ONLINE BOATING SAFETY CLASSES
2020-09-21 19:00 - 21:00, 2020-09-22 19:00 - 21:00, 2020-09-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2020-09-24 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | FL
CLEARWATER COAST GUARD AUXILIARY TEACHING BOATING SAFETY CLASSES ONLINE
A New Way to Learn … A New Crop of Safe Boaters
With the advent of COVID-19, the Coast Guard Auxiliary was advised to discontinue in-person classes for the safety of the instructors and students. The good news is that the State of Florida (FWC) and the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) have approved the Coast Guard Auxiliary to conduct online classes.
These classes are not your standard webinar sessions where the students sit at their computers and are lectured at. And they’re not animated cartoon sessions where you have to keep pressing enter to get to the next topic.
The Clearwater Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering “Boat America” taught by certified instructors. The next evening classes will be on four consecutive evenings on September 21, 22, 23 and 24 from 7pm to about 9pm.. Classes are $40 per student and include the books, supplemental materials and course completion certificates.
The classes being offered by the Clearwater Coast Guard Auxiliary are conducted on Zoom with the same instructors they would have had in the classroom and includes lots of questions and answers. In addition, because they’re on the Internet, there’s no commuting to a classroom – the students can be anywhere in Florida!
The boating safety class is also a requirement for many boaters in Florida. In the Sunshine State, anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988, must successfully complete a boater safety course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in order to operate any boat powered by more than 10 horsepower, and they are required to carry their boater education card with them when out on the water along with picture ID.
Ninety members of the boating public graduated with honors from the first three boating safety classes conducted online. The instructor certified members of the Clearwater Coast Guard Auxiliary presented their Boating Safety courses online over four sessions on Zoom.
Contact the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Clearwater Flotilla, for boating safety classes at: www.clwboatingsafety.com or by email at clwtr.auxboating@gmail.com or call 727-469-8895. Also, on Facebook at #clearwatercgaux.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is a uniformed civilian volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard created by an Act of Congress in 1939. The Auxiliary, America’s Volunteer Guardians, supports the Coast Guard in nearly all of the service’s missions

Tap to Tide Water School
2022-10-05 09:00 - 15:00 | Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant, 995 Riverside Drive, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Tap to Tide Water School topics explore water quality and conservation concerns.

Join UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension for an in depth look at emerging water issues in our region. We will provide expert presentations and deep dives into the topics during facilitated discussions. This program is intended for local policymakers but all interested are welcome to register.
Please bring your own reusable water bottles, sunscreen, hat, etc. for the boat tour portion of Water School.
Agenda:
9:00-12:30 Class session (coffee provided)
12:30 Lunch
1:15-3:00 Field Trip, boat tour

