Well Miami Beach just got a bit busy, so we decided to move a bit farther south. Other than GREAT cuban food at a small market and the scenery the most exciting thing was meeting the "Anchor Police" in Miami Beach. We had just come into the anchorage, south of Julia Tuttle Causeway. I dropped the anchor and started doing the paperwork of the day, and some boat chores. Diane came down into the engine room and informed me the police were here. Again my first thought was "oh crap, just what I need!
Again I was wrong!! The officer tied off to the spring cleat, with a fender, and introduced himself. He asks us our names, and informed us of the rules of the anchorage. He was almost apologetic, as he informed us of the rules. He was quick to explain that there were many exceptions, IE: bad weather, mechanical problems, medical problems, you almost just need a reason to stay longer than the seven day limit.
He explained the ruling was to keep the derelict boats from being anchored in front of the multimillion dollar homes for weeks on end, or forever!!!!!!!! I can understand their thinking here. He also informed us, sailors are generally nice folks, but he runs into an a??"hole every once in a while. He then informs them that, "they WILL, be required to leave in seven days!"
Again, as with the Coast Guard, the officer asks the required questions, filled out the forms, told us if we needed anything to call them, and left. He, like the CG was extremely polite, courteous and seemed to be a nice guy. It was a very refreshing confrontation. I can not imagine being treated more fairly.
With both encounters, it was very clear that the people were just doing their jobs. And I am sure if we had come across with an attitude, we would have been treated in the same manner. And as I always told my son," They have guns and sticks, be nice ? !" But these guys were entertaining, polite, and a pleasure to deal with!!!!!!!!!!