Florida Fears

[zeehag]

while sailing from ueseppe island, where the shoaling is 4 1/2 ft, to ft myers, we saw, at sanibel, some lovely garden ketches careened in a beautiful shalolows on our port side coming south. i know they have a 6'6" draft, as tha tis what mijn eis.... the waterways themselves ar edeep enough for tug n tows--about 9-12 ft deep, so i am not concerned with that, and my mast is shorter than that on the sloop we sailed ther e in-- so i am not worried there--is the entrance to ft myers and the moorings i am not well versed with--we grounded for a bit on the inlet to ft myers in a 4 1/2 ft draft as they were dredging--was fun.....

[Hudson Force]

As said in some posts far above, the negative comments get more attention and perceptions vary. We've been cruising liveaboards about the Florida Atlantic, Keys and Gulf Coasts for forty years. Once in '86 I was rightfully cited in Volusia County for an expired state registration sticker and once in 2010 I had a marine patrol officer advise me to slow my dinghy speed in the St. Augustine City Marina basin, but I've never had any other authority question me or my intentions. I can find an uncrowded peaceful and often empty anchorage within forty miles of anyplace on the Florida Coast and many of these teem with wildlife. I must admit that I spend very little time at the "Snowbird Rookery" mooring fields or the anchorages that are closest to the resort "Tiki Bars" and the Condo Developments.

[HopCar]

If you visit Miami, please stop in my store and say hello. I love to meet cruisers and hear their tales.

[Dave22q]

another vote for Marathon Fl. lots of no hassle anchorages. for dinghy access you have to be creative or sneaky. remember free dinghy tie ups probably equals lousy security. long stays ashore are risky. i agree Fl West coast has lots on underpopulated beach south of Ft. Meyers

[Cheechako]

I think the press is worse than the reality.....

[zeehag]

press is better for fla than mexico--lol--many beautiful places in west fla--do not hesitate to do north west fla and panhandle--apalachiacola is pretty and quiet and quaint, port st joe is a nice lil town and the st josephs bay is beautiful.