The continuing sagas of the Blue Heron Bridge

[mntlblok]

we dove it after dark last year with no trouble. In fact, the Park Ranger gave us a tutorial as we prepped our gear. "Night Diving Permits" were never mentioned.

That is very interesting to hear. I had pondered trying night diving there *without* a permit and just pay whatever fine went with it - *if* I happened to get one. My theory, based on reading the "rules", was that the rule is there to keep kids from partying on the beach at night.

I ran that idea by the guy on the phone at an area dive shop and was told that it was more than a fine that I would be facing - they could (would??) confiscate my gear and my car! Hmmm. Sounds kind of harsh. Does that sound right to you locals?

I've since thought about it a bit, and recall that the fellow on the phone said that he could probably line me up a night boat dive, instead. I didn't take it this way at the time and declined, but now I wonder if he meant that the night dive would be *at* the bridge. I don't know how common this is (I'm not a local), but I *have* heard of Jim Abernethy doing a boat night dive there before heading over to the Bahamas.

So, I'm now wondering how much the problem with doing night dives at the bridge is related to stepping on the toes of dive shops/boat captains. I realize that I could be way off the mark here, but I do tend to ponder too much.

I wonder how hard it would be for a local to walk up to whomever is guarding that beach some evening and get the real poop on this and report back. I anxiously await said report.

As I further ponder things, if a fellow were to exit the water after a night dive and made his way to his car, it seems that yer only looking at a very short period of time of being "on the beach" - which, to my understanding is the only prohibited activity - as opposed to being in the parking lot, which I understand is open all the time, along with a boat ramp??

Anyway, what am I missing? TIA

Kevin
Savannah

 

[DMDavid]

I ran that idea by the guy on the phone at an area dive shop and was told that it was more than a fine that I would be facing - they could (would??) confiscate my gear and my car! Hmmm. Sounds kind of harsh. Does that sound right to you locals?

Kevin
Savannah

Sounds like someone was trying to sell you thier services.

The state of Florida only allows the confication of property used in the commission of a felony and I don't believe a night dive has been made a felony yet.

So unless you were caught in posession of drugs or controlled substances while doing your night dive it would only be a fine if it is actually prohibited to do so.

 

[Shcubasteve]

That is very interesting to hear... ...I Anyway, what am I missing? TIA

Kevin
Savannah

Ill venture to guess you would be issued a warning or a small fine for being on the beach at night, no big deal... I would, however worry about the potential trespassing violation and subsequent loss of diving privileges for yourself. Every shop does free night dives there anyhow, why test the rules?

 

[bilsant]

This particular dive canceled yesterday because of the weather. (Sorry ccc, I know how much you wanted to dive it).

The dive plan was drop at 5:10 with high tide at 5:41 and out by 6:10. Sunset was 5:30, and based on the times I've been there in the past, the rangers have given leeway to those who went in before the sun went down. Seizure of dive equipment, etc., sounds fierce, but unless you're committing a felony or some violation of the fish and game laws, it's not going to happen. However they do issue citations...for being on the beach after hours.

The local shop on BHBlvd - Force E - sometimes get permission for a night dive under their auspices...divers sign up at the shop and they give a head count to the parks department. The few times I've done this, they've had one of their employees standing by in the parking lot as we dove to make sure nobody bothered the cars...IMHO a very considerate touch.

 

[mntlblok]

Ill venture to guess you would be issued a warning or a small fine for being on the beach at night, no big deal... I would, however worry about the potential trespassing violation and subsequent loss of diving privileges for yourself. Every shop does free night dives there anyhow, why test the rules?

I guess the libertarian in me is just inclined that way. But, the last two times I've looked into doing a dive shop-sponsored night dive during a weekend when I've been down yonder and the tides were right, said sponsored dive turned out to be on a *Sunday* evening - fine, except for us carpet-bagging Georgians who have to be back in the office come Monday.

Kevin

 

[jet126]

From what I have been told by the WPB park district (on the phone) you face a fine plus possibly have your car ticketed and towed. Exiting a dive to find your car gone would not be fun. The rangers have a pretty strong presence in the park at all times. I would not recommend risking it.

The Force E sponsored night dives are not always convenient for Mo-Fri 9-5 working people, to be sure. This week's is on Tuesday night, 12/21, for example.

Little Deeper is a charter boat. They will do a bridge night dive upon request - and only need six divers to make it a go. I've gone out with them - they are a good little boat. If I remember correctly we had to be out of the water by 10pm.

As you all know (because you follow this thread) Blue Heron Bridge is an incredibly unique and special dive site. I'm not 100% sure but I think there was a time when divers had to fight to keep it open for diving. Someone correct me if I'm mistaken. Let's all make sure we don't jeopardize losing this gem by intentionally bending or breaking the few rules that are in place.

 

[Shcubasteve]

BTW, Does anyone have a vis report from the bridge... on Firday vis was 20' or less offshore.

 

[Reef_Haven]

Vis was 10' - 15' on the West side on Friday. Plenty of manatees and eagle rays are still around.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Manatees stay around for a few more days, please.....

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Reef, love the first pic with the blenny. Lots of depth of field creates a really interesting composition.