>> BUY TICKETS <<<

BOAT AMERICA CLASSES
2024-02-24 09:00 - 14:00, 2024-02-25 09:00 - 14:00 | ZOOM, United States
CG AUXILIARY CLEARWATER FLOTILLA ANNOUNCES 2024 SCHEDULE FOR
VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS AND BOAT AMERICA CLASSES
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Clearwater Flotilla is pleased to unveil its comprehensive
schedule for Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) and Boat America classes for 2024. Dedicated to promoting
boating safety and education within the community, the Clearwater Flotilla continues its commitment to
ensuring that local boaters are equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary for a safe and
enjoyable time on the water.
Vessel Safety Checks (VSC):
Vessel Safety Checks are a crucial component of the Clearwater Flotilla's mission to enhance boating
safety. Trained and certified examiners will be available throughout the year to conduct complimentary
VSCs for local boaters. These checks cover a variety of safety aspects, including life jackets, navigation
lights, fire extinguishers, and other essential equipment. By participating in a VSC, boaters can ensure
that their vessels meet all required safety standards, fostering a safer maritime environment for all.
Boat America Classes:
The Clearwater Flotilla is also pleased to announce the schedule for Boat America classes in 2024. These
classes provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of boating safety, navigation rules, and
emergency procedures. Whether you're a seasoned boater or a newcomer to maritime activities, these
classes offer valuable insights and practical knowledge that can contribute to a safer and more enjoyable
boating experience. Participation in Boat America Classes is open to boaters of all experience levels, and
successful completion may result in valuable discounts on boat insurance.
Schedule Highlights:
Vessel Safety Checks:
Second Saturday of each month at Seminole Boat Ramp
Boat America Classes are $50 per person, including all books and materials conducted over Zoom from
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM:
February 24 and 25
March 16 and 17
April 27 and 28
May 18 and 19
June 29 and 30
July 27 and 28
August 24 and 25
September 28 and 29
October 26 and 27
November 28 and 29
To participate in Vessel Safety Checks or enroll in Boat America classes, interested individuals can visit
www.uscgauxclearwater.com or call 727-469-8895 for more information and to register for upcoming
events. Spaces for both VSCs and classes are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
The Clearwater Flotilla looks forward to welcoming boaters from the community to these events and
remains committed to promoting boating safety through education and outreach. By working together, we
can ensure that our local waterways are safe and enjoyable for all.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. The
Clearwater Flotilla is dedicated to promoting boating safety and providing assistance to the Coast Guard
in its mission to ensure the safety and security of our nation’s waterways.

Birding on the Bay
2024-04-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Birdwatching Excursion Aboard Our Eco-Vessel!
Duration

75 Minutes

About

Join us for a special birdwatching excursion aboard our eco-vessel and let’s spot feathered friends in their natural habitat. This program includes a boat-based visit to a local bird sanctuary island with plenty of time for observation, and our educators will share their knowledge of the local avian population.
All proceeds support Tampa Bay Watch’s mission to foster a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community-driven restoration projects, education programs, and outreach initiatives.

What to Bring

You are welcome to bring your own snacks and/ or beverages.
We do not allow alcohol on the eco-vessel.
Please dress with consideration to the Florida climate and weather.
Sun protection is highly recommended.

For all ages!
>>> BUY TICKETS <<<

Roberts Bay Bird Colony on the Carefree Learner
2024-05-15 11:00 - 13:00 | FL
Wednesday May 15th, 11:15-1:15. Please be at the boat by 11.
Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota. The Carefree Learner boat is located at the south end of the Marina.
We’ll cruise south across Sarasota Bay to see the largest nesting colony for wading birds and Brown Pelicans in Sarasota Bay. The Roberts Bay Bird Colony has been designated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as a “critical bird area” and is managed by Audubon Florida’s Coastal Islands Sanctuaries staff. Listed species including Little Blue Herons, Tricolored Herons, Reddish Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills, and American Oystercatchers nest here. We will coast near the three islands and watch courtship and see nestlings and adults.

Important! Pre-registration is required, and participation is limited. Please do not attend this or any Tampa Audubon Society events if you have flu, cold, or covid symptoms. Tampa Audubon is committed to reducing the spread of illnesses. The health and safety of our members is of the highest priority.

Cost $30/person.
Reservations required as boat space is limited. Leader Ann Paul president@tampaaudubon.org 813/624-3149.

