--to Florida this year? Comments on wintering in Florida after all the hurricane damage and after ICW trip from Chesapeake Bay south, would be appreciated. Frank
Florida winter 2004/5 To go or not go?
- Thread starter Sailadjuster
- Start date
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
--to Florida this year? Comments on wintering in Florida after all the hurricane damage and after ICW trip from Chesapeake Bay south, would be appreciated. Frank
One for the money...two for the show..
A sign that was reportedly seen here in FL... "One: Bonnie Two: Charlie Three: Francis For: Sale " Kinda sums up the overall shell-shocked feeling of many boaters here right now. Ya might want to check ahead for slip availability as there are fewer now than before--on both sides of the state. Hurricane Francis, although coming within 50-or-so miles of Jacksonville passed by as a Category-2 and damaged several marinas/docks on the St. Johns. I would expect that down state the peripheral damage to waterfront marinas is greater than that to residential communities in the same area. A friend that visited Daytona recently said that it still looks like a war zone. We lost several sections of dock at the Rudder Club even though the boats were holed up elsewhere.... Temporary repairs have given them access to their slips now but some others locally have not faired as well.
A sign that was reportedly seen here in FL... "One: Bonnie Two: Charlie Three: Francis For: Sale " Kinda sums up the overall shell-shocked feeling of many boaters here right now. Ya might want to check ahead for slip availability as there are fewer now than before--on both sides of the state. Hurricane Francis, although coming within 50-or-so miles of Jacksonville passed by as a Category-2 and damaged several marinas/docks on the St. Johns. I would expect that down state the peripheral damage to waterfront marinas is greater than that to residential communities in the same area. A friend that visited Daytona recently said that it still looks like a war zone. We lost several sections of dock at the Rudder Club even though the boats were holed up elsewhere.... Temporary repairs have given them access to their slips now but some others locally have not faired as well.
One for the money...two for the show..
A sign that was reportedly seen here in FL... "One: Bonnie Two: Charlie Three: Francis For: Sale " Kinda sums up the overall shell-shocked feeling of many boaters here right now. Ya might want to check ahead for slip availability as there are fewer now than before--on both sides of the state. Hurricane Francis, although coming within 50-or-so miles of Jacksonville passed by as a Category-2 and damaged several marinas/docks on the St. Johns. I would expect that down state the peripheral damage to waterfront marinas is greater than that to residential communities in the same area. A friend that visited Daytona recently said that it still looks like a war zone. We lost several sections of dock at the Rudder Club even though the boats were holed up elsewhere.... Temporary repairs have given them access to their slips now but some others locally have not faired as well.
A sign that was reportedly seen here in FL... "One: Bonnie Two: Charlie Three: Francis For: Sale " Kinda sums up the overall shell-shocked feeling of many boaters here right now. Ya might want to check ahead for slip availability as there are fewer now than before--on both sides of the state. Hurricane Francis, although coming within 50-or-so miles of Jacksonville passed by as a Category-2 and damaged several marinas/docks on the St. Johns. I would expect that down state the peripheral damage to waterfront marinas is greater than that to residential communities in the same area. A friend that visited Daytona recently said that it still looks like a war zone. We lost several sections of dock at the Rudder Club even though the boats were holed up elsewhere.... Temporary repairs have given them access to their slips now but some others locally have not faired as well.
C
crazy cracker
If I were you..
I'd stay away, at least from the SW coast. From Ft. Myers up to Sarasota and especially Pt.Charlotte and Punta Gorda. There is literally nothing here anymore in terms of slips for a wintering sailer. I've heard that other areas in the fringes of Charley and Frances damage zones are still beat up badly, getting a slip will one thing, getting groceries, parts, repairs, hair cuts and even a Burger King Whopper is out the question in many areas. Personally, I'd stay away. Most of the state is a true war zone and will remain like this for at least a year. Now that we have all the cheap laborers wondering the state with money to burn and nothing to do on their day's off I'm expecting lots of petty crime in the entire state to increase. That is just my opinion, not fact.
I'd stay away, at least from the SW coast. From Ft. Myers up to Sarasota and especially Pt.Charlotte and Punta Gorda. There is literally nothing here anymore in terms of slips for a wintering sailer. I've heard that other areas in the fringes of Charley and Frances damage zones are still beat up badly, getting a slip will one thing, getting groceries, parts, repairs, hair cuts and even a Burger King Whopper is out the question in many areas. Personally, I'd stay away. Most of the state is a true war zone and will remain like this for at least a year. Now that we have all the cheap laborers wondering the state with money to burn and nothing to do on their day's off I'm expecting lots of petty crime in the entire state to increase. That is just my opinion, not fact.
C
crazy cracker
If I were you..
I'd stay away, at least from the SW coast. From Ft. Myers up to Sarasota and especially Pt.Charlotte and Punta Gorda. There is literally nothing here anymore in terms of slips for a wintering sailer. I've heard that other areas in the fringes of Charley and Frances damage zones are still beat up badly, getting a slip will one thing, getting groceries, parts, repairs, hair cuts and even a Burger King Whopper is out the question in many areas. Personally, I'd stay away. Most of the state is a true war zone and will remain like this for at least a year. Now that we have all the cheap laborers wondering the state with money to burn and nothing to do on their day's off I'm expecting lots of petty crime in the entire state to increase. That is just my opinion, not fact.
