November 4th, 2025
Paradise Bay - Sarasota Bay Boating & Fishing Club Meeting Minutes
President: Ron Prieskorn
Vice President: John Hopkins
Treasurer: Jim Bowling
Secretary: George Mullen
The meeting was called to order at 9:00am by President, Ron Prieskorn. There were 58 members present. Ron led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and then recited the Fisherman's Prayer
Today was Ron Preiskorn's birthday, to give him a nice warm feeling the other board members gave Ron a birthday spanking. John Hopkins broke a birthday fraternity paddle over Ron's behind, Ron ran around the front of the table holding his behind till the heat cooled off.
Happy Birthday Ron!
Ron then asked for a motion to accept the minutes from our April meeting, motion made by John Hopkins, 2nd by Gary Plum, membership approved.
Ron asked for a motion to approve the spending of $1,500 to cover the cost of an ice maker that was installed over the summer by Don Vogel. Joyce Stepansky made a motion to approve and it was 2nd by Stan Hellenbrand. The club membership voted and approved the motion. Ron explained the location of the ice maker behind the maintenance shop and how to access it. He also asked not to empty the ice bin and to share with other park neighbors.
Ron told the membership there will be three boating trips this year, one in January, February and March. Details to follow when Jim Elias arrives for the season.
Ron told the membership the club board is considering revamping the frank and bean dinner, depending on club feedback. After the meeting some alternate food ideas were shared with the board members. With that said the club is open to further ideas from the membership.
Rhonda Bowling reviewed our club shirt line up and asked for any new ideas for this season's shirt design. Ideas can be given to any club board member. She also said someone had asked for a hat option to cover the ears on cold days.
Ron told a fishing story about spelling errors in text messages that resulted in blue girls instead of blue gills being easy to catch in Michigan. Long story but funny as heck.
Shilea Gilstrap reviewed some fishing regulations and told everyone if they had any additional questions to ask her in person.
Stan Hellenbrand reviewed some of the fishing contests and told everyone about a new monthly award for the largest legal fish caught during the month. Ron displayed a ceramic colorful large mouth bass figure to set outside of the monthly winners home. Stan then told a story about seeing a large shark on the bay recently and to be alert about what's in the water around you. He also reminded everyone about the one day fishing contest November 13th. Then he explained that in these contests a green flag will be displayed if the contest is on and a red flag displayed if the contest is delayed to the next day, because of weather.
Anne Osgood explained anyone launching a boat in the park needs to provide insurance, registration and title for their boat to the office, even if you don't have a slip.
Ron reviewed how to lock the chain at the boat ramp, by using the hook below the lock ring so there is no tension on the combination lock, to make it easier to use.
Joyce Stepansky told the attendees not to give the padlock codes out to anyone but park residents, the ramp and storage yard are for the park residents only.
Ron Preiskorn then reminded boaters not to tie the ramp up by leaving your trailer unattended in the ramp area. Also, please have your boat prepared to go in or out of the water so others can use the ramp without unnecessary delays.
Anne Osgood then reported the park had signed an agreement with the Alstroms on 106 street. The Alstroms are going to rebuild the damaged ramp at their expense. Once finished 106 street residents will be parking their trailers along 106 street next to the million dollar lot while using their boats. Paradise Bay residents will also be able to use this ramp.
Jim Bowling gave the financial report. He explained the club has moved our banking to the same bank the park uses. He also explained we still have full control of deposits, check payments and monitoring of our balance just as we did with our old account. The Paradise Board is working with the bank to have electronic access in the near future.
The 50/50 drawing was for $49 ticket # 852452 won by Pat Gardener
Respectfully Submitted by George Mullen