“Summer Dog Safety: Keep Your Pooch Cool, Clean, and Cruisin'”

“Summer Dog Safety: Keep Your Pooch Cool, Clean, and Cruisin'”

Ah, summer—a time for sun-soaked adventures, lazy beach days, and quality bonding with our four-legged friends. As the temperature rises, it's important to ensure that our beloved pooches stay safe and comfortable. In this article, we'll dive into two crucial aspects of summer dog safety: beating the heat on marina docks and the importance of picking up after your pet. So, grab your furry companion, and let's embark on a fun-filled and responsible summer together! Dockside Delights: Keeping Your Pup Cool and CarefreePicture this: a sparkling marina, bobbing boats, and your canine companion eager to explore. While marina docks can be a paradise for both humans and dogs, they can also pose some hidden dangers during the scorching summer months. Follow these tips to ensure your pup stays cool, safe, and ready to set sail: a) Paw Protection: Marina docks can absorb and radiate heat, causing discomfort or even burns on your dog's sensitive paw pads. Consider using paw wax or investing...
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Hurricane preparedness is crucial when you’re in a marina in Florida, as the region is prone to severe storms. Here’s a detailed plan to help you prepare for a hurricane:

Hurricane preparedness is crucial when you’re in a marina in Florida, as the region is prone to severe storms. Here’s a detailed plan to help you prepare for a hurricane:

Stay informed: Monitor weather reports from reliable sources, such as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and local authorities. Pay attention to storm tracks, intensity, and any evacuation orders or advisories. Create a communication plan: Establish a communication system with other boat owners and marina staff. Exchange contact information and discuss emergency protocols. Designate a primary and backup point of contact outside the hurricane-affected area. Develop an evacuation plan: Determine your evacuation route and know where nearby hurricane shelters are located. Create a checklist of items to take with you when evacuating, including important documents, emergency supplies, and personal belongings. Secure your boat: If time allows, take your boat out of the water and transport it to a safe location away from the storm's path. If you can't remove your boat, secure it properly in its slip or on a trailer. Follow these guidelines: Double-check mooring lines and ensure they are in good condition. Use extra lines and spring lines to provide additional stability. Remove all...
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Safeguarding Your Vessel in a Marina: Preparing for a Hurricane

Safeguarding Your Vessel in a Marina: Preparing for a Hurricane

Safeguarding Your Vessel in a Marina: Preparing for a Hurricane As a boat owner, one of the most critical steps you can take to protect your investment is to adequately prepare your vessel for a hurricane. Hurricanes are powerful storms that can cause extensive damage to boats, especially when they are moored in a marina. In this article, we will discuss specific steps and precautions you can take to safeguard your boat and minimize the risk of hurricane-related damage. Develop an Emergency Plan:Before hurricane season begins, create a comprehensive emergency plan that outlines the necessary steps to protect your vessel. Familiarize yourself with local evacuation procedures and establish reliable communication channels with marina staff, other boat owners, and relevant authorities. Additionally, ensure you have all necessary insurance policies in place and keep them readily accessible. Monitor Weather Forecasts:Stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and tropical storm warnings from trusted sources. Regularly check the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and local meteorological agencies for...
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Discovering the Ultimate Yachting and Fishing Destinations in the Bradenton-Sarasota Area

Discovering the Ultimate Yachting and Fishing Destinations in the Bradenton-Sarasota Area

Discovering the Ultimate Yachting and Fishing Destinations in the Bradenton-Sarasota Area The Bradenton-Sarasota area in Florida is a coastal paradise that offers a wealth of opportunities for yachting and fishing enthusiasts. With its stunning waterfront vistas, abundant marine life, and favorable weather conditions, this region has become a go-to destination for those seeking thrilling adventures on the water. If you're looking for the best places to yacht and fish in the Bradenton-Sarasota area, we've got you covered. Let's delve into some of the top destinations that will make your yachting and fishing dreams come true. Sarasota Bay:Sarasota Bay stands as a premier location for both yachting and fishing. The bay's calm waters and breathtaking beauty create the perfect backdrop for a day of sailing or angling. As you navigate through its pristine waters, you'll encounter an array of game fish such as snook, redfish, trout, and the legendary tarpon. The bay's diverse ecosystem ensures an exciting and rewarding experience for anglers...
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Best Places to Stop on a Trip to the Bahamas from Florida’s Gulf Coast

