7/2/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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POOK 8.3 f',�, E 8"0 ' needed right next to the Learning Center and near Pelican Island. He also did not think Mr. Davis has been completely honest with the Board regarding signs which he had on the D.O.T. right-of-way on U.S.I. He informed the Board that when.he told Mr. Davis he didn't think there should be any business on the causeway, Mr. Davis said in that case, he will just set up a pontoon boat 5' off the causeway and work out of that. Mr. Parsons felt if this keeps up, there won't be any room for the public. He was also concerned that advertising has been passed out all over the county that is incorrect. Mr. Davis says he is not going to rent jet skis, but that was on the flier. Another of his concerns is that you are putting uninformed and inexperienced tourists in power boats in a very shallow area of the river. Mr. Parsons continued to present objections, noting that he is not saying he doesn't want competition; he already has that; but there is only one causeway and the river frontage there is limited so it should not be filled up with businesses. If we want more recreation on the river, how about a launch ramp or a park at the end of North Winter Beach Road. Chairman Bird advised that he was involved in this at the Parks & Recreation Committee level. The quadrants of the causeway are several hundred feet in length, and these activities only take up a small portion of the shoreline. He stressed that he is very sensitive to that area; he believed the County has done a good job with the improvements there; and he certainly doesn't want to turn it into a Coney Island. The only reason he is inclined to go along with the Sailboard Center and with this proposal is that it is giving the general public who may not have their own boat an opportunity to get out on the water, and he did feel if the proposed operation is run properly, safely and efficiently, it can be an asset. If it is run incorrectly, he would be the first to vote to cancel the agreement, and he is certainly against any additional concessions in this area in the future. Commissioner Wheeler asked about Mr. Davis having had signs in the U.S.I. R/W, and Mr. Davis explained that he did apply to the D.O.T. for permission and he did put signs on the R/W this weekend. 'If there is a problem, he will wait till he gets the approval from the D.O.T. before he puts his signs out again. Chairman Bird and Commissioner Wheeler advised him that it is not just the D.O.T., it is also the county, and the signs are not allowed. Corrmissioner Wheeler remarked on how ugly the Florida Keys have become with all the banner and rental signs, but being a businessman himself, he did not know how you do business without 62