route 2, which goes around the southern coast of the lake, 6.62 feet. Bridge clearance at Myakka was at 49.15 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).
Bahamas Increasing Boat Inspections BoatUS reported in their August/September issue of BoatU.S. Magazine of a couple who were boarded in April by the Bahamas Customs and Border Patrol while anchored in a remote bay in the Abacos. The inspection was described as aggressive and the inspectors went through all lockers and drawers. They were cited and fined $300 on the spot for having one less shotgun shell than they declared on entry and were told that if they didn’t pay it right then that they would have to appear in court and possibly spend time in jail. They were fortunate enough to have the money onboard and were released. They were given a receipt for the money. The
boaters were told that this was a new policy and that officials were now going to out islands for boat inspections. BoatUS reported that the Bahamas authorities were increasing their boat inspections and that boaters should make sure they follow the rules exactly. Of particular note are the rules for weapons (and ammo), which are very strict in the Bahamas. BoatUS recommends going to their web page which has requirements and advice for boaters who enter and leave the Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico and Canada: Boatus.com/crossing-the-border. BoatUS is also encouraging any boater to have funds onboard in the Bahamas in order to pay potential fines, as it appears the choice is pay then or appear in court. They suggest that if you are contesting a fine to do so afterwards and to contact BoatUS about the incident at consumerprotection@boatus.com.
New Florida Law to Enable FWC to Set Time Limit on Vessel Safety Inspection Decal On July 1, 2016, a law went into effect that enabled boaters to get an inspection decal on their boat that prohibited Florida law enforcement officers from stopping boaters just to see if they can pass a safety inspection. Requirements of the law mandated that a boater can request a decal after their boat has been stopped and inspected by a law officer. Boaters can request a safety inspection from an officer on the water, but there is no guarantee they will be given an inspection. Boaters should ask for a decal right after an officer has given them an on-the-water safety inspection. When
21st NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET
Cortez, Florida - Oct. 20 (RAIN DAY OCT. 27)
BUY - SELL - TRADE Florida Maritime Museum 4415 119th St. W., Cortez, FL 34215 8 am to 2 pm ★★ Free to the Public ★★ $25 for Sellers thru Oct. 13, $35 afterwards ALWAYS LOTS OF GREAT GEAR AND EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Sponsored by Florida Maritime Museum, AMI Sun and SOUTHWINDS Magazine
(941) 708-6121 News & Views for Southern Sailors
SOUTHWINDS September 2018
21