SWFMIA local government agenda items for the week of November 7, 2016

Lee County No Meetings

City of Cape Coral Monday the 7th @ 4:30pm

Seven Islands and Northwest Vision Plan Final Report (Draft)

City of Fort Myers Monday the 7th @ 4:30pm

No issues

Town of Fort Myers Beach Monday the 7th @ 4:00pm

No issues

City of Sanibel No Meetings

City of Bonita Springs No Meetings

Village of Estero No Meetings

Charlotte County Tuesday the 8th @ 9:00am

05-193 Pirate Harbor Amendment #6 (Public Works)
a) Approve Amendment #6 to Contract #05-193, Engineering Services – Pirate Harbor Waterway, with Coastal Engineering Consultants in the amount of $24,908; and
b) Authorize the Chairman to sign the Amendment when completed. This amendment is to provide additional information that has been requested by the agencies to complete the permit application process.

WCIND Agenda for November 18, 2016
Discussion and direction of the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) November 18, 2016 Board Meeting Agenda.

City of Punta Gorda No Meetings

Sarasota County Tuesday & Wednesday the 8th and 9

Tuesday
No issues

Wednesday
No issues

City of North Port Tuesday the 8th @ 10:00am

No issues

City of Sarasota Monday the 7th @ 2:30pm

No issues

City of Venice Tuesday the 8th @ 9:00am

An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Venice, Florida, Chapter 46, Parks and Recreation; Article I, in General; Section 46-1, Description of City Parks System; Authorized Uses; and Article IV, Marine Activities; Division 5, Marine Parks; Section 46-186, Miscellaneous Rules; Providing for Repeal of all Ordinances in Conflict Herewith; Providing for Severability and Providing an Effective Date
Attached is a copy of our City of Venice park names and rules, 46-1 and 46-186. I would like to submit a change to the rules and the name for the boat ramp.
Currently the boat ramp at Venice Ave is named Marina Park and Boat Ramp, I would like to change it to Venice Marine Park and Boat Ramp. The reason is that in our city ordinances there are city park rules no marina park rules. I know that may seem unimportant but I had a case thrown out because of a single letter in a word. Also I would like to adjust a couple items in the park rules under 46-186. The first one discusses “dive or swim from docks”, I would like to add to the end of that “and seawalls”. The second one mentation’s “fish from the docks”, I would like to add “and seawalls” to end, and then omit during daylight hours except in designated areas.

Town of Longboat Key Monday the 7th @ 7:00pm

No issues

Manatee County No Meetings

City of Anna Maria Thursday the 10th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City of Bradenton Beach No Meetings

City of Bradenton No Meetings

City of Holmes Beach No Meetings

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

No issues

Hillsborough County No Meetings

Plant City No Meetings

City of Tampa Thursday the 10th @ 5:30pm

No issues

City of Temple Terrace No Meetings

Pinellas County No Meetings

Town of Belleair No Meetings

City of Belleair Beach Monday the 7th @ 5:30pm

Resolution 2016-09 Establishing parking pay hourly rates at Morgan Drive Park and the City Marina.

City of Belleair Bluffs No Meetings

City of Clearwater No Meetings

City of Gulfport No Meetings

City of Indian Rocks Beach Thursday the 10th @ 7:00pm

No issues

Town of Indian Shores Wednesday the 9th @ 5:00pm

Agenda not posted will check back next week

City of Largo Tuesday the 1st @ 6:00pm (last week)

No issues

City of Madeira Beach No Meetings

Town of North Redington Beach Thursday the 10th @ 7:00pm

Agenda not posted will check back next week

City of Oldsmar No Meetings

City of Pinellas Park Thursday the 10th @ 7:30pm

No issues

Town of Redington Shores Tuesday the 8th Meeting Canceled

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

No issues

City of Seminole Thursday the 10th @ 6:00pm

Agenda not posted will check back next week

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 No Meetings

Southwest Florida Water Management District No Meetings

South Florida Water Management Thursday the 10th @ 9:00am

No issues

WCIND No Meetings

SaraBay Marina to Open Second Location in Naples

Sarasota, Florida – SaraBay Marina, one of Sarasota’s most prominent marinas, has announced they are expanding with a new Sales, Service, Parts and Storage facility in Naples, Florida.

