While public schools begin to resume next month — as early as Aug. 10 in Florida and elsewhere — so will boat-show season, with the first to cast off in Orlando, Fla.

The Marine Industry Association of Central Florida will open its popular Orlando Boat Show for a three-day run, Aug. 18-20, at the Orange County Convention Center.

More than 20 dealers are expected to display some 400 boats covering virtually all major brands. The show will include a wide range of equipment, education and service displays, plus special family features.

The Fishing Zone tops the popularity list, showcasing all types of gear, including fresh- and saltwater rods and reels, baits, lures and accessories, plus a selection of fishing apparel.

Kids 12 and younger can try their luck at the “Let’s Go Fishing” trout pond. And in a unique feature, youngsters can also receive a custom caricature drawing of themselves driving a boat by artists from “Cartoon You Caricatures.”

New this year will be “Hook The Future” kid’s fishing clinics with Capt. Don Dingman from the Sportsman Channel’s Hook The Future TV series. His interactive presentations on basic fishing techniques, tackle, safety and conservation will take place daily. Plus, all kids aged 5 to 15 will receive a free rod and reel combo following each clinic.

And while the kids are with Capt., Dingman, parents will be able to try their hand at catching bull dolphin at the show’s nearby Saltwater Fishing Simulator.

And of course, Twiggy the water-skiing squirrel returns with a revamped, interactive show. Twiggy is also the spokes-animal for the National Safe Boating Council’s “Wear It” Campaign promoting water safety.

Sen. Cruz Butts Into Waterway Issue

While Florida marine trade associations and related businesses fight for fair and reasonable navigation on the Okeechobee Waterway, it’s reported that Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has apparently gotten involved with the rail companies and said in an interview that he wants to come up with a plan for the railroads to keep the navigable waterway closed to marine traffic 60% of the time.

While no further details were noted, it’s clear the senator’s suggestion flies in the face of a more reasonable Coast Guard proposal being supported by the boating industry. That is, that equal access is appropriate, and therefore, this low, narrow bridge must remain open for safe navigation 30 minutes of every hour. The Florida East Coast Railroad and Brightline claim the proposal is “unacceptable” and have pitted themselves, and apparently Cruz, against the marine community’s interests.

As originally proposed, the railroad wanted the bridge kept in the down position for 45 minutes each hour, wiping out reasonable navigation on this popular cross-Florida waterway. The Coast Guard responded by determining that equal access is appropriate, and the bridge must remain open for 30 minutes each hour.

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast points out that the Coast Guard has agreed to implement this as a trial period. During the trial period, the Coast Guard is asking for comment, so it’s pivotal the industry speak up about the importance to marine businesses and customers.

Click here to go directly to the comment page and indicate that you support the Coast Guard’s current 30-minute bridge open rule to allow safe navigation.