March 3rd 2026
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 9:05am by President, Ron Prieskorn. We had 122 members present. Ron led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and then recited the Fisherman's Prayer
Ron asked for the February minutes to be approved, John Hopkins made the motion and was seconded by Dave Hawkinson. Membership approved.
Tim Sense reviewed the progress of decorating our bayfest golf cart entry. Tim said to the other clubs, just wait and see our entry, no other information was given.
Ricky Baer thanked the coast guard for sending several inspectors to inspect our boats. Ricky also reported the two items that caused most boats to fail were working lights and expired flares. Ricky also told the club they could dispose of old flares at the fire department across the street.
Jim Elias gave out the information about the boating trip to beer can island on Monday March 9th. We will meet at the docks at 10:30 to coordinate taking people that need a ride with someone else. Jim has sign up sheets for boat operators and people needing a ride, Contact Jim for more information and check Team Reach for updates.
Dave Hawkinson gave a presentation on a cruise trip to Cozumel and Costa Maya January 25-30th 2027, 5 nights from Tampa. Looks like a good group rate, see Dave for additional information.
Stan Hellenbrand read the fishing contest winners for:
One Day Womens contest, One Day contest and February monthly contest. Winners are posted on our website and teamreach.
John Dike won our monthly fish trophy with a large Red Grouper,
Jim Bowling gave the financial report and reminded the club membership this is your money.
George Mullen asked the club for a motion to approve $1,000.00 towards an ice maker for the park. The park would pick up the balance of the cost up to $700.00. The ice maker would be placed at the laundry facility until the PB hall is renovated and then relocated to the hall. Motion was made by Tim Sense and seconded by Chris Matteson, membership voted to approve.
George also gave an update on repairs to the boat donated from Sam McCutcheon, more to follow as information is available.
Chris Matteson gave a report on a meeting he attended concerning the nature preserve west of the park in Cortez, Chris would like the boat and fishing club to consider supporting the ongoing restoration work going on in the preserve.
Chris also conducted the annual nominations and retention of club board members. There were no new nominations for any position and all board members agreed to be reinstated.
Ron Preiskorn introduced Dianna Gregg as our kayak group leader. He also asked others to help her organize additional trips this season.
Thank You Dianna.
Ricky Baer conducted our monthly auction, several rod and reels of Sam McCutcheon, a nice art deco copper fish and a nice kayak that was donated by Albert Nieman were auctioned off.
Thanks Ricky
Our 50/50 Winner was Barb Giacchetti ticket # 678139 for a nice cash prize of $113 dollars
Respectfully Submitted by George Mullen