It has always baffled me that even though we have a huge beautiful waterway flowing through our city on most days you can look out and find the river vacant. This was really driven home about a month ago when I had the opportunity to help with a delivery of a sailboat to another port city, Charleston. As we approached the mouth of Charleston Harbour I was very impressed with number of people enjoying the water. Boats of all sizes and types filled the river. Literally there were hundreds! Everything from Jon boats and sunfish to 40' yachts and 50' three-masted sailboats full of people enjoying the water. They were fishing, swimming and racing. Tour boats were loaders to capacity. It's a shame we don't see what is right in front of us and enjoy it by getting out there. The river could be a huge draw and I wish we had better access and destinations.
You do realize that Georgia Pacific is still pumping dioxin into the water upstream, don't you? Dioxin causes cancer and other ailments in even trace amounts. There is no minimum save level so dilution fails as a solution. Also, the shipyards left nasty contamination that is still down in the muck or suspended in the water column. There is enough residual that should rule out swimming and eating fish or shrimp from the water for a long time. Jacksonville itself is way over the maximum load for its own pollution load. Generally, locals don't care enough to protect it from current contamination, let alone pay for a complete (or even partial) clean up.
Due to the tidal ebb and blow, currents are a bit tricky, but I understand can be navigated if one is sufficiently skilled. However combined with heavy commercial shipping its not recommended as the best water for beginning sailers. Best bet is to enjoy the view, but realize that we've crapped up the water beyond help.
Moving from Annapolis years ago, I was also surprised at how little the St John's is "used" by comparison. But it is used more than many perhaps realize. Sailboat races twice a month in season, River cruises, poker runs, and lots of people just enjoying the water. Just not as many as a few other very popular places, even though we have as many boats and as much potential. From a personal perspective, the economy and the demands of business keeps me off the water more now than a few years ago. As the economy improves and if the city gets a bit more "river smart", we should see the St John's used more.
I also kept boats downtown for years. The currents are very tricky and scare many away. There were times when two of us could take our boat out and there were times when if we didn't have four on the boat, we couldn't leave the dock. The difference is basically like this. On the Ortega River or the Trout, when you pull your boat into a slip, you have 30 seconds or so to get it secured. Downtown, that time is literally just a few seconds before the boat will go where you do not want it to go. And things can get bad very quickly. But other than docking or the rare loss of power, the river itself is pretty easy to deal with.
One other thing. Downtown, my boats grew things very quickly and lots of growth. And it got worse over the years I was there. Once I moved to the Trout River, the growth is a fraction of what it was Downtown. The city (JEA?) has issues with what it still is allowing to be dumped into the water. And those boats that people live on but never move? What do you think happens with the waste generated by those boats? Other cities handle that issue with pump out boats. Jacksonville has one pump out station at Metro Park and as far as I can tell, no enforcement.
Quote from: kitester on November 07, 2012, 03:11:29 AM
It has always baffled me that even though we have a huge beautiful waterway flowing through our city on most days you can look out and find the river vacant. This was really driven home about a month ago when I had the opportunity to help with a delivery of a sailboat to another port city, Charleston. As we approached the mouth of Charleston Harbour I was very impressed with number of people enjoying the water. Boats of all sizes and types filled the river. Literally there were hundreds! Everything from Jon boats and sunfish to 40' yachts and 50' three-masted sailboats full of people enjoying the water. They were fishing, swimming and racing. Tour boats were loaders to capacity. It's a shame we don't see what is right in front of us and enjoy it by getting out there. The river could be a huge draw and I wish we had better access and destinations.
Your absolutely right. And the reason is because of legislative restrictions that have been imposed by Public and Private groups that continues to deny anyone the opportunity to access, promote, celebrate, and protect our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative.
What a joke when you watch the morning, afternoon, and evening news broadcasts and they pan our river Downtown and it's empty. The biggest focus right now to tell the world that we are ALL IN is the Historic Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier. Shipyards III. 2010-604, 2011-364, 2012 -402. There is so much more. Watch Palms Fish Camp. Who will be getting a million dollar payday for never even opening up the door? The crushing of the Public Trust.
Let's get to work. Open it for Business. Stop the legislative protectionism.
