N. Gulf Cruising News – ICW, Panama City, Inlet and St. Andrews Bay (Statute Mile 295 to 284.5)
Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
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LNM: SE of St Andrew Pass, Capsized Catamaran Adrift, Northern Gulf of Mexico, FL
FL – GULF OF MEXICO – Capsized Adrift Catamaran
A 16 ft sailing catamaran has been reported capsized and adrift in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 4 nautical miles southeast of St. Andrew Pass, in approximate position 30-03-38.4N 085-41-46.8W (30°3.6400N / 085°41.7800W, 30.060667 / -85.696333), on March 26, 2024. The vessel is reportedly not marked. Mariners are urged to transit the area with caution and report any sightings or findings to their nearest U.S. Coast Guard unit
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Panama City Marina Requesting Reconstruction Bids, GIWW MM 290
Panama City Marina was completely destroyed by Hurricane Michael in 2018. See On-Site Report: Panama City Marina Destroyed. Cruisers, especially Loopers, will welcome this reconstruction.
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Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Panama City Marina
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LNM: Northern Gulf, Hazardous Offshore Operations, Tallahassee, Panama City, Pensacola, FL
FL – GULF OF MEXICO – PENSACOLA – PANAMA CITY – TALLAHASSEE – Hazardous Operations – UPDATE
Mariners making plans to transit offshore Tallahassee, Panama City and Pensacola, Florida, are advised of frequent rocket activity and associated hazardous areas which may include free falling debris and/or descending vehicles or vehicle components under various means of control. Mariners should contact U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile at (251) 441-5768, for more information. Specific scheduled information and Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB) can be found at the following website https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/jacksonville. Upcoming information and Hazardous Areas are also posted on the Patrick Air Force Base website: https://www.patrick.af.mil, or can be obtained by calling 1 (800) 470-7232.
Offshore Pensacola, bound by the following approximate positions:29-59-27.0N 087-30-00.0W (29°59.4500N / 087°30.0000W, 29.990833 / -87.500000),
29-48-00.0N 087-16-51.0W (29°48.0000N / 087°16.8500W, 29.800000 / -87.280833),
29-36-32.0N 087-30-00.0W (29°36.5333N / 087°30.0000W, 29.608889 / -87.500000),
29-48-00.0N 087-43-08.0W (29°48.0000N / 087°43.1333W, 29.800000 / -87.718889) and
29-59-27.0N 087-30-00.0W (29°59.4500N / 087°30.0000W, 29.990833 / -87.500000) .
Offshore Panama City, bound by the following approximate positions:29-54-25.0N 086-10-58.0W (29°54.4166N / 086°10.9667W, 29.906944 / -86.182778),
29-42-57.0N 085-57-50.0W (29°42.9500N / 085°57.8333W, 29.715833 / -85.963889),
29-31-29.0N 086-10-58.0W (29°31.4833N / 086°10.9667W, 29.524722 / -86.182778),
29-42-57.0N 086-24-07.0W (29°42.9500N / 086°24.1166W, 29.715833 / -86.401944) and
29-54-25.0N 086-10-58.0W (29°54.4166N / 086°10.9667W, 29.906944 / -86.182778) .
Offshore Tallahassee, bound by the following approximate positions:29-28-26.0N 084-12-00.0W (29°28.4333N / 084°12.0000W, 29.473889 / -84.200000),
29-16-58.0N 083-58-55.0W (29°16.9667N / 083°58.9166W, 29.282778 / -83.981944),
29-05-31.0N 084-12-00.0W (29°5.5166N / 084°12.0000W, 29.091944 / -84.200000),
29-16-58.0N 084-25-04.0W (29°16.9667N / 084°25.0667W, 29.282778 / -84.417778) and
29-28-26.0N 084-12-00.0W (29°28.4333N / 084°12.0000W, 29.473889 / -84.200000)
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Update: LNM: N Gulf, Sunken Vessel, St Andrews Bay, FL
This sunken vessel, now marked with lighted buoy WR, is in 5ft of water c. 300 yards south of Buena Vista Pt. See Sunken Vessel.
FL – ST ANDREW BAY – Wreck – UPDATE
The partially submerged F/V reported in the vicinity of ST Andrew Bay, Panama City, FL.,. in approximate position 30-09-47.3N 085-42-09.9W (30°9.7883N / 085°42.1650W, 30.163139 / -85.702750), is reportedly marked with a temporary lighted buoy WR, showing a flashing quick, red light. Mariners are urged to avoid this area.