Best Places to Stop on a Trip to the Bahamas from Florida’s Gulf Coast

The Bahamas are a popular vacation destination for people from all over the world, and for good reason. With their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere, the Bahamas are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you're planning a trip to the Bahamas from Florida's Gulf Coast, there are a few great places you can stop along the way. Here are a few of our favorites: Fort Myers BeachFort Myers Beach is a great place to start your trip to the Bahamas. With its wide, sandy beaches and clear waters, it's the perfect place to relax and soak up some sun. There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and boating. Sanibel IslandSanibel Island is another great option for a stopover on your way to the Bahamas. This barrier island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, as well as a variety of wildlife,...
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20 things to do in Bradenton in May 2023

Bradenton, Florida is a beautiful and vibrant city on the Gulf Coast that offers visitors a wealth of things to see and do. Whether you're a resident or just visiting, May 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting month in Bradenton, with a host of events and activities taking place throughout the area. Here are 20 things to do in Bradenton in May 2023. Bradenton Farmers' Market: Held every Saturday from 9am to 2pm in downtown Bradenton, the farmers' market is a great place to stock up on fresh produce, handmade crafts, and more. Main Street Live: On the first Friday of every month, Main Street comes alive with live music, food vendors, and more. Downtown Bradenton Artwalk: On the second Saturday of every month, explore the galleries and studios of downtown Bradenton while enjoying live music and refreshments. De Soto Heritage Festival: This annual event celebrates the arrival of explorer Hernando De Soto to the area in 1539, with a parade, live...
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Hidden Gems by Yacht

The Sarasota Bradenton area in Florida is known for its stunning beaches, but for those looking for a more secluded and exclusive experience, the best way to access these hidden gems is by yacht. The area boasts of some of the most exquisite secret beaches that are only accessible by watercraft. In this article, we will highlight some of the best secret beaches to visit in Sarasota Bradenton area by yacht. Beer Can IslandLocated at the mouth of the Manatee River, Beer Can Island is a secret beach that is only accessible by boat. The island is small and unspoiled, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a peaceful and secluded getaway. With crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, this hidden gem is a perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.Longboat KeyLongboat Key is a barrier island located between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It is a serene and unspoiled beach that is perfect for yacht...
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Gulf Coast by Yacht

Gulf Coast by Yacht

Florida's Gulf Coast is home to some of the best boating destinations in the world, offering a wide variety of stunning locations and endless opportunities for exploration. For those who prefer to explore the Gulf Coast by yacht, there are many luxurious and unforgettable boating spots to choose from. Here are some of the best boating spots in the Gulf Coast of Florida for yachts: NaplesNaples is a boater's paradise, with a wide variety of waterways and scenic routes to explore. The city's many marinas and boat ramps make it easy to launch your yacht and take to the water. From Naples, you can cruise over to the nearby Ten Thousand Islands, a chain of islands and mangrove islets that are home to an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty.SarasotaSarasota is another great destination for yachting, offering calm waters and stunning natural scenery. The city's many marinas and boat ramps make it easy to launch your yacht and explore the surrounding...
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Provisioning and Preparing for a Long Voyage

Provisioning and Preparing for a Long Voyage

 Getting ready to embark on an adventure includes many checklists and planning, no matter your chosen mode of transportation. When on land, it tends to be easier to plan because, ultimately, you can find a grocery store, parts house, gas station, and other suppliers along the way. There are more challenges when going by boat, especially if you are on a long voyage that could take you offshore for days at sea.Once a few miles offshore, you will no longer be able to access the conveniences of being on a dock or on land. Furthermore, when you arrive at ports of call, the question of how to replenish your supplies will be essential to answer before you set off. Knowing where you will get fuel, water, and provisions will help determine what supplies you will stock your boat with before you leave port.The essential items to start with are:·       First aid supplies (bandages, gauze, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, ointments, pain...
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Sounds like a Plan

You finally have your boat ready to cast off for an epic adventure at sea. The systems have been triple-checked, and you've stocked up on anticipated spare parts, just in case. Life vests are accounted for, sump pumps are all functioning, the drains are clear of blockages, batteries are charged, and the vessel has been provisioned with food and sundries. Lastly, the oil has been changed, and fuel topped off at your favorite fuel dock, like Riviera Dunes Marina in Palmetto, Florida.In the earlier planning stages, you charted your course, planned your ports of call, and decided where to anchor or pull into a marina. You have probably also figured out where you will get additional fuel, water, and other provisions and services along the way. You've thought of everything and checked your lists and spreadsheets, but have you filed a float plan, and have you planned for an emergency? Filing a float plan is imperative if you plan to go on a...
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