Weekend on Biscayne Bay: Boats, booze, bathing suits
Boating safety is in the spotlight – especially this weekend.
Thousands of boaters from all over South Florida, with varying levels of experience, typically flock to Biscayne Bay in Miami for two traditional Columbus Day Weekend events.
One is the 64th annual Columbus Day Regatta and the other is the Columbus Day Weekend at Elliott Key, the largest island in Biscayne National Park, located about 22 miles off the Miami mainland.
The festive regatta boat race and the weekend at the island are not related, except perhaps for the boisterous boating and boozing associated with both. Think: tailgate parties on the water. The events just take place near one another.
Still, there will be a large concentration of boats in and around the bay for the regatta, which commemorates Christopher Columbus’ voyage to the Americas in 1492, and for the weekend at Elliott Key.
Law enforcement agencies and the Coast Guard in Miami are issuing their traditional warnings: urging participants to have fun but to be careful.
For one, Coast Guard officials are implementing a 15-knot speed limit in effect from Turkey Point north to the Julia Tuttle Causeway (Interstate I-195). The restriction runs from noon Saturday through 2 a.m. Monday
The Coast Guard, along with other local law enforcement including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Miami Fire Rescue and Miami Beach Marine Patrol, will also have a heavy presence on the water this weekend and on the look out for any excessive revelry, drug use and loud music.
At Elliott Key, park officials suggest that boaters “park after dark — in darkness it is more difficult to see other boats, swimmers and shallow areas.” In other words, remain on your vessel and stay anchored after sunset.
There is also a minimum of 100 feet required between single vessels or groups, according to FloridaByWater.com
Park officials also urge boaters to have a designated driver if other passengers plan on drinking alcohol.
Here’s the bottom line: If loud music, getting sprayed by a boat’s wake and seeing barely clothed boaters isn’t your thing, avoid Biscayne Bay and Elliot Key this weekend.