SaraBay-Naples will be located just south of Naples’ iconic ‘Tin City’ at 3470 Bayshore Drive, Naples, FL 34112 (formerly Gulf Shores Marina). SaraBay-Naples will be offering New & Used Boat Sales, Factory Authorized Service and Repairs, a fully stocked Parts Department and Dry Rack Storage.

SaraBay Marina in Sarasota has been known for their excellence in customer service and helping customers choose the boat that is right for them. They will be continuing those sales principles at the new Naples location by expanding their sales operations with a new selection of boat manufacturers and a variety of used boats as well. SaraBay-Naples will be the exclusive dealer for World Cat, Albemarle “The Carolina Classic” and Tidewater Boats. The new SaraBay Marina-Naples will also be extending their engine sales, parts sales and service for Yamaha, Mercury and BRP Evinrude Outboards and Mercruiser Sterndrives.

The Storage capabilities at their new Bayshore Drive address will be enhanced with SaraBay’s purchase of a new “state of the art” 23,000 lb. capacity Wiggins “MarinaBull” Forklift. The dry storage facility currently consists of outdoor rack storage with plans already in the works to build a new indoor dry-storage facility (to be completed by the Fall of 2017).

Michael Myers, Director of Operations for SaraBay Marina expressed: “This has been a long time coming. We have always envisioned opening another marina on the Southwest Coast of Florida and we believe Naples to be the ideal market for that expansion. We have a lot of exciting plans for the new Naples site and we hope to eventually open additional locations, but for now our new location in Naples is a very encouraging first step.”

The new location is anticipated to be ready and open to customers December 1st, 2016. SaraBay will continue to operate the marina’s Sarasota location where they are dealers for World Cat, Jupiter, Cobalt and Key West Boats.

sarabay

CONTACT:

Mike Myers
Director of Marina Operations
Sarasota Phone: (941) 359-0390
Naples Phone: (239) 300-9660
[email protected]
Download the full press release here

SWFMIA local government agenda items for the week of October 10, 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 Meetings

Charlotte County Tuesday the 11th @ 9:00am

No issues

City of Punta Gorda No Meetings

Sarasota County Monday the 10th@ 1:00pm and Tuesday the 11th @ 9:00am

Monday
(Public hearing) To adopt a resolution reducing the signature threshold from 80% to 67% for the public-initiated petition process to create navigable waterways maintenance project units and funding districts.

(Public hearing) To adopt Ordinance No. 2016-065, amending Section 54-656 and Section 54-661 of the County Code, relating to the Water and Navigation Control Authority;

Tuesday
No issues

City of North Port Tuesday the 11th @ 10:00am

No issues

City of Sarasota No Meetings

City of Venice Tuesday the 11th @ 9:00am

No issues

Town of Longboat Key Tuesday the 4th @ 7:00pm (Last week)

No issues

Manatee County Tuesday the 11th @ 9:00am

No issues

City of Anna Maria Tuesday the 11th @ 4:00pm

No issues

City of Bradenton Beach No Meetings

City of Bradenton Wednesday the 12th @ 8:30am

No issues

City of Holmes Beach Tuesday the 11th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City of Palmetto No Meetings

Hillsborough County No Meetings

Plant City Monday the 10th @ 7:30pm

No issues

City of Tampa Thursday the 13th @ 5:30pm

No issues last week
No issues this week

City of Temple Terrace No Meetings

Pinellas County Tuesday the 11th @ 9:30am

No issues

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 Tuesday the 11th @ 7:00pm

No issues

Town of Indian Shores Tuesday the 11th @ 5:00pm

Agenda not posted will check back next week

City of Largo No Meetings

City of Madeira Beach Tuesday the 111th @ 6:00pm

Authorization of second amendment to services agreement with Hubbard’s Sea Adventure Inc.

