Powerboating In Paradise Vol 20#3

Page 1

VOL 20#3 FALL 2020 KEY WEST

SHOWCASING THE FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB LIFESTYLE

EMERALD COAST

RE-BOOT!

This Summer Panhandle event gets the club Back on Course!

KEY WEST

FALL FUN RUN

FPC Members discover Big Things Can Come in Small Packages!

TAMPA 2020:

THUNDER & LIGHTNING

As FPC members roared on Tampa Bay to celebrate 10 Years of this popular event, local Tampa sports fans cheered on their NHL hockey team to a Stanley Cup Championship!

PLUS...

Those Lovely FPC GIRLS! WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM



A Magazine Showcasing The Florida Powerboat Club Lifestyle FALL 2020

Vol. 20#3

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Stu Jones stu@flpowerboat.com

OFFICE MANAGER

Alyssa Caiazza alyssafpc@gmail.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Lina Montes fpclina@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Jerry Wyszatycki Pete Boden Jim Stewart Stu Jones

EVENT MANAGEMENT

Jackie Jones jackie@flpowerboat.com

VIDEO PRODUCTION Stu Jones Ryan McCoy Joe Kotrady Ryan Christen

CONTENTS 4 LETTER FROM PRESIDENT: STU JONES

4

6 EMERALD COAST POWERBOAT WEEK 2020

6

22 FALL KEY WEST FUN RUN: SEPTEMBER 2020

40

22 TAMPA BAY POKER RUN 2020

44

Stu Jones reflects on how the freedom of powerboating isn’t threatened by the Covid-curse. In fact, it’s the one past-time that makes the “new normal”, not so bad after all! After a six-month pause and the longest unforeseen break in a FPC’s 27-year track record of continuous poker run events, the 28th Emerald Coast poker run finally re-ignited the FPC torch as seventy teams gathered for some sun-drenched fun!

After three cancellations of the Bahamas Poker Run slated for summer 2020, a handful of FPC members were ready for ANY alternatives! Key West offered the perfect PLAN B, and six powerboat crews discovered how smaller events can pack bigger surprises.

After being forced to cancel its April 2020 poker run plans due to Covid-19 hotel & restaurant closures in Downtown Tampa, FPC managed to rally a 45-boat fleet for a late September rendezvous, and celebrated ten years of this constantly evolving Gulf Coast powerboat fling.

DIRECT ALL INQUIRIES TO Florida Powerboat Club 1214 SW 6th St. Pompano Beach, FL 33069 Tel: 954.545-1414 Fax: 954.782-2452 www.FLPOWERBOAT.com

POMPANO OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 10 AM - 5 PM

ON THE COVER: Powerboats passing under Tampa Bay's Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa Bay Poker Run FPC Girl Shelbie YouTube: Florida Powerboat Club https://www.youtube.com/user/FLpowerboatClub

FPC Pompano Beach Headquarters Traveling? Need to lighten the load? Enjoy the digital version of this issue of Powerboating in Paradise Magazine on...

https://www.facebook.com/flpowerboat Instagram @flpowerboat

All copyright laws apply. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed written permission of the publisher

SEE THE COMPLETE DIGITAL EDITION OF POWERBOATING IN PARADISE MAGAZINE AT WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM


Letter

FROM THE PRESIDENT Max, Stu, Jackie & Tyler Jones

T

he Final Frontier. That is the one profound thing that I discovered about offshore powerboating that drew me to the sport and fueled my passion to create and sustain the Florida Powerboat Club since the early nineties. Sure, the adrenaline rush of going fast is intoxicating. The bling and wow-factor of these high-powered machines makes them showstoppers everywhere they go. And of course, the social aspects of the group setting, which is the premise of all poker run events, solidifies offshore powerboating not just as a sport, but as a chosen Lifestyle. But for me it is the Final Frontier experience, that got me here and kept me here for almost three decades.

With all those forms of entertainment cancelled, what do we have left? Boating…in all its forms. Pontoons, runabouts, powerboats, fishing boats, cruisers, and yachts. It’s the one recreational pursuit, that keeps 6-12 family members or close friends and guests in close quarters, yet far away from all others, thereby containing any threat of catching, or spreading “the Covid curse”. It’s not an exact science, but at least it’s comforting to know, we can still enjoy our passion, because offshore powerboating is truly the one form of recreational escape that will help us keep our sanity, until we find the holy grail, a vaccine for the Coronavirus.