I'd stay away, at least from the SW coast. From Ft. Myers up to Sarasota and especially Pt.Charlotte and Punta Gorda. There is literally nothing here anymore in terms of slips for a wintering sailer. I've heard that other areas in the fringes of Charley and Frances damage zones are still beat up badly, getting a slip will one thing, getting groceries, parts, repairs, hair cuts and even a Burger King Whopper is out the question in many areas. Personally, I'd stay away. Most of the state is a true war zone and will remain like this for at least a year. Now that we have all the cheap laborers wondering the state with money to burn and nothing to do on their day's off I'm expecting lots of petty crime in the entire state to increase. That is just my opinion, not fact.
J
Jay
On the other hand...
...why not spice up the ground tackle and spend the winter at anchor there? The residents there can surely use every bit of income they can get from any type of tourist including winter cruisers. You might even get in a "helpful" mood and decide to help somebody rebuild their house. The feeling of comraderie (sp?) and accomplishment might make it the best year ever. We are still planning our winter cruising there and are already working to sponsor a "Helping Hands" flotilla of cruisers that will live in an area for two to four weeks and help rebuild everything from infrastructure to housing and convenience stores. Got a big boat? Why not act as a food and people ferry for areas where bridges are GONE? Might come in handy to somebody.
...why not spice up the ground tackle and spend the winter at anchor there? The residents there can surely use every bit of income they can get from any type of tourist including winter cruisers. You might even get in a "helpful" mood and decide to help somebody rebuild their house. The feeling of comraderie (sp?) and accomplishment might make it the best year ever. We are still planning our winter cruising there and are already working to sponsor a "Helping Hands" flotilla of cruisers that will live in an area for two to four weeks and help rebuild everything from infrastructure to housing and convenience stores. Got a big boat? Why not act as a food and people ferry for areas where bridges are GONE? Might come in handy to somebody.
J
Jay
On the other hand...
...why not spice up the ground tackle and spend the winter at anchor there? The residents there can surely use every bit of income they can get from any type of tourist including winter cruisers. You might even get in a "helpful" mood and decide to help somebody rebuild their house. The feeling of comraderie (sp?) and accomplishment might make it the best year ever. We are still planning our winter cruising there and are already working to sponsor a "Helping Hands" flotilla of cruisers that will live in an area for two to four weeks and help rebuild everything from infrastructure to housing and convenience stores. Got a big boat? Why not act as a food and people ferry for areas where bridges are GONE? Might come in handy to somebody.
...why not spice up the ground tackle and spend the winter at anchor there? The residents there can surely use every bit of income they can get from any type of tourist including winter cruisers. You might even get in a "helpful" mood and decide to help somebody rebuild their house. The feeling of comraderie (sp?) and accomplishment might make it the best year ever. We are still planning our winter cruising there and are already working to sponsor a "Helping Hands" flotilla of cruisers that will live in an area for two to four weeks and help rebuild everything from infrastructure to housing and convenience stores. Got a big boat? Why not act as a food and people ferry for areas where bridges are GONE? Might come in handy to somebody.
But wait, there's more
Some excellent ideas, and once you have done as much helping as you care to, keep in mind that West Palm Beach to Key West has not been hit (yet) and its business as usual. I'd like to hear more about the 'Helping Hands' idea. Can you post some information here? Might want to check with the Coast Guard and your insurance company on that 'people ferry' thing. Also remember that many islands in the Bahamas and Caribbean were also hit and could use some help. The positive PR would be useful. Consider buying a water maker first.
Some excellent ideas, and once you have done as much helping as you care to, keep in mind that West Palm Beach to Key West has not been hit (yet) and its business as usual. I'd like to hear more about the 'Helping Hands' idea. Can you post some information here? Might want to check with the Coast Guard and your insurance company on that 'people ferry' thing. Also remember that many islands in the Bahamas and Caribbean were also hit and could use some help. The positive PR would be useful. Consider buying a water maker first.
But wait, there's more
Some excellent ideas, and once you have done as much helping as you care to, keep in mind that West Palm Beach to Key West has not been hit (yet) and its business as usual. I'd like to hear more about the 'Helping Hands' idea. Can you post some information here? Might want to check with the Coast Guard and your insurance company on that 'people ferry' thing. Also remember that many islands in the Bahamas and Caribbean were also hit and could use some help. The positive PR would be useful. Consider buying a water maker first.
Some excellent ideas, and once you have done as much helping as you care to, keep in mind that West Palm Beach to Key West has not been hit (yet) and its business as usual. I'd like to hear more about the 'Helping Hands' idea. Can you post some information here? Might want to check with the Coast Guard and your insurance company on that 'people ferry' thing. Also remember that many islands in the Bahamas and Caribbean were also hit and could use some help. The positive PR would be useful. Consider buying a water maker first.
