Florida Companies Push for Ferry Service to Cuba
Catamaran builder Brian Hall is too young to remember when ferries plied the route between Florida and Cuba in the 1950s, but he has plans to be among the first to revive the once-popular route. Boosted by President Barack Obama's policy of seeking to normalize relations with the Communist-ruled island after decades of U.S. isolation, Hall hopes to offer a high-speed catamaran service between the Florida Keys and Havana, perhaps as soon as this year. "My partners and I are ready to start operating as soon as we get the go-ahead," said Hall, 49, president of CubaKat, an offshoot of Fort Lauderdale-based catamaran builder, KonaCat. He is not alone. At least half a dozen Florida companies are seriously considering ferry ventures, with plans to seek licenses from the U.S. Treasury Department.
Suspect in Ferry Suicide Hoax Arrested in Georgia
A man suspected of faking his own death and costing the Coast Guard more than $173,000 was arrested Tuesday near Brunswick, Ga. Georgia law enforcement authorities say Aubrey Lee Price, 47, was pulled over by police in Brunswick for having illegally tinted windows on his vehicle. Price, who is a former Valdosta, Ga. banker, is also accused of wire and security fraud. Price was reported missing by his family on June 18, 2012. A family member in Georgia reported the missing man to the U.S. Coast Guard after they had received a certified letter believed to be a suicide note from Price.
A Market that has Rediscovered its Rudder
The year 2004 was a watershed year for the passenger vessel industry. The first two American flagged fast passenger and vehicle ferries went into service and equally important was that business was up in all sectors of the marketplace. There is more variety as well. For the first time in several years, new casino boats are being built. One is for an operator in Michigan City, Indiana, a vessel being built at Chicago Bridge & Iron as a replacement boat for a vessel now almost 10 years old. A second is for the Lake Charles, La. Subsidiary of Pinnacle Entertainment, a Las Vegas-based gaming company. This is a 330-ft. by 225-ft. powered barge built by Leevac Shipyards, Jennings, La.
Cat Ferry Delivered for Key West Express
Florida based operator Key West Express LLC, has taken delivery of its third Incat Crowther catamaran ferry for operation along the west coast of Florida between Fort Myers and Key West. The vessel is a 52m high speed catamaran ferry capable of carrying 513 passengers at a speed of 41.5 knots. The main cabin contains seating for 268 passengers in a mix of lounge, bar and row seating. Catering facilities are a feature of the vessel, which has a journey time of approximately 3.5 hours. A centrally located bar provides full cocktail drinks service with counterside seating for 9. A kiosk, providing pre-packaged food, snacks and gifts is located aft amongst casual lounge and kiosk seating. The mid deck cabin has seating for 147 passengers primarily seated in rows.