Egmont Key Bird Sanctuary Boat Tour
2024-06-15 16:30 - 20:30 | Egmont Key State Park, H6RQ+43, St. Petersburg, FL, 33711, United States
Egmont Key Bird Sanctuary Tour by boat with
Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges
Saturday June 15th 2024, 4:30-8:30pm (rain date Sunday June 16 or Sat June 22)
Reservations and prepayment required
Join us for our eleventh annual tour of the Egmont Key Bird Sanctuary Tour with a stop at the Ft Dade ruins, Lighthouse, and hopefully a Black Skimmer colony. The Egmont Key Ferry will take us around the south tip of Egmont Key to see the areas where birds are nesting. (These areas are not accessible by foot and only seen by visitors with boats). The chicks from our Laughing gulls, Royal terns, & Sandwich terns should be out on the beaches exploring. Brown Pelicans, White ibis, and American Oystercatchers can also nest on the islands.
Space is limited and this event sells out quickly.
Send your reservation to TampaBayRefuges@msn.com Wait for confirmation then send payment via credit card on Paypal or mail.
Credit card on Paypal: www.tampabayrefuges.org click Get Involved, then Donate. Enter One-Time and the amount, then click Donate with Debit or Credit Card and follow instructions.
Your space will be secure based on first come first served basis AND receipt of payment. You will receive a confirmation email for your payment.
Mail: FTBNWR, PO Box 40782, St Petersburg, FL 33743-0782
Cost:
Members of Friends of the Tampa Bay NWR $35 each (includes tip for boat crew)
Individual Guests or non-members $50 each. You will receive a 1-year individual membership.
Family of 2 guests or non-members $95. You will receive a 1-year family membership. Additional family members add $35 ea.
Make checks payable to Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges, PO Box 40782, St Petersburg, FL 33743-0782.
Reservations and Payment must be received by Friday June 7.
Questions: call Barb Howard at 727 512-4914 or email TampaBayRefuges@msn.com

Coffeepot Bayou Bird Colony on the Discovery Eco-Tour Boat
2024-06-22 18:00 - 20:00 | FL
We have reserved Tampa Bay Watch’s Discovery Eco-Tour boat from the St. Petersburg Pier for an evening field trip to Coffeepot Bayou. Board the boat at the pier area at 6-6:15. We leave the dock at 6:30 and return by 8 at dusk. We travel across Old Tampa Bay to Coffeepot Bayou Bird Island and watch nesting colonial waterbirds up close. Nesting birds include Brown Pelicans, Anhingas, cormorants, and all the herons and egrets, including threatened Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Herons, and Reddish Egrets, Tricolored Herons, plus Roseate Spoonbills.
Cost $25/person.

Important! Pre-registration is required, and participation is limited. Please do not attend this or any Tampa Audubon Society events if you have flu, cold, or covid symptoms. Tampa Audubon is committed to reducing the spread of illnesses. The health and safety of our members is of the highest priority.

Reservations required as boat space is limited. Leader Ann Paul president@tampaaudubon.org 813/624-3149.

Fishing Workshop
2024-08-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-19 10:00 - 12:00 and 1 more date | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
Learn to Fish!
Recommended for ages 10 and up • 2 Hours • Gear Included • Up to 15 People

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Curious about fishing in Tampa Bay but not sure where to start? During this boat-based course, we will cover essential topics like bait selection, appropriate gear usage, regulations, and local fish identification and handling–ensuring participants are equipped with the knowledge to fish responsibly and respectfully.
Each participant will have access to a fishing rod and all essential gear for a hands-on experience during the workshop, with expert guidance readily available as needed. Attendees also have the opportunity to win prizes to help them kickstart their responsible fishing journey.
All proceeds support Tampa Bay Watch’s mission to foster a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community-driven restoration projects, education programs, and outreach initiatives.

This program is perfect for:

Families and parents looking to foster responsible fishing practices
Individuals interested in fishing responsibly and connecting with like-minded people.
Anglers who have recently relocated to the Tampa Bay area and want a better understanding of the local waters, responsible fishing practices, and common fish species in the area.

What to Bring

While gear is provided for use during the workshop, you are welcome to bring your own bait and tackle.
You are welcome to bring your own snacks and/or beverages. We do not allow alcohol on the eco-vessel.
Please dress with consideration to the Florida climate and weather.
Sun protection and water are highly recommended.