Quote from: Noone on November 08, 2012, 05:25:09 AM
Quote from: kitester on November 07, 2012, 03:11:29 AM
It has always baffled me that even though we have a huge beautiful waterway flowing through our city on most days you can look out and find the river vacant. This was really driven home about a month ago when I had the opportunity to help with a delivery of a sailboat to another port city, Charleston. As we approached the mouth of Charleston Harbour I was very impressed with number of people enjoying the water. Boats of all sizes and types filled the river. Literally there were hundreds! Everything from Jon boats and sunfish to 40' yachts and 50' three-masted sailboats full of people enjoying the water. They were fishing, swimming and racing. Tour boats were loaders to capacity. It's a shame we don't see what is right in front of us and enjoy it by getting out there. The river could be a huge draw and I wish we had better access and destinations.
Your absolutely right. And the reason is because of legislative restrictions that have been imposed by Public and Private groups that continues to deny anyone the opportunity to access, promote, celebrate, and protect our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative.
What a joke when you watch the morning, afternoon, and evening news broadcasts and they pan our river Downtown and it's empty. The biggest focus right now to tell the world that we are ALL IN is the Historic Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier. Shipyards III. 2010-604, 2011-364, 2012 -402. There is so much more. Watch Palms Fish Camp. Who will be getting a million dollar payday for never even opening up the door? The crushing of the Public Trust.
Let's get to work. Open it for Business. Stop the legislative protectionism.
No access huh? Last I checked there was a boat ramp directly downtown that anyone can use. On Saturdays, I see plenty of people boating in the St. Johns. Especially as you move further south around the Buckman, Mandarin, Julington Creek etc. I've never had any issues accessing the River.
I have seen paddleboarders, jet skiers, boaters, kayakers, even people swimming and dolphins all downtown in the river. It does get used. Taking a boat out on the intracoastal on a Saturday in the summer is crazy, near the jetties and Ft George there are boat traffic jams.
Quote from: Noone on November 08, 2012, 05:25:09 AM
Quote from: kitester on November 07, 2012, 03:11:29 AM
It has always baffled me that even though we have a huge beautiful waterway flowing through our city on most days you can look out and find the river vacant. This was really driven home about a month ago when I had the opportunity to help with a delivery of a sailboat to another port city, Charleston. As we approached the mouth of Charleston Harbour I was very impressed with number of people enjoying the water. Boats of all sizes and types filled the river. Literally there were hundreds! Everything from Jon boats and sunfish to 40' yachts and 50' three-masted sailboats full of people enjoying the water. They were fishing, swimming and racing. Tour boats were loaders to capacity. It's a shame we don't see what is right in front of us and enjoy it by getting out there. The river could be a huge draw and I wish we had better access and destinations.
Your absolutely right. And the reason is because of legislative restrictions that have been imposed by Public and Private groups that continues to deny anyone the opportunity to access, promote, celebrate, and protect our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative.
What a joke when you watch the morning, afternoon, and evening news broadcasts and they pan our river Downtown and it's empty. The biggest focus right now to tell the world that we are ALL IN is the Historic Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier. Shipyards III. 2010-604, 2011-364, 2012 -402. There is so much more. Watch Palms Fish Camp. Who will be getting a million dollar payday for never even opening up the door? The crushing of the Public Trust.
Let's get to work. Open it for Business. Stop the legislative protectionism.
How completely false. There is plenty of access near and around downtown. The ramp next to River City is fantastic.
Kitester is a troll in the worst way? Look at his postings they are mainly about "Parks, Recreation, and the Environment" and "Re: Huguenot Park - Your access today!" So beware of Kitester? ;)
There are plenty of boat ramps downtown and close to it:
http://www.coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/waterways-and-boating/boat-ramps.aspx
Navigating downtown is a bit tricky due to the current as others have mentioned. I wonder what it was like when bay street was the waterfront street. As it is now, the river acts like a funnel near the landing. A bit tricky, but worth it:)
The conversation moving forward needs to differentiate between commercial river access and non commercial river access. RAM is the most classic case. Remember the transient vendor ban? 2010-856.
The point is that our Downtown commercial river activity if allowed could increase. Especially if we want to increase the Regional participation.
Never forget Shipyards/Landmar.
