Pinellas Marina Information And News

2012 Florida Boat Show Schedule

2012-01-21T11:27:00.002-05:00

Stuart Boat Show
Fri Jan 13, 2012- Mon Jan 16, 2012
Stuart Harbor; Stuart, FL

Charolette County Boat Show
Thu Jan 19, 2012 - Mon Jan 23, 2012
Charlotte County Fairgrounds Port Charlotte, FL

Naples Boat Show
Thu Jan 26, 2012 - Mon Jan 30, 2012
Renaissance Village, 100 Goodlette Rd S, Naples, FL

65th Annual Jacksonville Boat Show
Fri Jan 27, 2012 - Mon Jan 30, 2012
Prime Osborn Center, 1000 Water St., Jacksonville, FL

Miami International Boat Show
Thu Feb 16, 2012 - Tue Feb 21, 2012
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr. Miami

Fort Myers Spring Boat Show
Thu Mar 8, 2012 - Man Mar 12, 2012
Where: Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Rd., Fort Myers, FL

Southeast US Boat Show 2012
Fri Apr 20, 2012- Man Apr 23, 2012
Where: Metropolitan Park and Marina, 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd, Jacksonville, FL

Safe Boating Class Offered In Treasure Island

2012-01-20T08:32:00.002-05:00

The Boca Ciega Sail and Power Squadron will have a Safe Boating Class Mondays and Wednesdays, noq through February 1 from 7-9 pm. The squadron building is located on the south side of John's Pass at 130 126th Avenue at Lagoon Lane, Treasure Island. Cost is $35, and the course satisfies Florida State Boating Law requirements. For information and to reserve a seat, contact Nick Miller at 727-424-1810 or visit usps.org/localusps/bocaciega

Inshore Tournament Open To Anglers & Boaters

2012-01-19T23:00:00.000-05:00

The Johnny Kellar Inshore Tournament will be held on Jan. 29th by the Old Salt Fishing Foundation. The event will target trout, flounder, black drum, sheepshead and redfish, and is open to anyone fishing from land, kayak, skiff or center console. The entry fee is $25, and benefits the All Children's Hospital hemophilia fund. The captain's meeting is 7 pm Thursday at the Daiquiri Deck at 14995 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach. Fishing starts at 6:30 am Sunday, and the weigh-in starts at 3 pm at Bay Pines Marina. For more info: oldsaltfishing.org

Free Boating Seminars Offered By MarineMax

2012-01-19T10:21:00.004-05:00

MarineMax is offering free seminar on January 21. There will be a 45-minute seminar at 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm. Topics include knot tying, an introduction to boating, cooking on board, electronics and preventive maintenance. From 4 to 5 pm there will be an open forum, allowing attendees to speak to vendors and seminar leaders. There will be a screening of the film “Dolphin Tale” for children,

MarineMax is located at 18025 U.S. 19 N in Clearwater. To sign up, call 536-2628 or visit www.marinemax.com.

Tierra Verde Resort and Marina Plans

2011-10-01T14:57:00.000-04:00

A redevelopment project for the former Tierra Verde Resort includes a 90 room hotel, 208 more high and dry boat storage slips, 12,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, and 11,000 square feet of marina facilities.

Tierra Verde Resort Marina LLC bought the former marina resort and timeshare property, which includes an existing high-and-dry facility with about 60 occupied slips, in January for $14.4 million. The Tierra Verde investment group includes Gary Boesch, owner of other commercial property in Pinellas County. Boesch was involved with another recent project, Fisherman’s Paradise, a 385-foot floating resort in the Gulf of Mexico off Clearwater.

The property on Madonna Boulevard is on a protected canal with access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway. The site includes 10.3 acres of upland property and 5.3 acres of submerged land leased from the state. The existing high-and-dry facility will remain.The planned hotel will be the first along the Pinellas Bayway between U.S. 19 South and St. Pete Beach. Groundbreaking could take place early next year.

Clearwater Celebrates National Marina Day

2011-06-28T14:29:00.000-04:00

The City of Clearwater will celebrate National Marina Day on Saturday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clearwater Harbor Marina, 210 Drew St.

At the Open House, learn more about your local marina, take a tour of the new Clearwater Harbor Marina, participate in a free fishing contest from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and win prizes as well as get a voucher for one free Pier 60 fishing admission. Have your vessel safety checked by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and see boats from the Clearwater Fire Department, Clearwater Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard and Pinellas County Sherriff s Office. Learn more about boating and downtown Clearwater from informational booths and register for door prize giveaways. There will be children s activities, including face painting. Free hot dogs and refreshments will be available while they last.

National Marina Day is managed by the Association of Marina Industries, a non-profit membership organization representing marinas and marina businesses throughout the U.S. Keep Pinellas Beautiful will be hosting a clean-up of the Clearwater Harbor Marina at 7:30 a.m. the day of the event.

The event is free. Free parking is available. For more information, call (727) 462-6954.

Clearwater Harbor Marina Receives BoatUS Award

2011-03-12T11:43:00.001-05:00

The city s downtown boat slip project, recently renamed Clearwater Harbor Marina, is honored to have received a 2010 BoatUS Recreational Boating Access Award. The award is made in recognition of the city's ability to bring much needed boating access to Clearwater, that includes 126 permanent slips, more than 1,500 feet of side-tie docks for overnight stays and 650 feet of free side-tie dockage for day use.

BoatUS (Boat Owners Association of the United States) created the award program in 2007 to highlight successes in protecting water access as boaters and communities were losing marina slips, service yards and boat launching areas. The goal is to draw national attention to innovative solutions and share success stories so that others may help to solve their own waterway access challenges.

BoatUS is the nation s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing more than half a million members with government representation, programs and money-saving services.
For more information on the award winners for 2010, call D. Scott Croft at (703) 461-2864, or visit www.BoatUS.com/AccessAwardWinner.

Clearwater Beach Boat Ramp Open

2011-03-12T07:50:00.002-05:00

Construction is complete on the Clearwater Beach Boat Ramp and it is open to the public again. The ramp is at the east end of Bay Esplanade Dr, next to the Recreation Center at 69 Bay Esplanade Drive.

The old ramp was replaced with a safer one, as well as the boarding dock to the south, providing additional launch width. The new ramp has new railings, sidewalks, and an erosion prevention feature. Portions of the seawall and seawall cap were also replaced.

Treasure Island Safe Boating Class Offered

2011-03-10T07:19:00.000-05:00

The Boca Ciega Sail and Power Squadron is offering a safe boating class designed for boaters using all types of watercraft and satisfies the Florida state boating law requirements. The course covers general information about boats, personal watercraft, maintenance, boating safety, laws and regulations. Upon completion students will be eligible for a free six months membership in the United States Power Squadrons and take advantage of the other educational opportunities afforded to members. The class will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7 - 9 pm March 22 thruMarch 31, at the squadron building at 130 126th Ave. at Lagoon Lane, Treasure Island. The cost for materials is $35. For information and to reserve a seat, call the course chairman Nick Miller at 424-1810.

Tierra Verde Resort & Marina Purchased By Investors

2011-01-23T11:17:00.005-05:00

An investment group has purchased the Tierra Verde Resort. The 50-year-old property features boat slips, a restaurant, and the former Tierra Verde Yacht & Tennis Resort timeshare and hotel buildings.

The marina portion features 114 wet slips and 151 high-and-dry slips. The new marina business model will focus exclusively on rentals. The group rebranded the facility as the Tierra Verde Marina Resort.

The investors plan to demolish the existing structures, except for the high-and-dry building. It then plans to develop a second 151-slip high-and-dry building and a 10,000-square-foot restaurant building.

The investor group already owns four marinas on the Gulf Coast and hopes to acquire several more in the region in the near future.

Historic Yacht Docked At New Clearwater Harbor Marina

2011-01-22T14:24:00.005-05:00

The "Highlander", Malcom Forbes' first large yacht, is docked at the new Clearwater Harbor Marina in downtown Clearwater. The 116 foot Highlander is the largest vessel at the marina, and will make Clearwater home until spring. The historic yacht has recently been restored to its original condition by current owner, Victor Muller of Holland, owner of Spyker and Saab. The vessel will stay in Clearwater until April, when Muller participates in the Honda Grand Prix.

The Highlander was built in Holland in 1967 for publisher Malcom Forbes, and the interior holds many memories of the Forbes family, including pictures of them on the boat. The yacht is equipped with satellite TV, conducts its own electricity, and makes its own fresh water. “If we could make our own diesel, we would never have to come in to dock,” says Highlander Captain Craig Cannon. When not in use by the owner, The Highlander will be chartered for functions, with rates starting around $60,000 per week.

Downtown Clearwater Boat Slips Named "Clearwater Harbor Marina"

2011-01-20T14:08:00.000-05:00

After opening 4 months ago, the new new Clearwater city boatslips finally have a name: "Clearwater Harbor Marina". There are slips still available, ranging from 30 - 65 feet. While the marina is only 38% full, the slips were at capacity during special events like the Jazz Holiday and Super Boat race.

The public can use the slips for free during the day but have to pay for overnight use. There are security gates, 24-hour security and security cameras, restrooms, showers, electricity, pump-out service, laundry facilities and water. The Jolley Trolley will be adding the marina to its route.

Clearwater Beach Boat Ramp Being Replaced

2011-01-07T10:10:00.002-05:00

The boat ramp on Bay Esplanade is closed and should be open next month. The ramp is being replaced with concrete extending below the water line, and the boarding dock will be moved south to create more launching room. The ramp is the only one in Clearwater Beach and work is scheduled to be complete February 14th.

2011 Florida Boat Show Schedule

2011-01-01T13:00:00.000-05:00

Naples Boat Show, Naples, Jan 27 - Jan 30

Miami International Boat Show, Miami Beach Feb 17 - Feb 21

Palm Beach International Boat Show, West Palm Beach Mar 24 - Mar 27

Central Florida Boat Show, Orlando Feb 3 - Feb 6

Ft Myers Spring Boat Show, N. Ft Myers Mar 10 - Mar 13

Pensacola Boat Show, Pensacola April 1 - April 10

Daytona Fall Boat Show, Daytona Beach Sept 9 - Sept 11

Ft Lauderdale International Boat Show, Ft Lauderdale Oct 27 - Oct 31

2011 Tides

2011-01-01T12:55:00.001-05:00

Tide Tables, Charts and Scripts at FreeTideTables.com

2010 Holiday Boat Parade Schedule

2010-12-08T06:46:00.001-05:00

Tierra Verde Lighted Boat Parade
December 8th, 6 pm
Starts just east of Billy's Stone Crab, and travels the Grand Canal to the Tierra Verde Bridge.

St Pete Beach and South Pasadena Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
December 10th, 6 pm
Begins at Merry Pier in Pass a Grille and travels through St Pete Beach, ending in South Pasadena.

Treasure Island Lighted Boat Parade
December 11th, 6:20 pm
Begins at the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge, and ends at John's Pass

Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade and Tree Lighting
December 11th, 6 to 9 pm
Begins at Marker 1 Marina, travels south, and then heads north to the Municipal Marina adjacent to Edgewater Park.

St. Petersburg Illuminated Boat Parade
December 11th, 6:30 pm
Parade takes place near the Pier - Spa Beach, The Pier and Vinoy Basin are recommended for best viewing.

Gulfport Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
December 11 at 6 pm
Begins at the Gulfport Municipal marina, travels past the William's Pier and into the canals of Town Shores and Broadwater communities.