Notes

All participants under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Florida Birding & Nature Festival
2024-10-17 - 2024-10-20 | FL
Early birds catch the worms — and the discounts!
We’ll be highlighting the trips that sold out first last year in a series of emails, but the entire schedule is online at https://www.floridabirdingandnaturefestival.org/schedule.html so you can take advantage of the early-bird pricing through July.
Pre-festival bus trip Join four of the state’s best birders — Dave Goodwin, Jim Eager, Bob Snow and Cole Frederick — on a day-long excursion to Saddle Creek Park and Circle B Bar Reserve, where you can expect to see dozens of species, (Visit https://www.floridabirdingandnaturefestival.org/schedule.html) for the full list.) This is definitely an early-bird excursion, with the bus boarding at 7 a.m. to take advantage of a full day of birding.
Coffeepot Bayou Bird Island Audubon’s Jeff Liechy takes the helm of Tampa Bay Watch’s Discovery Eco-Tour Boat for an evening trip and a close-up view of colonial waterbirds. (They won’t be nesting so we won’t disturb them.)
Outback Key and Lower Terra Ceia Bay Eric Plage and Holley Short will lead this boat trip to two of the region’s prime birding spots. An ephemeral barrier island, Outback Key isn’t easily accessible so the birds are extraordinarily comfortable with visitors. The Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge is a roosting site for Magnificent Frigatebirds.
Fort De Soto by land David Goodwin and Jim Eager are back again with trips for advanced birders on Saturday and Sunday morning. Fort De Soto is a 1,136-acre park covering five connected islands that is a haven for migrating neo-tropicals as well as diverse shorebirds.
Lower Green Swamp by wagon Once a working cattle ranch, the 12,800-acre preserve is being restored by Hillsborough County. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes view because the staff working on the restoration will lead the trip. You’ll cross grasslands, open wooded areas, pine forests and a large wetland area, so you’ll see an amazing diversity of birds, from Bald Eagles to Bachman Sparrows.
Check out https://www.floridabirdingandnaturefestival.org/schedule.html and grab those spots while you still can!
Seminars & Free Nature Expo!
While field trips get the most attention, we have an incredible lineup of presentations planned along with a free Nature Expo featuring local organizations and naturalists. You can attend as many seminars as you like for the cost of registering for one day — and they’ll all be on Zoom if you can’t make it to Apollo Beach or if you’re out on a field trip and then available afterward or if you’re out on a field trip.
Check out these highlights:

A worm’s eye view of Tampa Bay, what sediment invertebrates can tell us about the health of our bay. Dave Karlen and the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County have been studying these largely invisible creatures for 30 years.
Conserving Florida Scrub Jays. Once phosphate mining is complete, Mosaic reclaims land and then manages it with fire to provide optimum habitat for the endemic species.
Marc Minno literally wrote the books on Florida butterflies. Join him for this presentation and then a field trip through the Fred and Idah Schultz Preserve where diverse habitats make it THE place for a wide variety of butterflies.
Dan Huber at the University of Tampa is an expert on the biomechanics of sharks and how understanding their mechanical functions contribute to their position as an apex predator for millions of years.

Keynote speakers you won’t want to miss!
To be published in September, Audubon’s Birds of Florida is the latest from Clay Henderson, former president of Audubon Florida. Henderson followed Audubon’s footsteps and paddled in his wake to look for birds in the same places. His previous book, Forces of Nature, celebrates the people and organizations who made Florida a leader in state-funded conservation and land management.

Participants in last year’s birding festival logged a total of 145 species of birds, ranging from Wild Turkeys to Magnificant Frigatebirds. It’s not likely that one person saw all of them in the four days of the festival, but our schedule during peak migration season means that we’ll see birds that we otherwise would miss. Our expert field trip leaders will be scouting their locations in advance to make sure you get to see the most birds possible.
Click here for the full list.

