Category: Member News

SWFMIA local government agenda items for the week of July 25, 2016

Lee County No Meetings

City of Cape Coral Monday the 25th @ 4:30pm

No issues

City of Fort Myers Monday the 25th @ 4:30pm

First Amendment to Escrow Deposit Agreement with Mainsail Lodging and Development for construction of a convention center hotel granting a 30 day extension (Ward 4)

Town of Fort Myers Beach No Meetings

City of Sanibel No Meetings

City of Bonita Springs No Meetings

Village of Estero No Meetings

Charlotte County Tuesday the 26th A 9:00am

Alligator Creek Waterway Unit is seeking one regular member to fill a vacant unexpired term. Term will expire on August 12, 2019.

Gulf Cove Waterway Benefit Unit is seeking one regular member to fill a vacant unexpired term. Term will expire on August 12, 2019.

Manchester Waterway Benefit Unit is seeking one regular member to fill a vacant unexpired term. Term will expire on January 12, 2019.

Northwest Port Charlotte Waterway Unit is seeking one regular member to fill a vacant unexpired term. Term will expire on June 12, 2019.

Pirate Harbor Waterway Unit is seeking one regular member to fill a vacant unexpired term. Term will expire August 24, 2019.

Letter of intent for US Army Corp of Engineers for cooperative funding of Manasota Key Re-nourishment project

August 26 WCIND Agenda
Board discussion and direction of the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) Agenda for their August 26th WCIND Board meeting.

Conduct a Public Hearing – Slow Speed Minimum Wake Zone near entrance of Coral Creek
Conduct a public hearing to consider approval of an ordinance amending article II, Chapter 3-1 of the Charlotte County Code; amending the size of the slow speed minimum wake zone for vessels operating near the entrance of Coral Creek and South and East of the roadway known as Anglers Way.

City of Punta Gorda Wednesday the 20th @ 9:00am Last Week

Meeting was canceled

Sarasota County No Meetings

City of North Port Tuesday the 26th @ 10:00am

Ordinance No. 2016-20, First Reading, Petition No. TXT-16-088 Amending Chapter 14, Earthmoving, Dredge and Fill Regulations, Sections 14-1 through 14-21 of the City of North Port Unified Land Development Code and Amending Chapter 61, Definitions, Section 61-3 Definitions and Word Usage
http://cityofnorthport.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?M=F&ID=c4c3f4fd-0139-484a-b07a-32c327ee85ef.pdf
http://cityofnorthport.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?M=F&ID=5ab32fd8-890b-44e5-9259-ebc9a33691bb.pdf

City of Sarasota No Meetings

City of Venice Tuesday the 26th @ 9:00am

Meeting canceled

Town of Longboat Key No Meetings

Manatee County Tuesday the 26th @ 9:00am

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Micro-Grant

West Coast Inland Navigation District Application

City of Anna Maria Thursday the 21st @ 6:00pm Last Week

No issues

City of Bradenton Beach No Meetings

City of Bradenton Tuesday the 26th @ 9:00am

No issues

City of Holmes Beach No Meetings

City of Palmetto No Meetings

Hillsborough County No Meetings

Plant City Monday the 25th @ 7:30pm

No issues

City of Tampa Thursday the 21st @ 5:30pm Last Week

No issues

City of Temple Terrace No Meetings

Pinellas County No Meetings

Town of Belleair No Meetings

City of Belleair Beach No Meetings

City of Belleair Bluffs No Meetings

City of Clearwater No Meetings

City of Gulfport No Meetings

City of Indian Rocks Beach Thursday the 28th @ 4:00pm

No issues

Town of Indian Shores No Meetings

City of Largo No Meetings

City of Madeira Beach No Meetings

Town of North Redington Beach Thursday the 28th @ 2:00pm

No issues

City of Oldsmar No Meetings

City of Pinellas Park Thursday the 28th @ 7:30pm

No issues

Town of Redington Shores Wednesday the 27th @ 7:00pm

No issues

City of Safety Harbor No Meetings

City of Seminole Tuesday the 26th @ 6:00pm

Consider approval and authorize the city manager to expend capital improvement project (CIP) funds for design and engineering services for phase II of the waterfront park project.