Island Estates Yacht Club Holiday Boat Parade
December 11 at 6:30 pm
Begins in Mandalay Channel, travels to Coachman Park, and to the Clearwater Yacht Club's judging stand.

Redington Beach and Indian Shores Lighted Boat Parade
December 19th, 6 pm
Begins at the Madeira Beach Causeway, travels through Redington Beach, North Redington Beach, and Redington Shores, then through Indian Shores, ending at the Pub Restaurant.

2010 Clearwater Holiday Boat Parade

2010-11-23T08:01:00.003-05:00

The 36th annual Memorial Holiday Boat Parade, sponsored by the Island Estates Yacht Club, will be held on Saturday, December 11th. The event honors members of Island Estates Yacht Club who passed away during the year and is one of the area's largest holiday boat parades. Around 50 lighted and decorated boats will light up the waterways. Cash prizes and gift certificates donated by local businesses for the best decorated boats.

The parade will begin in Mandalay Channel between Island Estates and Clearwater Beach at 6 pm, head north through the channel, arriving at Coachman Park around 8 pm, then navigate under the Memorial Causeway Bridge to the Clearwater Yacht Club for judging.

If you are interested in entering your vessel, contact the Yacht Club Fleet Captain Tom Smith at (727) 776-3375 or Tom@TomSmith.com.

Boat Foreclosures At Record Levels

2010-11-22T08:30:00.002-05:00

The foreclosure marketplace isn't just for condos and homes. Boats and yachts are being foreclosed on at record numbers. Boat dealers say repossessions have slowed and hope the worst is behind them.

There are some real bargains to be had - some boats are just like new. These include boats repossessed from dealers. Many went out of business and others have lost their financing. Privately owned vessels may need quite a bit of work to get them ship shape. Boats take money to maintain, and there's a good chance if the owner wasn't making payments, they weren't doing proper maintenance either.

IBoat-Chek.com, will do a preliminary inspection of a boat anywhere in the country and report its condition to help you decide.

Stone Crab Season Begins October 15th

2010-10-15T08:45:00.000-04:00

Stone crab season starts today and runs through May 15th 2011. Stone crabs are Florida's only renewable seafood resource, according the the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Stone crab claws are harvested and the body is returned to the water to generate new claws. Both claws of a stone crab may be harvested if they are of legal size, although this practice makes it difficult for the crab to defend itself from predators.

Stone Crab Rules
■No females with eggs
■2 3/4-inch claw
■Open season: Oct. 15 - May 15
■Bag limit: 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons per vessel, whichever is less

Stone Crab Harvesting Gear
■It is unlawful to use any device that can puncture, crush, or injure the crab body, such as spears, grains, grabs, hooks, or similar devices
■Maximum of 5 stone crabs traps per person as described in the summary of stone crab trapping rules below

Stone Crab Trapping Rules
■5-trap maximum
■Buoy must have a legible "R" at least two inches high, permanently affixed to it. Buoys are not required if trap is fished from a dock.
■Trap shall have harvesters name and address permanently affixed to it in legible letters.
■Traps must be pulled manually. Any vessel that is rigged with a trap puller will be considered a commercial vessel and the appropriate licenses will be
required.
■Traps must be pulled only during daylight hours.
■Traps must not be placed in navigational channels of the Intracoastal waterways, or in navigational channels maintained and marked by any county, municipal, state or federal
governmental agency.
■A Florida recreational fishing license is required to harvest stone crabs under the recreational fishing regulations.
■Stone crab trap specifications are the same for recreational and commercial harvesters.

The popularity of the Florida stone crab has grown again in recent years and is considered to be one of the best varieties to eat, as well as one of the more expensive.The claws are prepared in the same manner as blue crab claws.The bodies of these crabs are relatively small and so are rarely eaten, but the claws which are large (more like a lobster than a crab) and strong enough to break an oyster's shell, are considered a delicacy. Harvesting is accomplished by removing one or both claws from the live animal and returning it to the ocean where it can regrow the lost limb(s). To be kept, claws must be 2.75 inches long, measured from the tips of the immovable finger to the first joint. If both claws are legal size they may both be taken. Studies by the state of Florida have shown that removing both claws do not harm the Florida stone crab in any way when removed properly. In fact numerous studies have shown that by removing both claws, Florida stone crabs are forced to eat sea grass which has been proven to be more healthy for their diet and regenerate their claws faster and female Florida stone crab have more baby stone crabs since they are unable to fend off the advancements of the male crabs. These studies are what caused the State of Florida to change the laws to allowing two claws to be removed instead of just one.

Super Boat Festival VIP Parties

2010-09-28T08:20:00.001-04:00

The Bright House 2010 Clearwater Super Boat National Championship Festival, based on the longest-running offshore power-boat racing sport in the USA, again hopes to bring in more tourists and pump up the local economy during a crucial time for the Gulf Coast of Florida. To rev-up an even higher level of excitement than last year’s festival and in keeping with the theme of “bigger, faster, louder,” VIP Race Experience packages will be available to FANS. Want to be treated like a VIP? For $100 per person, FANS who want to be treated like a Rock Star will experience the memory of a lifetime – and their money will go to help local marine charities.

VIP Race Experience parties and events will be graced by the Super Boat drivers, throttle men and other sporting execs and celebrities, mixing and mingling with the FANS. The VIP Experience Schedule includes:

Friday, October 1st
• Concert at BayStar Race Village – VIP Seating

• Baystar Race Village Party at the Promenade on the Bay – Hosted by Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce

Saturday, October 2nd
• Shepard’s Beach Party – Hosted by Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce

Sunday, October 3rd
• Hilton Deck Party – Hosted by Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort

• Hyatt Patio Party – Hosted by Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach

• Miss Clearwater Super Boat Trophy Girl Pageant – Hosted by Shepard’s Beach Resort Clearwater Beach

The VIP Race Experience also includes VIP race viewing from the Hilton Deck Party and the Hyatt Patio Party, so VIPs can avoid the throngs of crowds migrating out to the beach to view the spectacle of “NASCAR on Water”. The three-day festival will culminate with boats equipped with F-16 jet canopies reaching extreme speeds of up to 200 mph while vying for the National Championship title just off the shore of Clearwater Beach.

VIP Passes can be purchased through the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce, for $100 per person.

The festival will be held October 1st – 3rd in Downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach.

Tourism on the Gulf Coast of Florida has been harmed by the misconception that Florida is covered in oil. Last year, Super Boat brought an estimated 60,000-plus people to Clearwater, and made an estimated impact of $5-6 million on the local economy, without spending a penny of taxpayer’s money.

For a schedule of race events and details, visit www.clearwatersuperboat.com

About the Bright House 2010 Clearwater Super Boat National Championship Festival:

When Super Boat International (SBI) founder and 30-year veteran, John Carbonell, wanted to produce Clearwater’s 1st Annual Super Boat National Championship and Festival two local area businessmen made it happen: Restaurateur Frank Chivas and Former Mayor of Clearwater Brian Aungst Sr.

The Bright House 2010 Clearwater Super Boat National Championship Festival will be produced by Super Boat International and presented by Bright House Networks. To see the full list of sponsors, partners and sponsor hotels, visit www.clearwatersuperboat.com.

Super Boat Race Course Modified

2010-09-27T13:06:00.000-04:00

The Clearwater Super Boat National Championship Festival Race is returning next weekend after a successful event last year.

As Super Boats equipped with F-16 jet canopies race just off the shore of Clearwater Beach while reaching extreme speeds of up to 200 mph during the Bright House 2010 Clearwater Super Boat National Championship Festival Race Sunday, October 3rd, the throngs of fans watching the spectacle of “NASCAR on water” will get a better view thanks to the improved sightline of a new race course. The new race course modifies last year’s course, and will not extend down to North Clearwater Beach, but will instead extend just beyond Pier 60. North Clearwater Beach will be omitted because sightlines of the race are not as good. The new race course will also give racing boats more room to get in and out of the racing area.

While the race is free, VIP race viewing at the Hyatt Regency or the Hilton Clearwater Beach are available for purchase through the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce for $100. VIP Race Experience pass holders will be treated to a variety of VIP race experience activities as well, including VIP parties. All proceeds from the event benefit three local charities, The Clearwater Community Sailing Center, Sailability and the Make a Difference Fishing Tournament.

The race will be followed by an awards ceremony in Coachman Park where the National Champions will be announced.

Race course diagram and viewing area coordinates for boaters are available online at www.clearwatersuperboat.com

Boat Ramps - There's An iPhone App For That

2010-09-01T09:52:00.004-04:00

So you load your cooler, hook up your trailer and head for your favorite launch, only to find it's closed or full. Boat Ramps is an app for the iPhone and Droid from TakeMeFishing.org that lets you locate and get directions to over more than 35,000 boat ramps throughout the U.S.

Boat Ramps from TakeMeFishing.org has an easy-to-use interface and provides a list of ramps close to your current location or any zip code or city you enter into the application. Once you’ve found the boat ramp you’re looking for, the app can even help you with directions to the ramp.

Website

Clearwater Downtown Boat Slips Complete

2010-08-26T11:22:00.000-04:00

The City of Clearwater will hold a Grand Opening Celebration for the new Downtown Boat Slips 9 A.M. September 2nd, at 210 Drew St. The event will include speeches by city officials and representatives from the agencies that have worked to ensure the success of the project. Refreshments will be served.

Clearwater voters signed off on the project in a 2007 city referendum. The completed facility includes 126 boat slips, 1,700 feet of overnight space for visitors, 700 feet of space for daytime visits and special events that are happening in the downtown area. The daytime space is free. The boat slip lengths range in size from 30 to 55 feet. Slips are available to anyone that is interested. There are slips currently available and boats must fit within the area of the slip.

Slip Rates:
Resident: $9 per foot length of the slip
Non-resident: $10.50 per foot length of the slip

The boat slips facility will include 24-hour security, restrooms and showers, convenient parking, laundry facilities, electricity and a pump-out service.

For more information or if you are interested in renting a slip, call the Clearwater Municipal Marina at 462-6954.

New Activities Planned For 2010 Super Boat Festival

2010-08-25T08:22:00.000-04:00

The Bright House 2010 Clearwater Super Boats National Championship hopes to not only repeat the success of last year, but make it a “bigger, faster, louder” experience by adding on new activities.

In keeping with the theme of “bigger, faster, louder,” the Bright House 2010 Clearwater Super Boat National Championships, taking place October 1st – 3rd in Downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach, will offer a wide variety of new activities.

The three day family friendly festival will take place in Downtown Clearwater’s Coachman Park and Cleveland Street and on Clearwater Beach.

“We set the bar high last year with the first Super Boat National Championship in Clearwater, said event Co-Chair Frank Chivas. “This year we are planning a number of new family friendly activities to keep everyone excited the entire weekend”.

New activities and events will include:

• Super Boat Trophy Girl Pageant with a $5,000 grand prize
• Poker run featuring boats “galore”
• A Motorcycle poker run
• Cleveland Street block party where everyone can meet the drivers, see the boats up close and enjoy a street carnival atmosphere with entertainment
• Friday evening concert in Coachman Park
• VIP events

“We want to make sure there is always something for everyone to enjoy the entire weekend. By adding the Friday block party on Cleveland Street and Concerts both Friday and Saturday, with the multitude of other activities we feel this festival will be much bigger and better than last year,” said event Co-Chair Brian Aungst.
Of course, the activities that made Super Boat a success last year will be back as well. Returning activities include:

• Loads of food and libations
• “Bay Star Race Village” activities in Coachman Park
• Concert and Firework display on Pier 60
• Make a Difference Fishing Tournament benefitting handicapped children
• Search and Rescue demonstration from the US Coast Guards
• Awards ceremony after the races
Of course the three day festival will culminate with boats racing just off the shore of Clearwater Beach at speeds reaching up to 200 mph while vying for the national champion title.