So, what exactly is the significance of this concept of the Final Frontier! The point is that there are few forms of recreational motorsports left in this world, that can give its participants the freedom to do whatever, and go wherever they please, whenever they please. Imagine yourself one moment, in a traffic jam on the interstate, with cars honking horns and emergency vehicle sirens screaming as they pass you on the shoulder. Then, within hours, you are on your boat running offshore into the blue waters of the Atlantic, heading eastbound to Bimini for a weeklong adventure with FPC, or southbound to Key West for an adventure with hundreds of other equally passionate weekend warriors. There are few words to describe the freedom, and the adventure that one can enjoy with your family or closest friends on board, with a full tank of fuel and a compass heading that will land you somewhere in the Heart of Paradise.

As we roll out this issue of Powerboating in Paradise, the first few copies will land at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, followed by FPC’s 28th Annual Key West Poker Run. With FPC unable to stage poker runs for just over five months earlier this year, I am happy to report that since August we have managed to launch the Emerald Coast Powerboat Week event, followed by a re-scheduled Tampa Bay Poker Run in September. Both events receive great editorial coverage in this issue, and we have included some preevent coverage for our Key West Poker Run, which has magically reached about 150 powerboat teams!

Now take this concept of the Final Frontier and apply it to our current global Covid-19 crisis. Very few recreational sports can be enjoyed under the CDC’s social distancing constraints. Major league sports and many forms of entertainment are spectator-driven and therefore many of them have been cancelled or postponed indefinitely. Golf and country clubs…shut down for months, until management re-formatted the way they served their clientele. Rock concerts, music venues, corporate functions, industrial trade shows, festivals, parades, holiday celebrations…. shut down, cancelled, until further notice.

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Of course, we’ve made many changes to the non-boating aspects of these FPC poker run events, as we have been forced to downsize our gatherings for captains meetings, lunch functions and poker run parties. However, the good news is, we have not been forced to compromise any of the “boating aspects.” Indeed, our participants will be able to enjoy the freedom and adventure of the Final Frontier, and all it has to offer. Thanks to all of you for your continued support because it is you, our club members and industry sponsors, that kept FPC afloat through these challenging times.

Stu Jones,

FPC President & Founder

Comments: stu@flpowerboat.com


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WIDE OPEN SPACES!

AFTER A SIX MONTH COVID-19 POKER RUN HIATUS, IT WAS COMFORTING FOR FPC MEMBERS TO RECONVENE IN THE POPULAR DESTIN-FWB SUMMER HOTSPOT FOR SOME HORSEPOWER IN PARADISE. DESPITE A FEW CHANGES TO THE TRADITIONAL EVENT ITINERARY TO ACCOMMODATE CORONAVIRUS GUIDELINES, THE BOATING EXPERIENCE WAS AS GOOD AS EVER, BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO THAT SIMPLE SLOGAN USED BY MERCURY RACING....WIDE OPEN!

STORY: STU JONES

I

n the twenty-eight years since FPC’s early beginnings, many new records have been set along the way, including the 269 boat roster for the 2019 Key West Poker Run, and the most powerboat events staged in one year by FPC, which was 22 events back in 1998. But little did we know, a new record would be set in 2020, and not necessarily one to be proud of. FPC went almost six months, 172 days to be exact, without staging an organized FPC poker run event, due to government issued Covid-19 restrictions. Thankfully, Emerald Coast Powerboat Week broke the streak on August 12, when poker run teams started rolling into Destin-Fort Walton Beach for the annual summer event. It was the third consecutive year since FPC injected new life into a struggling event, by moving its powerboatcentric format away from a local charity group, with great