City South Pasadena No Meetings

City of St. Pete Beach Tuesday the 26th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City of St. Petersburg No Meetings

City of Tarpon Springs No Meetings

City of Treasure Island No Meetings

Southwest Florida Water Management District Tuesday the 26th @ 9:00am

Approve Second Amendment to Lease Agreement for Little Manatee River Project and Second Amendment to Lease Agreement for Alafia River Project to Remove and Add Acres in Response to Executed Exchange Agreement between Hillsborough County and the District for SWF Parcel Nos. 11-058-100X and 11-709-100X

South Florida Water Management District No Meetings

WCIND No Meetings

SWFMIA local government agenda items for the week of June 27, 2016

Lee County No Meetings

City of Cape Coral No Meetings

City of Fort Myers No Meetings

Town of Fort Myers Beach No Meetings

City of Sanibel No Meetings

City of Bonita Springs No Meetings

Village of Estero No Meeting

Charlotte County Tuesday the 28th @ 9:00am

Alligator Creek Waterway Unit Advisory Board is seeking one volunteer who must be resident of Charlotte County and reside within the Unit. Terms: one regular member for a three year term which will expire August 2019. Submit application to Public Works Department, 7000 Florida Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950; call 941.575.3600 or e-mail Kelly.Louttit@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.

Gulf Cove Waterway Benefit Unit Advisory Board is seeking one volunteer who must be a resident of Charlotte County and reside within the Unit. Terms: one regular member to serve a three year term which will expire on August 2019. Submit application and resume to Public Works Department, 7000 Florida Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950; call 941.575.3600 or e-mail Kelly.Louttit@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.

Manchester Waterway Benefit Unit Advisory Board is seeking one volunteer who must be a resident of Charlotte County and reside within the Unit. Terms: one regular member to serve a three year term which will expire January 2020. Submit application and resume to Public Works Department, 7000 Florida Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950; call 941.575.3600 or e-mail: Kelly.Louttit@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.

Northwest Port Charlotte Waterway Unit Advisory Board is seeking one volunteer who must be a resident of Charlotte County and reside within the Unit. Terms: one regular member to serve a three year term which will expire on June 2019. Submit application and resume to Public Works Department, 7000 Florida Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950; call 941.575.3600 or e-mail Kelly.Louttit@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.

Appointments – Marine Advisory Committee
Approve the following appointments to the Charlotte County Marine Advisory Committee: Mr. Paul A. Bigness as member-at-large, filling the unexpired term of Bill Hoffman expiring December 31, 2016 and Dr. Roger Strube representing the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, filling unexpired term of John Dauster expiring December 31, 2018. These nominations were approved by the Marine Advisory Committee at their June 9th meeting.

Slow Speed Minimum Wake Zone in the vicinity of Boca Grande Causeway
Conduct a public hearing to consider approval of an ordinance amending article II, Chapter 3-1 of the Charlotte County Code; amending the size of the slow speed minimum wake zone for vessels operating in areas adjacent to the Boca Grande Causeway.

City of Punta Gorda No Meetings

Sarasota County No Meetings

City of North Port Tuesday the 28th @ 10:00am

Resolution No. 2016-R-15, directing the City Manager to temporarily suspend enforcement of the Unified Land Development Code, parking and storage of certain vehicles Section 25-19(F) and (H) and (J) as it pertains to Boats on a licensed Vehicle parked on a driveway or side yard, providing for certain conditions, providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.
http://cityofnorthport.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?M=F&ID=9d7b78dc-033f-4c6e-a653-0f94dddf215d.pdf
http://cityofnorthport.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?M=F&ID=18d5e595-a25f-44a5-9a90-bda52558f55b.pdf
http://cityofnorthport.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?M=F&ID=1c83e2ec-602b-4439-820c-2db397be5c11.pdf

