LETTERS
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“Freedom of the press is limited to those who own one.” A.J. Liebling
GLADES BOAT STORAGE
In its continuing endeavor to share its press, SOUTHWINDS invites readers to write in with experiences & opinions. Email your letters to editor@southwindsmagazine.com
SARASOTA’S MOORING FIELD: Where are the Transient Moorings? Sarasota has always been a favorite stopping place for us as we have traveled up and down the coast full-time cruising for the past seven years. Unfortunately, our recent experience means we will have to just pass it by in the future. Below is an email that I recently sent to the FWC regarding the city of Sarasota’s new mooring field and the city turning away tourists arriving by boat: Although we are not in a public comment period, I would like to give you feedback on the effect your approval of Sarasota’s anchoring ordinance is having. This ordinance not only clearly violates the letter of the law, but also the spirit of the law and subverts the intentions of the Florida Legislature and Chapter 327 of the Florida Statutes with regards to the Anchoring Pilot Program. One of the pilot program’s purposes was to “Promote public access to the waterways.” Sarasota has used its ordinance to effectively deny the public ANY use of the harbor if they are cruising the coast and only want to visit Sarasota for a few days! We recently entered the Sarasota mooring field intending to rent a mooring for a few days. There were a number of unused moorings, but Marina Jack’s refused to rent one to us. They said only four moorings were for short-term rental (transients) and all were taken. We could not take any of the unused, unrented moorSee LETTERS continued on page 10 News & Views for Southern Sailors
SAIL OR POWER
AS HURRICANE PROOF AS YOU CAN GET Locks on Both Sides — Minimal Storm Surge – No Tides 11 Miles West of Lake Okeechobee on the Okeechobee Waterway Stuart
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BUY A USED SAILBOAT AND SAVE Re: April Letters: Who Can Afford a New Sailboat Today? What a spot-on letter in your April issue from Frank looking for a boat in Miami, “Who Can Afford a New Sailboat Today?” The editor’s comments put it in perspective. After thinking I was done with my cruising years and sold the good old full-keel 32-foot sailboat I had for 26 years (due to my creaking, aching joints), I found that I missed the old girl so much that I needed another fix two years down the road. Imagine the sticker shock when I hit the shows looking for a new lady. My wife—being the frugal gal she is—suggested a used boat. After several months looking, we found several (3) that we would consider. We selected the best of the lot and ended up with a spirited 34-foot, 1986 boat that needed some new standing and running rigging, along with new sails. She has been with us now for two years and is the best purchase I have ever made. What also makes a used boat a smart purchase— besides the price—is that it had all the bells and whistles that would be extra on a new boat. Just do your homework and don’t get in a hurry. P.S. We love your rag and have been a fan for many years. Jerry Giudici S/V Gypsy Rose St. James City, FL Jerry, If you had gone into a finance career, you could probably afford a new boat today. Glad to hear you made out, though. Editor
On the Okeechobee Waterway Inland Hurricane Boat Storage Your Do-it-Yourself Work Yard
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Lake Okeechobee
★Glades Boat Storage
La Belle Ft. Myers
12 MILES EAST OF La BELLE
Haul Outs: $2 per ft haul Storage Rate: $3.60/ft Work Area Rate: $17/day-$15/day — for project boats after 2 months in work yard Pressure Wash Rate: $1.50/ft for single hull & $1.75/ft for cat
24-HOUR, 7 DAYS A WEEK WORK YARD ACCESSIBILITY • Owner-operated by boaters for boaters • 8’ deep channel off the Waterway in freshwater section (for engine flush) • 40-ton lift — boats up to 16’ 6” beam • Dry storage at $4.50/foot per month • Crane Service • Auto/RV/Trailer Storage • Hot Showers!
GLADES BOAT STORAGE 2152 Boat Yard Rd. • Moore Haven, FL 33471
www.gladesboatstorage.com OFFICE PHONE: 863.983.3040 AFTER HOURS/WEEKENDS: 941.722.7722
SOUTHWINDS August 2013
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