PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR DISCLAIMER!
” Navigation Alerts” listed in this section are are arranged in a rough south to north geographic format.
“Alerts” are messages from your fellow cruisers which pertain to navigational problems or changes along the waters of the Western Florida coastline. These “Alerts” are real concerns for Western Florida mariners, and might range in subject matter from new shoaling to a missing aid to navigation.
Cedar Keys is one of a limited number of ports of call along Western Florida’s waterwayless Big Bend region, the Western Florida coastline between Anclote Key and Dog Island. The reported shoaling is in the main entrance channel to the east of Seahorse Key.
FLORIDA – CRYSTAL RIVER TO HORSESHOE POINT – CEDAR KEYS MAIN CHANNEL: Hazard to Navigation
The U.S. Coast Guard received a report of shoaling between Cedar Keys Main Channel Daybeacon 19 (LLNR 29805 [29°6.7123N / 083°2.7068W, 29.111871 / -83.045114]) 29-06-42.737N/083-02-42.411W (29°6.7123N / 083°2.7068W, 29.111871 / -83.045114) and Cedar Keys Main Channel Light 21 (LLNR 2981) 29-06-50.837N/083-02-25.131W (29°6.8473N / 083°2.4188W, 29.114121 / -83.040314) with depths as low as 3 ft at low tide. Mariners are advised to exercise caution while transiting the area.
Chart 11408 LNM: 23/15
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Cedar Keys
Click Here To View An Article on the Waters of Cedar Keys
From Skipper Bakos’ report and with the several shoalings reported on the chart, it would seem prudent to avoid the southern tip of Anclote Key when entering or exiting the ICW between Anclote Key and Three Rooker Bar. If you have navigated this channel recently, let us hear from you.
See also /?p=145021 for update on shoaling.
There is also shoaling due south of Anclote Key charted as 8 to 9 feet depth. I ran hard on the shoal last night for 6 hours. It is about halfway between marker #5 on the south side of Anclote Key and the partially submerged wreck shown on the chart. There is less than 5′ at low tide there. Further south, closer to the wreck there was good depth.
Bob Bakos
I have seen several boats aground at the southern tip of Anclote Key over the last couple of years. The odd thing is that I haven’t run aground there yet as I seem to have a natural affinity for sand bars. On a good day, the shoaling is easy to see by the color; watch carefully for signs of breakers. Capt Bakos’ advice is good, always give Anclote a wide berth and watch your depth carefully.
Cambren Davis
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Anclote Key
This shoaling begins at the mouth of a long narrow channel into upper Clearwater Harbor connecting to the Waterway just south of the Dunedin/Honeymoon Island Bridge.
FLORIDA – TAMPA BAY TO PORT RICHEY – HURRICANE PASS: Shoaling
Shoaling has been reported in the vicinity of Hurricane Pass-Gulf of Mexico-Pinellas County, between Private aids Hurricane Daybeacon 1 (25975) position 28-03-20.040N/082-49-50.640W (28°3.3340N / 082°49.8440W, 28.055567 / -82.830733) and Daybeacon 18 (26025.5) position 28-02-53.820N/082-47-45.060W (28°2.8970N / 082°47.7510W, 28.048283 / -82.795850) . Mariners are advised to use caution when transiting these waters or seek alternative routes to and from the Gulf of Mexico. Chart 11411 LNM 25/16
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Hurricane Pass
The middle part of the pass seems to have been dredged during the Honeymoon Island beach renourishment project. They finally took sand from a place that made sense (the channel). You should still read the color of the water and favor the south side of the channel. I am drawing a little over 4' and can get in and out on a 0 low tide, but will not try a negative. Best to run the pass slow on a sunny day, read the color changes, hit waypoints progressively and build a route for night time use should you need it. You CANNOT trust the markers throughout the entire pass, beginning to end. On the inshore side of the pass, the red markers (R8 & R10) can lead you to low water if you are too close to them. All things considered, it is deeper now since they have dredged the pass. I will try to provide updates as I have the opportunity. Safe cruising.
This shoaling in the popular Clearwater Channel is at the southern end of the curving channel north of the fixed bridge .