Town of North Redington Beach No Meetings

City of Oldsmar No Meetings

City of Pinellas Park Thursday the 13th @ 7:30pm

No issues

Town of Redington Shores Wednesday the 12th @ 7:00pm

No issues

City of Safety Harbor No Meetings

City of Seminole Tuesday the 11th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City South Pasadena Tuesday the 11th @ 7:00pm

No issues

City of St. Pete Beach Tuesday the 11th @ 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 No Meetings

South Florida Water Management No Meetings

WCIND No Meetings

FWC seeks public input on anchoring and mooring rules, pilot program

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking feedback from cruising boaters, local boaters and other residents in evaluating the state’s Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program and related ordinances.

The FWC has posted a brief online survey to accept this feedback. It should take approximately five to 10 minutes to complete and will be available to the public Oct. 1-9.

Any input is greatly appreciated in evaluating and improving boating in Florida.

The Florida Legislature established the Anchoring and Mooring Pilot Program in 2009. The intent was to explore potential options for regulating the anchoring or mooring of non-live-aboard vessels outside the marked boundaries of public mooring fields throughout the state.

After public input, the FWC selected the cities of St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Stuart (in conjunction with Martin County) and the cities of Key West and Marathon (in conjunction with Monroe County) as five sites for the pilot program. They were granted temporary authority to regulate mooring in their jurisdictional waters through local ordinances.

All ordinances enacted under authority of the pilot program will expire on July 1, 2017, and will be inoperative and unenforceable thereafter, unless re-enacted by the Legislature.

Participation in the survey will help determine the effectiveness of the program, developed ordinances, and a variety of concepts related to specific restrictions on anchoring of vessels which may be considered in the future.

To access the survey and for more information, go to MyFWC.com/Boating.

Fish Tale Wins Top Boat Dealer Award

Joey Weller, vice president of sales for Grady-White Boats, left, and Kris Carroll, president of Grady-White Boats, right, present the coveted Gold Anchor Award for Outstanding Customer Satisfaction to Diane Fricke, Travis Fricke and Justin Fricke with Fish Tale Sales & Service of Fort Myers Beach.
Joey Weller, vice president of sales for Grady-White Boats, left, and Kris Carroll, president of Grady-White Boats, right, present the coveted Gold Anchor Award for Outstanding Customer Satisfaction to Diane Fricke, Travis Fricke and Justin Fricke with Fish Tale Sales & Service of Fort Myers Beach.

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 19, 2016) — Grady-White Boats announced Fish Tale Sales & Service is the top-ranked dealer in the world for customer satisfaction.

The boat builder awarded Fish Tale the coveted Gold Anchor Award for Outstanding Customer Satisfaction. The award signifies that Fort Myers Beach-based Fish Tale is the top-ranking dealer in customer-satisfaction index scores among all the Grady-White Boats dealers worldwide.

“Fish Tale Sales & Service is dedicated to participating alongside Grady-White in an effort to offer the most enjoyable boat-buying experience possible for every person walking through the door,” said Joey Weller, Grady-White’s vice president of sales.

“They’ve created an environment in which buyers know their values will be taken in to consideration and their ultimate expectations are going to be exceeded consistently with an attitude that demonstrates the passion and knowledge required to be the worldwide best,” Weller added.

In addition, Fish Tale earned the Admiral’s Circle Award. The prestigious award is limited to the top Grady-White dealerships that have posted more than $2 million in sales for the model year and earned the boat manufacturer’s award for customer-service excellence. Dealers must score at least 9.5 out of 10 in customer surveys to earn the Customer Service Excellence Award.

“We are proud of the fact that we have earned the Admiral’s Circle Award for the 16th year,” says Diane Fricke, owner and president of Fish Tale. “It’s a testament to the dedication of the staff to provide the best customer service experience.”

