Eviction notice

[Mark Van]

I just got the first notice about the new moorings thay are putting in in Ft Myers Beach. They will start installing moorings in June. I won't have to move for a while, they are starting with the East mooring field, I am at the west end of the harbor. I was hoping something would come up to put a stop to the moorings, but I guess it is close to the end of free anchorage in one of the last free harbors in South Florida.

This looks like the last season that I will be able to anchor over the sandbar (my boat has a 1 foot draft). I have anchored hear for 5 seasons,(two different boats) I will miss it. There may be a loophole, according to the map they gave me, the Ft Myers Beach city limit line cuts the sandbar in half, I am anchored very close to the boarder. The town may not have jurisdiction past that line.

[Matt J.]

Sucks. Really, truly sucks. Can't we stop trying to make money on ourselves once in a while?

[Mark Van]

Actually, the city council admits that the city will actually lose money on the moorings, with the cost of shoreside facilities, and maintanance. It's not a money issue, it is a control issue.

[Matt J.]

I'm not sure I understand... what are they so desperate to control?

[George Roberts]

In all likelyhood too many boaters have not been playing nice.

[brad9798]

Too bad, Mark ... I hate to see that.

On the other hand, if it's like some areas, too many 'house barges' littering the seascape ... with bums living on them ...

I kind of see both sides on this one ...

[Tom Lathrop]

Hey, You can't call us bums bums. We are deeply offended.

Mark, we plan on having "Liz" at Cedar Key the first weekend in May for the get together. Where are you going this year? Also hope to be at the Apalachicola boat show the previous week and cruise in that area.

[Mark Van]

Actually, most of the boats anchored in the harbor are just stored there. I think there are only 15 or 20 year round liveaboards. There is a perception that all of the junky boats have people living on them, but the perception is false.

Tom, have fun in Cedar Key, it is one of my favorite stops. I may stay here for the summer, I want to try to get ahead fanancially, so I am not broke in the fall. Don't miss the launching of the second Mark V 39 in your hometown, It is supposed to be launched april 10.