FLORIDA – WEST COAST ‘“ TAMPA BAY TO PORT RICHEY ‘“ CLEARWATER PASS ‘“ CLEARWATER MARINA CHANNEL: Hazard to
Navigation/Shoaling
The ACOE survey project depth between Clearwater Marina Channel Light 2 (LLNR 25730 [27°57.7859N / 082°49.1498W, 27.963098 / -82.819164]) and Clearwater Marina Channel DBN 4 (LLNR 25745 [27°57.9094N / 082°49.0531W, 27.965156 / -82.817552]) are as low as 4ft due to shoaling. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution when transiting the area. Local knowledge recommended as the channel is constantly changing. Chart 11411 LNM: 48/14
Our thanks to Skipper Fuller for catching our error. The symbol has been corrected.
The alert is in the wrong position. The actual problem area is inside the bridge, at the southern end of the curving channel that heads toward the Clearwater Marina. That channel has long been a trouble spot, and it was dredged not too long ago. It has filled in very fast.
There is no problem in the area shown by your alert symbol [now corrected].
Gene Fuller
Hi Larry,
We passed through Clearwater a couple of weeks ago. I was shocked when we saw 5.5 feet in the trouble area, at HIGH tide. (We need 5.3 feet.) A year ago the readings were more like 10 feet.
Regards,
Gene Fuller
This channel shoaling is near the intersection of Johns Pass Channel and the GICW at mile 121.3 in Boca Ciega Bay. Note the recommendation to acquire local knowledge. Madeira Beach Marina would be a good source to contact.
FLORIDA – WEST COAST ‘“ TAMPA BAY TO PORT RICHEY ‘“ JOHNS PASS CHANNEL: Hazard to Navigation/Shoaling
The entrance to Johns Pass Channel has a project depth of 10ft. The ACOE surveys found the project depth between Johns Pass Channel Light 2 (LLNR 25585 [27°46.5289N / 082°47.5903W, 27.775482 / -82.793171]) and Johns Pass Channel Light 4 (LLNR 25600 [27°46.7171N / 082°47.1990W, 27.778618 / -82.786650]) have reported soundings as low as 7.5ft due to shoaling. Shoaling also exists between Johns Pass Channel DBN 8 (LLNR 25625 [27°47.4993N / 082°46.8032W, 27.791655 / -82.780053]) and Johns Pass Channel Light 10 (LLNR 25630 [27°47.7275N / 082°46.7141W, 27.795459 / -82.778568]) with soundings as low as 3.6ft along the northern side of the channel. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution while transiting these areas. Local knowledge recommended as the channel is constantly changing. Chart 11411 LNM: 48/14
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Listing For Madeira Beach Marina
This annotated chart gives the location of the currently being relocated navigation aids in Boca Grande Pass, as noted in this 2/11 Nav Alert.
Click Here To Download a PDF containing this graphic
Click Here To Download a GPX file containing the new channel route
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Boca Grande Pass
Came through the Pass in the dark both (in/out) times. 1 and 2 are on station and flashing accordingly. 3 is on station and flashing accordingly. #4 Red could not be found. 5 and 6 were on station and flashing accordingly. We did not have a depth finder and we did not touch bottom. No shoaling was apparent (waves). There is a dredge and/or barges on the North side of the harbor once you get in about a mile.
Shoaling at the entrance to New Pass was recently posted in LNM: /153973. These changes to existing NavAids are definitely needed and great caution is required until the new markers are in place. New Pass leads directly to the Sarasota waterfront and the entrance portion between the Entrance Light and Light 7 is constantly shifting. Our thanks to BOSN4 Pauly for these notices.
All concerned,
I’m seeking your assistance in notifying the public of upcoming Coast Guard changes to New Pass, Sarasota County.
Please forward this information to county officials, marine police, boating groups, marinas, and any other users of New Pass as you wish. Feel free to publish this information or post on social media. Thanks for your assistance.
Subject: New Pass info
GULF OF MEXICO – FLORIDA – SARASOTA – NEW PASS
Dangerous shoaling exists in the vicinity of the New Pass Entrance Channel, Sarasota County. There are currently no plans by the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain the federal project channel depth. The increased shoaling has created an unsafe situation and the Coast Guard has determined that it can no longer mark “safe water” and will be removing all federal Aids to Navigation from the New Pass (NP) Entrance Light to New Pass Light 7. A Safety broadcast to Mariners will be released notifying the public of the intended start date of this work.