AREA SPONSORING MARINAS
Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For St. Andrews Marina
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Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Panama City Marina
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LNM: Northern Gulf, Entrance Buoy 10 Sinking, St Andrews Bay, FL
This channel buoy is on the southeast side of the Outer Bar Entrance to St Andrews Bay.
St Andrew Bay Entrance Lighted Buoy 10 sinking, damaged, Chart 11391
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LNM: Northern Gulf Offshore Hazards, Panama City and Pensacola, FL
No specific dates are given for these exercises. Call the number given below if you plan to transit that part of the Gulf.
Mariners making plans to transit offshore Panama City and Pensacola, Florida, are advised of frequent rocket activity and associated hazardous areas which may include free falling debris and/or descending vehicles or vehicle components under various means of control.
Offshore Pensacola, bound by the following approximate position:29-48-00.0N 087-30-00.0W (29°48.0000N / 087°30.0000W, 29.800000 / -87.500000),
Offshore Panama City, bound by the following approximate position:29-45-57.0N 086-01-48.0W (29°45.9500N / 086°1.8000W, 29.765833 / -86.030000),
Mariners should contact U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile at (251) 441-5976, for more information. Specific scheduled information and Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB) can be found at the following website https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/jacksonville. Upcoming information and Hazardous Areas are also posted on the following Patrick Air Force Base website https://www.patrick.af.mil/ or can be obtained by calling 1 (800) 470 7232Be the first to comment!
LNM: Northern Gulf Hazardous Operations Offshore, Tallahassee, Panama City and Pensacola, FL
No time frame is given for these hazardous operations, so give a call to the numbers below to verify safe transit through these offshore areas.
FL – GULF OF MEXICO – PANAMA CITY – PENSACOLA – Hazardous Operations
Mariners making plans to transit offshore Tallahassee, Panama City and Pensacola, Florida, are advised of frequent rocket activity and associated hazardous areas which may include free falling debris and/or descending vehicles or vehicle components under various means of control.
Offshore Pensacola, bound by the following approximate positions:29-55-48.0N 087-38-34.8W (29°55.8000N / 087°38.5800W, 29.930000 / -87.643000),
29-55-48.0N 087-21-25.2W (29°55.8000N / 087°21.4200W, 29.930000 / -87.357000),
29-40-12.0N 087-38-34.8W (29°40.2000N / 087°38.5800W, 29.670000 / -87.643000) and
29-40-12.0N 087-21-25.2W (29°40.2000N / 087°21.4200W, 29.670000 / -87.357000) .
Offshore Panama City, bound by the following approximate positions:29-53-45.6N 086-10-15.6W (29°53.7600N / 086°10.2600W, 29.896000 / -86.171000),
29-53-45.6N 085-53-06.0W (29°53.7600N / 085°53.1000W, 29.896000 / -85.885000),
29-38-09.6N 086-10-15.6W (29°38.1600N / 086°10.2600W, 29.636000 / -86.171000) and
29-38-09.6N 085-53-06.0W (29°38.1600N / 085°53.1000W, 29.636000 / -85.885000) .
Offshore Tallahassee, bound by the following approximate positions:29-22-48.0N 084-20-31.2W (29°22.8000N / 084°20.5200W, 29.380000 / -84.342000),
29-22-48.0N 084-03-28.8W (29°22.8000N / 084°3.4800W, 29.380000 / -84.058000),
29-07-12.0N 084-20-31.2W (29°7.2000N / 084°20.5200W, 29.120000 / -84.342000) and
29-07-12.0N 084-03-28.8W (29°7.2000N / 084°3.4800W, 29.120000 / -84.058000) .
Mariners should contact U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile at (251) 441-5976, for more information. Specific scheduled information and Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB) can be found at the following website https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/jacksonville. Upcoming information and Hazardous Areas are also posted on the following Patrick Air Force Base website https://www.patrick.af.mil/ or can be obtain by calling 1 (800) 470-7232 Charts 411 11360 11389 LNM 16/21Be the first to comment!