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results for everyone attending. And with a 100-boat roster for two years in a row in 2018 and 2019, FPC was poised for another great outcome in 2020, until the sinister Covid-19 virus put a dent in those plans. But shortly after Florida’s executive orders by the State’s Governor DeSantis were lifted, the phone started ringing, and the registrations started flowing. By the first day of the four-day affair, sixty-eight entries appeared on the registration roster, and FPC organizers were quite pleased with the outcome. That said, Covid-19 social distancing guidelines were very much a top priority, and the normal festivities associated with the Powerboat Week format had to be modified extensively. Gone were the spirited evening festivities such as the Harborwalk Village Trucks ‘N Boats Parade, Thursday’s Miss Powerboat Week Contest, and the Friday night AJ’s Captains Party. Thankfully, there was one large


PHOTOGRAPHY: JIM STEWART & STU JONES

Covid-friendly venue in town that could accommodate the nearly three hundred attendees under one roof, and FPC was pleased to partner with the Destin-Fort Walton Convention Center (formerly Emerald Coast Convention Center) to stage the Saturday night poker run dinner and awards party. With all those changes to the event format, that did not dampen the spirits of the Emerald Coast participants, because as far as the boating agenda was concerned, everything was just as normal. And it was fantastic. With at least a dozen teams rolling into town Wednesday and early Thursday, there were enough boats in the water for the traditional Thursday lunch run, which headed off towards Niceville, a small town on the north side of Choctawhatchee Bay. But with a dark summer storm cloud

looming to the north, and the occasional lightning bolt to remind us of Mother Nature’s bossy ways, the small fleet scattered in the opposing direction, landing a number of teams at Juana’s in Navarre, and a handful at Fort Walton Beach’s FUBAR, a waterfront eatery formerly named HELEN BACK, which has always been popular with local boaters. By Friday morning dozens more teams had rolled into town from as far away as Texas, Oklahoma to the west, Kentucky and Tennessee to the north, and the Carolinas to the east. Clearly this Emerald Coast Powerboat Week format was still very much appealing to any powerboat owner that was willing to make a 500 to 600-mile drive with the boat in tow. Perhaps that may explain why the FPC membership roster has increased its representation from all of these southern states over the last decade.

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Friday

The Friday Fun Run returned to its favorite destination, Juana’s in Navarre Beach, which is by far, one of the most popular boating destinations in the Florida Panhandle, known mostly for its 1,000+ feet of sandy boatfriendly beach, live entertainment daily, and a full dining menu in a casual rustic setting. The normally-expected late afternoon showers, magically did not appear, and the party went on until late afternoon for many of the poker run revelers, and with no Friday Night party at AJ’s due to crowding concerns by management there, the boats became the “party platform” as many teams eventually found their way to the sandy beach at Noriego Point in Destin Harbor. From the balconies of the Emerald Grande, the FPC lodging headquarters, hotel guests would sit on patio chairs with a cold beverage and enjoy a constant parade of powerboats and spirited crews, until well past sunset.

Chris Domino | TX | Team DOUG WRIGHT | 30' Doug Wright / 2-Mercury Racing Verado 300R

Dixie

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Stu & Jackie Jones | FL | Team PROJECT 1080 | 38' Cigarette / 2-Mercury Racing 540 EFI

Greg DelMonte | NJ | Team HARD TO HANDLE | 44' Outerlimits / 2-Mercury Racing 700 SCI

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COAST TO COAST Crew

Scott & Monica James | SC | Team COAST TO COAST | 33' DCB / 2-Mercury Racing 450R

Steve & Lisa Young | AL | Team NAUTI HABIT | 38' Statement / 3-Mercury Racing Verado 400R

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 11


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Brox & Bree Baxley | SC | Team IMPROMPTU | 39' Nor-Tech / 4-Mercury Racing 450R

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Bret Laso | SC | Team RENEGADE | 40' Fountain / 2x Custom 540 c.i twin Turbos

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John & Connie Fahmy | GA | Team SOUTHERN YANKEE | 34' Sunsation / 3-Mercury Racing Verado 400

Shelbie andLauren

FOUNTAIN Crew

Frankie & Molly Tubbs | AL | Team FOUNTAIN | 38' Fountain / Mercury Racing 2-500 EFI

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Mallory

Kyle Fowler | SC | Team A-SALT WEAPON | 38' Fountain / 3-Mercury Racing 400R

Terrell & Clara Clark | TX | Team SUNSATION | 36' Sunsation / 2-Mercury Racing 540