New Pass Channel Light (NP) (LLNR 1345 [27°18.9185N / 082°35.8861W, 27.315309 / -82.598102]), will be discontinued and converted to a Danger Shoal Marker with a Quick Flashing, White light.
New Pass Channel Buoy 1 (21590) will be discontinued.
New Pass Channel Buoy 2 (21595) will be discontinued.
New Pass Channel Buoy 3A (21600) will be discontinued.
New Pass Channel Buoy 4 (21603) will be discontinued.
New Pass Channel Buoy 5 (21605) will be discontinued.
New Pass Channel Buoy 5A (21610) will be discontinued.
New Pass Channel Light 7 (21620) will be discontinued and converted to a Danger Shoal Marker with a Quick, Flashing White light.
Boaters are advised to seek alternate routes to and from the Gulf of Mexico and also use extreme caution while in this area. Please contact Chief Warrant Officer Darren Pauly for additional information or questions. Darren.a.pauly@uscg.mil or (813) 228-2191 ext 8184.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at New Pass
So basically, New Pass is closed to navigation . Big Pass is usually a gut-clencher when transiting. Venice now best option for G of M access? Sad state of affairs for Sarasota Bay mariners , and businesses. Why no outcry?
New Pass leads directly to the Sarasota waterfront and the entrance portion between the Entrance Light and Light 7 is constantly shifting and shoaling. SSECN has long recommended that this pass not be used. On June 9, the USCG announced their intention to close New Pass.
FLORIDA – CHARLOTTE HARBOR TO TAMPA BAY – NEW PASS CHANNEL: Severe Shoal/Hazard to Navigation.
Due to increased shoaling mariners are advised to use extreme caution when transiting offshore, New Pass, Sarasota, from New Pass Channel to New Pass Bascule Bridge. Due to frequent changing conditions, buoys are not charted in this channel. The U.S Coast Guard strongly recommends avoiding this channel if possible. Chart 11425 LNM 23/17
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at New Pass
New Pass has been undergoing surveying, NavAid relocation and Navigation Alerts in the past months, a need confirmed by this Local Notice. New Pass leads directly to the Sarasota waterfront and the entrance portion between the Entrance Light and Light 7 is constantly shifting and shoaling. SSECN has long recommended that this pass not be used.
FLORIDA – FORT MYERS TO CHARLOTTE HARBOR AND WIGGINS PASS – NEW PASS CHANNEL IN LEE COUNTY: Shoaling/Hazard
to Navigation.
The U.S. Coast Guard has received a report of shoaling in the vicinity of New Pass. Shoaling is occurring from Private aid New Pass Lighted Buoy 1 (LLNR 17964 [26°22.4639N / 081°52.5781W, 26.374398 / -81.876301]) position 26-22-19.080N/081-52-27.960W (26°22.3180N / 081°52.4660W, 26.371967 / -81.874433) to Buoy 4 (LLNR 17970 [26°22.6600N / 081°52.1660W, 26.377666 / -81.869433]) position 26-22-38.460N/081-52-09.330W (26°22.6410N / 081°52.1555W, 26.377350 / -81.869258) . This channel is very shallow and marked with Private Aids to Navigation. MARINERS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION AND LOCAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE CHANNEL CONDITIONS IS RECOMMENDED BEFORE ATTEMPTING PASSAGE. Chart 11427 LNM 15/16
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at New Pass.
Sarasota New Pass and Big Pass Update
March 22, 2018
Report from Sarasota Herald-Tribune:
SARASOTA COUNTY — State and local officials are warning boaters to use the Big Pass and New Pass channels at their own risk after conditions at both passes became too hazardous to continue marking safe navigation routes.
Sarasota County in recent weeks removed five navigation markers from the Gulf of Mexico side of Big Pass because they no longer indicated a good route after some parts of the channel became shallow and dangerous to navigate, officials said. The county’s move comes a year after the USCG removed all channel markers in New Pass after that channel experienced unsafe shoaling, or hazardous shallowing in some parts of the pass.
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