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