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The Ultimate Luxury Experience

Meet Spacruzzi

The Spacruzzi is an electric propulsion, self-heating, self-cleaning hot tub boat that comes complete with a gas-powered heater. It is crafted to be the ultimate water experience, marked by outstanding build quality and effortless ownership. Our goal is to create a product that's not just a boat but a cherished memory on the water.

2024 Production Waitlist Now Open!

We are thrilled to share that reservations for the 2024 Spacruzzi production cycle are now open!

Because every Spacruzzi is handmade, production spots are limited. To secure your Spacruzzi order in our 2024 production cycle, we require a nonrefundable waitlist deposit of $2500 per boat.

Reserve your order today to ensure you get your Spacruzzi this year!

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Designed For Rental Operations

Looking to add a new experience to your rental operation? Spacruzzi is the perfect addition to any existing or new rental operation. With minimal maintenance costs and year-round rental potential, Spacruzzi is sure to make you and your customers very happy.

Personal Luxury

The Ultimate Personal Experience

Spacruzzi is the pinnacle of personal luxury. Designed to be easy to use and maintain, once placed in a desired body of water Spcruzzi takes only 45 minutes to be hot and ready to enjoy.

American Made

Nevada & Montana

Your Spacruzzi is designed, fabricated and assembled in our production facilities located in Nevada and Montana. From the attention to detail, luxury finishes and patent pending features to the outstanding build quality and ease of ownership - we have set out to create the most sought after experience on the water.

See What Customers Are Saying

"The question isn't - Why would you build a hot tub boat with a gas-fired fireplace; the question is, why wouldn't you?"

Electric Motor

Whisper quiet with quick change, rapid charge batteries allow for extended outings.

Propane powered stove with safety system and auto shutoff, USCG approved.

Onboard Cooler

Water proof compartment keeps drinks ice cold during your ride.

Premium Decking

Choose from a variety of premium synthetic teak and rubberized decking options, colors and caulking.

Steel Tower with Awning

Every Spacruzzi comes with a beautiful handcrafted steel tower with an awning.

Do you have any questions? Submit an Inquiry.

Experience the

Hot tub boat.

Available to rent select weekdays and Saturdays 6pm to 8pm

We are thrilled to introduce our latest offering to elevate your Creekside Hideaway experience – our exclusive Hot Tub Boat adventures on our serene private lake. After a day of exploring the wonders of the Smokies, imagine sinking into the soothing warmth of our wood fired hot tub boats, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Your Hot Tub Boat Experience includes: A 2-hour hot tub rental, allowing you to truly unwind and soak in the tranquility. Our wood fired hot tub boat, equipped with an adjustable electric motor for effortless navigation. Capacity: Accommodates up to 6 people, perfect for sharing fun moments with loved ones. Boat will be full of firewood and ice for your convenience. Temperature: Our hot tub boats can be heated to 105 degrees, adjustable to your preference. Complimentary towels for each guest, ensuring your comfort throughout the journey. Optional cart ride, drop-off right at your home site after your experience.

What to bring: Swimsuit or clothes that can get wet. Drinks of your choice. Price: $200 for a 2-hour rental, available from 6pm to 8pm. We only rent our boats to our guests staying at Creekside Hideaway. If you book and you are not a guest your reservation will be canceled and we will not refund you your money. To ensure availability, please click the "Book Now" button below to check our calendar. Immerse yourself in the magic of the Smokies from a whole new perspective.

For choosing Creekside Hideaway for your getaway. We look forward to providing you with a rejuvenating and unforgettable experience.

PRIVACY POLICY

Terms and conditions, cancellation policy.

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Meet the Spacruzzi, a Bonkers Hot Tub-Boat Hybrid That Comes With Its Own Fireplace

The electric vessel can cruise for up to five hours on a single charge., rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

Rachel Cormack's Most Recent Stories

This new 131-foot superyacht concept brings high architecture to the high seas, isa unveils a trio of sleek new superyachts, wider yachts is debuting a 92-foot hybrid catamaran at the venice boat show—here’s a first look.

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You can probably guess what the Spacruzzi is from its punning moniker. For the sake of clarity, however, allow us to provide you with all the nitty-gritty details of this rather unconventional vessel.

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The hot tub boat is equipped with an internal heating and circulation system to keep the water at the right temp, along with a UV and saltwater filtration system to keep everything clean. There is also a ladder on the side that you can use to get in and out of the tub.