Super Boat, which is the longest running offshore power boat racing in the United States, again hopes to bring in tourists and pump up the local economy during a crucial time for the Gulf Coast of Florida. Tourism on the Gulf Coast of Florida has been harmed by the misconception that Florida is covered in oil.

Last year, Super Boat brought an estimated 60,000-plus people to Clearwater, and made an estimated impact of $5-6 million on the local economy, without spending a penny of taxpayer’s money.

For a schedule of race events and details, visit www.clearwatersuperboat.com

About the Bright House 2010 Clearwater Super Boat National Championships:

When Super Boat International (SBI) founder and 30-year veteran, John Carbonell, wanted to produce Clearwater’s 1st Annual Super Boat National Championship and Festival two local area businessmen made it happen: Restaurateur Frank Chivas and Former Mayor of Clearwater Brian Aungst Sr.

The Bright House 2010 Clearwater Super Boat National Championships will be produced by Super Boat International and presented by Bright House Networks. To see the full list of sponsors, partners and sponsor hotels, visit www.clearwatersuperboat.com.

County Approves Indian Rocks Beach Dock Application

2010-07-26T10:27:00.001-04:00

A commercial dock application submitted by the city of Indian Rocks Beach has been approved unanimously by Pinellas County Commissioners.

The city plans to construct a municipal docking facility in the waters of the Narrows to be used by transient boaters visiting the city. The Keegan Clair Park Dock will be over 4,000 square feet and provide 18 temporary slips. Currently, the closest public dock is in Madeira Beach.

Area Fireworks and July 4th Events

2010-07-03T08:38:00.001-04:00

Clearwater Celebrates America
Sunday, July 4
Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater
Clearwater Celebrates America, the city’s annual Independence Day celebration will feature the Mostly Pops Orchestra, fireworks, children’s activities, a craft show, food and drink concessions. Gates open at 4 p.m.; fireworks at 9:30. No alcoholic beverages, glass containers or bottles, umbrellas, canopies, throwing objects, pets or personal fireworks allowed. The Memorial Causeway Bridge will be closed from about 9:15 to 10:15 p.m. for the fireworks. Expect traffic delays as a result and consider alternate routes.

St Pete Beach Fireworks
Sunday July 4th 9pm
Upham Beach, Gulf Boulevard and 68th Street, St. Pete Beach
City officials say the 30-minute display can be viewed from the City's beaches to the South. All of Upham Beach will close to the public at 6 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk.

Redington Shores Fireworks
Sunday, July 4 9pm
County Park, 18120 Park Blvd., Redington Shores
Head to the beach for the Town of Redington Shores fireworks display by East Coast Pyrotechnics.

Madeira Beach Fireworks
Sunday, July 4 9pm
Madeira Beach Rec Center and Ball Fields 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach
Launched off the recreation center ball fields and over the water, the display is viewable from either side of the Madeira Beach Causeway.

Largo Fireworks and Celebration
Sunday, July 4
Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Largo Recreation, Parks & Arts as well as the 50th anniversary of the dance move, The Twist. To celebrate, Largo will be attempting to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest number of people doing The Twist at the same time. Music provided by Joey Dee and the Starliters. Participation fee includes a commemorative world-record attempt hat. Registration will take place on-site. Fireworks viewing and other activities follow at 9 p.m.

July 4th At The Pier
Sunday, July 4
800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg
A full day of family activities kicks off outside with original folk/rock music by the Daniel B. Marshall Band (1-4 p.m.), Juggler Bob (4 p.m.), R&B/funk by Fast Lane in the courtyard (4:30 p.m.) and alternative/pop by Save the Radio (8-11 p.m.). Inside, you can get your face, arms or back painted (1-9 p.m.), and shows by hypnotist Eric Kand (5-6 p.m. and 7-8 p.m.). Fireworks light up the bay at 9 p.m.

Patriotic Sand Sculpture
North Straub Park, Fifth Avenue NE and Bayshore Drive, St. Petersburg
See what a team of world-renowned artists can do with a 40-ton pile of sand dumped near the Plaza of North Straub Park at this Transitions Sight ‘n Sand Family Event. Team Sandtastic begins building a patriotic-themed sand sculpture soon after the noon sand delivery on July 2 and must be finished by July 4. A smaller tabletop sand sculpture contest also begins at 8 a.m. July 3 with judging on July 4.

Safety Harbor 4th of July Parade
Sunday, July 4 10am
Main Street and Second Ave. N, Safety Harbor
Kids are invited to decorate their bicycles and wagons to join in this short parade that includes military vehicles, honor guards, firetrucks, Shriners, motorcycle groups, car clubs, the Dunedin Pipe and Drum band, walking units and floats.

Safety Harbor Fireworks
Sunday, July 4 5pm
Safety Harbor City Marina, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor
The City of Safety Harbor's annual July 4th Celebration and Fireworks Display will take place along Bayshore Boulevard, at the City Marina and on the back lawn of the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. The event includes games and activities for all ages, food and beverages available for purchase, beer and wine available with proper ID and local bands performing on the Budweiser True Music Stage. It also features one of the larger fireworks displays in the Tampa Bay area.

Boating Safety And Sailing Courses

2010-02-26T11:04:00.003-05:00

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - boating safety course on Saturday, Feb. 27 and Sunday, Feb. 28, 8 am at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center in Sand Key. Topics include boating emergencies, know your boat, getting underway, navigating, operating a boat safely and legal requirements. Graduates receive a Florida State certification card. To register, call Ann Bennett at 469-8895.

St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron - 2 hour Safe Boating Seminar, Using GPS, Wednesday March 17, 7 - 9 pm, at St. Petersburg Sailing Center, St Petersburg. Seminar will explain principles of waypoint navigation, how to relate GPS data to charts, describe how to operate the GPS and access the functions, and how to choose a GPS. The waterproof Captain's Quick Guide Using GPS will be distributed to participants. The instruction is offered free, but there is a $25 materials fee for each family. Since the seminar will include hands-on instruction, participants may bring their handheld GPS unit. The class is limited to 20 students and preregistration is required. Call Call 525-0968.

St. Petersburg Sail and Power Squadron - 7 week Public Safe Boating course Mondays 7-9 pm beginning April 5, at the St. Petersburg Sailing Center. Call 727-525-0968. Completion of this course will enable the student to skipper a boat with confidence. Because most skippers will attend only one safety course, the squadron has designed the class to be as comprehensive as possible. Graduates are eligible to join the squadron and take advantage of all the educational opportunities afforded to SPSPS members. Available to anyone age 12 and older. Instruction is free. Cost of the materials is $25 a family. Call 525-0968.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-3 - Monthly safe boating classes at its headquarters in Madeira Beach. Classes are Saturdays from 8 am to 5 pm. The cost is $40. Dates of upcoming classes are March 20, April 24, May 22, June 12, Sept. 18, Oct. 9 and Nov. 6. Successful completion of the Auxiliary’s About Boating Safely and Boating Skills and Seamanship classes could qualify boat owners for a discount on insurance. Topics for the Skills and Seamanship course include which boat is for you, equipment, trailering, handling a boat, navigation aids and rules. Call 391-5185.

Clearwater Community Sailing Center - Spring break sailing camps for kids ages 8-16. Camp is set for March 9 through April 2, 9 am to 3 pm, at the Community Sailing Center in Sand Key. Cost for the program is $250 and participants must pass a swim test. Sailboats are provided and are monohulls and catamarans. Kids are asked to bring a bag lunch, sunscreen, a hat and towel each day. They must wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get wet and bring a change of clothes. To register, call 517-7776 or www.clearwatercommunitysailing.org.

2010 Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races Scheduled for May 1st

2010-02-21T10:41:00.003-05:00

The 7th annual Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races hits Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, the Marriott Waterside and waters of Garrison Channel on May 1st, 2010! 60+ teams from local corporate and community groups as well as paddlers from across the U.S. and Canada will vie to be Tampa's #1 Dragon Boat Team!

This is a race run with exact precision, and professional equipment through the partnership of Great White North and their staff. 450m on the waters of Garrison Channel, with a fully buoyed 5-lane course, where the waters are always calm and the sun always shines the first weekend in May!

The event kicks off at 8:30 in the morning with the Opening Ceremonies on the Marriott Waterside patio, and the first race at 9 am, with a heat running every 10 minutes. Each team races 3 times throughout the day, being seeded into a division, and then getting the chance to become a Division Champion.

During the first INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND BEER FESTIVAL, athletes and spectators alike enjoy food, beverage and entertainment throughout the day in the Athlete's Village at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park. Asia Fest occurrs simultaneously on the St. Pete Times Forum patio.

A Breast Cancer Ceremony will be held during the lunch break.

The day finishes off with the awards ceremony at 4:30 pm followed by live music in the Beer Garden until 7 pm. For more information visit tampabaydragonboats.com

New Mandatory Boating Education Requirements

2010-01-08T10:35:00.023-05:00

Starting January 1st, Florida boaters born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete an approved U S Coast Guard boating safety class and have a photographic ID card and boating safety education card, to legally operate a boat with a motor of 10-hp or more. There is a 90 day grace period for owners of newly purchased boats, and boaters who have a current US Coast Guard license are excempt.

USCG Auxiliary classes are taught by qualified, highly experienced and knowledgeable instructors committed to the highest standards of the Coast Guard". For more information and to register for USCG Auxiliary classes contact: Ann Bennett (727) 469-8895 http://a0701101.uscgaux.info/

Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp Opens

2010-01-01T08:10:00.000-05:00

With just a few finishing touches remaining, the Belleair Causeway Boat Ramp is set to open on Jan. 1, 2010. The new facility offers 108 boat trailer parking spaces, 98 passenger car spaces, a fishing pier, four courtesy docks and 10 boat launching lanes.

Closed since the beginning of the Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge project, the boat ramp will now be open 24 hours a day, with portable restroom facilities on site. Additional landscaping and signage will be installed in the coming weeks.

In adherence with the County’s fee schedule for boat ramp parks, parking costs $6 per day for vehicles with trailers and $2 per day for passenger vehicles. An annual parking pass is also available.

St Pete Power & Sailboat Show This Weekend

2009-12-05T13:37:00.006-05:00

The 32nd Annual St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show is this weekend at Albert Whitted Park and the Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin.

The event will feature over 400 power boats and 50 sailboats anchored in new floating docks. Family cruisers, high-performance wakeboard boating, fishing boats, sailing yachts, and personal watercrafts will be on display. Events include kids' fishing clinics. For more information, visit http://www.showmanagement.com/

Treasure Island Christmas Boat Parade

2009-11-26T13:53:00.001-05:00

The Treasure Island Christmas Boat Parade and Holiday Celebration is Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club, 400 Treasure Island Causeway. The holiday celebration begins at 4:30 p.m. with the Boat Parade leaving the yacht club at 6:20 p.m. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the recreation department at City Hall or Treasure Bay on Paradise Boulevard between Dec. 1 and 11 and receive a pass to watch the parade from a spectacular vantage point and to participate in the events at the yacht club. The toys will be donated to the Edward’s Family Foundation. Holiday music and complimentary hot dogs, chowder, hot cider and cookies will be served poolside. Santa also will make an appearance. The rain date is Monday, Dec. 14. For more information, call 727-367-4511.