George & Carre Olson | TX | Team DRIVE THIS | 42' Fountain / 2- Mercury Racing 525


Jim & Lynne Archambault | GA | Team KEEPIN' IT REAL | 43' Outerlimits

KEEPIN' IT REAL Crew

Steven & Casey Head | AL | Team TUTZ | 35' Formula / 2-Mercury Racing 502 EFI

Hays & Karlyn Wilson | OK | Team VELOCITY | 39' Nor-Tech / 3 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

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Becca

Saturday Saturday morning kicked off right on schedule and despite a small threat of morning showers, the weather held out and poker run teams enjoyed sunny skies for the rest of day. The poker run course kept its 120-mile roundtrip Sandestin to Pensacola format, with an agenda that directed teams to visit five poker card checkpoints in the morning hours at the east end of the course, then head westbound towards Navarre and Pensacola, where a variety of five different lunch stops were offered. The numerous choices prevented over-crowding at any one given lunch venue, a consideration that was well-received by the hosting restaurants, who all reached out to FPC later to thank us for the business. Juana’s and East River Smokehouse provided lunch options in Navarre, while Hemmingway’s and Hooters at Pensacola Beach Boardwalk served about 125 guests. A 3rd Pensacola location, Flounders Chowder House was also added to the lunch options, where at least a half dozen teams enjoyed the relaxed beachfront atmosphere.

Miss Powerboat Week and sun-drenched crew members were making their way back to their Destin-Fort Walton homeports, which included Brooks Bridge Marina, Harborwalk Village, AJ’s Destin, and Legendary Marina farthest to the east. Teams had plenty of time to relax back at their luxurious Emerald Grande condos, and get ready for the Saturday night festivities. By 8pm the Destin-FWB Convention center ballroom was entertaining over 200 guests, all of them nicely “distanced” throughout the massive hall, with well-spaced 10-top round tables throughout the room, poker card tables attended by the lovely FPC Girls, and buffet lines with servers on the opposite wall. On the big video screens, aerial videos of the two days of poker run action played, along with a sexy slide-show of all the Miss Powerboat Week contestants, which gave participants the chance to vote using a ballot right on their dinner tables. Once again, Covid challenges created a new format, which allowed organizers to crown Miss Powerboat Week right there at the Saturday party.

By late afternoon the full-bellied captains ( myself included) SALTWATER STEEL Crew

Jos & Jennifer Bekkers | FL | Team SALTWATER STEEL | 43 'Saltwater Steel

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In the center of the huge banquet hall, there appeared an empty eleven-seat table where all the captains wanted to be sat at some point that evening. Indeed, it was the FINAL TABLE, which awaited those players holding the Top Ten poker hands, who would play off in a sudden death game of Texas Holdem, for the $ 10,000 poker run grand prize! The 11th seat, well that was for the newly appointed final table dealer. Congratulations to all the winners for an exciting final round, and these winning teams are listed on page 36. With a roster of seventy poker run teams, and with an entirely new event format to accommodate the challenges of Covid-19, Florida Powerboat Club members, event sponsors and venue partners, somehow managed to make it all work for the 250-guest event roster! We are just hopeful that the 172-day streak of having no poker run events in 2020, is a record that will stand the test of time and never be broken.

Frank & Toni Esposito | NJ | Team MYSTIC | 42' Mystic / 4-Mercury Verado 400R Chris Batcheler | AL | Team BAJA | 23' Baja / 2-Mercury Racing 496 HO

Stu Jones

Bill Picot | TX | Team MCOB | 32'Sunsation

Dixie

Kevin Kurkowski | TX | Team THE GRASSY ASS | 35'Fountain / 2-Mercury Racing 525

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1st Poker Card

Jazzmyn

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 21


Robbie & Anjum Ullah | GA | Team D.R. PERFORMANCE | 32' Spectre / 2-Mercury Racing Verado 400R

LICKALONAPUS Crew Mike & Susan Pascoe | GA | Team COIN OPERATED | 41' Cigarette / 4-Mercury Racing 450R

Mark & Lona Albert | TX | Team LICKALONAPUS | 35' Fountain / 2-Mercury Racing 525