Kanwetz and his team say the Spacruzzi also epitomizes American-made luxury. Each hull is built in either Nevada or Montana using local materials and suppliers. Crafted predominately from fiberglass, the teardrop-shaped vessel can be tailored to each owner’s tastes. There are various high-end finishes available, as well as custom hull colors and decking. You can also opt for extras, such as shade towers, floating drinks caddies or underwater lights, to further distinguish your vessel.

The team says Spacruzzi has received approvals to operate in some of the most heavily regulated bodies of water in the US. The vessel is suited to either personal or commercial use.

“Since we launched, we’ve seen immediate growth in both our rental and direct-to-consumer sales and this is continuing to grow,” Kanwetz said in a statement. “As you begin to see more rental operations popping up, we expect the awareness of the product to grow on the national level as more people see that this isn’t just a novelty item, but an experience that can’t be matched on the water.”

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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Step aboard your own personal floating spa

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Elevate Your Lake Activities

In Arlington, TX, our venture, Hot Yacht Tubs, is redefining the meaning of relaxation and adventure combined. Picture yourself in a hot tub boat, gently floating on the tranquil waters, soaking in the warmth while enjoying the scenic beauty that surrounds you. Our hot tub boats are your perfect gateway to a unique lake activity experience.

Why Choose Hot Yacht Tubs?

Hot Yacht Tubs is not just a service; it's a lifestyle. We take pride in our meticulous attention to detail, which ensures each hot tub boat is equipped for maximum comfort and safety. Our unwavering commitment to meeting our customers' expectations makes us stand out in the industry.

Services We Offer

We offer a variety of services that cater to all your lake activity needs. Whether you want to unwind after a hectic week or plan a unique date, our hot tub boats are the perfect option. Besides, if you're going to host a memorable get-together, our yacht tubs can accommodate a small group, ensuring a fun-filled and unforgettable experience.

Experience Arlington, TX Like Never Before

With Hot Yacht Tubs, you get to experience the best of Arlington, TX, from a different perspective. Our hot tub boats provide a relaxing and adventurous ride across the city's beautiful lake. Soak in the panoramic views of nature and city life alike, all while enjoying the warmth of a hot tub.

Ready to Dive In?

If you're ready to add a splash of fun to your life, don't wait. Book now and dive into a unique experience that combines relaxation and adventure in the best possible way. Let your journey with Hot Yacht Tubs begin today.

Everyone in .

Bring your inner circle on board, or go big with a fleet for friends and family. Dedicated to delivering the best service on Lake Union, our caring, attentive team will go all out to ensure smooth sailing.

Immersive Seattle Adventure .

You’ll be surrounded by Seattle’s charms, from our iconic skyline to the industrial relics of Gas Works Park. Get a front-and-center seat to see the buzzing seaplanes and houseboat community.

You can count on full body relaxation, and the ability to truly submerge, in fresh, chemical-free water replaced before each voyage.

You can open and close your boat's clean-burning, wood-fired stove, to increase or decrease the heat and find your sweet spot.

Take the helm of your own wood-fired hot tub boat, using a tiller for easy navigation. An electric motor ensures calm, quiet cruising.

We’ll provide towels, waterproof phone cases, a bluetooth speaker, drinking water, on-board storage for your BYO snacks and drinks, and heated changing rooms.

Whether you need a solo boat for date night, or three boats for a birthday party of 18, we're happy to make it happen.

What more could you ask for?

Explore Lake Union .

Plan ahead for a fantastic voyage .

Congratulations–you’ve taken the plunge and booked a Lake Union Hot Tub Boat trip. Here’s everything you need to know to be ready, for an experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to change into your swimsuit. Grab free street parking (first-come, first-served) or arrive by ride-share for easy drop-off. You’ll be welcomed in by one of our team members, and if you haven’t already submitted a waiver, we’ll get your digital signature.

This is the moment–you’ll sink down into the stress-melting heat of your hot tub. As you soak, we’ll provide a quick but thorough overview of how the boat works, how to steer, and safety protocols.

After soaking up Seattle, you’ll return to the dock and discard any rubbish from your trip. Retreat to our heated changing rooms before departing–and start thinking about your next voyage.

Before departure, you can use our restrooms and head to our heated, floating changing rooms. Take advantage of our secure storage space for anything that needs to stay behind–and dry.