About Fish Tale Sales & Service
Owned by the Fricke family for 20 years, Fish Tale Sales & Service is one of the most modern full-service marinas in Florida. In addition to sales, the marina has room for 250 boats in dry storage and 95 boats in water slips. The marina is located at 7225 Estero Boulevard in Fort Myers Beach. For more information visit www.fishtale.com.

About Grady-White Boats
Established in 1959 and based in Greenville, N.C., Grady-White Boats manufactures a variety of versatile, high quality center console, dual console, express and walkaround cuddy cabin sportfishing and coastal family boats from 18 to 37 feet. Grady-White boats are built by craftsmanship and designed through customer input and a longstanding, sincere focus on attention to detail. For more information visit www.gradywhite.com.

Jean Gruss
239-297-7507
[email protected]
www.GrussPR.com

Media Contacts:
Gwen Edwards, Grady-White Boats, [email protected], 252-752-2111
Diane Fricke, Fish Tale Sales & Service, 239-463-4448

SWFMIA local government agenda items for the week of September 19, 2016

Lee County Tuesday the 20th @ 9:30am

No issues

City of Cape Coral Monday the 19th @ 4:30pm

No issues

City of Fort Myers Monday the 19th @ 4:30pm

Agreement for WCIND Subgrant Funding, in the amount of $82,274, with Lee
County Board of County Commissioners, for Marine LE-FMPD FY17 Project for funding the water marine enforcement officer’s salary for patrol of district waters, with an in-kind cash match of $124,087, for a total amount of $206,361 for salary and benefits of one police officer.

Town of Fort Myers Beach Thursday the 22nd @ 6:30pm

No issues

City of Sanibel Tuesday the 20th @ 9:00am

No issues

City of Bonita Springs Wednesday the 21st @ 9:00am

Request approval of the interlocal agreement between Lee County and the City of Bonita Springs for WCIND grant funding for Marine Law Enforcement.

Village of Estero Wednesday the 21st @ 5:30pm

No issues

Charlotte County No Meetings

City of Punta Gorda Wednesday the 21st @ 9:00am

SE-04-16 – A request by Hans Wilson & Associates, Agent, for Vent, LLC, Vivante at Punta Gorda Property Owner’s Association, Inc., Palm Isles Condominium Development, LLC, and Vivante at Punta Gorda Condominium Association, Inc., owners, for a Special Exception pursuant to Chapter 26, Section 16.8, Punta Gorda Code, to construct a private marina with up to 264 private dock slips for the sole use of the residents of the Vivante development; to create a navigable channel connecting to the Peace River through vacant common area on the North end of the development, and to install a seawall along the lands abutting the proposed channel, since none of these activities are considered permitted uses or structures, but may be approved as a Special Exception. APPLICANT IS REQUESTING CITY COUNCIL CONSIDER GRANTING A CONTINUANCE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING.

A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Punta Gorda, Florida, as local host agency for the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, approving an appropriation of supplemental funding for the approved CHNEP Workplan, awarded to the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program FY2016 Budget; and providing an effective date.

A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Punta Gorda, Florida, as local host agency for the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, authorizing submission of a grant application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for National Estuary Program Annual Funding; authorizing the City Manager to sign the grant application and administer the grant on behalf of the City; appropriating grant award; and providing an effective date.

Vacancies
Burnt Store Isles Canal Advisory Committee
Punta Gorda Isles Canal Advisory Committee

Appointments
Punta Gorda Isles Canal Advisory Committee

Sarasota County Tuesday & Wednesday the 20th & 21st @ 9:00am

Tuesday
Update on the status of the 2017 World Rowing Championships from Executive Director, Meredith Scerba.

