Author: Brian M.

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Water Life Magazine has sunset

Water Life was a free monthly online and in print magazine that concentrated on SW Florida fishing news. Sadly, this month, Feb 2022 was the final edition of a magazine that ran for several years and was part of the local landscape. The owner/editors, Michael and Ellen (also our neighbors) have retired and moved on to Colorado. Sadly, we saw their rental truck and car trailer loaded up and ready to go yesterday.

https://waterlifemagazine.com/

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Okeechobee Waterway Bridge and Lock Cheat Sheet

Source: Army Corps of Engineers (Jacksonville District)

Locks:

For up-to-date Lock information contact the shift operator 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

St. Lucie Lock & Dam 772-287-2665 or 863-662-9148

Port Mayaca Lock & Dam 561-924-2858 or 863-662-9424

Moore Haven Lock & Dam 863-946-0414 or 863-662-9533

Ortona Lock & Dam 863-675-0616 or 863- 662-9846

WP Franklin Lock & Dam 239-694-5451 or 863-662-9908

Bridges:

Highway 78A swing bridge at Fort Denaud – Hendry County

•  Horizontal Clearance = 80′

•  Vertical Clearance = 9′ when closed

•  Daily 6am to 10pm/After hours with 3 hour notice

•  Bridge operates on Marine VHF Radio Channel 9

•  866-335-9696

•  Located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute mile 108.2

LaBelle Highway 29 Drawbridge – Florida Dept. of Transportation

•  Horizontal Clearance = 90′

•  Vertical Clearance = 28′

•  Daily 6am to 10pm/Closed M-F 7-9am & 4-6pm

•  Bridge operates on Marine VHF Radio Channels 9/16

•  866-335-9696

•  Located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute mile 103.0

Railroad (swing bridge) – South Central Florida Express Inc.

•  Horizontal Clearance = 50′ (when open)

•  Vertical Clearance = 5′

•  Located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute mile 78.3

Highway 27 (fixed bridge) – Florida Department of Transportation

•  Horizontal Clearance = 225′

•  Vertical Clearance = 56′

•  Located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute mile 78.4

Torry Island Bridge (swing bridge) – Florida Dep. of Transportation

•  Horizontal Clearance = 50′ (when open)

•  Vertical Clearance = 11′ (based on 12.56′ water level)

•  Mon – Thurs 7am to 6pm

•  Fri – Sun 7am to 7pm

•  Bridge operates on Marine VHF Radio Channel 9

•  Located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute mile 60.7

Highway 441 fixed bridge at Pt. Mayaca – FL Dept. of Transportation

•  Horizontal Clearance = 90′

•  Vertical Clearance = 55′ (based on 14.5′ water level)

•  Located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute mile 38.8

Port Mayaca Railroad Bridge (lift type) S. Central FL Express, Inc.

•  Horizontal Clearance = 56′

•  Vertical Clearance = 49′ Up (based on 14.5′ water level)

•  Vertical Clearance = 6′ Down (based on 14.5′ water level)

•  Located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute mile 38.0

Highway 710 fixed bridge at Indiantown – FL Dept. of Transportation

•  Horizontal Clearance = 90′

•  Vertical Clearance = 55′ (based on 14.5′ water level)

•  Located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute mile 28.1

Railroad Swing Bridge at Indiantown – CSX Railroad

•  Horizontal Clearance = 47′

•  Vertical Clearance = 6′ when closed  (based on 14.5′ water level)

•  Bridge operates on Marine VHF Radio Channel 9

•  Located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute mile 28.2

Highway 76A-Arundel Bridge (fixed bridge) Florida Department of Transportation

•  Horizontal Clearance = 90′

•  Vertical Clearance = 55′  (based on 14.5′ water level)

•  Located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute mile 17.0

Highway 873 drawbridge at Alva Lee County Department of Transportation

•  Horizontal Clearance = 90′

•  Vertical Clearance = 21′

•  Daily 6am to 10pm/After hours with 3 hour notice

•  Bridge operates on Marine VHF Radio Channels 9/16

•  866-335-9696

•  Located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute mile 116.0

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Top 10 best home improvement projects for return on investment (ROI)

Home improvement projects are a great way to add value to your home and make it a more comfortable and enjoyable place to live. Whether you are planning to sell your home in the near future or just want to make some updates, there are many projects that can increase the value of your home. In this article, we will discuss the 10 most beneficial home improvement projects that you should consider.

  1. Kitchen remodel: The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home and it is one of the most important rooms in a house. A kitchen remodel can include updates such as new cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring. This type of project can not only improve the look of your kitchen but also make it more functional.
  2. Bathroom remodel: A bathroom remodel can also be a great investment in your home. Updating fixtures, lighting, and tile work can make your bathroom look modern and luxurious. In addition, adding extra storage and updating the layout can make your bathroom more functional.
  3. Adding a deck or patio: Adding a deck or patio to your home can increase outdoor living space and make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Decks and patios are great for entertaining and provide a place for families to gather outside.
  4. Paint the interior and exterior: A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home. A new paint job can brighten up the interior and make it feel more spacious. In addition, painting the exterior of your home can improve its curb appeal and make it look more inviting.
  5. Install energy-efficient windows: Upgrading your windows to energy-efficient models can reduce your energy costs and improve the overall comfort of your home. Energy-efficient windows can also increase the value of your home, as they are an attractive feature for potential buyers.
  6. Add a new roof: A new roof can add curb appeal to your home and protect it from the elements. In addition, a new roof can also improve the overall energy efficiency of your home, which can save you money on your energy bills.
  7. Add or remodel a room: Adding a new room, such as a home office or a guest room, can increase the square footage of your home and make it more functional. Remodeling an existing room, such as a basement, can also improve the overall look and feel of your home.
  8. Landscaping: Landscaping can improve the overall look of your home and add value to your property. Adding plants, shrubs, and flowers can improve the appearance of your yard and make your home more inviting.
  9. Install hardwood floors: Hardwood floors are a popular feature in homes and can add value to your property. Hardwood floors are durable, easy to clean, and can last for many years with proper care.
  10. Update your electrical and plumbing systems: Updating your electrical and plumbing systems can improve the overall safety and efficiency of your home. Upgrading these systems can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers, as they are important features that can impact the overall value of your property.

In conclusion, these 10 home improvement projects can increase the value of your home and make it a more enjoyable place to live. When planning your home improvement projects, it is important to consider the cost and the potential return on investment. Some projects may have a higher cost, but they can also have a higher return on investment, making them a worthwhile investment in the long run. With the right home improvement projects, you can increase the value of your home and make it a more comfortable and inviting place to live.

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Hurricane Wilma, Florida bounced back, yet again

Hurricane Wilma and Hurricane Ivan were two powerful storms that hit Southwest Florida in 2005 and 2004, respectively. These storms caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure and resulted in a decrease in economic output and employment, with the tourism industry being particularly hard-hit. Despite the challenges, the government and the business community stepped up to help with the rebuilding effort and the region was able to recover relatively quickly. Today, Southwest Florida has a thriving and growing economy that is based on a diverse mix of industries, including tourism, agriculture, technology, and manufacturing. The region’s resilience in the face of adversity has been a testament to the strength and determination of its residents.