City of Sarasota No Meetings

City of Venice Thursday the 30th @ 8:30am

Initial Budget workshop

Town of Longboat Key No Meetings

Manatee County No Meetings

City of Anna Maria No Meetings

City of Bradenton Beach No Meetings

City of Bradenton No Meetings

City of Holmes Beach Tuesday the 28th @ 7:00pm

No issues

City of Palmetto No Meetings

Hillsborough County No Meetings

Plant City Monday the 27th @ 7:30pm

No issues

City of Tampa No Meetings

City of Temple Terrace No Meetings

Pinellas County No Meetings

Town of Belleair No Meetings

City of Belleair Beach No Meetings

City of Belleair Bluffs No Meetings

City of Clearwater No Meetings

City of Gulfport No Meetings

City of Indian Rocks Beach No Meetings

Town of Indian Shores No Meetings

City of Largo No Meetings

City of Madeira Beach No Meetings

Town of North Redington Beach No Meetings

City of Oldsmar No Meetings

City of Pinellas Park No Meetings

Town of Redington Shores Wednesday the 29th @ 7:00pm

1. Discussion – Supporting BIG-C Resolution 2016-02 – Waterborne Transportation throughout the Barrier Islands of Pinellas County.

City of Safety Harbor No Meetings

City of Seminole Tuesday the 28th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City South Pasadena Friday the 1st @ 9:00am

No issues

City of St. Pete Beach Tuesday the 28th @ 6:00pm

Presentation by Pinellas County on the Jetty Project

City of St. Petersburg No Meetings

City of Tarpon Springs Tuesday the 28th @ 6:30pm

No issues

City of Treasure Island No Meetings

Southwest Florida Water Management District Tuesday the 28th @ 9:00am

No issues

South Florida Water Management No Meetings

WCIND No Meetings

SWFMIA local government agenda items for the week of June 20, 2016

Lee County Tuesday the 21st @ 9:30am

Approve transfer of $292,000 of Solid Waste Funds for improvements to Pine Island Commercial Marina
($292,000; Solid Waste Enterprise Fund; Not included in budget.): 
Funds are available in Solid Waste Reserves to contribute towards future dredging, site improvements and seawall replacement at Pine Island Commercial Marina (PICM).  Recent improvements to PICM included dredging the canal from the end of the finger docks to the intra-coastal waterway, demolition of the boat ramp, docks and seawalls along with construction of a new boat ramp, barge landing and seawall.    These improvements were paid by funds from the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND), Boater Improvement Funds and the General Fund.  Since citizens from the outer island will benefit by having a reliable waste hauling transport that will not be affected by low tides and Solid Waste’s operations will also be improved, Solid Waste Reserves will be transferred to the PICM Dock Replacement and Dredging Project # 402139.
(#20160322-FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT)

Approve Resolution requesting WCIND funding for twenty FY16/17 projects ($1,915,310)
Approves required Resolution to the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) requesting funding for FY16/17.  The prioritized project list totaling $1,915,310 was voted on and approved by the BOCC appointed Waterways Advisory Committee (WAC) on April 28, 2016.  The resolution authorizes Natural Resources Division Liaison to sign and submit applications and an Assistant County Manager of the Lee County Board of County Commissioners to execute and submit any project funding agreements pertaining to projects on this priority list as approved by WCIND up to the amount shown herein.
(#20160321-NATURAL RESOURCES)

City of Cape Coral No Meetings

City of Fort Myers No Meetings

Town of Fort Myers Beach Monday the 20th @ 6:30pm

No issues

City of Sanibel No Meetings

City of Bonita Springs No Meetings

Village of Estero Wednesday the 22nd @ 2:00pm

No issues

Charlotte County No Meetings

City of Punta Gorda No Meetings

Sarasota County Tuesday the 21st @ 9:00am

No issues

City of North Port No Meetings

City of Sarasota Monday the 20th @ 2:30pm

Approval Re: Authorize the Mayor and City Auditor and Clerk to execute the Second Amendment to Lease Agreement between the City of Sarasota and Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Inc., to allow the tenant to undertake an improvement project for the replacement of the existing floating section of Dock C with a new Bellingham Marine Dock in the amount of $63,915.00 – Presenter(s): Asset Manager Schanley
Click to View Backup Material

