The bridges here on the s florida ICW. Open every 1/2 hour
Actually some are every 20 minutes, some are on demand, some are on a schedule between certain hours and on demand other hours, and some are closed during rush hours. The 1/2 hour bridges may open on the :15 and :45, or on the :00 and :30.
I found the Waterway Guide best, nice to have hard copy at the helm rather than fish around Active Captain or Cruiser's net (my preferred on line source).
I make all the bridges I will have to lift waypoint's on my plotter, helps with timing in addition to the guides. And, after a few trips to have seen the sights and had the experience, and in good weather, the Atlantic Ocean is so much nicer when practical.
I was taught the hard way early on that you have to call even when the bridge is on a schedule, and most FL bridges want to hear from everyone going through. Also polite to let them know when you are clear and thank them.
Don't like the stern anchor idea at all, too many small craft zipping around, too much work, God help you if you have problems getting it up or have to make way for a big boat or barge, or a commercial/government craft that can raise on demand. Might set a "real" anchor if it was going to be a few hours and I could get out of the way of the channel. Once had to wait a long time at Titusville when there were emergency squads and ambulances on the island, the bridge was not allowed to open as long as they were there. Tender was really good at keeping everyone up to date. Otherwise I use it as a way to practice low speed maneuvering, running on one engine, etc and penalizing myself for missing the opening.
Some tenders are very liberal and helpful in getting people through, others are real jerks. I remember one of the Harpies at the Venetian Causeway, east in this case, making a guy wait because he was one minute late per her watch, really really petty seeing as how the bridge wasn't already opened and closed.
On the other hand, remember the folks in cars are also trying to watch the schedule and it can be a real pi$$er to get there when the bridge is supposed to have been closed and up it goes 5 minutes late or held open for some tardy boater when you are trying to make an appointment.