It’s go time! As you’re taking in the sights, feel free to jump into the cool depths of Lake Union and refresh. Our boats’ ultra-stable design and easy in-out ladders are made for it. So you can fill your two hours with fun.

What You'll bring

• ‍ Swimsuits ‍ Suits are a must. However, if you’re from out of town and didn’t pack a suit, you’re welcome to wear athletic shorts and a t-shirt, or another combination that can do the job of a bathing suit.
• ‍ Beverages ‍ Beyond the drinking water we’ll provide, you can bring both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to sip while you soak, though we do ask that you leave glass containers on shore for safety reasons. 
• ‍ Snacks ‍ Pack your own bites and treats for the ride, keeping in mind that onboard storage is not waterproof, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.

What We'll Bring

• Waterproof phone cases
• Bluetooth speaker
• Drinking water 
• Heated changing areas
• Life jackets
• Onboard storage
• Secure, on-dock dry storage

$400 plus tax on weekdays and $450 plus tax on weekends.

6 people – a person includes: a human at any age/life-stage (yes, children are people too). Per Coast Guard requirements, we can only have 6 people in the boat.

We love accommodating larger groups! We currently have the capacity to rent out three boats at the same time to accommodate up to 18 people. Just select 3 boats when you make your booking.

Things happen and we get it! Full refunds are offered if you need to cancel 7 days prior to your trip. For less than 7 days prior to your trip, we do not offer refunds. We operate rain or shine. We monitor the weather and make day-of determinations regarding safety. Should we decide to cancel your trip due to weather-related reasons, we will reach out to you on the day of your booking and discuss options to reschedule.

Here at Lake Union Hot Tub Boats we believe that most days are perfect for hot tub boat rides! Our guests have great experiences no matter the weather – rain, sun, even the occasional snow flurry! However, safety is always our top priority and if we experience lightning storms or other weather conditions that we deem unsafe, we may have to cancel your trip. Should we need to cancel, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss options to reschedule.

No, there is not. The hot tub boat has two built-in storage areas for your drinks, snacks, speaker, etc. They offer easy access to anything you might need during your trip, but they do not offer protection from the water.  Our hot tub boats offer a full immersion experience.  You will definitely get wet! Whatever you bring on the boat with you will likely get wet! We do have 100% dry, secure storage in the changing area for you to safely leave your belongings on land.

We run a very tight schedule trying to prepare the boat for the next guests. If you bring the boat back later than 15 minutes you’ll be charged a $100 late fee plus an extra $100 for every 15 minutes after that. We do not have the ability to extend your rental time for any reason.

You will be responsible for any damage on a case-by-case basis. We offer damage protection that can be purchased when you make your reservation for $50 per trip.

Our office number is posted on the boat and you can give us a call at any time. We can usually walk you through any issues but we also have a boat to provide as-needed support!

There is a gravel parking strip on N. Northlake Way and it is free back-angle parking, first come first serve. It can be tricky to find parking spots at times and if you are worried, feel free to rideshare or bike to our convenient location.

We heat the water to 104 degrees. It’s a wood-fired hot tub so you will have the ability to manually change the temperature if it gets too hot or not hot enough.

Ages 2 and up are allowed. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Anyone under age 12 must bring their own life vest.

No. Our reservations are for a maximum of 6 people. Each person signs a waiver. We will not allow a group to have more than 6 signed waivers. You cannot have other people join your group at any point during your reservation.

We do not allow pets of any kind to join you in the hot tub boat.

Anyone aged 18+ can rent a wood-fired hot tub boat.

Soaking in a hot tub when pregnant is at the discretion of the pregnant person.

We use North Idaho Energy Logs. They are a warmer, greener, and cleaner source of wood fuel. North Idaho Energy Logs produce more heat from 100% natural recycled wood and cut emissions by more than 50%!

Lots of options! You can close your fire so the water cools down in the tub. You can sit on the edge of the boat. Or you can jump in the lake!

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Hot Tub Boats

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Soak in the sea-nery

The original Hot Tub Boat

Come explore Lake Union on a gorgeous boat, from a cozy hot tub — marveling at sea planes, houseboats, and the Seattle skyline. We offer Seattle's premier Hot Tub Boat rental experience, complete with Bluetooth speakers, easy joystick navigation, and plenty of space for food and drinks. Open year-round, we’re here to help you make great memories and celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and fun times with friends and family.

our story Seattle’s first. Seattle’s best.