New Clearwater Marina Gets Approval

2009-11-25T10:29:00.004-05:00

The current owner of the former Clearwater Bay Marina at 900 N Osceola Ave, just north of the Seminole boat ramp, has received approval from the Community Development Board to build new marina. The Clearwater Basin Marina will have 87 recreational slips, there will be no commercial boats or personal watercraft slips available.

The site currently has about 100 concrete pilings that are the remnants of a luxury condo building that was scrapped. Local residents call it "Stonehenge". The owner isn't planning to build any condos right now, but could in the future. The pilings cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to construct and will not be removed. Instead, they will be hidden with landscaping and fencing, possibly to use for future development.

Register Now For Island Estates Holiday Boat Parade

2009-11-25T10:24:00.001-05:00

The 35th annual Memorial Holiday Boat Parade is scheduled for December 12th. The lighted boat parade is sponsored by the Island Estates Yacht Club and is one of the most popular boating events in the area. Boats will assemble at 6 pm in Mandalay Channel, between Island Estates and Clearwater Beach. They will proceed through Island Estates' canals, arriving at Coachman Park at 8 pm, then sail under the Memorial Causeway Bridge, into the Clearwater Marina Channel and ending at the Clearwater Yacht Club judging stand. Registration is free, contact Joel Briskman at 727-688-3144 or 727-461-1147 or joelbrisk@yahoo.com.

Clearwater Pass Jetty Will Get Warning Lights

2009-11-04T11:58:00.002-05:00

City Council has decided to put navigational warning lights on the Clearwater Pass jetty, by installing a series of yellow flashing lights on the jetty to warn boaters to steer clear.

The rock jetty was built in 1975 to prevent beach erosion and extends hundreds of feet into the gulf from Sand Key Park and stands about 7 feet above the water. Boaters are supposed to stay in the marked channel north of the jetty, which has its lights but the jetty has been the scene of several boat crashes. The channel between Sand Key and Clearwater Beach is narrow and heavily traveled. Despite being well lit inexperience, bad weather, or carelessness can cause boaters to strike the jetty in the dark.

Another boating hazard will also be removed. There is an 85,000-pound block of concrete submerged in Clearwater Harbor off the Seminole Boat Ramp, the remains of the base of a turnstile that was in the middle of the Seminole Bridge, built in 1917. Concrete can still be seen at very low tides and has been struck several times by vessels.

Governor Charlie Crist recently asked the U.S. Coast Guard to install lights on the Bayboro jetty in St Petersburg after a fatal accident on October 2nd where a boat struck the jetty.

Clearwater Municpal Marina Development In Question

2009-10-25T12:08:00.003-04:00

In 1925, the state gave the local government land in Clearwater Bay to build a causeway to Clearwater Beach, to be forever used for public purposes like parks and recreation. Any other use would require that it be returned to the state.

The city wants to remove the requirement so it can someday redevelop the Clearwater Municipal Marina that sits on the land, adding more parking and shops.

Some activists are wary of the idea, fearing a developer could come along and build a large hotel on the property. The homeowners associations of Clearwater Beach, Island Estates and Sand Key are also opposed to the idea.

Both sides say they want to preserve public access to the waterfront.

The city has asked Representative Jim Frishe to help pass a law during the upcoming legislative session eliminating the "reverter clause". Frishe will hold a public hearing beginning at 6 p.m. Monday at Clearwater's City Hall. Frishe said that public access to the waterfront needs to be protected, but that the marina will need to be redesigned at some point.

Public hearing:
6-8 p.m. Monday
Clearwater City Hall,
112 S Osceola Ave

Treasure Island Yacht Club Purchased By Music Producer

2009-10-23T12:15:00.001-04:00

Treasure Island resident and music producer Bill Edwards has purchased the Treasure Island Tennis & Yacht Club, which has about 700 members. In 2008, the yacht club completed a $7.1 million expansion that adding 30,000 square feet to hold social events and accommodate its growing membership.Seven months later, the club filed for bankruptcy. Edwards bought the bankrupt club for cash. At the time, there was an outstanding mortgage of $8.6M.

After an interior and exterior makeover, Edwards plans to offer Las Vegas-style entertainment, top chefs and amenities at the newly renamed "The Club at Treasure Island". Initial club memberships sell for $250 (seniors), $900 (single or couple), $1,250 (family of four) or $2,250 (corporate) initially and between $100 and $250 a month thereafter. Members will have use of the clubhouse, fitness center, game room, tennis facilities, pool pavilion, and receive special concierge services, including anytime medical services and special pricing for fitness and beauty services and cruises.

Edwards will use his entertainment business connections to draw big name acts to The Club. Edwards operates Big3 Entertainment and Bill Edwards Presents — recording, touring and promotional companies that represent such stars as Jon Secada, Josh Groban, Toby Keith, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Cheap Trick, Stryper and Carnie Wilson.

Stone Crab Cake Recipe From Joe's Crab Shack

2009-10-16T17:35:00.005-04:00

Tis the season ... stone crab season, that is!

Stone crab season officially opened this week - time to visit your favorite seafood restaurant, or whip up a tasty dish at home. This recipe from Joe's Crab Shack is easy (despite the long ingredient list), and fresh stone crab is plentiful right now at your local seafood market (we like Surf & Turf market in Belleair Bluffs).

Joe’s Crab Cakes with Green Tomato Caper Remoulade

Makes six 4-oz. crab cakes

4 oz. jumbo lump crab meat
4 oz. lump crab meat
4 oz. (½ cup) mayonnaise
½ tsp. Joe’s Mustard Sauce (see below)
½ tsp. scallions, chopped
¼ tsp. garlic, chopped
½ tsp. shallots, chopped
Dash Tabasco sauce
½ tsp. lemon juice
2 egg yolks, 1 each
1 tbsp. Panko Bread Crumbs
Pinch kosher salt
Pinch ground pepper
Pinch Old Bay seasoning
Pinch garlic powder
Pinch onion powder

Green Tomato Caper Remoulade

4 oz. mayonnaise
½ tbsp. green tomatoes, diced
¼ tsp. sugar
1 tsp. capers
1 tsp. cilantro, chopped
1 tsp. shallots, chopped
1 tsp. lemon juice
½ tsp. Cajun seasoning
1 tsp. lime juice
¼ tsp. Tabasco sauce
1 tbsp. sour cream

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate.

Mustard Sauce

1 tbsp. Colman’s dry mustard, or to taste
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. A-1 Sauce
1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
Salt to taste

Place the mustard in a small mixing bowl. Whisk in the mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, A-1 Sauce, cream and a pinch of salt. Mix until well blended and creamy. Chill the sauce, covered, until serving.

Stone Crab Season Opens Today

2009-10-15T09:41:00.000-04:00

Today marks the beginning of stone crab season, good news for fisherman and retaurant patrons.

Stone crabs are Florida's only renewable seafood resource, according the the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Stone crab claws are harvested and the body is returned to the water to generate new claws. Both claws of a stone crab may be harvested if they are of legal size, although this practice makes it difficult for the crab to defend itself from predators.

Stone Crab Rules
■No females with eggs
■2 3/4-inch claw
■Open season: Oct. 15 - May 15
■Bag limit: 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons per vessel, whichever is less

Stone Crab Harvesting Gear
■It is unlawful to use any device on the taking of stone crabs that can puncture, crush, or injure the crab body, such as spears, grains, grabs, hooks, or similar devices
■Maximum of 5 stone crabs traps per person as described in the summary of stone crab trapping rules below

Stone Crab Trapping Rules
■5-trap maximum
■Buoy must have a legible "R" at least two inches high, permanently affixed to it. Buoys are not required if trap is fished from a dock.
■Trap shall have harvesters name and address permanently affixed to it in legible letters.
■Traps must be pulled manually. Any vessel that is rigged with a trap puller will be considered a commercial vessel and the appropriate licenses will be
required.
■Traps must be pulled only during daylight hours.
■Traps must not be placed in navigational channels of the Intracoastal waterways, or in navigational channels maintained and marked by any county, municipal, state or federal
governmental agency.
■A Florida recreational fishing license is required to harvest stone crabs under the recreational fishing regulations.
■Stone crab trap specifications are the same for recreational and commercial harvesters.

Super Boat Weekend A Huge Success

2009-10-09T13:08:00.001-04:00

Last weekend's Super Boat International Offshore Race is considered to be a success by it's organisers and the Chamber of Commerce and the event is expected to return again next October.

The 3 day festival had good turnout, especially on Sunday when spectators watched the race from both land and sea. About 20,000 people viewed the race offshore from anchored boats. Another estimated 7,000 people watched from the beach, while others observed from hotels and restaurants.

Weekend Super Boat Championship Schedule

2009-09-29T09:59:00.005-04:00

2009 Clearwter Super Boat National Championship & Festival

This weekend long event offers fun for the whole family.

Friday October 2nd, 4pm - 9pm

· Coachman Park: Super Boats in the Dry Pits with food, drinks and fun for the entire family.

Saturday October 3rd

· Coachman Park: Super Boats in the Dry Pits 10am - 4pm

· Clearwater Beach at Pier 60: “Make a Difference Fishing Tournament” 8am - NOON

· Clearwater Beach at Pier 60: Super Boat practice runs NOON - 6pm off

· Clearwater Beach at Pier 60: Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration at 2pm

· Clearwater Beach at Pier 60: Caribbean Chillers Concert at 6pm

· Clearwater Beach at Pier 60: Fireworks at 8:30 pm

Sunday October 4th, 10am - 3pm

· Clearwater Beach at Pier 60: The Clearwater Super Boat Offshore National Championship Races

Visit official website

Super Boat National Championship Coming To Clearwater

2009-09-02T09:10:00.001-04:00

Boats will be racing at speeds up to 140 mph off Clearwater Beach on October 4th when the Clearwater Super Boat National Championship offshore powerboating race comes to town. Some proceeds from the race will benefit the Clearwater Community Sailing Center.

Super Boat International of Key West has been staging races for 30 years and is best known for its annual races in Key West, Sarasota and New York City. It recently struck a deal with CBS to broadcast the Clearwater race and 7 others. The races feature 50-foot boats with F-16 jet canopies and 4,800-horsepower engines. During races, they reach speeds of 100 to 140 mph, depending on weather conditions. Super Boat International plans 9 races this year, the 1st was last weekend in Miami.

Super Boat International says it has applied for a race permit from the U.S. Coast Guard, and it expects to get one. Spotters in helicopters will watch for manatees and sea turtles, and will stop a race if necessary and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be assisting.

The race on Sunday will be free and open to the public, around 40,000 spectators are expected. Free parties at Coachman Park and Pier 60, and a free concert and fireworks are also planned for the weekend.
Boats up to 50 feet long will race from Pier 60 north for about 2½ miles and back, doing multiple laps around the loop. 30 to 35 boats are expected to compete in two races. Powerboats and their pit crews will set up beginning Friday, Oct. 2, in Coachman Park, where the public can get a closer look at them. The plan is for them to launch from the nearby Seminole Boat Ramp.

Oct. 2: Racing boats set up in Coachman Park.
Oct. 3: Racers check out the course at regular speed.
Oct. 4: Two races between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Safe Boating Classes Offered

2009-09-01T10:13:00.002-04:00

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-3 will offer a safe boating class on Saturday, Sept. 12, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 299 Boca Ciega Dr, Madeira Beach. The cost is $40. Completion of the Auxiliary’s About Boating Safely and Boating Skills and Seamanship classes may qualify boat owners for a discount on insurance. Call 391-5185.