Wednesday
No issues

City of North Port No Meetings

City of Sarasota Monday the 19th @ 2:30pm

No issues

City of Venice No Meetings

Town of Longboat Key No Meetings

Manatee County No Meetings

City of Anna Maria Thursday the 22nd @ 6:00pm

Agenda not posted will check next week

City of Bradenton Beach Thursday the 22nd @ 5:15pm

No issues

City of Bradenton No Meetings

City of Holmes Beach No Meetings

City of Palmetto No Meetings

Hillsborough County Wednesday the 21st @ 9:00am

No issues

Plant City No Meetings

City of Tampa Wednesday the 21st @ 5:00pm

No issues

City of Temple Terrace Tuesday the 20th @ 6:00pm

No issues

Pinellas County Tuesday the 20th @ 5:30pm

No issues

Town of Belleair Tuesday the 20th @ 6:30pm

No issues

City of Belleair Beach Monday the 19th @ 5:00pm

No issues

City of Belleair Bluffs Monday the 19th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City of Clearwater No Meetings

City of Gulfport Tuesday the 20th @ 7:00pm

No issues

City of Indian Rocks Beach Thursday the 22nd @ 7:00pm

No issues

Town of Indian Shores Wednesday the 21st @ 5:00pm

No issues

City of Largo Tuesday the 20th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City of Madeira Beach No Meetings

Town of North Redington Beach No Meetings

City of Oldsmar Tuesday the 20th @ 7:00pm

No issues

City of Pinellas Park Thursday the 22nd @ 7:30pm

No issues

Town of Redington Shores No Meetings

City of Safety Harbor Monday the 19th @ 7:30pm

No issues

City of Seminole No Meetings

City South Pasadena No Meetings

City of St. Pete Beach Tuesday the 20th @ 6:00pm

Authorize the City Manager to enter into a purchase agreement with Taborelli Construction, Inc. (TBI) for $78,510.41 for Upham Beach Deck Repairs.

City of St. Petersburg Thursday the 15th @ 3:00pm (last week) & Thursday the 22nd @ 1:30pm

Last week
No issues

This week
No issues

City of Tarpon Springs Tuesday the 20th @ 6:30pm

No issues

City of Treasure Island Tuesday the 20th @ 6:00pm

No issues

Southwest Florida Water Management District No Meetings

South Florida Water Management Tuesday the 20th @ 5:15pm

No issues

WCIND No Meetings

Statewide Boating Economic Impact Study Released

The Marine Industries Association of Florida has released a 2015 study of the economic impact of boating in Florida, recently completed by Thomas Murray and Associates. SWFMIA joined with several other MIA’s around the state to fund the study. “While there are a number of studies out there, we felt it essential to agree on one set of numbers we will all use”, said President Hans Wilson. “At our recent statewide summit, it was agreed to use the Tom Murray study. For the first time in a long time, we can all speak from the same playbook.” The study breaks down by region, giving us great data we can use here in southwest Florida. In SWFMIA’s region of Collier County through Citrus County, recreational boating had a $1.8 Billion economic impact creating over 24,000 jobs. SWFMIA members are encouraged to download our 2 page synopsis of this study and to keep these numbers handy and make use of them in talking with government or business contacts.

SWFMIA local government agenda items for the week of September 5, 2016

Lee County Tuesday the 6th @ 9:30am

Award a contract for the Caloosahatchee Regional Park Shoreline Stabilization Phase II project
($222,675; Tourist Development Beach and Shoreline Capital Improvement Fund; Included in budget.):
Awards project ITB160398, Caloosahatchee Regional Park Shoreline Stabilization Phase II, to TSI Disaster Recovery, LLC, in the amount of $222,675, to furnish and install 1,050 linear feet of revetment along a portion of shoreline inside Caloosahatchee Regional Park.  The work includes the placement of an estimated 2,300 cubic yards of riprap and bedding stone on a 3:1 graded slope with the associated removal of shrubs and bushes within the footprint.  Select vegetation, such as trees, will remain with the riprap placed around the vegetation.  This work will stabilize and protect the shoreline that has eroded from wave action.  This work was planned, is included in the current budget, and will be funded by bed taxes.  The initial phase to stabilize the shoreline began in Fiscal Year 2014-2015.  Upon completion of this final phase, a total of 3,280 linear feet of shoreline will be stabilized at a cost of $900,000, all of which has been funded by bed taxes. (#20160410-FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT)