We invented and perfected Hot Tub Boats right here in Seattle. It started with a quirky idea: could we combine the comforts of a hot tub with the elegance of a classic wooden boat? Heck yeah, we could. A small, devoted team of local shipwrights worked tirelessly to make the dream a reality. And to this day, we build every one of these beauties by hand.

giving back A RISING TIDE LIFTS ALL BOATS

None of this would be possible without the support of our community. That is why we dedicate so much time and energy to giving back. Between fundraisers, events, and donations, Hot Tub Boats always tries to uplift the community that has done the same for us over the past 10 years.

ready? LET'S GET OUT THERE!

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Embark on an Immersive Adventure

Hot tub boat rentals in lake union seattle, adventure meets relaxation, explore seattle, navigate lake union, the voyages, two hour tours, your vessels, floating relaxation, memorable experiences, chart your adventure, lux hot tub boat rentals, charting a course to unique experiences memories adventures.

Anchors aweigh at Lux Hot Tub Boat Rentals. Embark on an immersive experience where luxury and adventure merge into a unique maritime journey on Lake Union, Seattle.

Lux provides the vessel for you to see, feel, and fully immerse yourself in Seattle. We’re a beacon of leisure, navigating tranquil harbor waters year-round, rain or shine; merging relaxation with exploration in an entirely new way.

Our fleet is not just an assembly of boats; they are elegantly designed floating spas, that allow you to chart a course in luxury hot tub experiences. With our meticulously crafted vessels, we invite you to embark on a journey of indulgence, experiencing Seattle’s aquatic beauty like never before.

Join us at Lux Hot Tub Boat Rentals, and become a part of our community of maritime explorers, united by a shared love of the harbor and the allure of the hot tub boat. Come aboard and chart your own course in aquatic leisure, no matter the weather.

Add a Weather Guarantee, get reimbursed for bad weather!

Testimonials.

Navigating through the tranquil waters of Lake Union in a luxurious hot tub boat was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Lux team made sure every detail was perfect. I can't recommend them enough!

Rain or shine, Lux Hot Tub Boat Rentals always delivers a unique and memorable journey. Their attention to comfort, safety, and fun transformed a simple boat trip into an unforgettable adventure.

The magic of Seattle from a hot tub boat – nothing quite like it! Lux makes it possible with their great service and beautiful, well-maintained boats. We've made lasting memories aboard, and already planning our next trip!

Lux Hot Tub Boat Rentals redefines relaxation! There's something incredibly soothing about soaking in warm water while gliding through the beautiful Lake Union. Even in the rain, the experience was nothing short of magical. Can't wait for my next voyage!

Renting a hot tub boat from Lux was the highlight of our trip to Seattle! Their vessels are top-notch, and the staff is helpful and friendly. We had an amazing time exploring the harbor, all while enjoying the comfort of a hot tub. An absolute must-do experience!

Who knew you could combine a boat ride and a hot tub into one amazing experience? Lux Hot Tub Boat Rentals, that's who! The unique blend of adventure and relaxation they offer is unmatched. Definitely an experience I'll never forget.

Rain or shine, Lux Hot Tub Boat Rentals provided us with a phenomenal time on Lake Union. Warm water, beautiful views, and great company - it was a trip to remember! Thank you Lux for making our day so special.

Steer Towards Serenity: Secure Your Booking Today

Dreaming of an aquatic adventure that marries relaxation with breathtaking sights? Lux Hot Tub Boat Rentals is ready to make those dreams a reality!

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Plan your voyage in just a few clicks

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Flexible scheduling.

Choose the date and time that suits you best

All Weather

Rain or shine.

Our boats are ready to sail 365 days a year

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• 1800 Westlake Ave North, Ste 301 Seattle, WA 98109
• (206) 588-0960
• 12pm - 10pm
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Teen struck and killed by hit-and-run boat while waterskiing in Biscayne Bay identified

T he young girl who was waterskiing when she was struck and killed by a large fishing boat that fled the scene in Biscayne Bay Saturday afternoon has been identified.

The young girl was identified as 15-year-old Ella Riley Adler , who was a student and an accomplished ballet performer, Ransom Everglades Head of School Rachel Rodriguez said Monday.

"Our hearts are broken and our community has been devastated by this tragedy," Rodriguez said in a statement. "Ella shined in our classrooms and on our stages, and she embodied the mission of Ransom Everglades School. She was an outstanding student, a wonderful dancer and an active member of the Jewish Student Association and speech and debate team. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and our prayers are with all who are mourning her loss. In this time of unspeakable pain, we have been moved by the outpouring of kindness and compassion from the Ransom Everglades community. In the coming days and weeks, we will continue to lean into our core values and provide support and care to the many students and members of our professional community who are grieving."