Adoption Re: Second reading of proposed Ordinance No. 16-5168, amending the Zoning Code (2002 Edition) of the City of Sarasota by amending Article VII, Regulations of General Applicability, Division 13, Waterfront Property and Docks, Section VII-1302, Docks, so as to modify the regulations applicable to community boat docks; providing for severability of the parts hereof, etc. (Title Only)(Application No. 16-ZTA-01, Applicant City of Sarasota) – Presenter(s): Planning and Development Services General Manager Schneider
Click to View Backup Material

City of Venice No Meetings

Town of Longboat Key Monday the 20th @ 10:00am

No issues

Manatee County Tuesday the 21st @ 9:00am

No issues

City of Anna Maria Thursday the 23rd @ 5:00pm

Agenda not posted will check back on Monday

City of Bradenton Beach No Meetings

City of Bradenton Wednesday the 22nd @ 6:00pm

No Meetings

City of Holmes Beach No Meetings

City of Palmetto Monday the 20th @ 7:00pm

No issues

Hillsborough County No Meetings

Plant City No Meetings

City of Tampa Thursday the 23rd @ 5:30pm

File No. File No. E2016-47 (AKA PA16-02)
Transmittal public hearing on (1) text amendment for the redevelopment of the Rattlesnake Point Waterfront Area, as more particularly described in Section 2 below; providing for notification procedures.

City of Temple Terrace Tuesday the 21st @ 6:00pm

Agenda not posted will check back on Monday

Pinellas County Tuesday the 21st @ 2:00pm

Resolution regarding approval of the primary business points for the high speed ferry pilot program.
https://pinellas.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2762245&GUID=19BC16BF-EF84-42BC-964E-12ABFF2321D5&Options=&Search=

Town of Belleair Tuesday the 21st @ 6:30pm

No issues

City of Belleair Beach No Meetings

City of Belleair Bluffs Monday the 29th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City of Clearwater No Meetings

City of Gulfport Tuesday the 21st @ 7:00pm

No issues

City of Indian Rocks Beach No Meetings

Town of Indian Shores No Meetings

City of Largo No Meetings

City of Madeira Beach No Meetings

Town of North Redington Beach No Meetings

City of Oldsmar Tuesday the 21st @ 7:00pm

No issues

City of Pinellas Park Thursday the 23rd @ 7:30pm

No issues

Town of Redington Shores No Meetings

City of Safety Harbor Monday the 20th @ 7:30pm

No issues

City of Seminole No Meetings

City South Pasadena No Meetings

City of St. Pete Beach No Meetings

City of St. Petersburg No Meetings

City of Tarpon Springs No Meetings

City of Treasure Island Tuesday the 21st @ 6:00pm

Consideration of Ord.- 16-15, Causeway Waterfront Land Referendum – 1st Reading

Southwest Florida Water Management District No Meetings

South Florida Water Management No Meetings

WCIND Friday the 24th @ 10:00am (Lee County Commission Chambers)

See agenda

SWFMIA local government agenda items for the week of June 13, 2016

Lee County No Meetings

City of Cape Coral Monday the 13th @ 4:30pm

No issues

City of Fort Myers No Meetings

Town of Fort Myers Beach Monday the 13th @ 10:00am

No issues

City of Sanibel No Meetings

City of Bonita Springs Wednesday the 15th @ 9:00am

No issues

Village of Estero No Meetings

Charlotte County Tuesday the 14th @ 9:00am

Re-Appointment Northwest Port Charlotte Waterway Unit Advisory Board
Approve the re-appointment of Paul Elliott as a regular member to the Northwest Port Charlotte Waterway Advisory Board with the term expiring on June 14, 2019.