City of Cape Coral No Meetings

City of Fort Myers Tuesday the 6th @ 4:30pm

No issues

Town of Fort Myers Beach Thursday the 8th @ 6:30pm

No issues

City of Sanibel Saturday the 10th @ 10:30am

No issues

City of Bonita Springs Wednesday the 7th @ 5:30pm

No issues

Village of Estero Wednesday the 7th @ 5:30am

No issues

Charlotte County No Meetings

City of Punta Gorda Wednesday the 7th @ 9:00am

Sarasota County Tuesday the 6th and Wednesday the 7th @ 9:00am

Tuesday
No issues
Wednesday
No issues

City of North Port Thursday the 8th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City of Sarasota Tuesday the 6th @ 2:30pm

No issues

City of Venice No Meetings

Town of Longboat Key No Meetings

Manatee County No Meetings

City of Anna Maria No Meetings

City of Bradenton Beach Wednesday the 7th @ 5:45pm

No issues

City of Bradenton Wednesday the 7th @ 5:00pm

No issues

City of Holmes Beach No Meetings

City of Palmetto No Meetings

Hillsborough County Thursday the 8th @ 9:00am

Approve the FY 17 Interlocal Agreements with the City of Tampa and the City of Temple Terrace to share boat registration fee revenue. The City of Tampa is to receive $182,000 and the City of Temple Terrace is to receive $60,000 from the County Boat Registration Fee program to support marine law enforcement activities. The allocation of $182,000 to the City of Tampa and $60,000 to the City to Temple Terrace is included in the FY 17 adopted budget in the Countywide Boat Registration Fund within the Governmental Agencies Department of Conservation and Environmental Lands Management.
http://agenda.hillsboroughcounty.org/cache/00003/727/09-08%20FINAL%20Agenda.pdf

Plant City No Meetings

City of Tampa Thursday the 8th @ 5:30pm

No issues

City of Temple Terrace No Meetings

Pinellas County No Meetings

Town of Belleair Tuesday the 6th @ 5:30pm

No issues

City of Belleair Beach Wednesday the 7th @ 5:30pm

No issues

City of Belleair Bluffs Tuesday the 6th @ 8:00pm

No issues

City of Clearwater No Meetings

City of Gulfport Tuesday the 6th @ 7:00pm

No issues

City of Indian Rocks Beach Thursday the 8th @ 7:00pm

No issues

Town of Indian Shores Tuesday the 6th @ 5:00pm

No issues

City of Largo Tuesday the 6th @ 6:00pm

No issues

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

No issue

Town of North Redington Beach Thursday the 8th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City of Oldsmar Tuesday the 6th @ 7:00pm

No issues

City of Pinellas Park Thursday the 8th @ 7:30pm

No issues

Town of Redington Shores No Meetings

City of Safety Harbor Tuesday the 6th @ 7:30pm

No issues

City of Seminole No Meetings

City South Pasadena Tuesday the 6th @ 9:00am

No issues

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

No issues

City of St. Petersburg Thursday the 8th @ 3:00pm

No issues

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

No issues

City of Treasure Island Tuesday the 6th @ 6:00pm

No issues

Southwest Florida Water Management District No Meetings

South Florida Water Management Thursday the 8th @ 9:00am

No issues

WCIND Friday the 9th @ 4:00pm

From the minutes of the August 26th Meeting

Mr. Mcbride offered the following comments:
Manatee County
• Coquina Dredging Project – he attended 2 meetings to discuss channel alignment and restoration/mitigation options. Permits are moving forward.
• WCIND staff is assisting with Palma Sola project.
• WCIND staff continues to work with Island Transportation Planning Organization (ITPO).

Charlotte County
• Trestle Project – WCIND staff is crafting bid specifications for the work.
• Charlotte Harbor Fisheries Forum – District staff continues to provide technical assistance as requested by Sea Grant, University of Florida.
• WCIND staff is working with Charlotte County staff on access for contractor at 371 N. Gulf Blvd., as part of the Stump Pass Project, per citizen complaint.