Anchoring near Panama City, FL Northern Gulf
Most marinas in Panama City and St. Andrews were destroyed during Hurricane Michael leaving little option for dockage. See Updates. Our thanks to AGLCA Loopers Dwight Pierce, Eric Lambert, Jack Nickerson and Larry McCullough for sharing their recent anchoring experiences in the area. Location details for the anchorings are very general and as you will see on the chart, there are no Cruisers Net anchorages marked, but if you are adventuresome, as were these Loopers, anchoring is possible near Panama City.
I went in pass from gulf and went East in the bay apx 2 miles behind shell island and anchored about 100 yards off island. Depths seemed to match my Navionics pretty good. We draft 5’ 4”. Dinghy to shell island and walk beach. Very beautiful beach. We did have a north wind leaving us exposed but it was not too bad at anchor.
Dwight PierceWhen we went through Panama City back in June we anchored in Pearl Bayou whic was recommended by several fellow loopers. The Anchorage is very protected, in fact we arrived just before a rough thunderstorm with very strong winds and were glad to be in this protected area. The depths were 10’-15’ in the bayou. An easy dinghy ride to shore got us to a park that is actually part of Tyndal AFB. Unfortunately, there is not much within a walkable distance to this anchorage. We were fortunate to have a cousin who is stationed at Tyndal to pick us up and drive us around town.
Eric LambertPanana City is one of the topics we cover at docktails each night. Pirates Cove and Lighthouse (one call covers both) & CSS Yacht Basin have been taking transits. St Andrew,s Marina has fuel only no slips. We recommend Pearl Bayou as the almost perfect anchorage. 360 deg protection, plenty of depth, room for 20 boats, good access to shore for dogs and well marked entrance. 56 miles for our slip to Pearl. 3 easy travel days here to Carrabelle.
Jack NickersonI agree with Aquaholic, Pearl Bayou is a great anchorage. We were there last month and could not have asked for a better spot after a long day. Plenty of water and even with 4 other boats we had plenty of swing room. Great holding in very sticky mud. Bonus of seeing a few F-35 buzzing overhead but all quiet after a beautiful sunset.
Larry McCulloughAREA SPONSORING MARINAS – Neither able to offer dockage
Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Panama City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Panama City Marina
Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For St. Andrews Marina
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Updates on Panama City and St. Andrews Marinas, St. Andrews Bay, Panama City, FL
Panama City, on the eastern shore of St. Andres Bay northeast of Mexico Beach where Hurricane Michael made landfall, suffered devastating damage from Hurricane Michael. Panama City Marina and St. Andrews Marina have been CRUISERS NET SPONSORS for years and Cruisers Net is doing what we can to support their recovery from their losses.
Just spoke with Sandy Wade, the dockmaster at St Andrews Marina. They are not accepting transients. The Marina is basically closed except for those boats already there. Their store is open and their fuel dock is open. Hopefully by next spring, St Andrews may be able to take transients.
Panama City Marina is totally out of commission.
Winston FowlerClick Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Panama City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Panama City Marina
Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For St. Andrews Marina
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Report from Panama City, FL GIWW Statute Mile 290
Panama City, on the eastern shore of St. Andrews Bay northeast of Mexico Beach where Hurricane Michael made landfall, suffered devastating damage from Michael. Panama City Marina and St. Andrews Marina are both CRUISERS NET SPONSORS and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to all in the area who sustained losses. Our thanks to Rich Gano for this report.
Panama City as a stop along the way for loopers is pretty much done for by Michael. The two city marinas are disaster zones and will be a long time recovering. Most businesses are out of action due to damage, loss of power,
and loss of employees who have fled the area. The ports to the east of Panama City like Port St Joe and Apalachicola got it even worse that PC. Plan on having enough food and fuel to bypass this area.
Rich Gano
Photo from Seven Seas Cruising Association
Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Panama City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Panama City Marina
Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For St. Andrews Marina
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Comments from Cruisers (3)
- Reply to Lisa
Please check with us in Carrabelle! If you need someone on the ground to check with the marinas I am happy to help.
- Reply to Cruisers'
Thanks for the update Randy. All the very best.
- Reply to Randy
He is correct except Apalachicola. They are now operational and have fuel. Don’t expect available slips however. On the hook only.