Fishing Pier Approved For Belleair Causeway

2009-08-20T12:15:00.003-04:00

The Board of Pinellas County Commissioners approved construction of a fishing pier and lift station at the Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge boat ramp park.

The construction of the new bridge decreased the fishing area in the park. Building a new pier would increase it, and provide a safer location compliant with ADA requirements, as opposed to fishing from a seawall. A new lift station is being installed to ensure operation of future boat ramp restrooms. The completion date is October 9th.

Harborage Marina Expansion Planned

2009-08-05T12:56:00.001-04:00

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners has given approval for the expansion of the Harborage Marina in St Pete, which is located on Bayboro Harbor accross from USF.

The marina owner, Marinas International, wants to add 12 slips for large yachts, 4 new piers with an access ramp, 7 slips for vessels up to 200 feet long and 9 60-foot slips. Currently the Harborage has more than 300 wet slips and a floating concrete dock system, and 400 high-and-dry storage spaces.

Clearwater Marina Post Office May Close

2009-08-04T08:17:00.003-04:00

One of the conveniences at the Clearwater Beach municipal marina may be leaving. The post office located at the marina could close as early as October. It is on the list of thousands of post offices around the country that may be closed, according the the USPS. The decision making process is ongoing.

Other Pinellas locations on the list are Countryside, Cleveland St, St Pete Beach and Pass a Grille. The full list is here.

2009 Great Bay Scallop Search

2009-07-27T10:12:00.002-04:00

Tampa Bay Watch and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program have teamed up again to sponsor the Great Bay Scallop Search. This event has been conducted since 1993 and is a resource-monitoring program where volunteers snorkel and search for scallops in select areas within Boca Ciega and Lower Tampa Bays. The search will take place on August 22nd at Ft De Soto park in Tierra Verde.

The purpose of the program is to monitor and document the health and status of the bay scallop population. Volunteers documented a record-setting 624 scallops in 2008.

Participants will search selected sites in Boca Ciega & Lower Tampa Bays for the elusive bay scallop. Bay scallops disappeared from Tampa Bay in the early 1960s when the bay water was highly-polluted from dredging operations and industrial and municipal wastes. Tampa Bay’s water quality and seagrass beds have since improved to levels that will once again support the scallop population.

The event is currently bull but if you would like to be added to the waiting list for boaters, please click here. To be notified of other upcoming volunteer events, please visit the Volunteer Opportunities/Become a Volunteer link!

Treasure Island Mooring Zone May Close

2009-07-16T08:49:00.003-04:00

The anchoring zone near Caddy’s beachfront bar on Sunset Beach could be removed by resolution at the July 7th commission meeting. The mooring zone was stablished in September 2008 giving boaters access to the beach by allowing them to moor their vessels 125 feet away from the beach and wade back and forth to shore. The density of boats in the 200-foot wide area has caused problems for swimmers and boaters due to congestion.

Caddy’s owner, Tony Amico, told the commission in 2008 that he wanted the space to be used primarily as a drop-off point, perhaps even with a no-mooring policy.

Other areas near Caddy’s that allow boaters to approach the shoreline include are an unrestricted zone at 100th Ave, an idle speed zone at 77th Ave and a public boat ramp at 84th Avenue.

Shoreline Anglers Need To Buy New License

2009-06-27T10:23:00.003-04:00

Beginning on August 1st, saltwater anglers who fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore will need to buy a shoreline fishing license unless they have a regular resident saltwater fishing license.

The new license applies only to Florida resident saltwater anglers who fish from shore. Resident anglers may prefer to purchase the regular recreational saltwater license that covers them, no matter where they fish for saltwater species in Florida. Nonresidents will need to purchase a regular nonresident saltwater fishing license.

The new license provides the same exemptions as a regular license, including senior citizens, children, disabled people who meet certain qualifications, active-duty military personnel while home on leave, and anglers who fish from a licensed pier. In addition, the shoreline license requirement includes two new exemptions: anglers drawing food stamps, cash assistance or Medicaid; and anglers fishing in their home counties using cane poles or gear that does not depend on mechanical retrieval.

For more information go to MyFWC.com.

4th Of July Celebrations and Fireworks

2009-06-26T11:41:00.001-04:00

There are lots of area events scheduled to celebrate the 4th of July. Take in a parade, enjoy live music and then watch fireworks. All events are on Saturday July 4th unless noted.

Clearwater Celebrates America
Overlooking the beautiful intercoastal waterway at Coachman Park, this celebration features the Mostly Pops Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. A spectacular fireworks show will follow at 9:30 p.m. The event includes children's activities, food and beverages for purchase and exhibitor and sponsor booths. Gates open at 4 pm.
*Coachman Park 301 Drew. St., Clearwater.

4TH of July U.S. Constitution Boat Parade
Enjoy a patriotic, fun filled Rally that will kick off the First Annual Fourth of July U.S. Constitution boat parade. Festivities will start at noon at Gators Pass. There will be music and prize drawings throughout the afternoon. Decorate your boat - Show it off - Wave Flags! Or, just watch the boat parade sail by just after 3:00 P.M.
*Gators on the Pass 12754 Kingfish Dr, Treasure Island

4th of July Extravaganza at The Pier
Starting at 1pm on the east courtyard, enjoy live music by the Cool Daddies or step inside to catch a one man circus. If you've never tried a drum circle, this is your chance, with free drums or bring your own. Live music continues until 8pm. Fireworks start at 9 pm.
*The Pier 800 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg.

Largo 4th of July Celebration
Music starts at 7pm with interactive kids activities near the stage. Fireworks begin at 9pm. Parking is available on site and free. No alcohol, pets, or personal fireworks.
*Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo.

Madeira Beach Fireworks
The fireworks display will be fired from the city recreation park on Rex Place next to the City Hall complex.
*Madeira Beach 300 Municipal Dr., Madeira Beach

Redington Shores Fireworks
The fireworks display will take place shortly after dusk in the County beach park.
*Redington Shores,182nd Avenue and Gulf Boulevard

St. Pete Beach Fireworks
Launched along the Gulf of Mexico, enjoy the fireworks show starting at dusk.
*St. Pete Beach Access Park, 4700 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach

Treasure Island Fireworks
Enjoy fireworks on the beach. Bring your chair or blanket. Fireworks start at 9pm.
*Treasure Island Beach,10400 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island

July 3rd Concert and Fireworks
Fri, Jul, 3 6:00 pm
*Knology Park , 373 Douglas Ave. Dunedin

Fireworks Cruise
Take a high speed water sightseeing ride. Then, watch Clearwater's fireworks display from the deck of the Sea Screamer. $35 adults, $25 children. 8 pm.
*Clearwater Beach Marina at Sea Screamer 25 Causeway Blvd. Clearwater Beach 727-447-7200

4th Of July Parade
The North Redington Beach 4th of July Parade will be begin at Addie Graham Park 173rd Avenue and proceed via Second Street and First Street to Radcliffe Park starting at 9 am.
*North Redington Beach at Addie Graham Park

New State and Federal Rules For Gulf Grouper

2009-06-20T11:10:00.000-04:00

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently proposed new rules for the recreational and commercial harvest of grouper in Gulf of Mexico state waters to improve the population of gag grouper.

The FWC’s proposed new rules would establish a Feb. 1 through March 31 closed spawning season for all recreational and commercial harvest of shallow-water groupers (gag, black, red, yellowfin, scamp, yellowmouth, rock hind and red hind) in all Gulf state waters. This proposed two-month closure in Gulf state waters would extend a current one-month commercial closed season for gag, red and black grouper.In addition, the proposed rules would reduce the commercial minimum size limit for Gulf red grouper, and for all importation and sale of red grouper, from 20 inches to 18 inches total length.

New federal recreational regulations took effect in mid-May in federal Gulf of Mexico waters for shallow-water groupers:

• Grouper aggregate bag limit reduced to four grouper per person per day.
• Gag grouper bag limit reduced to two fish per day per person within the four grouper aggregate bag limit.
• Red grouper bag limit increased to two fish per person per day within the four grouper aggregate bag limit.
• The recreational harvest season is closed for all shallow water grouper from Feb. 1 through March 31. Shallow water groupers include gag, red, black, yellowfin, yellowmouth, rock hind, red hind and scamp groupers.

New federal commercial regulations also went into effect:
• Red grouper minimum-size limit reduceds to 18 inches total length.
• Red grouper quota increased to 5.75 million pounds (gutted weight).

State Approved Safe Boating Class

2009-06-20T11:05:00.001-04:00

The Clearwater Sail and Power Squadron is offering a state approved Safe Boating Course. Course starts on August 3rd, and will be held on Monday and Wednesday nights from 7-9:30 pm. Call 727-441-8775 or visit clearwatersquadron.org

Proposed Snapper Season Changes

2009-06-20T10:53:00.003-04:00

The proposed snapper season change is in response to data that suggests the Gulf red snapper fishing season needs to be shortened to compensate for overharvesting in 2008. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has proposed to shorten the recreational harvest season for red snapper in state waters to reduce the harvest and rebuild the population. A final public hearing on this proposed action is scheduled during the FWC's June meeting in Crystal River.

The National Marine Fisheries Service estimates that recreational fishers in the Gulf exceeded last year's annual red snapper catch limit by over 1 million pounds. Federal law requires that harvest levels be reduced the year following a previous year's overharvest. The NMFS has indicated that it will shorten the harvest season in Gulf federal waters (9 nautical miles offshore) from June 1 through Sept. 30 to June 1 through Aug. 14. The FWC is proposing the same season change in state waters.

Extended Anchorage Periods Approved

2009-06-11T12:58:00.003-04:00

Boaters cruising Florida waters can now anchor for extended periods of time in cities where local ordinances limited anchorage to as little as 48 hours.

Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed a legislative package for the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that prevents local Florida communities from forcing boaters to leave an anchorage unless the boat is a live-aboard vessel. The law defines a live-aboard vessel as one that is used solely as a residence and not for navigation; one represented as a place of business; and/or one that is declared to be a domicile. The law also prohibits local governments from regulating anchorage outside of established mooring fields unless the boat is a live-aboard vessel.

Local Olympic Sailer Gets Sponsor

2009-05-30T18:49:00.003-04:00

Sunsail Sailing Vacations of Clearwater announced a sponsorship agreement to support local sailor Zach Railey, who learned how to sail in the youth program at Clearwater Yacht Club. Railey brought home a Silver medal from the 2008 Beijing Olympics and wants to to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London.

Belleair Beach Boat Slip Available

2009-05-15T11:34:00.000-04:00

The city owned marina has a slip available, call 595-4646. The rate is $7/foot with a 30 ft minimum, and is only available to Belleair Beach residents.

Annual Anclote Key Lighthouse Tour and Open House

2009-04-10T17:07:00.002-04:00

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, The Florida Park Service and the Friends of Anclote Key invite the public to view the Anclot Key Lighthouse. The historic 19th century lighthouse was vital tot eh Tarpon Springs sponging industry and was preserved for future generations.

On Saturday April 25th the lighthouse will be open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The lighthouse compound will be open to visitors and tours of the lighthouse will be given.