A funeral service held Monday at Temple Beth Shalom for Adler, who was on the dance team at Ransom Everglades.

“Special little girl. She was a great dancer. She was my daughter’s best friend. It’s a tremendous loss. She had such a bright future. Very sad, very sad," family friend Loren Pierson said.

It was standing room only as family and friends gathered to remember the life of Adler. Among them was Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who knows the family.

"This is a young woman who had so much compassion for the world and was such a role model for so many at the age of 15. Our whole community is grieving," Levine Cava said.

Grief counselors were also on hand at Ransom Everglades on Monday.

"It’s really sad to hear. I heard she was a really nice girl and was on the dance team and had a lot of friends. I can’t imagine the pain they’re going through," student Miles Gelber said.

The boating incident happened near Nixon Beach in Miami-Dade County around 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Adler had been waterskiing before she was struck by a vessel that left the scene, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said.

On the condition of anonymity, NBC6 spoke to a witness who offered a firsthand account of the tragic incident.

The witness also provided NBC6 a photo of the immediate aftermath , which captured what appeared to be gray yacht next to a police boat. The witness said Adler had been waterskiing from the gray yacht.

According to the witness, the girl was in the water when she was struck by a large center console fishing boat. They said boat that hit her did not appear to swerve or slow down. Following the collision, the witness said they heard distress signals and screams over the radio coming from the yacht.

Officials also said the vessel that fatally hit her was described as a light blue center console, possibly with blue or dark blue bottom paint and three or four white outboard engines. It was last seen heading westbound from Nixon Beach in Key Biscayne.

FWC officials also confirmed to NBC6 on Sunday that the girl was not actively waterskiing when she was hit.

"She was just in the water with the board attached to her feet and wearing a life jacket," an FWC spokesperson said.

The witness described the yacht as urgently blaring its horn while circling back to the girl.

An obituary posted on Legacy.com said Adler had appeared as a ballerina in the Nutcracker, appearing in over 100 performances with the Miami City Ballet at the Adrienne Arsht Center.

"She loved her friends deeply. She had a big posse of friends, both from Blue Star Camps and school, but Ella had a way of making each of her friends feel special," the obituary read. "She was loyal. She was compassionate. She always believed in speaking up for what was right and she always spoke her mind, but with warmth and grace."

The Miami City Ballet also released a statement on the teen's death.

"We at Miami City Ballet and the Miami City Ballet School are utterly devastated by the heartbreaking news of this tragic accident. Ella Adler was not just a beloved student and a magnificent dancer who graced our stage in  George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker ; she was an integral part of our family, radiating potential and promise whose kindness, warmth, and infectious joy were known to all," the statement read. "Our hearts go out to Ella’s family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and adoring her. As we come together, we will profoundly grieve the loss of Ella, and hold dear the precious memories we were fortunate enough to create with her."

In a statement Monday, FWC officials said they were making "significant progress" in their investigation.

The FWC is continuing its search for the boat and said a reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest or aiding the investigation.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call the FWC’s hotline at 888-404-3922.

2 taken to hospital after boat crash on Sam Rayburn Lake

BROOKELAND, Texas (KTRE) - Two people were thrown from a boat during a crash on Friday.

According to the Lake Rayburn Fire Department, a crew responded to a report of a boat crash Friday afternoon.

The department said the operator lost control of the boat due to a mechanical problem, and both people on board were ejected.

One person was taken to a hospital by air and the other by ambulance.

Copyright 2024 KTRE. All rights reserved.

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Suspected Boater In Fatal Hit-and-Run of Teen Ballerina Had 'Absolutely No Idea That Is What Happened'

The owner of a boat matching the description of the one which struck and killed Ella Adler has been IDed, while the man's lawyer says he's "devastated" ... but still doesn't know for sure whether he or his boat were involved in the crash.

Investigators have named the man who was driving the boat they suspect struck and killed 15-year-old Florida ballerina Riley Adler.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission incident report on the crash reportedly cites 78-year-old Carlos Alonso as the operator of the vessel and said he was the only occupant of the 42-foot Boston Whaler, per NBC Miami .