Quote from: Noone on November 08, 2012, 11:50:46 AM
The conversation moving forward needs to differentiate between commercial river access and non commercial river access. RAM is the most classic case. Remember the transient vendor ban? 2010-856.
The point is that our Downtown commercial river activity if allowed could increase. Especially if we want to increase the Regional participation.
Never forget Shipyards/Landmar.
OK, well you were referring to "access". You didn't mention any sort of differentiation. Next time you should make it more clear that you want free commercial access so that you can make money of the River. Those of us that enjoy recreating on the River have plenty of access.
Quote from: Noone on November 08, 2012, 11:50:46 AM
The conversation moving forward needs to differentiate between commercial river access and non commercial river access. RAM is the most classic case. Remember the transient vendor ban? 2010-856.
The point is that our Downtown commercial river activity if allowed could increase. Especially if we want to increase the Regional participation.
Never forget Shipyards/Landmar.
Nice reversal. So, you are just clamoring for more commercial activities? Like what?
Quote from: cline on November 08, 2012, 08:29:03 AM
Quote from: Noone on November 08, 2012, 05:25:09 AM
Quote from: kitester on November 07, 2012, 03:11:29 AM
It has always baffled me that even though we have a huge beautiful waterway flowing through our city on most days you can look out and find the river vacant. This was really driven home about a month ago when I had the opportunity to help with a delivery of a sailboat to another port city, Charleston. As we approached the mouth of Charleston Harbour I was very impressed with number of people enjoying the water. Boats of all sizes and types filled the river. Literally there were hundreds! Everything from Jon boats and sunfish to 40' yachts and 50' three-masted sailboats full of people enjoying the water. They were fishing, swimming and racing. Tour boats were loaders to capacity. It's a shame we don't see what is right in front of us and enjoy it by getting out there. The river could be a huge draw and I wish we had better access and destinations.
Your absolutely right. And the reason is because of legislative restrictions that have been imposed by Public and Private groups that continues to deny anyone the opportunity to access, promote, celebrate, and protect our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative.
What a joke when you watch the morning, afternoon, and evening news broadcasts and they pan our river Downtown and it's empty. The biggest focus right now to tell the world that we are ALL IN is the Historic Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier. Shipyards III. 2010-604, 2011-364, 2012 -402. There is so much more. Watch Palms Fish Camp. Who will be getting a million dollar payday for never even opening up the door? The crushing of the Public Trust.
Let's get to work. Open it for Business. Stop the legislative protectionism.
No access huh? Last I checked there was a boat ramp directly downtown that anyone can use. On Saturdays, I see plenty of people boating in the St. Johns. Especially as you move further south around the Buckman, Mandarin, Julington Creek etc. I've never had any issues accessing the River.
I always see a ton of people out and about down there. Maybe because it is wider and easier to navigate?
It's interesting that those who seek to discredit others attempt to apply labels. In the post by if_i_loved_you he says I am a "troll". If that's true then we are all trolls. The point of an open forum is to invite discussion even if other opinions different from your own are presented. If_i_ should learn that not everyone on the planet sees things the same way he or she does. In my original posting here I was making an obrvation about how we as a community view, use and access the river and how that is different from other river/port cities. It's good to hear people saying that they see lots of people on the water. I would say its all relative. There have always been certain areas that have more use than others. its true that downtown currents can be challenging for the inexperienced waterman. And its true that there tend to be more boaters near the jetty. I still believe that we don't use this resorce as well as other cities do. Perhaps that will change. I heard tha the city might redevelop Exchange Island back into a nice public destination. If you go to the Zoo by boat you can get in for free. We should have better access and more destinations available to recreational boaters.
I like to sail. For me and others that would like to use wind powered boats there is very limited access. You need an open water ramp. Small sailboats still have masts and many don't carry motors on board. I bet there are many people who would like more access for that hobie cat sitting in the yard. Almost the only way to get that boat in the water is to be a member of the Yatch Club or the rudder club. Of course you could buy your own house on the water with a nice dock....... A nice ramp on both sides of the river with good parking that has a clear run to the open river is needed. But that will only happen when our community begins to change from a look but don't touch attitude.
By the way this lack of access is the reason I am selling my boat. Anyone want a super fast foiling sailboat? If you have good access it's a hoot. Top speeds clocked above 35!