Admission to the preserve is free. Anclote Key is accessible by boat or by ferry: Sunline Cruises (727) 944-4468,
Island Time (727) 447-0969 or
Spongearama (727) 943-2164

To climb the lighthouse you must wear closed toe shoes and be able to climb 101 steps in a hot enclosed space. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

The 19th century lighthouse was preserved for future generations and was re-lit in 2001. It played a vital role in the Tarpon Springs sponging industry. For more information visit www.flordastateparks.org or www.anclotecso.com

Coast Guard Offering Navigation Class

2009-04-01T17:40:00.002-04:00

Flotilla 11-1 of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering an 8 session program, the "Weekend Navigator" starting Monday April 6th and ending April 30. It will be held on Mondays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Clearwater Sailing Center at 1001 Gulf Blvd in Sand Key.

Participants will learn how to use charts, plotting tools and a GPS. Registration starts at 7 p.m. Monday. Participants are welcome to bring their GPS. The $75 fee includes books, study guides, charting software, and plotting tools. It is open to adults and youths. Call 469-8895 or visit http://a0701101.uscgaux.info.

Lower Clearwater Marina Rates

2009-02-26T17:11:00.003-05:00

In an effort to fill slips the Clearwater City Council accepted a recommendation from Harbormaster Bill Morris and Finance Director Margie Simmons to lower rates immediately to $8.51 for Clearwater residents, and $10.33 for non-residents. Those rates would be frozen thru 2010, then increased by 5-percent annually.

Laser Midwinter East Regatta Results

2009-02-26T16:49:00.002-05:00

The Clearwater Community Sailing Center in Sand Key served as the launching point for the Laser Midwinter East Regatta, which was hosted by the Clearwater Yacht Club February 18th - 22nd. Weather conditions were tough the 1st 2 days, with small craft advisories, strong winds, driving rain and 4 to 6 foot seas, but improved for the last 2 days.

Paige Railey of Clearwater won the laser radial division. Anna Tunnicliffe of Fort Lauderdale, Olympic gold medalist in Beijing, placed second. Local Emily Billing of Clearwater Yacht Club, placing 8th. Great Britain's Nick Thompson won the laser full rig division .

Clearwater Beach Regatta

2009-02-20T10:27:00.001-05:00

Laser Regatta sets up off Clearwater beach
The Clearwater Yacht Club is currently hosting the Laser Midwinters East sailing regatta. The regatta, which is an International Sailing Federation Grade 1 event, runs through Sunday. There are 150 sailors from 15 countries racing in this event in the waters off Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach. America's Cup Hall of Fame and Clearwater Yacht Club member Stephen Van Dyke and Yoram Sharett of Israel are members of the International Jury. The athletes to watch in this event are Olympic gold medalist Anna Tunnicliffe, and from the Clearwater Yacht Club, Paige Railey and Emily Billing.

Penny For Pinellas Could Fund City Marina

2009-02-10T10:21:00.004-05:00

The slow economy is affecting the downtown boat slips to be built this year. Expensive hobbies like boating are among the first things people cut during tough times. Originally the city expected to allot the slips by lottery because of high demand, but only 2 people have signed up for slips.

Originally, the $128 million project was intended to be self-supporting, with monthly slip rents of approximately $15.50 per foot of boat length covering the operating costs and debt service. But boaters in today’s economy are not willing to pay such rents.

City officials found that out when they recently raised the slip rent for Clearwater residents at the Clearwater Beach municipal marina from $6.94 to $9.13 per foot, with the intention of raising it to $15.50 by 2011. The marina lost several tenants, who weren't willing to pay more than $9. Councilman Paul Gibson suggested keeping the price at $9.13 for the foreseeable future instead of raising it to $15.50. Mayor Frank Hibbard said that he doesn’t have a problem with reducing the projected slip rent, but he doesn’t know what the right price is, and that even a marina that initially runs in the red would be good for the city.

The city’s finance director projected that cancelling the marina project would cost the city more than $2.3 million in money already spent or committed. And, it would not only cause the city to lose a $1.2 million grant but might also hurt the city’s reputation for reliability, thereby hurting its chances of getting future grants.

With the marina project going forward with little imminent chance of becoming self-supporting, Gibson suggested using Penny for Pinellas sales tax revenue to build it. He said he would prioritize it and move it ahead of other projects. The city finance director said that there isn’t enough Penny money available, but the money could be borrowed from the city’s Central Insurance Fund until Penny funds become available. A public hearing will be required before Penny funds can be used for the project.

Boat Owners May Be Eligible For Tax Deductions

2009-01-28T09:19:00.003-05:00

Recreational boat owners who paid state sales taxes on a boat purchase, or who secured a bank loan to finance a boat may be eligible for deductions on their 2008 tax return.
Sales Tax Deduction - For boat owners who paid substantial state sales taxes on a new or used boat purchase last year, the Tax Extenders Act of 2008 signed by President Bush on October 3 continues to offer a federal tax benefit with a deduction for state sales taxes. Boaters must choose either the state sales tax deduction or state income tax deduction on their federal tax return — you cannot take both.
In addition, to take the state sales tax deduction, the sales tax on a boat purchase must be applied at the same tax rate as the state’s general sales tax. In order to claim the sales tax deduction, tax returns must be itemized. State sales taxes are entered on IRS form Schedule A, line 5b.
Boat Loan Deduction - For those owners with a secured boat loan, mortgage interest paid on the loan may be deductible from your federal income taxes. Taxpayers may use the “second home” mortgage interest deduction for one primary home and one second home and must itemize deductions on their returns. A boat is considered a second home for federal tax purposes if it has a galley, a head, and sleeping berth.
Some boaters may be unaware of this potential tax benefit because not all lending institutions send borrowers an Internal Revenue Service form 1098 which reports the interest paid. Not receiving the form does not preclude taking the deduction. If a 1098 is not available, boaters should contact their lender for the amount of interest paid and should enter it on line 11 on Schedule A along with the lender’s tax ID number. If a form 1098 is sent, boaters should simply enter the amount on line 10 of Schedule A.

For those who fall under the Alternative Minimum Tax, most deductions are unavailable as taxes are calculated differently. Boaters are urged to contact a tax preparer or financial advisor.

For more details on the mortgage deduction, go to http://www.IRS.gov and download Publication 936 or the Fact Sheets. For state tax deduction information download Publication 600, which also includes state-by-state tax tables.

If You Catch A Great White, Let It Go (Yes, Really)

2009-01-24T09:54:00.004-05:00

Commercial shark season reopened this morning in the Gulf of Mexico. There are 20 species that must be released, including the Great White.

A 2 year investigation just closed involving a small Great White caught off Madeira Beach, resulting in over $40k in fines. An anonymous tipster called the authorities, who found the head of the shark in a storage facility in Seminole. The jaws are removed and sold on the black market for up to $25k.

The Great White Shark is an open water predator usually associated with cool waters (think Jaws) not the Gulf of Mexico. But in January, the water temps fall to 60 degrees or lower, and the sharks move into area waters, usually 20 miles offshore. Over the years, the bay area has had a few large sharks brought in, including a 2200 lb 15 1/2 foot white shark caught off Indian Rocks Beach in 1994.

In December 2008, nearly two years after the seizure, authorities released details of the operation. Three individuals and two corporations were charged.

Safe Boating Class

2008-12-29T13:58:00.003-05:00

A safe boating class will be offered at the Clearwater Sail and Power Squadron headquarters at 1000 Cleveland Street beginning January 5th. The cost is $40 for materials. Discounts are available if you bring a friend or if family members share a book. Call 441-8775 to register or 392-1431 for more information.

Island Estates Boat Parade Winners

2008-12-24T08:56:00.001-05:00

Braving unusually cold weather and very low tides 47 boats participated in the Island Estates Yacht Club Memorial Holiday Boat Parade which passed by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Island Way Grill showing off a spectacular light display.

The Best in Parade winner was Puff the Magic Dragon, which took 2 years of planning. The winner, Captain Braun, is donating his grand prize to Toys for Tots charity.

The parade is organized by the Island Estates Yacht Club ad is the largest in the area. 23 businesses contributed money or gift certificates as prizes.

2008 winners:

• Best in Parade: Puff the Magic Dragon – Drew Braun

• Power boats 30 feet or more: First place, Semper Fi, John Tornga; Second place, Sea Spirit, Bob Griffin; Third place, One Wish, Gene Williams

• Power boats 30 feet or less: First place, Sea Hunter, Tom Tafelski; Second Place, My Son, David Smart; Third place, JCREW, James Boswell

• Sailboats, First place, Annalea II, Anton Hopen; Second place, Island Hopper, Carol Elwood; Third place, Venor Divino, James B. Thurber

Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade Scheduled

2008-12-04T13:04:00.002-05:00

Decorated boats will leave Marker 1 Marina at 6 pm and proceed south through the Intracoastal waterway to I.C.W. Marker #1 (Union Street), turn around and head back north to arrive at Dunedin Marina at approximately 7:30 pm Spectators may view the Boat Parade from Bayshore Boulevard (Alt. 19) and Edgewater Drive. The parade will be followed by the tree lighting ceremony at Edgewater Park.

St Petersburg Boat Show This Weekend

2008-12-03T07:51:00.003-05:00

December 4th-7th Boater’s World presents The St. Petersburg Boat Show and Strictly Sail sponsored by Mercedes Benz at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park.

This year will feature larger waterfront and land displays, and new show additions. About 25,000 boaters and sailors are expected to attend this 4 day boating festival that includes family fun activities, parties and opportunities to enjoy a sail, climb aboard the latest boat models and check out new gear. This show is the result of the merger of 2 popular boat shows into one all-new “super show” now called St. Petersburg Boat Show & Strictly Sail. Sailing and boating manufacturers will display a variety of boats, including cruisers, yachts, fishing boats, sailboats, sportsboats, runabouts and pwc.The expanded venue adds 50 new sailboats to the docks, joining the current roster of 200+ powerboats. The yacht basin also will host an additional new on-land sailboat display, plus a new seminar program for sailors and power boaters. Renowned world cruisers, respected marine experts and intriguing boating authors will share their stories of adventure and provide info on navigation, safety, software, marine equipment and accessories.

Over 200 exhibitors will showcase what’s new in marine gear, charter destinations, engines, electronics, nautical clothing and technology,

Special events:
Hook the Future-Kids will “Hook the Future” free fishing clinics with giveaways of free rods and reels while supplies last. Kids who attend the fishing clinics also will enjoy free show admission.

Discover Sailing-This national introduction-to-sailing program gives attendees a chance to enjoy a 30-minute sail with an expert skipper
.
Latitudes and Attitudes 9th Annual St. Pete Cruisers’ Party- Saturday evening, starting at 7 p.m. A popular, casual pizza-and-beer fest.

Onsite parking and come-by-boat docks available

400 First St. South St. Petersburg
Thursday, Dec. 4 – Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008
Thursday: noon to 6 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Prices: $8 for adults online; $10 at the gate
$3 for children ages 6-15 online.
$5 for children ages 6-15 at the gate
Children under 5 are free.

2008 Holiday Boat Parade Schedule

2008-12-01T11:22:00.001-05:00

Island Estates: The 34th annual Memorial Holiday Boat Parade has been set for Friday December 13th. The area's largest and most popular boat parade is being organized by the Island Estates Yacht Club. Boats will gather at the South Bridge in Mandalay Channel at 6 pm, and then proceed east into the basin by Island Way Grill and the, meander through several canals before heading to Coachman Park around 8 pm, then head back following the causeway to maker 7, finally heading south to Clearwater Yacht Club. Prized will be awarded, there is no entry fee. Registration forms will be available the first week of November. Call Captain Wayne Millington 727-462-81006

Indian Rocks Beach:Holiday Lighted Boat Parade December 20, 2008 at 7:00pm. Big or small, all boats are welcome. Vessels tour the IRB fingers via the Intracoastal Waterway, beginning at Holiday Inn Harbourside, near the Walsingham Bridge, up to the northern IRB city limits and returning to the Holiday Inn Harbourside.Visit www.IRBHOME.com for more information.

