Venice Anchorage?

[salty_dog_68]

We just completed a 6 week dive cruise to the Florida Keys from Clearwater. There and back we did not stop in the same place twice and always found a mooring field or anchorage where needed with plenty of room...except Venice. Venice is a convienient place to stop because it is about half-way between Clearwater and Boca Grande. But it is not a convienient place to stop. There are very limited transient slips available and very limited anchorage space available. This time there was neither. It was getting dark and the tide was really low so we just turned into a residential canal and tied up to a dock that was attached to an unkempt empty lot. It is the last thing I want to do but we were desperate. Does anyone know of an anchorage within 5 miles either side of Venice with a depth of at least 7 feet? (We draw 5.5)

[GordMay]

From the Florida Sea Grant “ANCHORAGE INVENTORY”:
Florida Sea Grant - Boating & Waterways - Anchorage Inventory

Goto Venice/Higel Park Anchorage at:
Venice/Higel Park - Florida Sea Grant

[lannen]

The mooring field in front of Higel Park has been full the last three times I stopped there. It's the only 'free' anchorage around, so someone has to sink at sea to leave a spot open.

The free city dock at the park has been always taken, with the same boat. I would sure like to know of someplace near as well.

[markpj23]

Ah yes - Venice. Quite a write-up about the Florida Marine Patrol officer there who has made a career out of finding out of state registered boats who violate the 30-day law that requires you to register in FL. I may have the details a bit off - but just be certain your registration is in order before you head to Venice.....

[little boat]

no joke that anchorage is tight!
i once woke up in somebody's living room the next morning and take up very little space.

[George Raffa]

The marine patrol officer is a very difficult person! He will pull over boats in the middle of the the pass during a strong current to check registrations. The mooring field is questionable. Very tight and shallow south next to the homes. Jim is the dock master at the Venice Y.C. and is a very helpfull/ friendly person. (941-483-3625) You may want to call him and ask him about the area.

[Inthewind]

I anchor anywhere I want away from the ICW and avoid being a hazard to navigation.

[AnchorageGuy]

The offending officer in Venice has retired.