2010 Holiday Boat Parade Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.