Man it's Cold! I've lived here since 1989 and this is the longest cold spell I have experienced here. In 89 we had colder weather, into the low 20's in Punta Gorda, But only for three consecutive days. It has not even hit much above 50 degrees since New years eve. Last night we had killer frost her in Sarasota for the first time in 3 years. Friday we're expecting snow showers when the next front comes through. Then Sunday it's suppose to get into the mid to low 20's. If that happens we will lose some of our palms and our lime tree. Global warming is a myth. This pattern seems to be cyclical. Anyway the water temperature is now in the mid 50's and dropping a degree or two everyday. @ 52 degrees Snook go into shock and dye if prolonged in that for any period of time. I see a big fish kill coming. I wanted to start my trip to Key West after the New Year but now it seems like it would be a survival issue to stay warm and alive. Of course there is no heat on my little boat. In fact because of that I've decided to wait until the water temp is back above the 60 deg. range before going. Freezing to death on the first trip south wouldn't be a very cool way to go.
I have sailor friends in Key West they are freezing too. I'll keep you posted of the upcoming date to sail. I do keep the Engel Reefer full of beer and do a little trailer sailing everyday for an hour or two. Today I hailed the Stickney Pt. Bridge tender which is about 5 miles from here to check out if my new VHF radio worked. Loud and Clear and by the way the opening schedule is every 20 min. I'll be putting on my boat name " FREEDOM ROC'S" tomorrow and will update with a photo then. Well that's the cold facts from here in Sarasota. Stay tuned, maybe someday I will actually go sailing.