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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
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0NE DAY FISHING CONTEST
JANUARY 17, 2025
Spotted seatrout
1st Dave Walley 21 ¾”
2nd Gus Cain 18 ¼”
3rd Kelley Exquimaux 16 ½”
3rd Stan Hellenbrand 16 ½”
Sheepshead
1st Stan Hellenbrand 15 ¼”
2nd Kelley Exquimaux 15”
2nd Martin Exquimaux 15”
3rd Dave Walley 14 ¾”
Redfish
1st Jean Drudge 19 ¼”
2nd James Drudge 18 ¾”
- Details
January 7 2025
Paradise Bay Sarasota Bay Boating & Fishing Club Meeting Minutes
President: Ron Prieskorn
Vice President: John Hopkins
Treasurer: Kevin Sullivan
Secretary: George Mullen
The meeting was called to order at 9:00am by President, Ron Prieskorn. There were 67 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 Jean Drudge second by Chris Matteson.
Ron then explained how to use the Team Reach App and reviewed signing on for the various different groups. Boating group code Boat123, Kayak code kayak123. Club information will also be posted on the Paradise Bay Website and Jim Gath will be sending out email blasts through the activity committee email list.
Scotty Yates Thanked all the volunteers who made quick work of park repairs and said lock codes for the boat yard and launch ramp remain the same as last year. he then said John Mattey and Stan Hellibrand would be replacing the pulleys on the finger docks and all the docks have water again thanks to Harry Osgood.
Scotty then introduced Don Vogel who spoke about needing volunteers Wednesday morning Jan 8th at 9:15 am to help clean up the boat yard.
Ron Prieskorn spoke about boat trips with the absence of Jim Elias, Ron said more information would be posted on Teamreach when available.
Ron said Ricky Baer was not feeling well today and reported the tentative Coast Guard boat inspections will be February 8th at 9:30 am.
Ron then explained with the recent storm damage neither Mike Dunn nor Dave Brown are living in the park. Ron asked for someone to volunteer to lead the kayak group of the Boating and Fishing Club. There is a kayak trip to Robinson Preserve scheduled for Friday January 10 weather permitting. Check teamreach for updates and detailed information about this event.
Kevin Sullivan, our Treasurer, reported on club finances. Kevin explained the club is in a good position financially. Kevin then reviewed some of the many benefits of club membership.
Ron then explained to the club members that Kevin Sullivan was stepping down from the treasurer position after several years of being a valuable board member and treasure. Ron then asked for nominations for the treasure position, after a few commits Jim Bowling was nominated for the position, a motion was made and approved by the membership present.
Ron reminded everyone that the January fishing contest has started and that the one day fishing contest on January 16 is on.
Ron stated that the current fishing rules were reviewed by the board and that the board recommended keeping the same rules for this season. Ron then asked for comments or discussion from the club. After no response from the club the current rules will be used again this year.
Sheila Gilstrap spoke about fish that are currently being caught and reminded everyone to use the fish app (fish rules: fishing app) to identify their fish. Sheila then said, GO FISHING!
Norm Kitchen told a story of fishing with his friend Pete and after several fish getting away realized they were fishing among some large Bull Sharks that were feeding. Moral of the story was don't put yourself close to the water where you could be Shark Bait.
Ron Prieskorn talked about the Ice Cream social on January 14th Tickets are $6.00 with profits going to Sara Bay Park and will be held at Sara Bay Rec Hall.
Larry Nelson whose address is 10 on 7th st would like to sell his private dock, see Larry for details.
The 50/50 Drawing was for $44.00 and won by our own Stan Hellenbrand.
Meeting was Adjourned by Ron Prieskorn
Respectfully Submitted by George Mullen
- Details
December 10th 2024
Paradise Bay Sarasota Bay Boating & Fishing Club Meeting Minutes
President: Ron Prieskorn
Vice President: John Hopkins
Treasurer: Kevin Sullivan
Secretary: George Mullen
The meeting was called to order at 9:00am by President, Ron Prieskorn. There were 43 members present.
Ron led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and recited a Fisherman's Prayer.
Ron then asked for a motion to accept the minutes from the November 5, 2024 meeting. A motion was made by Chris Matteson and seconded by Jim Gath. The motion carried.