A FWC press release simply said the agency "identified a vessel that fits the description and it is in their custody" -- adding that "the owner of the vessel is cooperating with the investigation."

Authorities Offer Reward After Teen Ballerina Is Killed In Boating Hit and Run

According to the incident report, Adler and a friend were being towed on a wakeboard and wake surfboard in Biscayne Bay on Saturday. The two fell off their boards at different locations and Adler was struck by another vessel while in the water.

The boat did not stop after she was hit; the teen died of her injuries.

First responders said there was "a lot of blood in the water" when they arrived at the scene.

Autopsy Report Details Teen's Final Hours Before Naked Body Was Found on Oklahoma Highway

Alonso's lawyer, Lauren Field Krasnoff, called the incident "the worst possible tragedy that anyone could imagine."

"We don't know at this time whether [Alonso] or his boat were the boat involved in the crash," she continued, adding her client didn't know why police showed up to his door after boating solo on Saturday. "If his boat was involved, I can tell you he had absolutely no idea that that is what happened that day. He is as devastated as anybody could be."

"He docked his boat in plain sight, and most importantly, he's been cooperative with law enforcement and with anybody that has needed to investigate what happened on the water that day," the attorney added. "He has had no contact with the criminal system. He does not drink, and he was not drinking on that Saturday."

Krasnoff said they're "devastated" for the victim's family and friends -- adding, "there's no question in our minds that this is an absolutely horrific thing that happened and we pray for and think of their family and friends during this time."

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In her obituary, Adler was remembered as a "star" and "force of nature.

"In her 15 years on this earth, she dazzled us with her light. She emanated love and joy. She was beautiful. When she walked into a room, everyone was drawn to her. She loved to dance, she loved her friends, and most of all she loved her family - her parents, Amanda and Matthew, and her younger siblings Jaden and Adalynn," it read.

She was also remembered as an accomplished ballerina and someone who "loved her friends deeply."

At her funeral service on Monday, a letter from the late teen's father was read by one of the child's aunts.

"Mommy and I have said for years that you truly got the best parts of both of us," he wrote, according to the Miami Herald . "You were taken from us way to soon, and the world has been robbed of all the things you could have achieved. But you will always be here with us and your friends and family will carry your energy and spirit forever."

Ella's sister also wrote a letter read by their aunt -- writing, "I will always have you in my heart."

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Investigators continue search for the hit-and-run boater who killed a 15-year-old girl in Florida

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MIAMI (AP) — Investigators continue to search for the boater who fatally struck a 15-year-old girl off a South Florida beach and fled without stopping, while friends and family members mourn her loss.

A funeral service for Ella Adler was held Monday morning at Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach. Adler was a freshman at Ransom Everglades School in Coconut Grove and a ballerina with the Miami City Ballet.

“We are heartbroken,” a post on the school’s Facebook page said. “Ella Adler ’27 shined in our classrooms and on our stages, and she embodied the mission of Ransom Everglades School. We wish peace and comfort to her family.”

Adler was skiing near Key Biscayne, just south of Miami, on Saturday afternoon when she fell into the water and was hit by another boat, which immediately sped away, officials said. Witnesses described the hit-and-run craft as a center console boat with a light blue hull, multiple white outboard engines and blue bottom paint, according to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission statement.

A total reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.

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GIF-ing…FAILs on a Boat (30 GIFs)

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“You scratched my anchor” GIF-ing stupid FAILs on a Boat…OR…at least, some version of a watercraft.

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Weekend weather in Michigan: ‘Almost hot’ and great for a first boat ride

• Published: May. 16, 2024, 4:03 p.m.
• Mark Torregrossa | [email protected]

The weekend weather will be really close to feeling like summer for many of us. Many Michiganders also have to take your boat for a first run so you are all ready for the family next weekend- the holiday weekend.

With the sun getting higher in the sky every day and more heating power let’s start with our normal high temperature this weekend.

Long-term average high temperature for May 18 NOAA

Over the past 30 years we have averaged high temperatures in the high-60s at this time of year. So when I talk about cracking 80 degrees you should realize it’s 10 degrees or more above normal.

On rainfall I’d call it a dry weekend. We are in the time of year when a stray 15 minute shower can pop up, but it doesn’t even look much like that pattern either. The rain areas forecast below shows you small areas of light showers.

Rain areas forecast from 4 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Sunday. NOAA

Saturday morning is going to start in the low-50s right at sunrise but quickly warm after that.