Lee County
• Big Carlos Pass – draft permit received from USACOE – comments sent to USACOE for finalization.
• Bid documents in process to bid out construction work.
• Working with Lee County staff to explore possibility of bidding New Pass and Big Carlos together to save cost of mobilization.

Sarasota County
• Working with City of Venice on obtaining consent to use of easement for library parking.
• Working with City of Venice/USACOE on Anita’s Sandcastle resolution (South Jetty).
• Working multiple additional real-estate issues with USACOE.
• Assisting County and USCG with channel marker project.
• Met with Parks/Recreation about seawall and fishing pier issues at Cherokee Park in Englewood.

Regional/District Projects
• Attended public meetings on FFWCC Critical Wildlife Area proposals (multi-county).
• At the request of FFWCC Endangered Species Deputy Director, providing comments and additional resources to FFWCC.
• Scope of work approved for DMMA and Commercial landing study, work beginning at present time.
• Working with DEP to educate tow boat operators about seagrass impacts – help develop BMP’s.
• Qualified firms through RFP process to perform derelict and abandoned vessel in conjunction with District Derelict Vessel Initiative.
• Working with USA COE to finalize October 25, 2016 through October 27, 2016 IWW Waterway Inspection Boat Tour agenda.

SWFMIA Comments on Water Quality Issue

We have been asked by members and others involved in boating what we, as a marine industries association, are doing on the water quality issue. The volume of rain this year has brought this ongoing problem to the forefront on many levels. Perhaps that, in itself, will prove to be a good thing as just about every politician and agency have now prioritized water quality.

What is SWFMIA’s role? That’s a good question. It’s not if SWFMIA supports resolving the issue (we obviously do), but rather what, from a practical standpoint, can and are we doing? Recreational boating is clearly impacted as there is growing concern with boaters and boat buyers about the impact of water quality on their time on the water.

On the personal side or as individual businesses, we can take small, but important steps. We can pay attention to over-fertilization of our lawns. We can be more careful of the disposal of our waste. We can be better stewards of the environment and our waters on the boat, at the dock, and in our storage and service areas, paying attention to doing it the right way even if it is not the most cost-effective way. We can, and should, take every effort to encourage family, friends and customers be a part of the solution. As commercial operators we can secure Clean Marina and Clean Boatyard certifications.

While this might seem a drop in the bucket, considering the massive overall problem, the compound long-range effect of each of us doing our part, along with necessary government action will be significant.

As an association, we continue to be a source of information for our members and will keep you up to date on evolving plans. Through our lobbyists we will continue to bang the drum with our legislators and rule makers, pushing for real, substantive changes in policy that lead to improved water quality. We will post information and updates to your website with information on how to manage vessel maintenance and operation in an environmentally friendly way.

The University of Florida Water Institute report on the environment of the Lake and list of projects necessary to enhance it is the best and most comprehensive plan we have seen to date. It lays out the projects necessary to address the problems and recognizes this will be an expensive and lengthy endeavor.

It calls for more water storage north of the lake, continuation of the Kissimmee River restoration project, creating a flow way south to the Everglades, continued construction and reinforcement of the Herbert Hoover Dike around Lake O and the importance of finishing construction of storage facilities like the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucy Reservoirs. We recognize there is no cheap or quick fix and we will need cooperation and funding from both the State and Federal governments to make this a reality. Public officials and candidates who present and support this position will be supported by our association and its members.

We encourage and welcome your input and we will keep you informed as we receive information.

Click here to download recommended clean boating tips provided by FDEP and the Clean Marina Program.

SWFMIA Annual Dinner Invitation

SWFMIA Annual Dinner

Thursday, September 29th

Harbourside Event Center 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
1375 Monroe St. Fort Myers, FL 33901

Catch up with old & new friends and receive updates on the state of the marine industry & the Association. A raffle and auction will be held for our scholarship & community donation fund (please donate an item if possible).

$25/per person includes dinner and 1 free drink

Reservations Required – Contact Laura Good
[email protected]
(239) 656-7083

Download the invitation and RSVP card here