12-050 Stump Pass 10-yr Amend #4
a) Approve Amendment #4 to Contract #12-050 Stump Pass Ten-Year Management Plan with Coastal Engineering Consultants, Inc. of Naples, FL for an increase of $658,337; and
b) Authorize the Chairman to sign associated amendment.
No action needed. Budgeted in CIP project “Stump Pass Maintenance Dredging”, as approved in the FY16 budget process. Funding is supplied from MSBU/TU assessments in the Stump Pass Beach Nourishment Unit.

16-289 Alligator Creek Waterway Dredging (Public Works-Engineering)
Approve the award of Bid #16-289, Alligator Creek Waterway Dredging to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Waterfront Property Services, LLC dba Gator Dredging, for the total project amount of $798,714.
No action needed. Budgeted in CIP project “Alligator Creek 6′ Dredging”, as approved in the FY16 budget process and later amended. Funding is supplied from assessments in the Alligator Creek Waterway MSBU.         

Set a Public Hearing – Slow Speed Minimum Wake Zone in the vicinity of Boca Grande Causeway
Set a public hearing for Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., or soon thereafter as may be heard, to consider approval of an ordinance amending article II, Chapter 3-1 of the Charlotte County Code; amending the size of the slow speed minimum wake zone for vessels operating in areas adjacent to the Boca Grande Causeway.
No action needed. New marine markers are budgeted in the Boater Improvement Fund, as approved in the FY16 budget process. Funding is supplied from State boater registration fees.

WCIND June 24, 2016
Discussion and direction of the West Coast Inland Navigation District’s (WCIND) June 24, 2016 Board Meeting Agenda.

City of Punta Gorda Wednesday the 15th @ 9:00am

FY 2017 Budget Status Update for the Utilities, Sanitation, Building, Marina, Lot Mowing Program, PGI Canal Maintenance and Gas Tax Funds

Sarasota County No Meetings

City of North Port Tuesday the 14th @ 10:00am

No issues

City of Sarasota No Meetings

City of Venice Tuesday the 14th @ 9:00am

No issues

Town of Longboat Key No Meetings

Manatee County No Meetings

City of Anna Maria No Meetings

City of Bradenton Beach Thursday the 16th @ 12:00pm

Expansion of Day Dock at Bradenton Beach Pier
Mooring Field Consultant
Separation of Revenues & Expenditures for Pier Funds

City of Bradenton No Meetings

City of Holmes Beach Tuesday the 14th @ 7:00pm

Presentation by City Engineer Lynn Burnett relating to proposed enhancement of
city-owned boat docks.

City of Palmetto No Meetings

Hillsborough County Wednesday the 14th @ 9:00am

No issues

Plant City Monday the 13th @ 7:30pm

No issuess

City of Tampa No Meetings

City of Temple Terrace No Meetings

Pinellas County No Meetings

Town of Belleair No Meetings

City of Belleair Beach No Meetings

City of Belleair Bluffs No Meetings

City of Clearwater Monday the 13th @ 1:00pm

Approve a purchase order (contract) to Construction Manager at Risk
Keystone Excavators, Inc. of Oldsmar, Florida in the amount of
$300,085.50, which includes a 10% contingency, for site work and construction of a pier and boardwalk associated with the Marina District Boardwalk at the Papaya Street Entry Node; increase CIP 315-93639 Marina District Boardwalk and Entry Nodes by $150,000, increasing the budget from $606,510 to $756,510, to be funded by the transfer of $150,000 from general fund reserves at third quarter; and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
http://clearwater.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?m=l&id=/matter.aspx?key=3708

Approve Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Agreement: MV192 for CVA15-760 for Clean Vessel Act Grant Program funding for the operation, maintenance and repair of the Clearwater Beach Marina pump out vessel and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
http://clearwater.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?m=l&id=/matter.aspx?key=3632

Ratify and confirm a new lease agreement with Steven M. Hasley, d/b/a REMAX Action First for a lease term of five years with a five-year extension option and approve the Clearwater Marina Parking Permit Office Project.
http://clearwater.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?m=l&id=/matter.aspx?key=3707

City of Gulfport No Meetings

City of Indian Rocks Beach Tuesday the 14th @ 7:00pm

Discussion of Big-C Resolution # 2016-02 regarding waterborne transportation throughout the barrier islands of Pinellas County.