Saturday's low temperature forecast NOAA

Saturday afternoon will have uniform temperatures around 80 degrees for most all of us. The Great Lakes’ shorelines are still going to be cooler.

Saturday's high temperature forecast NOAA

Sunday morning will almost feel like summer at around 60 degrees.

Sunday's low temperature forecast. NOAA

With a warmer start Sunday morning the afternoon will end up in the 80s. That’s a really summery feel in my book.

Sunday's high temperature forecast NOAA

One nice feature of this weekend’s weather is the lack of wind. It will be a good weekend to take the boat for a first cruise of the summer. The afternoon wind forecasts below show winds remaining less than 10 mph.

Wind forecast at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024 NOAA

Wind forecast at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 19, 2024 NOAA

Get ready for a nice, summery weekend. Let’s just hope we didn’t use up the heat this weekend and be left with a chilly Memorial Day weekend. We will look at an early look of the holiday weekend tomorrow morning.

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Pelican Island bridge reopens for evacuation-only after barge slams into span, causing oil spill

GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A barge hit the Pelican Island Causeway Wednesday morning, damaging a portion of the bridge and causing an oil spill in the bay, according to the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.

The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway is shut down for approximately 6.5 miles between marker 350.5 to 357 as officials respond to this incident, County Judge Mark Henry said, adding that the oil spill is heading in that direction, so the U.S. Coast Guard decided to move forward with the closure.

The closure is a major setback for operations as significant maritime commercial traffic uses the waterway along the Texas coast.

It also has implications for those on Pelican Island. It's located north of Galveston, with that bridge as the only way on and off Pelican Island.

Galveston County emergency management canceled evacuations from Pelican Island at about 6 p.m. because the bridge was "unstable" and "handrails and concrete were seen shifting."

Before stopping evacuations, officials were allowing drivers to pass the bridge one by one, at about 20 feet apart.

At 8 p.m., the emergency management reopened the bridge only for people exiting Pelican Island, not allowing anyone to enter.

The traffic line to leave was still congested by 9 p.m., and there was no longer a hard stop for evacuations.

As everyone on Pelican Island is able to drive off and evacuate, residents like Andrea Dunlap, who has lived there for two years, are concerned about how soon they'll be let back in.

"I'm just hoping that if they do have to shut down the bridge, they're going to find another option to get us back and forth," she said.

Harborside Drive is open to east-west traffic. However, drivers will not be able to travel north toward Pelican Island from 51st and Harborside. Galveston police officers are detouring traffic in the area.

Henry said at about 10 a.m., the vessel under tow broke loose and slammed into the railroad side of the bridge. The rail portion is not in use.

Officials told ABC13 that two crew members on the ship were either thrown or jumped off, but they were rescued quickly. Emergency management leaders confirmed with ABC13 that there were less than 200 people on the island when the incident happened.

Vacuum gas oil is leaking from the barge, which has a capacity of 30,000 gallons and is operated by Martin Operating Partnership.

Eyewitness News reached out to the company but has yet to hear back.

Officials said the vessel is carrying a base petroleum product, and the Coast Guard is investigating reports of pollution.

A view from SkyEye showed about a 300-foot sheen on the water in the bay.

Officials said that crews are at the scene assessing the damage to the bridge, including four TxDOT inspectors.

Despite an initial outage, Henry said that the island has since switched over to a secondary power route.

Texas A &M University Galveston is on Pelican Island and shared an alert Wednesday about the bridge closure:

"Sea Aggie Alert: The Pelican Island Bridge is closed to all traffic at this time due to a barge strike. Electricity has been restored, and additional updates will be provided as the situation unfolds. The next scheduled update will be at 1200."

TAMU is one of the main buildings on the island. The university held commencement ceremonies last week.

Emergency management leaders told ABC13 that, as of 4 p.m., at least half of the students at the Texas A &M campus had been evacuated off the island.

Pelican Island is also home to a number of attractions, including Seawolf Park and the Galveston Naval Museum, as well as several port-related industries.

Of note, the Battleship Texas has been in dry dock on Pelican Island as it undergoes major renovations. It re-entered the water in March and is expected to reopen sometime in 2025 or 2026.

What to know about Pelican Island Causeway

The causeway itself is 3,239 feet long with a span of 164.1 feet.

A proposal was put forth to replace the bridge , with construction to start in summer 2025.

It would stretch from SH 275 to Seawolf Parkway.