Re: Flordia as a 2004/5 winter destination
the responses to my question have been exceptionally informative. Many thanks to past and future posters addressing this important issue. I heard today that there is rationing of gasoline going into the states stricken by the hurricane devastation, so fuel availability for boaters may also need to be considered. Tnx, Frank
the responses to my question have been exceptionally informative. Many thanks to past and future posters addressing this important issue. I heard today that there is rationing of gasoline going into the states stricken by the hurricane devastation, so fuel availability for boaters may also need to be considered. Tnx, Frank
Re: Flordia as a 2004/5 winter destination
the responses to my question have been exceptionally informative. Many thanks to past and future posters addressing this important issue. I heard today that there is rationing of gasoline going into the states stricken by the hurricane devastation, so fuel availability for boaters may also need to be considered. Tnx, Frank
the responses to my question have been exceptionally informative. Many thanks to past and future posters addressing this important issue. I heard today that there is rationing of gasoline going into the states stricken by the hurricane devastation, so fuel availability for boaters may also need to be considered. Tnx, Frank
C
crazy cracker
just gasoline?
Hell, I've been trying to get a solid cheese burger for six weeks now, finding a place to fuel up my boat on the water is still a fantasy in this part of the harbor.... Don't worry, by the time winter gets here things will be much better but keep in mind that here in this area and in the western panhandle it will take many years to get back on our feet. Winters in these areas will be challanging whether you are on a boat or a car, though I really like the ground tackle idea.
Hell, I've been trying to get a solid cheese burger for six weeks now, finding a place to fuel up my boat on the water is still a fantasy in this part of the harbor.... Don't worry, by the time winter gets here things will be much better but keep in mind that here in this area and in the western panhandle it will take many years to get back on our feet. Winters in these areas will be challanging whether you are on a boat or a car, though I really like the ground tackle idea.
C
crazy cracker
just gasoline?
Hell, I've been trying to get a solid cheese burger for six weeks now, finding a place to fuel up my boat on the water is still a fantasy in this part of the harbor.... Don't worry, by the time winter gets here things will be much better but keep in mind that here in this area and in the western panhandle it will take many years to get back on our feet. Winters in these areas will be challanging whether you are on a boat or a car, though I really like the ground tackle idea.
Hell, I've been trying to get a solid cheese burger for six weeks now, finding a place to fuel up my boat on the water is still a fantasy in this part of the harbor.... Don't worry, by the time winter gets here things will be much better but keep in mind that here in this area and in the western panhandle it will take many years to get back on our feet. Winters in these areas will be challanging whether you are on a boat or a car, though I really like the ground tackle idea.
T
Tom Hamilton
Jacksonville
I have a slip reserved in Jacksonville. Just checked and marina is in good shape. I think space down there fills up fast. So better find a place soon
I have a slip reserved in Jacksonville. Just checked and marina is in good shape. I think space down there fills up fast. So better find a place soon
T
Tom Hamilton
Jacksonville
I have a slip reserved in Jacksonville. Just checked and marina is in good shape. I think space down there fills up fast. So better find a place soon
I have a slip reserved in Jacksonville. Just checked and marina is in good shape. I think space down there fills up fast. So better find a place soon
D
Dan Dawson
Florida damage is very limited
Hey wait a minute. Florida is not a war zone. A few areas really got hammered. Our hearts beed for them. But most of the state is open and without damage. The weather just started cooling off. I took a nap on my boat yesterday afternoon. For the next 8 months, Florida will be one of the best cruising areas in the world. The weather channel makes it seem like a nuclear device went off here. There are a couple of areas to avoid, but we should not be avoided because of media hipe. Come on down! You are welcome! Dan
Hey wait a minute. Florida is not a war zone. A few areas really got hammered. Our hearts beed for them. But most of the state is open and without damage. The weather just started cooling off. I took a nap on my boat yesterday afternoon. For the next 8 months, Florida will be one of the best cruising areas in the world. The weather channel makes it seem like a nuclear device went off here. There are a couple of areas to avoid, but we should not be avoided because of media hipe. Come on down! You are welcome! Dan
D
Dan Dawson
Florida damage is very limited
Hey wait a minute. Florida is not a war zone. A few areas really got hammered. Our hearts beed for them. But most of the state is open and without damage. The weather just started cooling off. I took a nap on my boat yesterday afternoon. For the next 8 months, Florida will be one of the best cruising areas in the world. The weather channel makes it seem like a nuclear device went off here. There are a couple of areas to avoid, but we should not be avoided because of media hipe. Come on down! You are welcome! Dan
Hey wait a minute. Florida is not a war zone. A few areas really got hammered. Our hearts beed for them. But most of the state is open and without damage. The weather just started cooling off. I took a nap on my boat yesterday afternoon. For the next 8 months, Florida will be one of the best cruising areas in the world. The weather channel makes it seem like a nuclear device went off here. There are a couple of areas to avoid, but we should not be avoided because of media hipe. Come on down! You are welcome! Dan
- Status
- Not open for further replies.