Madeira Beach Slips One Step Closer

The proposed slips around the city ballfield are one step closer to realty. The commission voted 4-1 to obtain the submerged land lease necessary for proposed boat slips. The proposed marina will have 126 boat slips, which are in high demand due to recent condo development that replaced area marinas.

John's Pass Pirate Ship Getting New Dock

A new dock will be built at John's Pass for the pirate ship. This will move the boat from it's current spot next to the casino ship to a new dock in front of Sculley's restaurant. Two finger piers will be constructed, one for the pirate ship and one for a dolphin watch cruise boat. The move comes from safety concerns due to the ship having to venture into stong currents while navigating around the cruise ship when it come in and out of port. The new dock will also make it easier for passengers to get off and on.

New Ritz Carlton Will Have Marina On Tampa Bay

A new Ritz Carlton being constructed at Rocky Point on Tampa Bay (just over the CC causeway) will have a marina. Slips will be available for residence owners and hotel guests. The sales office is scheduled to open shortly and the hotel is scheduled to open in 2011.

Shrimp Boat Leaking Fuel Near Johns Pass

"Rodac" a 22-foot-commercial shrimp boat from Redington Beach began taking on water Friday night after it hit a sand bar. The Coast Guard first got a call around at 10:15 p.m. Friday. and the workers on board were rescued by Sea Tow Tampa Bay. Part of the boat remains above the water, but about 200 gallons of diesel fuel was leaking into the Gulf. Large swells prevented response crews from setting up a boom to contain the spill, according to officials.
A private company that contains such spills was scheduled to go to the scene this morning to assess what needs to be done.

New Madeira Beach Marina on Horizon

Madeira Beach may be getting some sorely needed boat slips. A feasiblitiy study has been completed and the area surrounding the city ball field has been deemed a good site. In fact, the consultant called it one of the finest areas he'd seen for docking. This is great news because Pinellas County has very strict rules controlling marine construction. The study was done to ensure environmental and navigational safety, as well to ensure property channel depth and access.

The proposed marina will have 126 slips to accommodate boats up to 36 feet. It is estimated that the new docks could generate more than $40k per month for the city.

The next step for the city is to get a lease for the submerged land and get the proper permits, which could take almost 2 years because of red tape. That gives you plenty of time to save up for that boat you've had your eye on.

2008 Florida Boat Show Schedule

Stuart Boat Show January 11 - 13 Stuart, Florida
Charlotte County Boat Show January 17 - 20 Port Charlotte, Florida
Central Florida Boat Show January 17 - 21 Orlando, Florida
Naples Boat Show January 17 - 20 Naples, Florida
Miami International Boat Show February 14 - 18 Miami , Florida
Strictly Sail Miami February 14 - 18 Miami, Florida
Dania Marine Flea Market March 6 - 9 Miami, Florida
Palm Beach Boat Show March 27 - 30 Palm Beach, Florida
Suncoast Boat Show Aprll 17-20 Sarasota, Florida
St. Lucie County Boat Show April 18 - 20 Port St Lucie, Florida
Jacksonville International Boat Show April 18 - 20 Jacksonville, Florida

Congrats to Quality Boats of Clearwater

Boating Industry Magazine released its annual top 100 boat dealer list for 2007. Quality Boats of Clearwater was named the most improved Top 100 Dealer, ranking 31st. You can see the whole list at Boating-Industry.com.

Trout Season Opens Today

Trout season opens today after being closed for 2 months. Up to 4 spotted sea trout can be kept - 3 between 15 & 20 inches, and a 4th may be larger.