Pensacola jim
New Member
- Mar 24, 2009
- 81
- Boat Info
- 370AC 1998
9' Dink,2hp Honda
- Engines
- 380hp Horizons
We are a late fifties couple which cruise the Florida/Alabama coast line in our Sea Ray 370AC. This summer we have made it a point to entertain our grand children more frequently this summer. We were brought up to respect everyone and teach our children to respect and admire our public servants. We have observed in our area of the coast a change in Water Patrol conduct and attitude. Now let me say we have not had a run in, and we have no axe to grind here! We want safe and fun boating!! But what we are seeing much more than should be necessary in our area is boat stopping, searching, and ticket writing. The US Coast Guard also has a presence here but seem to be part of the boatong community. They anwser the radios and offer guidance when asked. When approaching the Florida Water Patrol you arfe more likly to get a cold shoulder and a ticket than assistance/guidance. I'm sure the state of Florida is just like other states suffering for revenue but this seems an excersise to clearly raise money.
Florida officers sit on the intercoastal waiting for boaters from Alabama and if looks could kill they would. We just don't see many of these boaters doing a thing wrong, many have there families on board with life preservers on and are run up on and sometimes boarded for no apparent reason. We have not seen any drug busts from Florida Water Patrol in our area, and we have not had Terriorists that have been arrested or any foriegn armies storming our beautiful beachs! So maybe someone out there can explain what we are experiencing down here. Although my wife and I regret saying it we have told our grand children not to wave or make eye contact with these public servants. They don't wave back or smile anyway! Please add to this with other observations.
Florida officers sit on the intercoastal waiting for boaters from Alabama and if looks could kill they would. We just don't see many of these boaters doing a thing wrong, many have there families on board with life preservers on and are run up on and sometimes boarded for no apparent reason. We have not seen any drug busts from Florida Water Patrol in our area, and we have not had Terriorists that have been arrested or any foriegn armies storming our beautiful beachs! So maybe someone out there can explain what we are experiencing down here. Although my wife and I regret saying it we have told our grand children not to wave or make eye contact with these public servants. They don't wave back or smile anyway! Please add to this with other observations.