I. Very Important - Site and Date of First Florida Pilot Mooring Field Public Program Announced

As of 12:30 pm, 5/12/11, we have just learned through our very good friends at Boat/US, that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has announced the date, time and venue for the first of the CRITICALLY IMPORTANT public forums in regards to the establishment of five pilot mooring field programs throughout Florida. For those of you who have not read my last editorial on this issue, the potential problem in all of this are the so-called, "buffer zones" established around these pilot mooring fields, within which anchoring will not be allowed at all, or is very limited. If the communities and/or counties hosting one of the pilot mooring fields are allowed to set up very large buffer zones, it will be just another way to say, "you can't anchor here at all!"

We simply cannot overstress the importance of these public hearings for any who ever plan on dropping their hook again in Floridian waters!!!! PLEASE follow the link below to learn more:

http://www.CruisersNet.net/important-first-florida-pilot-mooring-field-public-forum-announced

Before signing off, a little housekeeping. This was, as you might imagine, an unexpected Alert. Tomorrow (Friday, 5/13/11), we will most likely be sending out a second, lengthier, "planned" Alert with all sorts of interesting cruising news. Just thought we'd let you know why two Alerts are forthcoming from us, two days in a row.

That's all for now. Good luck and good cruising to all!

Claiborne Young