Birding on the Bay
2024-12-07 16:30 - 18:00, 2024-12-15 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-01-04 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-03-22 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-04-06 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-04-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Tampa Bay Watch Marine & Education Center, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL, 33715, United States
The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center Presents:
Birding on the Bay with the MFA

Join us for an unforgettable birdwatching experience on the waters of Tampa Bay! This 75-minute guided boat tour offers a front-row seat to the fascinating bird species that call this vibrant ecosystem home. During the tour, we’ll visit a nearby bird sanctuary island, strategically timed to provide the best viewing opportunities for observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
As we navigate the waters, your expert guide will share insightful details about the diverse bird species you’ll encounter, from elegant waders to soaring seabirds. With our prime location and optimal timing, you’re sure to enjoy exceptional views of these feathered residents as they go about their daily routines.
This tour is perfect for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to explore the rich wildlife of Tampa Bay in a relaxed and educational setting.

>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<
More Information

75 Minutes
$45 ($5 member discount offered)
Tour includes admission to the MFA and TBWDC.
Children under 3 free
November 2024 to February 2025

What to Bring
-You are welcome to bring your own snacks and/ or beverages.
-We do not allow alcohol on the eco-vessel.
-Please dress with consideration to the Florida climate and weather.
-Sun protection is highly recommended.

Egmont Key Sanctuary Tour
2025-06-14 16:30 - 20:30 | FL
Egmont Key Sanctuary Tour by boat with the Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges
Saturday June 14th 2024, 4:30-8:30pm approximate return (rain date Sunday Sat June 2)
Meet at the Bay Pier next to the Dog Park, 27.616871, -82.726690.
Reservations and prepayment required
Join us for our eleventh annual tour of the Egmont Key Bird Sanctuary Tour with a stop at the Ft Dade ruins, Lighthouse, and hopefully a Black Skimmer colony. The Egmont Key Ferry will take us around the south tip of Egmont Key to see the areas where birds are nesting. (These areas are not accessible by foot and only seen by visitors with boats). The chicks from our Laughing gulls, Royal terns, & Sandwich terns should be out on the beaches exploring. Brown Pelicans, White ibis, and American Oystercatchers can also nest on the islands.
Space is limited and this event sells out quickly.
Send your reservation to TampaBayRefuges@msn.com Wait for confirmation then send payment via credit card on PayPal or mail.
Credit card on PayPal: www.tampabayrefuges.org click Get Involved, then Donate. Enter One-Time and the amount, then click Donate with Debit or Credit Card and follow instructions.
Your space will be secure based on a first come first served basis AND receipt of payment. You will receive a confirmation email for your payment.
Mail: FTBNWR, PO Box 40782, St Petersburg, FL 33743-0782
Cost:

Members of Friends of the Tampa Bay NWR $35 each (includes tip for boat crew)
Individual Guests or non-members $50 each. You will receive a 1-year individual membership.
Family of 2 guests or non-members $95. You will receive a 1-year family membership. Additional family members add $35 ea.

Make checks payable to Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges, PO Box 40782, St Petersburg, FL 33743-0782.
Reservations and Payment must be received by Saturday June 7 .
Questions: call Barb Howard at 727 512-4914 or email TampaBayRefuges@msn.com

Boat America Classes
2025-07-26 09:00 - 2025-07-27 14:00, 2025-08-23 09:00 - 2025-08-24 14:00 | U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-1 Headquarters, 510 North Ft. Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL, 33755, United States
Boat America Classes
Boat America is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth and interesting boating safety course, and provides the knowledge needed to obtain a Florida Boating Safety ID Card.

For the convenience of our students, some classes are held online via Zoom. These virtual classes utilize the same instructors and materials you would enjoy during the in-person classes. The schedule below notes whether the class is in person or via Zoom.
To register click on the Registration Form link at the bottom of this page or send an email to the Flotilla 11-1 Public Education Officer at clwtr.auxboating@gmail.com

2025 Boat America Classes

June 28 and 29 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Zoom
July 26 and 27 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – In-Person
August 23 and 24 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Zoom
September 27 and 28 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – In-Person
October 25 and 26 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Zoom
November 22 and 23 – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM – In-Person

Class cost includes book.

Register for Boat America class
