Florida Oysters Rockefeller

Ingredients

3 dozen Florida oysters, shucked on the half shell

2 cups Florida spinach, cooked & squeezed dry

1 Florida bell pepper (any color), diced small

3-4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped fine

1 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce

1 lemon, juiced

2 lemons, quartered for garnish

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to high broil.

In a bowl combine and mix together the spinach, bell pepper, bacon, cheeses, parsley, hot sauce and lemon juice. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper, if needed.

Place one tablespoon or so of the spinach mixture on top of each oyster. Place on a sheet pan and put under the broiler for two or three minutes. The cooking process will happen rather quickly, so observe the whole time.

Oysters will start to curl around the edges and filling will be golden and bubbly. Serve oysters over a bed of ice cream salt with lemon wedges. Look https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/recipes/florida-oysters-rockafeller/

Four Benefits of Enrolling in Boating Lessons

Boating season is almost here, so it’s the perfect time to sign up for boating lessons. Here are some reasons why you should enroll in boating or sailing lessons before hitting the water:

Due to this, you should consider enrolling in boat lessons before applying for your boat insurance. You may qualify for a premium discount on your policy.

3. Familiarize Yourself with the Waterway

Just like roads and highways, there are specific rules of the water that every boater must follow. When you take boating lessons, you can rest assured that you’ll be operating as you should.

Here are some rules you can expect to learn during boating lessons:

• How to avoid boating too close to other boats.

• How to find the channel and when to use it.

• How to cross or overtake other vessels in the water.

1. Boatsetter Academy

This free, introductory two-hour boating course equips new boaters with the boating skills needed to feel comfortable and confident at the helm.

Under the guidance of an experienced captain, participants take the helm for the first time. Then, they put their knowledge immediately into practice, using proper boating techniques and operations.

Boatsetter Academy courses are offered in the following cities:

• Los Angeles, California

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US Sailing offers certification courses in everything from catamarans to cruising and chartering resources. Additionally, they provide both on-water and online class options. And if you’re still debating whether learning to sail is the right activity for you? Their First Sail Experience program will help you clear the air.

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1. Increase Water

Safety

The biggest reason why captains take boat lessons is to boost their confidence and safety on the water. If you’re already on the water, figuring out how to properly operate your boat can be challenging, overwhelming, and downright dangerous. That’s why we recommend mastering basic boating skills — like docking, anchoring, boating safety, line handling, disaster skills, etc. — before ever taking the helm.

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Some boat insurance companies offer boaters better deals when they take boating lessons beforehand.

• How to operate a vessel at a safe and controlled speed.

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If you haven’t purchased your own vessel, taking boating lessons is a fantastic way to test-drive potential options. Not only do some classes familiarize you with various boat types, they can provide a first-hand opportunity to determine which ones suit your needs and lifestyle.

Top Boating Lessons

Ready to enroll in boating courses for this upcoming season? Here are our top picks:

• Dallas, Texas

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BoatUS has a wide array of boater education courses that range from free boat safety courses to on-water training and everything in between.

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National Safe Boating Week is May 20-26

National Safe Boating Week will be held from May 20-26, 2023, reminding all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season. This observance week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.

“The best boating experience is safe boating,” said Yvonne Pentz, communications director of the National Safe Boating Council, a nonprofit dedicated to helping create a safe boating experience for all boaters and the lead organization of the Safe Boating Campaign. “Have fun on the water, make memories with your family and friends – all while boating responsibly.”

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2021, and that 83 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

There are many options for boaters when it comes to choosing a life jacket. When selecting a life jacket, a boater should check that it is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for the water activity, and fits properly.

“Remember, the best life jacket is the one you will wear,” said Pentz. “Whether you’re going fishing or just enjoying a ride on the boat, boat like a pro and make sure you’re prepared for the adventure.”

• The National Safe Boating Council recommends these tips for boaters:

• Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters.

• Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition.

• Make a float plan. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board.

• Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket – every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency.

• Use an engine cut-off device – it’s the law. An engine cut-off device, or engine cut-off switch, is a proven safety device to stop the boat’s engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.

• Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion.

• Know what’s going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents in 2021 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.

• Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones and always travel at a safe speed.

• Never boat under the influence. A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper.

• Keep in touch.Have more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency.

The Safe Boating Campaign is produced under a grant from the Sports Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The campaign offers a variety of free and paid resources to support local boating safety education efforts. Learn more at www.safeboatingcampaign.com.