Jacksonville will commemorate our Sesquiquadricentennial on May 1, 2012. As a part of the celebration, the French Navy is sending two tall sailing ships to Mayport and Jacksonville: the Etoile and the Belle Poule. They will depart Mayport Monday April 30th and sail up the St. Johns River to moor near the Landing around noon. The public is encouraged to welcome them in the traditional maritime fashion.

More information is available at http://www.Commemorate450.coj.net

The FEC bridge in downtown Jacksonville is currently operating normally. However FEC asked the USCG for another closure begining in mid January for continued repairs. After reviewing the original request and considering public input, USCG has authorized the following amended closure:

“The Coast Guard has approved a request from the bridge owner of the FEC Railroad Bridge across the St Johns River mile 24.9, Jacksonville, Florida to close this bridge to navigation from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily Sunday through Thursday starting January 15, 2012 until March 29, 2012.”

Ortega River Drawbridge
The Ortega River Bridge schedule continues to be enigmatic. We are now being told that repairs will continue well into February. There has not been any threat of a complete closure to marine traffic though lockdowns of one or the other spans at a time continue to be expected. This condition leaves a 25 foot wide horizontal clearance.As always, if we’ll pass on new information as we hear it. Safe Travels!

“We’ve learned from FDOT that begining next week the South side of the Ortega River Bridge will be lowered and locked in the down position for one month. Then the South side will be raised and the North side will be lowered and locked down. During this time there should always be at least 25’ of clearance.”

Since then there has been a delay in that the single span only condition will not begin until middle of next week (~10/19/11). Once that happens, there will be NO double span openings available for approximately two months due to the nature of the repairs. As we learn more,we’ll post it here.

8/19/11-2:50 PM – UPDATE: We just called the bridge tender and he reported that although the bridge is now operating, he wasn’t sure about their ability to function in the near future. Our advice is to hail the bridge prior to leaving the dock if your plans require passage.

The next few months will represent a challenge for area boaters. While most folks know about the impending bridge closure from the perspective of vehicular traffic, there will also be restrictions for marine traffic associated with the ongoing repairs. From what we understand, the following is the official schedule from FDOT:

During the months of August through December, 2011, the bridge will be able to open a single-leaf on demand. Between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday until August 21, a double-leaf opening will be available only with a three hour notice to the bridge tender. From August 22 through October 22, no double-leaf openings will be available. After October 22 and through December 2011, double-leaf openings will again require a three hour notice between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

However, when we spoke directly with contractors and the bridge tenders themselves, they tell us that during the project, there will be periods of time when they can offer more than what’s been officially promised and periods where they cannot. This is due in large part to holdups caused by unforeseen complications typical to large custom projects of this nature. The prudent mariner will radio the bridge in advance to check current circumstances before heading out of the Ortega River. We will do our best to keep you informed as conditions change.

Take advantage of Pettit Paints Rebate Program to receive up to $40 in rebate cash on many of their top of the line antifouling paints. Our already low bottom paint prices make this offer too good to pass up. This program expires 5/31/2011. Schedule your haulout today!

Work is underway on the Florida East Coast Railway Bridge in Downtown Jacksonville:

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS:
CSX Railroad will be repairing the FEC Railroad Bridge across the St. Johns River, mile 24.9, Jacksonville, Florida from January 4 through
March 4, 2011. The bridge will remain closed to navigation from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with a scheduled opening between 11:30 a.m.
and 12:30 p.m., Friday through Tuesday of each week. There will be floating equipment placed in the vicinity of this bridge during the
repairs. Ref: LNM 51-10 Chart: 11491

Here’s a few interesting links about the history of the FEC Railway and our bridge:

Florida East Coast bridge isn’t broken

Above photo from Metro Jacksonville

Come see the progress we’ve made with the Pier 17 building renovation. The community is invited to set up their own tables in the parking lot at Sadler Point Marine Center. SEE YOU THERE!

Contact: 387-4669

ECOQUIP Marine from ECOQUIP on Vimeo.