Ron explained the boat club would be hosting the Easter Dinner. Chris Matteson is the chair for this year's event, which will be held at Sara Bay Hall. As in the past, the Boating and Fishing club will provide ham, and attendees will bring a side dish to pass.
Scotty Yates gave the dockmaster’s report, He thanked the volunteers that installed the docks and assisted with hurricane repairs throughout the park, Scotty noted that dock bills have not been mailed out yet but can be paid in person at the office. New dock fees are $600 plus tax for park slips and $400 plus tax for private slips. Scotty also announced a volunteer day to help clean up the waterfront, date to be determined soon.
Chris Smith gave an update on the installation of the boat slips. He explained that the bridges would be installed next by park volunteers. Once installed the bridges will need to be pressure washed. Chris thanked all the volunteers involved in the work.
John Hopkins gave a report about the Bean and Frank dinner. He explained that the location would be Sara Bay Hall, with the possibility of cooking outside. Tickets will be sold for $8.00 each or 2 for $15.00, the same as last year.
Jim Ellias expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the boating excursions this year. He discussed the possibility of scheduling a trip before January if the docks were ready. Members are encouraged to check Team Reach and the Paradise Bay info page for updates.
Jim also suggested inviting non-boaters so everyone in the park can enjoy the water.
Kevin Sullivan presented the treasurer’s report, He reviewed several expenses and provided current bank account details. Kevin mentioned that Kathy Sparks is working on artwork for the club, which could be used for shirt designs or other purposes. Kathy is generously donating her artwork to our club.
Additionally, Kevin presented 2 personalized Tervis mugs to Ricky Baer and Kim Hopkins in recognition for their ongoing support for the Boating and Fishing Club.
Sheila Gilstrap provided the fishing report, sharing updates on various fish species. She recommended using the Fish app to stay informed about fishing regulations and updates.
Ron announced that the one day fish contest for December is canceled but is expected to resume in January. Ron also thanked Stan Hellibrand for his work on the fish cleaning stations and other contributions to the waterfront.
Ron then told a great story about his recent fishing trip during which his wife, Sue, caught a large Cobia. He invited members to share their own stories.
Kevin Sullivan followed with a story about spotting a large whale shark which was surrounded by a large number of Cobia while out in the gulf with two other park members. Both stories were full of exciting and fun details.
We then had our 50/50 drawing which was won by Mike Tucker who graciously donated it back to the club. Thanks Mike!
Meeting was Adjourned by Ron Prieskorn at 9:45am
Respectfully Submitted by George Mullen
- Details
November 5th 2024
Paradise Bay Sarasota Bay Boating & Fishing Club Meeting Minutes
President: Ron Prieskorn
Vice President: John Hopkins
Treasurer: Kevin Sullivan
Secretary: George Mullen
The meeting was called to order at 9:00am by President, Ron Prieskorn. There were 29 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 April 2nd 2024 meeting. The minutes were accepted and approved by the attendees.
Ron then explained how to use the Team Reach App and reviewed signing on.
Ron explained there is no current information at this time for activities: for
Frank and Bean, Boat Trips, Coast Guard Inspections, Kayak Outings etc…
Glenn Wiggens gave a report about dock repairs and explained that the volunteers repairing the docks were working to acquire information on a crane and other equipment to replace and repair the docks but the timeline and cost is uncertain.
Rhonda Bowling discussed the new shirts and hats for sale this season. Rhonda explained that if someone had an idea or request to contact her.
Kevin Sullivan, our Treasure, reported on club finances. Kevin explained the club is in a good position financially to do some club approved projects.
Ron Prieskorn then discussed the upcoming fishing contests. The November fishing contests were canceled, explaining that future contests would depend on the dock repair progress.
Ron then asked about suggestions for community project ideas, several were discussed including,
Replace swings along shoreline, park fish fry, cleaning debris from mangroves, and minor repairs around the dock area.
Kevin Sullivan then presented a personalized Tervis Boat and Fishing Club mug to Stan Hellibrand for his continuing service to our club. Kevin also stated that the club will continue to recognize our club members that have contributed their time and resources.
We then had our 50/50 drawing
Meeting was Adjourned by Ron Prieskorn
Respectfully Submitted by George Mullen