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Post Michael Assistance, Dial 211, Big Bend Region, FL
211 Big Bend is a United Way Agency in the eight-county region of the big bend.
For Assistance After The Storm 2-1-1 Big BendFollowing Hurricane Michael, individuals and families in need can contact 2-1-1 by simply dialing 211 from a cell phone or landline. 2-1-1 is a free, 24/7, hotline available in multiple languages, that provides information to individuals seeking community resources like shelter, food and water, recovery support, short-term counseling and other basic needs before, during and after disasters.
Calls are free, confidential and anonymous. Trained hotline counselors are available to listen and provide emotional support, crisis counseling, suicide prevention, and information.
Dial 2-1-1 or (850) 617-6333 for 24/7 human service information and assistance.
Bilingual and translation services are available. TDD/TTY or 711Florida Relay is available for hearing impaired individuals.
For more information, visit www.211bigbend.org
About 2-1-1 Big Bend
2-1-1 Big Bend, A United Way Agency, is your gateway to human services in the eight-county region of the big bend. 2-1-1 Big Bend is a non-profit 501c3 organization accredited by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems and the American Association of Suicidality. The agency’s mission is to provide assessment, emotional support, crisis assistance, education, training and referrals with accurate, up-to-date resource info.
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On-Site Report: Panama City Marina Destroyed, St. Andrews Marina Heavily Damaged, GIWW Statute Mile 290
Panama City, on the eastern shore of St. Andres Bay northeast of Mexico Beach where Hurricane Michael made landfall, suffered devastating damage from Michael. Panama City Marina and St. Andrews Marina are both CRUISERS NET SPONSORS and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to all in the area who sustained losses. Diana Pieper, who sent this report, lost her house.
Panama City Marina GONE….destroyed.
St. Andrews Marina had a lot of damage.We can’t even get in to our home with a u-haul to remove what furniture is salvageable because of the trees down. Our neighborhood was hit harder because of the old oak trees and pine trees that we are famous for.
My family and I are staying in hotels until we can find temporary housing of some kind. I wish we had the RV I sold after my husband died.
Again, thanks for your concern. The entire city is destroyed or damaged (actually the whole county). Both large hospitals have been closed indefinitely due to extreme damage. Our entire infrastructure is broken.
Recovery is in years and not months.
Diana PieperClick Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Panama City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Panama City Marina
Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For St. Andrews Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Andrews Marina
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Lisa
Sending strength and prayers from Franklin County. We love those two marinas and their loss is heartbreaking.
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Before and After Michael Photos of Mexico Beach, FL
Startling images of the hurricane devastation to Mexico Beach, FL a small beach community southeast of Panama City.
Mexico Beach FL before Michael
Mexico Beach FL after Michael
NOAA published images of Mexico Beach, Florida, southeast of Panama City.
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Good Words for Panama City Marina, Panama City, FL, GICW Statute Mile 290
Our thanks to AGCLA member, Terry Godhold, for these words of praise for longtime CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Panama City Marina, located on the eastern shore of St. Andrews Bay.
I rarely, if ever, recommend a marina however, this is different. Yesterday, on the way to Panama City, I blew a oil hose. We had to call Sea Tow to tow us 17 miles where we successfully secured the Magic. The marina was given a “heads up” that we were being towed in. Rick, the harbor master, met us, helped us tie, gave us mechanics recommendation and all in all, was more helpful than almost any other marina we have visited.
Terry GodboldClick Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Panama City Marina
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Pumpout System Repaired, Panama City Marina, Panama City, FL, GICW Statute Mile 290
This is one of those housekeeping postings that you will be glad to read. The pumpout system at Panama City Marina, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, has been inoperable since July, but is now repaired. Residents, transients and staff are relieved (pun intended) !
Our Pumpout is now working!!! Yahoo.
Diana PieperClick Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Panama City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Panama City Marina
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Pumpout Not Working, Panama City Marina, Panama City, FL, GICW Statute Mile 290
Panama City on St. Andrews Bay is home to SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Panama City Marina. If you are headed for Panama City Marina and need a pumpout, SSECN suggests you phone ahead to check the repair status of their pumpout: 850-872-7272
This is Panama City Marina, Panama City, FL.
Our pumpout is not working, and there may be some delay in repairing it.
Diana PieperClick Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Panama City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Panama City Marina
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Stolen Sailing Vessel, Panama City, FL
If you sight this vessel, please contact Tony at 850-851-8619, local authorities or SSECN via email contact@cruisersnet.net.