Tierra Verde Lighted Boat Parade: Dec. 10. Begins at 6 p.m. from Pass-a-Grille Channel, passes under the Tierra Verde bridge, heads south along the east side of Tierra Verde, then returns by the same route to Pass-a-Grille Channel. Best viewing is from the Tierra Verde bridge or the vacant lot next to Billy's Stone Crab. To enter your decorated boat, register by Dec. 9 at Billy's Stone Crab. $500 prize awarded. For information, call 458-8512.

St. Pete Beach Holiday Boat Parade and celebration: Dec. 12. Begins at 6 p.m. at the St. Pete Beach Yacht and Tennis Club, 94th Avenue and Blind Pass Road, along the Intracoastal Waterway through Boca Ciega Bay and ends at Pass-a-Grille Way. Also holiday tree lighting, boat parade viewing party, an appearance by Santa and holiday music by the Boca Ciega Jazz Band at the Community Center. For information or to participate in the parade (sign up by Friday) call 363-9245 and check the Web for a detailed route at http://www.stpetebeach.org/.

Boca Ciega Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade: Dec. 13. Begins at 6 p.m. at the Gulfport Marina, passes in front of the Gulfport Pier, into Town Shores, and into the Broadwater canals. For more information and a detailed route check the Web at www.sailbcyc.org or call 321-7295. To participate in the parade call 572-1356 or e-mail david.tarbox@yahoo.com.

Madeira Beach Holiday Illuminated Festival of Lights Boat Parade: Dec. 13 (rain date Dec. 20). Begins at 6:30 p.m. The boats will gather just north of the Tom Stuart Causeway and travel parallel to the causeway, around the City Hall Complex then travel back under the causeway in the Intracoastal Waterway, around the perimeter of the island and end at John's Pass. For a map of the route and more information check www.madeirabeachfl.gov or call 391-9951, ext. 231.

St. Petersburg: Bruce Watters Jewelers Illuminated Boat Parade: Dec. 13. Activities from 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Dec. 13, with activities at Spa Beach, 615 Second Ave. NE. Chili cook-off, food and beverage, live entertainment before and after parade. Best viewing is from the Pier and along the Vinoy Basin. Grandstand seating at Spa Beach, $10. Proceeds benefit The Children's Dream Fund and Rotary Charities. To enter your decorated boat, or for information, call 896-6661.

Treasure Island: Christmas Boat Parade and Holiday Celebration: Dec. 14 (rain date Dec. 15). Begins at 6:20 p.m. leaving the Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club basin then passing through the Treasure Island toll bridge at 7 p.m. and finishing at John's Pass between 8 and 8:30 p.m. The parade includes the islands of Paradise, Palms and Capri. To receive a pass to watch the parade from Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club and to attend the holiday party bring a new toy to the Recreation Department at City Hall or Treasure Bay on Paradise Boulevard from Monday to Dec. 12. Activities include holiday music and complimentary hot dogs, chowder, hot cider and cookies served poolside plus Santa will make an appearance. Toys will be donated to the Christmas Toy Shop Project Inc. Call 367-4511, ext. 236.

Indian Shores and Redington Beaches Christmas Boat Parade: Dec. 14. Begins at 5:45 p.m. on the north side of Tom Stuart Causeway and heads north through the Intracoastal Waterway, arriving at the Pub restaurant in Indian Shores about 9 p.m. Public viewing areas are Del Bello Park, 17925 Gulf Blvd.; the Pinellas County Boat Launch at Park Boulevard; and the Estelle Harper Park behind Indian Shores Town Hall, 19305 Gulf Blvd. Call 391-3875.

Tierra Verde Annexation Approved

2008-11-30T11:27:00.004-05:00

The St. Petersburg City Council voted Friday to annex 18 acres in Tierra Verde, allowing a former resort and marina to be torn down and replaced by a high-rise condo complex.

Many residents from Tierra Verde showed up to protest, saying the high-rises would ruin the gateway to their community, blocking views and causing traffic problems.

Owners of the former Tierra Verde Resort Marina want to redevelop the property, although no plans have been submitted. Under agreements with the city, nothing taller than 8 stories would be built as long as the annexation isn't challenged in court. If challenged, the height could increase to 15 stories because St. Petersburg ordinances could be applied. The legal limit under St. Pete law is about 15 stories, which is triple the height of Tierra Verde's 50-foot limit.

Critics have said St. Petersburg's Mayor and other city leaders want the tax revenue the development of the annexed land would generate - up to $1 million annually.
Baker on Friday defended the annexation, saying the increased revenue would help spread the tax burden among the residents of St. Pete.Baker also said he thinks the annexation is legally sound and will withstand any challenge in court.

An attorney for one of the potential developers, said property owners such as his client have the right by law to ask to be annexed.

Tierra Verde is an unincorporated area of Pinellas County and home to about 4,500 people and several businesses. The annexed land is on the north tip of the island, just south of a bridge to the Pinellas Bayway, and it includes, in addition to the now-vacant resort, a strip shopping center of small businesses and two boat-storage facilities.

Island Estates Civic Association Members Learn How To Help Prevent Red Tide

2008-11-30T09:25:00.002-05:00

During their annual meeting in November, Island Estates Civic Association members heard a discussion on what homeowners can do to help prevent Red Tide.

According to scientists, Red Tide is an algae that feeds on nitrogen and phosphorus. When the algae reaches excess proportions it produces a toxin that kills fish and other sea creatures; emits a gas that causes respiratory problems and eye irritation; and damages tourism by making our waters unusable, often at the peak of the tourist season.

Cathy Harrelson, Task Force Chairman of the Suncoast Sierra Club, told the Island Estates citizens that homeowners can help by making sure their lawn service does not place fertilizer near the sea wall. Other suggestions were to provide a buffer zone where fertilizer would not be needed, between the lawn and the water, and not to over fertilize. The Sierra Club is working on an ordinance to require a 6 foot wide low maintenance zone beside the water to protect it from algae growth.

Florida's problem with Red Tide comes from agricultural fertilizers, mining, and sewage discharges, but also from excess fertilizer on lawns and gardens adjacent to our waterways.

New Statewide Anchoring and Mooring Rules Proposed

2008-11-27T09:08:00.003-05:00

It 2006 a concerned Dade County waterfront homeowner called about a sailboat anchored in the bay for a long time. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), there were no regulation of boats stored on the state's waterways. 2 years later ,the FWC is proposing statewide legislation for enactment in 2009. The proposed legislation, addresses several waterway management issues in addition to unregulated anchoring.

This has some local governments concerned about their "Home Rule" right to establish regulations based their own situation. While the proposal continues to prohibit anchoring of unattended vessel within a 500-foot buffer zone around public mooring/marina facilities, it limits the ability of a county or city to regulate the length of time a vessel would be allowed to anchor.

The 30-day limit would supersede Clearwater's 3-day limit. The City of Clearwater currently limits overnight anchorage to no more than 3 days within a 30-day period conflicting with the proposed legislation, which would allow municipalities to pass an ordinance prohibiting vessels from overnight anchoring for more than 30 consecutive nights or for more than a total of 120 nights per year.

Another concern is that live-aboard boaters would be able to anchor for 30 days each in various cities (for example Belleair, Clearwater, and Dunedin) and repeat the cycle indefinitely – complying with the legislation but never moving more than a few miles in the process. There could be an unintended consequence small radius live aboard communities being established in local waters, exposing waterfront homeowners to uninvited neighbors in larger numbers for longer periods of time.

The FWC will have a final hearing on the issue before the 2009 legislative session on December 3rd in Key West. Comments can be sent via email to Anchoring.Mooring@myfwc.com. The proposed legislation can be read at http://myfwc.com/boating/Docs/Boating2009.pdf

Madeira Beach Boat Parade Registration

2008-10-31T09:37:00.002-04:00

Entries are currently being accepted for the 12th annual Madeira Beach Veterans Boat Parade Saturday, Nov. 8th, in the Intracoastal Waterway. All boaters are welcome to participate and registration forms are available at www.veteransboatparade.org. The popular event, which is part of area Veterans Day festivities, begins at 11:30 a.m. at the American Legion Post 273 in Madeira Beach, winds south to the Treasure Island bridge and back, finishing at the Holiday Isle Elks Lodge.

Yacht Bowl Scrapped

2008-10-22T16:52:00.001-04:00

"Super Yacht Bowl," a 4 day yacht hop and cocktail party was scheduled from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 at Vinoy Marina, St. Petersburg Municipal Marina and Port St. Pete.

The number of yachts needed did not sign up.Organizers were looking to have about 30 yachts to rent slips at local marinas by the end of September but only had 6 by mid October. Event organizer site the economy as the main reason for the low interest.

It didn’t help that last month, the NFL abruptly cancelled its huge Saturday Night Spectacular, which crowds and sponors were counting on, planned for Vinoy Waterfront Park the night before the game.

Some yacht owners will still dock in Tampa Bay for the big game, regardless of the organized party.

Boat Club Meeting

2008-10-20T09:01:00.000-04:00

The Indian Rocks Beach Boat Club will meet on Thursday October 23rd at Marlin Time (inside Brewmasters) at 6 pm to discuss for the Veteran's Boat Parade on November 9th and fundraising for the Indian Rocks Beach Boat Parade in December.

John's Pass Seafood Festival Oct 25th

2008-10-18T08:54:00.004-04:00

John's Pass Village and Boardwalk is offering family fun at its annual seafood festival. Dedicated to fishermen lost at sea, this year’s John’s Pass Seafood Festival will take place Saturday, Oct. 25, 10-8, and Sunday, Oct. 26, 10-6. Admission is free. The event will include a juried arts and crafts show, fresh local seafood, 150 unique shops, live music, a street dance in the village, a fishing expo, and a haunted house. A children’s Halloween costume contest on Saturday and trick or treating is planned throughout the event. Costume contest participants will receive a prize. Florida Blood Services also will be on site to collect donations.Parking for the festival is available both in John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk and off-site. The parking garage is accessible from the 129th and 131st avenue. Free additional parking is available at Madeira Beach Middle School with free shuttle service, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., to and from John’s Pass Village.The seafood festival is organized by the John’s Pass Village Association. For more information call 397-8764.

Island Estates Boat Parade Scheduled

2008-10-18T08:16:00.001-04:00

The 34th annual Memorial Holiday Boat Parade has been set for Friday December 13th. The area's largest and most popular boat parade is being organized by the Island Estates Yacht Club. Boats will gather at the South Bridge in Mandalay Channel at 6 pm, and then proceed east into the basin by Island Way Grill and the, meander through several canals before heading to Coachman Park around 8 pm, then head back following the causeway to maker 7, finally heading south to Clearwater Yacht Club. Prized will be awarded, there is no entry fee. Registration forms will be available the first week of November. Call Captain Wayne Millington 727-462-81006

Intracoastal Waterway Island Cleanup Scheduled

2008-10-06T09:30:00.002-04:00

The Indian Rocks Beach Boat Club is sponsering the cleanup on Saturday October 11th. Interested parties can meet at the 15th Avenue boat ramp at 8:30 am. Call 517-1997 for more info.

Family Fishing Day This Saturday In Largo

2008-10-02T09:27:00.002-04:00

Family Fishing Day will be held at Taylor Park at 1100 8th Ave SW, from 8 - 11 am. Tackle and bait will be provided, or you may bring your own. Prizes will be awarded.

