The new look Steinhatchee.com

Welcome to the new redesigned steinhatchee.com. Most of the content is the same but with a fresh updated look and feel.

Check back often to keep up to date on local news and events. The web cam and media gallery are still here so you can see the sights around our area. The weather section of the site can help with making the decision to come over for the weekend.

Bay scallop season permanently extended by 2 weeks

Fron the Gainesville Sun:

A state agency decided to extend the recreational bay scallop season by two weeks permanently and to consider reviving commercial scallop harvesting, which has been banned for 18 years.

The recreational season, which starts July 1 and closed annually on Sept. 11, will now end Sept. 25.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission determined Thursday that the season extensions in place the last two years did not significantly impact the bay scallop population, according to an FWC release.

Read More

Steinhatchee public boat ramp is now open for business.

The boat ramp is now open. It has been a long wait, but well worth it. Great job to everyone who made it happen.

For those that don't know, the ramp is located at the old Ideal Marina location. Here is a link to Google maps showuing the exact location: http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=steinhatchee+public+boat+ramp&hl=en&cid=15350700235981898259

Boat ramp update 7-8-2011 from Captain Tommy Thompson

Captain Tommy Thompson has an update on the Steinhatchee Boat ramp on his blog:

I finally had a chance to stop by and inspect the new boat ramps at Steinhatchee.  Of course, they were to have been completed by July 1, the original opening day of recreational scallop season.  Based on a conversation with a couple of the workers setting dock pilings, here’s my take:

The facility will likely open within the next two weeks.  There are at least 3 ramps that could be used at the same time, depending on the skill and politeness level of the boaters.  The ramps are concrete and solidly built.  There will be a number of floating and fixed docks.   The basin has been dug out and lined with rock to prevent filling in.  The parking lot will not be paved at this time, but depending on the availability of funds, that may happen in the near future.  There is a larger parking lot across the street as well as the one adjacent to the ramps.  There likely will be a charge to launch, but the Taylor County Commission has yet to firm up those details.  There are also conversations held regarding the use of the facility by commercial fishermen and guides.  I expect those details to be available soon and will post them here when they’re firm.

You can view his post here.