Safe Boating Class

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Madeira Beach Slips One Step Closer

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

John's Pass Pirate Ship Getting New Dock

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

New Ritz Carlton Will Have Marina On Tampa Bay

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

Shrimp Boat Leaking Fuel Near Johns Pass

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

New Madeira Beach Marina on Horizon

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

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

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

2008 Florida Boat Show Schedule

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

Congrats to Quality Boats of Clearwater

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

Trout Season Opens Today

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