Indian Rocks Beach Boat Club Meeting

2008-09-16T09:48:00.001-04:00

The Indian Rocks Beach Boat Club hosted an island party in the Intracoastal Waterway just south of the Belleair Beach Causeway on Sept. 13. More than two dozen boats carried about 100 people to the island for great food, nice weather, a bonfire and a beautiful setting sun with full moon rising.

Club members will meet again Thursday, Sept. 18, at Marlin Time in Brewmasters. Happy hour will be 6 to 7 p.m. with the meeting at 7

Downtown Marina Lottery Plan

2008-09-03T13:30:00.002-04:00

At Monday's City Council session, the finance director presented a marketing plan and a process for conducting a lottery to allocate the facility's 129 slips.

The plan will consist of promoting the marina at area boat shows, advertising and qualifying a list of individuals who have expressed interest in renting a slip.
Clearwater has already promoted the marina at the August 9th National Marina Day event hosted at the Municipal Marina on Clearwater Beach. Due to bad weather the event did not produce many prospects.

The City plans to participate in 2 more events to generate interest among local boaters before the marina is opened in the summer of 2009: the Tampa Boat Show on September 5th-7th, and the Saint Petersburg Boat Show/Strictly Sail on December 4th-7th. An ad campaign is also planned in the Gulf Mariner, a regional boaters magazine, and the St Petersburg Times. Promotional materials will also be placed at local boat retailers.

The city is hoping to fill the marina with 621 individuals who have asked to be placed on the list of interested parties back in 2007. An estimated 100 names may be duplicates. The city will be mailing a brochure and slip rental application to those on the list, and those who respond and provide a $500 reservation deposit will be entered into a blind lottery that will determine who gets a slip, and in what order they get to choose their slip. Clearwater residents will receive priority over non-residents in the lottery process.
No deposit was required to become a member of the list so a number of those may fail to respond when asked for a $500 deposit to enter the lottery. In addition, nearly 100 the names on the current list appear to be duplicates.
Clearwater plans a January 30, 2009, cutoff date for lottery registration and payment of the $500 deposit. The lottery will be a live event at the Harborview Center on March 14, 2009. Slip locations will be chosen at the event so attendance by the registrant or representative is mandatory. Deposits will be applied to first and last month's rent.
Should there not be enough slips to satisfy demand, those not awarded slips will be refunded their deposit, or be refunded only $400, leaving $100 as a deposit to preserve their place on a wait list.
The marina is projected to open on July 1, 2009.

Clearwater's Zach Railey Takes Silver Medal in Sailing

2008-08-21T13:25:00.003-04:00

Clearwater Yacht Club's Zach Railey won the silver medal in the Finn class at the 2008 Olympic Games, finishing in 5th place. Railey sailed a consistent regatta, never falling below second place. After he was awarded his silver medal Railey gave his flowers to his mother. Wrapped in an American flag, he walked into the press conference.

Windlass Club Welcome Event

2008-07-22T14:21:00.000-04:00

The Windlass New Members Coffee will take place on Thursday, August 23rd at 9:30 am at First Presbyterian Church, 455 Scotland Stree, Dunedin.

The first meeting of the year will offer a sign-up opportunity for new members. The Windlasses, a woman's sailing and racing club, only accepts new members in August and September. New members must be able to swim and know basic sailing techniques. Information on beginners' local sailing classes will be available.

New members begin in the pram fleet, so boat ownership is not necessary. An orientation program will include pram rigging, racing rules and an understanding of the club. The club meets Thursdays during the school year for racing at the Dunedin Marina, monthly cruises and interclub races with other Florida West Coast women's sailing clubs. Annual membership dues are $45 with an initiation fee of $40. For more information, call 449-8210.

Celebrate National Marina Day Aug 9th

2008-07-19T09:55:00.001-04:00

The Clearwater Municipal Marina, located at 25 Causeway Blvd., will host an Open House on Saturday, Aug. 9, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. to celebrate National Marina Day.
At the Open House, learn more about marina and it’s full fleet of boating services, as well as the new downtown boat slips that will be built near Coachman Park. Take a tour of the dinner cruise boats; watch boating demonstrations; and take advantage of special offers from various boating businesses. There will be free hot dogs and pasta while they last.
National Marina Day is celebrated in conjunction with the Association of Marina Industries, the national trade association of the marina industry.

Seaside Marina Ownership Questioned

2008-07-09T10:23:00.000-04:00

BELLEAIR - Back in 1992 an ordinance governing the ownership of slips at Seaside Marina in the Town of Belleair stated that only residents of the Residential Plan District (RPD) within the town could legally own the slip leases.
However over the years most of the slips have come to be owned by persons who reside outside the RPD. According to Town Manager Mike Maxwell about 17 of the 24 slips in the marina are owned by non RPD residents.
The RPD is a small section of the Town of Belleair on the beach side with about 500 homes.
After some complaints, the town has decided to review the matter but to wait until the winter months when residents return to the area from their summer residences.
The matter has been put on the commission calendar for January 6, 2009.

4th of July Fireworks

2008-07-04T08:39:00.001-04:00

Tonight's Fireworks Displays

Clearwater - Coachman Park 9:30 pm
Madeira Beach - John's Pass 9:00 pm
Safety Harbor - Marina Park 9:00 pm
Largo - Central Park 9:00 pm
St Pete - The Pier 9:00 pm

Saturday Fireworks Displays
Dunedin - Knology Park, Saturday 9:00 pm

Bay Scallop Season Opens Today

2008-07-01T14:20:00.000-04:00

From a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Press Release:
The recreational harvest season for bay scallops begins July 1 and continues through Sept. 10. Open scalloping areas on Florida's Gulf Coast extend from the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the Pasco-Hernando county line near Aripeka.Bay scallops may be taken only within the allowable harvest areas. It is illegal to possess bay scallops while you're in or on state waters outside the open harvest areas, or to land bay scallops outside the open areas.There is a daily limit of 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person during the open season. In addition, no more than 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or one-half gallon of bay scallop meat may be possessed aboard any vessel at any time.You're allowed to harvest bay scallops only by hand or with a landing or dip net, and bay scallops may not be harvested for commercial purposes.Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists review the status and health of the bay scallop fishery each year. "We are seeing recovery of scallop populations along the West Coast of Florida relative to their status in the early 1990s," said Bill Arnold, an FWC research scientist."Harvesters should adhere to scallop-fishing regulations, especially the daily bag limit," Arnold said. You also should collect only the amount of bay scallops you are willing to clean.More information on bay scallops is available online at:
http://myfwc.com/marine/bayscallops.htm

New Vessel Fees Take Effect July 1st

2008-06-19T12:18:00.003-04:00

Vessel registration fees are increasing in Pinellas County. Previous rates were $3.50 - $122.50 per foot, new rates are $5.50 - $189.75 per foot depending on the vessel class. If you renew early, you will be allowed to renew at the current rates, visit www.taxcollect.com for more information.

Florida Boating Permit Reminder

2008-06-09T13:28:00.002-04:00

The State of Florida law requires that anyone born after Sept. 30, 1980, must obtain a Boating Safety Education I.D. card (an operating permit), issued before piloting any boat with an engine of 10 horsepower or greater. For more information on Florida state laws and boating safety, click here.

Whale Sighting Off Sand Key

2008-05-10T09:56:00.000-04:00

Photo by CJ Peppe
A whale was spotted about 500 yards off Sand Key, just south of Clearwater Pass.

There are whales out in the Gulf, but experts say it's very rare to see them so close to shore because the prefer cooler, deeper waters. Pictures were sent to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see if experts there can identify the type of whale it was.

John's Pass Gets New Casino Boat

2008-05-05T18:24:00.002-04:00

Horizon's Edge Casino Cruises has opened a second location at John's Pass next to Gators. The ship offers Las Vegas style gaming and entertainment 7 days a week. Visist Horizons Edge for more information.

PAL Kingfish Tournament Raises $20k

2008-05-02T20:32:00.003-04:00

117 boats participated in the 3rd annual Pro Marine/Pinellas County Sheriffs Office PAL Kingfish Tournament. The event was held at the Clearwater Yacht Club to benefit children of the PSCO's Police Athletic League. First place went to Jerry Solovskoy for his 48.25 lb kingfish.

Bay Pines Gets OK For More Dry Slips

2008-04-12T15:24:00.004-04:00

Pinellas County commissioners approved a request to more than double the number of dry slips at the Bay Pines Marina. When complete, the marina will have 700 dry slips and 163 wet slips open to the public. The owner also wants to dredge the area, install a canoe-kayak launch site, and build a 6-foot-wide passageway along the seawall.

The marina, 5000 92nd St. N, currently has 60 wet slips, 300 high and dry slips, a fueling facility, a pumpout station, a loading ramp for the dry slips and a bait shop.

Before construction can begin, Seminole City Council must approve the site plan and develpement agreement and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission must also okay the proposal.

42 Slip Dock Approved

2008-04-10T15:54:00.001-04:00

Pinellas County commissioners voted Tuesday to approve the city of Clearwater's request to create a 42-slip commercial dock in a boat basin off Mandalay Channel. The project is being constructed in a city partnership with JMC Communities of St. Petersburg, the developer of the Sandpearl hotel and condo project on the beach's gulf side. JMC Communities will pay for the construction of the dock. 27 slips will be leased to the Sandpearl, and 15 slips will be available to the public.

St Pete Boat Show This Weekend

2008-03-11T21:34:00.002-04:00

The Tampa Bay Boat Show will be held March 14-16th at Tropicana Field. In addition to boats and watercraft there will be exhibits and fishing seminars. Admission is $2 for adults, children under 16 free.

Sperry Regatta February 15 - 17

2008-02-11T14:14:00.000-05:00

The Sperry Top Sider NOOD Regatta will be hosted by the St Petersburg Yacht Club. Close to 200 boats are expected to sail, ranging from 20 - 70 feet.

Indian Rocks Beach Youth Sailing

2008-02-11T09:02:00.002-05:00

Calvary Episcopal Church and Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue are offering summer sailing lessons for children ages 7 to 16. The 2 week camp starts June 9 2008, and is weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon.The camp will provide instruction, hands-on experience and basic sailing skills. The cost is $50 and the camp is limited to 20 students. Children must be at least an intermediate level swimmer. Cost is $50. Applications are available at Calvary Episcopal Church, 1615 First St. (behind Guppy’s Restaurant). For more information, call Father Bob Wagenseil at 510-6153.

Boating Safety Class - Sand Key

2008-02-11T09:02:00.001-05:00

The Coast Guard Auxillary is holding a class for adults and children. Topics include how to read a GPS and nautical charts. The class is 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Clearwater Sailing Center, 1001 Gulf Blvd., Sand Key. The course costs $75. Call 469-8895 or visit a0701101.uscgaux.info.

Basic Boating Class Offered

2008-02-03T10:06:00.000-05:00

This course is offered by the Dunedin Coast Guard Auxillary Flotilla, and teaches knot tying, navigation, trailering, and basic rules. Class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays thru March 3rd at the Dunedin Marina Harbormasters builiding at 51 Main Street. Registration is February 6th from 7-9 pm. Course fee of $50 includes manual, all suppies and equipment are provided. For more information call 727-736-1911

Condos On John's Pass

2008-02-03T09:23:00.000-05:00

New condos are being sold at John's Pass. 4 units will be offered at "Menna's Landing". Building houses restaurant and shops on bottom, with condos on top. 2 and 3 bedroom furnished units are available.