Deck The Hulls: Destin’s Holiday On The Harbor Boat Parade

HolidayonHarbor4 Every year, the Holiday on The Harbor Lighted Boat Parade makes me think of a giant Lite Brite, as boats large and small get into the Christmas spirit and parade through Destin’s Historic Harbor. For twenty five years, Destin’s private and charter boats have been making the season bright with this unique and special holiday event.

Kathy Marler Blue, Associate Director of the Destin Fishing and History Museum, tells me there will be at least 24 boats competing in several different categories. When asked about some of her favorite entries, she mentions a Get Up Stand Up Paddle Board which had been decorated like Santa’s sleigh. Eight paddlers braved the cold, dressed as reindeer, and “pulled” the sleigh the length of the parade. During the parade, you’ll be sure to see elaborate light displays. Some lights are choreographed to Christmas music and other boats have famous passengers like Santa, the Grinch, or the Peanuts Gang. All are clearly enjoying their moment in the parade.

Winter (manatee-related) boat speed zone changes by county:

Brevard County:

Nov. 15 - March 31

• No-entry and motorboats-prohibited zones - North Indian River area around discharge canals of the Reliant Corp. Power Plant and Florida Power & Light's Frontenac Power Plant.

• Idle-speed zone - West of Intracoastal Waterway in general vicinity of power plants.

Broward County:

Nov. 15 - March 31

• Idle speed - Port Everglades Power Plant area, including part of the discharge canal. Portions of the South New River Canal and Dania Cut-off Canal near the Lauderdale Power Plant.

• Slow speed - Intracoastal Waterway from the Palm Beach County line through Hillsboro Inlet south to Burnham Point. (Note: some portions are weekend-only slow speed.)

Reports Show Severe Damage to Marine Engines from E15

WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 25, 2011– On Friday the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy released the results of two studies on the effects of using fuel that is 15 percent ethanol in volume (E15) in marine engines. The studies were conducted on engines provided by two marine engine manufactures; Both are members of National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

The long-awaited reports show significant problems with outboard, stern drive and inboard engines. Results of the reports show severe damage to engine components and an increase in exhaust emissions, reinforcing the recreational boating industry’s concern that E15 is not a suitable fuel for marine engines.

Flagler Award for "Best in Show"

Florida By Water is pleased to announce that we have been awarded the Flagler Award for "Best in Show" (under $100K category) from VISIT FLORIDA. The Award was presented during the 44th Annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held September 25-27 at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Florida.

Flagler Awards

Named for Henry Flagler, the Flagler Awards were established in 2000 to recognize outstanding tourism marketing in Florida. Annually, the Flagler Awards honor many of the countless individuals and organizations that help maintain and improve Florida’s position as one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. The awards are open to all individuals, private businesses and not-for-profit organizations offering a product or service that promotes tourism to or within the state of Florida.

Labor Day Weekend

laborimages In most of the country “Labor Day weekend” is the end of the boating season. In Florida it’s the start of the second half. (by Rusty Gardner)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) urges boaters to have fun by boating safely, and to be careful over the upcoming busy holiday weekend.

"There are a few key things you can do to stay as safe as possible on the water," said Capt. Tom Shipp, of the FWC's Boating and Waterways Section. "Operate your vessel with caution, have all the necessary safety equipment on board, and wear a life jacket."

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