Town of Indian Shores Tuesday the 14th @ 5:00pm

Consideration of request from Steve Wsstphal to approve overnight docking of patrons at the Pub Restaurant.

City of Largo Tuesday the 14th @ 4:00pm

No issues

City of Madeira Beach Tuesday the 14th @ 6:00pm

AWARD OF RFP 2016.01 (MADEIRA BEACH FERRY SERVICES) TO HUBBARD’S MARINA.

DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (HOLIDAY ISLE MARINA)
A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF AN APPLICATION TO ENTER IN A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MADEIRA BEACH AND C&T ENTERPRISES, INC. AND MHH ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONTINGENT ON THE APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 2015-18 TO REZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 555 AND 565 150TH AVENUE FROM C-4, MARINE COMMERCIAL TO PD, PLANNED DEVELOPMENT.

Town of North Redington Beach No Meetings

City of Oldsmar No Meetings

City of Pinellas Park No Meetings

Town of Redington Shores No Meetings

City of Safety Harbor No Meetings

City of Seminole No Meetings

City South Pasadena Tuesday the 14th @ 7:00pm

Ordinance # 2016-02 To prohibit parking of boats on city rights of ways.

City of St. Pete Beach Tuesday the 14th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City of St. Petersburg Thursday the 16th @ 2:00pm

No issues

City of Tarpon Springs No Meetings

City of Treasure Island No Meetings

Southwest Florida Water Management District No Meetings

South Florida Water Management No Meetings

WCIND No Meetings

SWFMIA Supports the Lee County Marine Task Force

The Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association recognizes the Lee County Marine Law Enforcement Task Force for its extraordinary efforts to reduce marine theft in Southwest Florida. The dedication, commitment, and cooperation put forth by all the agencies involved in the Task Force is truly remarkable and sincerely appreciated by all of our member businesses and the boating public.

Thank you to every Law Enforcement Officer involved for taking this matter personally and to many long hours devoted to the protection of the boating public and the boating industry in Southwest Florida.

The efforts of all agencies in going above and beyond with continued service plays an important role in protecting Southwest Florida’s Boating Waters. To represent our industries appreciation, SWFMIA sponsored a luncheon on February 3rd, 2016 for all of the officers involved with the Marine Task Force at Overtime Pizzeria in Cape Coral. John Good with SWFMIA and Lt. Chris Nyce with the Lee County Sheriff’s office both spoke about the importance of communication between industry and enforcement. On behalf of all SWFMIA’s members, John Good along with Justin McBride presented the Lee County Marine Task Force with a plaque in honor of the dedication and efforts in protecting Southwest Florida’s industry businesses and the boating public.

Barry Marshall Appointed to SWFMIA Board of Directors

FORT MYERS, FL — Barry Marshall, Managing Partner of the Sarasota based Viage Group, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association by president Hans Wilson. Barry fills a newly established board seat as the representative of the Sarasota/Manatee (Manasota) Region.

A respected marine Industry veteran, he has over twenty years of experience in the marine industry managing top retail operations on Florida’s West Coast. In 2013 he teamed up with another well-known industry retailer, Eddie Russell to form the Viage Group in Sarasota. The dealership has quickly gained the respect of their customers and the industry for outstanding service.

“Barry is a great addition to our board,” said Hans Wilson. “As we work to expand our membership base along Florida’s west coast, his experience and perspective will help us make an already outstanding board even better.” The SWFMIA Board is made up of 13 members representing a broad spectrum of marine industry businesses located on Florida’s west coast.

For more information, visit www.swfmia.com or contact Kyle Good, kyle@swfmia.com, 954-570-7785.

SWFMIA Membership Roundtables – April 2016

With a wide array of issues facing the marine industry from water quality to rampant theft at dealerships across SW Florida, SWFMIA held 2 roundtables to provide information and facilitate discussion on what the industry can and needs to do to best represent our businesses and boaters. The first roundtable was April 5th at the Crowne Plaza in Ft. Myers and the second at Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater on April 6th. A common theme in addressing the multitude of issues our industry faces is the importance of communication. Attending our roundtables and meetings provides a great venue for discussions and offering your unique viewpoint in such a diverse industry.