About two weeks ago, a crewmate stole my 43′ Gulfstar sailing ketch from Panama City Florida. The name of the boat is “The Solution”. She has white hill with red sail covers and red canvas over the cockpit.
The guy who stole it is 18 yrs old named Bear McGinty. He has his girlfriend on board with her 6 month old baby boy. Believe they are headed to Galveston Texas.
If anyone sees the boat please call me at 850.851.8619.
Much thanks,
Robert A. (Tony) HicksBe the first to comment!
Gulf Crossing Roll Call
This call for a fleet formation of Gulf crossing vessels is from our good friends at AGLCA.
Hey all,
We are moving to Panama City today To sort of get in position for our crossing. Since it has been awhile since the weather window opened many of us have taken Eddy’s advice and been slow floating Since getting off of the rivers. Loopers are strung out from Carrabelle back to Mobile. It looks like that when a opportunity finally arrives there will be a whole armada of us moving. It would be nice to know how many, who we are and planned crossing speed.
Probably not too early to get a roll call of vessels who are staged intending to cross at the next window since we are at many different ports right now. Our plans a capability:Panama City until the window is a day or so away. Then Apalachacola or Carrabelle (if there will even be room). If no room we are capable of going direct from Panama City.
Boat speed 7 MPH to 25 MPH. Prefer 10 – 20.
Charlie and Kay WoodardComments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Gaz
Charlie & Kay,
Keep in mind that scallop season starts the 25th of June which will be an issue gaining dockage the closer you get to this date. That said there are many nice marinas reminiscent of old time Florida along the Big Bend area. Don’t expect anything fancy but you will receive great friendship and clean accommodations. All the marinas I’ll mention can handle a 3 foot draft and then some. Be cautious of the depth in this area.
1) Swanne River ahs two: Swannee River marina 352 542 9159 & Gateway Marina 352 542 7349 Call the local BoatUS Tow for current channel depths and USE THE NORTH channel NOT the river.
2) Yankee Town; YT marina 352 447 2529; B’s talk with Helen 352-447-5888; Riverside 352-447-2890 This is one of my vavorite stops.
3) Crystal River: Petes’s 352 795 3302 & Twin River 352 795 3552 This area thinks highly of there dock space but if you’ve never been to Crystal River the stop might be nice.
4) Now to my favorite river the Steinhatchee: For a nice motel with dockage call Shelter Cove. They have recently been bought out by Ideal Marine so you can be the first to review them. 352 498 5707/352-210-1781. There are also Good Times Motel never been there 352 498-8088; SeaHag 352 498-3008 lots wakes; River Haven my favorite 352 498-0709/352-356=2904;This is outland Florida so best to phone in advance to qualify all your requirements.
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Wild Crime on the Waters in Panama City, Northern Gulf ICW Statute Mile 287
Our thanks to Rich Gano for sending this note-worthy news item. We are grateful that the FWC officer survived the shootout, which occurred on the waters of St. Andrews Bay and not in a marina. Panama City is home to two SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS, St. Andrews Marina and Panama City Marina.You can read the basics here http://tinyurl.com/pwed56z and http://www.mypanhandle.com/news/more-information-released-about-fwc-officer-shooting
It appears that the FWC officer was responding to a disturbance of some sort on the boat the two criminals were aboard, and when he pulled up, one of them disappeared into the boat’s cabin and then reappeared with a gun. Seems he may have had a drug-related warrant out on him in a northern tier state and knew that an identity check would land him in jail. So, of course, murder was the right choice for him, duh. Seems to me that if you want to remain below the radar, you don’t create disturbances on the water. A Panama City Beach police officer was killed (first ever) by a criminal on the run from a northern tier state 11 years ago during what the cop thought was a routine traffic stop.
In the current case, a gun battle ensued during which the officer ended up in the water, and even reloaded while in the soup firing at the criminals as they hijacked his patrol boat and tried to run him down before running the boat ashore and briefly escaping into a residential area where at least one resident confronted them with a gun.
Don’t be surprised if FWC guys are a bit cautious when they pull you over these days.
Rich GanoClick Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For St. Andrews Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Andrews Marina
Click Here To View the Northern Gulf Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Panama City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Panama City Marina
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