The Seawolf Parkway bridge connects Pelican Island to Galveston Island within the city of Galveston.

An overview of the project read, "The deterioration of the Seawolf Parkway bridge has progressed to the extent that any additional deterioration could result in sudden bridge closure. Since this bridge provides sole access to Pelican Island, bridge closure would effectively cut off access for all users, including evacuation and emergency services."

The bridge was constructed in 1960 and is at the end of its functional life.

TxDOT plans to begin construction next summer, but it is unclear if the schedule has been affected by Wednesday's incident.

Authorities are concerned that the collision will render the bridge unusable. It is expected to remain closed until it is deemed safe to use.

What spilled into the bay?

Officials say the liquid is vacuum gas oil, a heavy oil byproduct of vacuum distillation of crude oil.

Honeywell, who was not involved in this incident, describes VGO as "a key feedstock for fluid catalytic crackers used to make transportation fuels and many other by-products."

The oil is flammable when heated to high temperatures. Because of its makeup and heavy odor, it shouldn't be released into ditches, sewers, or waterways.

Even small amounts can cause mild to severe pulmonary injury if breathed into the lungs. VGO may also irritate the eyes and skin.

Ingesting or inhaling heated vapors or mists could also cause headaches, sleepiness, dizziness, slurred speech, and blurred vision, and it may cause skin cancer.

"That's devastating. The fish, the birds, and everything, it's not going to be great," Dunlap said.

As officials work on clean-up plans both for the oil and broken pieces of the bridge, people like Dunlap are concerned about the long-term effects of this entire situation.

The U.S. Coast Guard said they're looking into why this happened in the first place and will determine the extent of the spill,

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Nypd ‘headcount’ faces record lows not seen in decades — 200 cops leaving each month : data.

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The number of NYPD cops on the job this year and last is the lowest it’s been in more than three decades – with about 200 cops leaving each month, according to data obtained by The Post.

The current NYPD headcount is 33,695, just 154 more than last year — and the lowest since 32,451 in 1990, stats from the department and city Independent Budget Office show.

The problem is getting worse as retirements this year have surged 11%.

A total of 566 police officers have hung up their holsters through April, compared to 508 over the first four months of last year, NYPD pension data shows.

A total of 823 NYPD cops have left the department so far this year. Of those, 257 cops quit before they reached the 20 years required to receive their full pensions.

On Thursday alone, 27 cops resigned. “Most” are going to the higher-paying Nassau Police Department, police sources said.

The NYPD’s largest police union warned something has got to give.

“New York City police officers’ workload has exploded over the past several months, and the staffing is still nowhere close to keeping up,” said Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry.

“From the daily protest details to additional patrols in the subway, our members are beyond exhausted already – and summertime crime spikes are just around the corner. Squeezing cops for even more overtime hours is not a solution. It will just send even more of them running for the exits.”

The NYPD has responded to 2,400 protests since Oct 7, and handle an average of 12 protests a day. Cops are often held over past the end of their shift to deal with the demonstrations.

The union has proposed a flexible schedule — currently being tested in select precincts — that would have cops work longer hours on fewer days.

One police officer, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, told The Post he retired in January after 20 years because he had had enough of the long hours, anti-cop rhetoric and bail reform laws that prevented him from doing a job he once loved.

“When I first got on the job there was a certain level of respect for the police officer. In regards to no-bail, these guys know they can punch a cop and be let out the next day. There’s no consequences. So, a lot of cops are like, ‘What the hell are we doing?'” said John, a 42-year-old assigned to the Bronx.

Retiring was “like somebody lifted an elephant and took it off [my shoulders],” he said.

As a married father of three, losing his regular days off and being re-routed to other commands to deal with protests and subway crime meant longer hours and took a toll on his family, he added.

“If you go to any of the outer counties, particularly in Westchester or Long Island, those guys are making a tremendous amount of money for maybe half the work that our guys do.”

Two of the canceled NYPD academy classes are back on , Mayor Eric Adams announced last month, which will boost the dwindling ranks by 1,200.

But the PBA contends the new hires will “barely keep the headcount flat.”

The Adams administration called off five classes to train new recruits  as part of multiple rounds of budget cuts  to offset the cost of the migrant crisis, which has the city on the hook for nearly $10 billion through next year.

Earlier this year, though, higher-than-expected revenue has led the administration to roll back a series of cuts, including one of this fiscal year’s police classes and more than $500 million in educational cuts next year.

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