Both Roundtables were kicked off by Association President, Hans Wilson. Hans discussed the importance of being united in an industry association and the interactive format for the roundtable to encourage participation. After self-introductions from everyone in attendance, Han’s provided a legislative update and discussed the role of Missy Timmins, our industry lobbyist, and the impact she plays in Tallahassee with the State Legislature. Theft and break-ins were talking points at both meetings which were facilitated by local law enforcement. Lee County has seen an influx of marine theft at dealerships dominated by lower units and marine electronics. Lt. Chris Nyce reviewed recent reports and dealers in attendance gave suggestions regarding cameras and lighting. The Clearwater region has not had a large theft issue, but it is important to be prepared and aware of the crime wave in Lee County and to look for similar trends.

The Ft. Myers Roundtable focused on the water quality issues as result of the run off from Lake Okeechobee. Phil Flood with the South Florida Water District reviewed the history of water movement discharging from Lake Okeechobee and how the waterways have changed through many years. Phil discussed the heavy rain fall we have seen of lately with Lake Okeechobee having the largest rainfall from November-January since record keeping began in 1932. Congressman Clawson’s Chief of Staff, Pat Cauley discussed efforts for land purchase to help filter and control water quality, and industry members made comment to the impact the Lake-O discharge has made on their businesses. Captain Daniel Andrews with Captains for Clean waters and Rob Wilson with River Watch both spoke and discussed their group’s efforts in Tallahassee during this past Legislature session.

The Clearwater Roundtable hosted David Dashman with USF whose program provides free safety & health consultations to help businesses be in compliance with OSHA. Dave reviewed the program and many of the hazards in the marine industry that his inspections can help mitigate. The consultation can assist employers in developing or maintaining effective safety and health management programs. Visit http://usfoticenter.org/ for more info.

Kevin Carlan, SWFMIA Chairman of the Tampa Bay Region, passionately urged all in attendance at the Clearwater Roundtable to help grow SWFMIA’s membership in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. Kevin discussed his frustration of sector separation with Red Snapper and the importance of our industry having a powerful voice to support recreational boating in the region.

Dealer Break-Ins Continue

The rash of dealer break-ins continues. Tom Hansen of the Boathouse in Cape Coral asks all dealers and marinas to be extra vigilant as thefts by very professional thieves continues. “We just had high end electronics stolen from a boat on the corner of our property along Del Prado Blvd. (a very high traffic road) in a well-lit lot with full security and cameras. These thieves are pros and are very brazen. It is the fourth incident we have had in recent months despite a significant investment in security measures and a close working relationship with local law enforcement.”

We urge you to be extra vigilant and please report any incidents you have to local law enforcement, then to SWFMIA (info@swfmia.com) so we can pass it along to other members.

Endorse Appointment of Phil Dyskow to Gulf Fisheries Management Council

The Gulf Fisheries Management Council prepares fishery management plans designed to manage fishery resources from where state waters end, out to the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico for Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

Is that a big deal to the boating?? Well, they set policy on recreational fishing’s seasons and bag limits in federal waters (such as our current 8 day red snapper season!). Have you heard about Sector Separation, another policy issue that could have devastating effects on your customers opportunity to catch fish?

Yeah, it’s a big deal that will directly affect your business and we have an opportunity to put a boating industry leader on the council.

Dyskow is the former president of the Yamaha Marine Group, has a strong commitment to conservation and as a member of NOAA’s Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee is experienced in the fisheries management process.

Boating United, the industry’s grassroots political platform makes it easy for you to you to be engaged on many important boating issues and provides a very easy way for you to send your endorsement for Dyskow’s appointment to the Council. Click on Let’s show our support for Phil! If you’ve done this before, your info is already there and sending an email is a click. If you’ve never done it, you can easily sign up as a Boating United participant and be engaged.