February 4th 2025
Paradise Bay Sarasota Bay Boating & Fishing Club Meeting Minutes
President: Ron Prieskorn
Vice President: John Hopkins
Treasurer: Kevin Sullivan / Jim Bowling
Secretary: George Mullen
The meeting was called to order at 9:00am by President, Ron Prieskorn. There were over 125 members present.
Ron led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and then recited the Fisherman's Prayer.
Ron then asked for a motion to accept the minutes from the December 10th 2024 meeting, motion was made by
Ron then told club members to get their chili while the meeting was conducted.
Scotty Yates spoke about the waitlist and said after the dock fees are paid toward the end of February then he can assess which docks are available.
Scotty said to pay your fee at the office.
John Hopkins reported that the Frank and Bean dinner was a success even with serving it outside of the Sara Bay Hall. John Thanked and the volunteers who made the dinner a success, Especially the ladies in the kitchen.
Ricky Baer spoke about the upcoming Coast Guard boat inspections on February 8th.
We will meet at the waterfront by the docks at 9am to begin the inspections. Ricky also gave out information sheets about what the inspectors will be checking for.
Jim Elias then spoke about boating trips.
Jim said there might be a trip as soon as next Tuesday the 11th, details will be posted on team reach. Jim then spoke about a trip to Gilligan's Island in the near future and shared how much fun the last trip there was. Jim said he will be poting a signup sheet for both of these upcoming trips.
Ron Prieskorn explained Caroline M would be head contact person for the kayak trips. Caroline was out kayaking at the time of the meeting.
Kevin Sullivan gave his final treasure report as he is resigning from the board. Kevin will be very missed by our boating community. Kevin was a very large part of the park and presence will leave a large void. Our interim treasure Jim Bowling has takin the job over from Kevin and doing a great job.
Kevin then asked Ge Stepansky to come forward and presented Ge one of our personalized club logo mugs made by Tervis. Kevin thanked Ge for his years of service on the boating and fishing club.
Sheila Gilstrap gave the fishing report and said snook will be back in season at the end of February. Sheila report you are only allowed one trout over 19” in a boat, she also had cheat sheets to carry on your boat of current fish regulations.
Stan came up and read out all the one day and monthly fishing contest winners.
Ron then said many fish are caught on kayaks and off the seawall in the park.
Ron reviewed the money for donations to other clubs, $500 to Paradise Bay activities, $300 to Sara Bay activities, $300 for Kayak party, money needed to replace the fish fryers and a tow rope for approx $100 for towing in boats. Jim Elias made a motion to accept Stan Hellenbrand seconded the motion, and the club voted yes verbally. motion passed.
Ron then asked for volunteers to decorate a golf cart for the Bay fest rodeo. Several people in the crowd offered to help.
George Mullen then got up and asked Kevin Sullivan to stand and presented him a club Tervis mug personalized with his name. which Kevin received after the meeting.
George thanked Kevin for his 5 years service on the board and for all his contributions.
Ricky Baer then had the club auction and sold a lot of fishing gear including an offshore rod and reel donated by Beverly Blank from her late husband Larry Blank's estate.
Larry was Loved by many in the park and was a park board member and was also the President of the boating and fishing club.
Several door prizes were awarded during the auction.
The 50/50 Drawing was for 125.00 Brian Bourgeois was the Winner, Congratulations to Brian.
Meeting was Adjourned by Ron Prieskorn
Respectfully Submitted by George Mullen