Use Caution in Florida

[wayne.b]

Originally Posted by redsky49

LB Knox bridge, ICW Mile 816, not opening according to reports this am. I will try to confirm bridge status of this and others and post results here. Unfortunately, my internet is extremely sketchy at this point.

Update: LB Knox Bridge operational

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We passed through the LB Knox bridge yesterday and it was fine. We have transited south from JAX to past Kennedy Space Center over the last two days with no problems at all. There are a lot of damaged markers, and a lot of damaged docks, and a lot of boats that have been pushed ashore but no depth issues at all and no bridge issues. Going through St Augustine yesterday was easier than I expected with all critical markers in place, the channel as expected, and the Bridge of Lions opening promptly.

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[FSMike]

Originally Posted by redsky49

Sorry. Here is south of St. Augustine. I believe that the cell tower loss, closer to Bunnell, has been corrected or adjusted for. Cell service had been spotty up until today (for me).-----

Thanks redsky49.

We just got power back yesterday (Tuesday 10/11) afternoon in Ormond Beach, along with water (well), internet, and cellphone! Cell had only been working occasionally so I assumed tower problems somewhere, or towers lol.

Tons of trees down in my neighborhood, and doubtless some in the ICW.
Halifax Harbor Marina in Daytona is fully operational, with a few boats needing new headsails lol. Water is still a bit higher than normal.

[redsky49]

Indeed, water levels are at least two feet higher than normal, and will likely be that way, or higher, through the weekend due to full moon. Minor to moderate flooding still being reported in Jacksonville, and expected to continue into next week.

This will likely affect sailors as the fixed bridges will offer less vertical clearance. I will look at nearby bridges tomorrow to see if the clearance boards are showing less than 65'.

wayne b. - I am posting info as I receive it, and it may be outdated very quickly, perhaps even as I post it. I am doing it in good faith, though I cannot vouch as to its accuracy. Cell service has just recently become useful, and internet for me is still sketchy. I am also speaking to fellow (experienced) boaters in the area, so my comments are a combination of personal observations, direct communications with public officials and second hand reports.

By all means, please post your observations and share with others as you travel south. Safe voyage!

[redsky49]

Jacksonville admits to releasing more than 3.5 million gallons of untreated sewage during storm. Don't go for a swim in the river

[redsky49]

High waters continue. The Hammock Beach fixed bridge, approx. ICW Mile 803, shows 63.5' maximum vertical clearance, roughly 85 minutes after high tide.

[wayne.b]

Originally Posted by redsky49

High waters continue. The Hammock Beach fixed bridge, approx. ICW Mile 803, shows 63.5' maximum vertical clearance, roughly 85 minutes after high tide.

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Yes. Virtually every fixed bridge we've seen coming south from Jax has shown less than 65 ft, some as little as 62. We're now in the Indian River south of Melbourne and the trend continues. Apparently the strong easterlies this week have continued to push water through the inlets.

[Sailsarefull]

ActiveCaptain has done a great job of putting out a list of marinas on east coast, who is operational, who has service, who doesn't, etc. Great job ActiveCaptain and all who submitted information to them. Thanks.

[CHM]

I live in Ponce Inlet. Most marinas are severely damaged on the Halifax. The devastation is unbelievable. A fairly nice looking 35 to 40 ft sailboat is washed up in the mangroves at the Dunlawton bridge. It was anchored nearby and I knew that was going to happen. It's disheartening. I moved my boat just before the storm from the lighthouse up river to a floating dock. I came through with a little gelcoat damage. My dock was gone after the storm at the inlet.

The Army Corps of Engineers has already issued warnings regarding shoaling at the inlet. My advice is to call Sea Tow for an escort if you do not know the channel.