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Kruis Retherford | FL | Team GLASSTREAM | 36' Glasstream / 3-Mercury Racing Verado 400R

David & Leann Branton | LA | Team VOO DOO | 38'Skater

Stephen & Kelly Marino | AL | Team TWIN LADIES | 35'DCB / 2-Mercury Racing 1100

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 23


Shelbie

Weston Harlow | FL | Team IN 2 DEEP | 35' DCB / 2-Mercury Racing 700 SCI

Daniel Pharris | FL | Team HIGH BID | 34' Nor-Tech / 3-Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Josh Kirkland | GA | Team DIRTY DUCK | 42' Cigarette / 4-Mercury Verado 350

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2nd Poker Card

Jack Wilson | FL | Team AFTER FIVE | 70' Maritimo

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 25


Brandon Mayer | FL | Team SWEETWATER LANDING | 40' Mystic / 2-Mercury Racing 450R

Gerald Brown | GA | Team CHATTANOOGA POWER | 42 'Fountain / 3-Mercury Racing 700 SCI

Christopher Villar | FL | Team REEL G.U.S. | 39' Nor-Tech / 3-Mercury Racing 450R

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Jorge & Ann Arellano | FL | Team DCB. | 29' DCB / 2-Mercury Racing 700

William & Meghan Wiles | TX | Team NEVER ENOUGH. | 38' Fountain / Mercury Racing 600 SCI

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ONE CARAT | Bell Jet Ranger 505 Derek Wachob | OK | 6 CARAT. | 59'Cigarette / 6 Mercury Racing 450R BLACK DIAMOND | 52'MTI / 2-Mercury Racing 1350/1550 BLACK DIAMOND EXPRESS | 34'MTI / 2-Mercury Racing Verado 400R

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 31


Keith Snow | MS | Team TERRIBLE | 46' Skater (Top) Jerry Swanson | MS | TEAM 22 | 46' Skater

Jerry Swanson | MS | TEAM AMG | 41'Cigarette / 2-Mercury Racing 1100

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Emalee

Veronica

Paul Bertucci | MS | Team BEER MONEY TOO! | 39' Deep Impact / 4-Mercury Verado 350

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 33


Donald Braddy | FL | Team SWAMP CHOMP II | 35' Everglades

SWAMP CHOMP II Crew

Brad Hancock | GA | Team HAIL RAISER | 47' Nor-Tech / 2- Mercury Racing 1350

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EMERALD COAST POWERBOAT WEEK WINNERS & AWARDS:

SECOND PLACEBILL & MEGHAN WILES

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FIRST PLACEBRETT LASO TEAM RENEGADE

THIRD PLACETEAM TERRIBLE


FOR RESERVATIONS:


THE POWER OF GIVING

Emerald Coast Powerboat Week 2020

FPC MEMBERS RALLIED TO HAVE FUN ON THE ANNUAL EMERALD COAST POWERBOAT WEEK, YET STILL MANAGED TO KEEP FUNDRAISING EFFORTS IN THEIR SIGHTS, RAISING $ 10,000 FOR LOCAL OKALOOSA COUNTY CHARITY ORGANIZATIONS!

W

hile Florida Powerboat Club met the challenges of Covid-19 to keep the Emerald Coast Powerboat Week events on schedule for August 2020, event organizers did not lose sight of their fundraising agenda. Despite the smaller event roster, and evening events being limited to the Saturday night party at the Destin FWB Convention Center, FPC managed to keep fundraising a high priority. After returning to the club’s Pompano Beach headquarters, $ 10,000 of event proceeds, much of that raised at the Saturday night poker run party, were transferred to Florida Powerboat Foundation, a registered 501(C) 3 charitable organization.

Later, five separate checks of $ 2,000 each were then sent to five local Okaloosa County charities, 1) Alaqua Animal Refuge 2) Fisher House of Emerald Coast 3) Destin Kids on Coast , 4) Emerald Coast Science Center, and 5) Okaloosa County’s Sheriff ’s Dept Star Charity. We thank all the FPC members for their continued support and generosity, which helped Florida Powerboat Foundation to keep the spirit of giving very much alive for this Emerald Coast Powerboat Week event. Stu Jones

OCSO Star Charities

Mia Hughes & Jerry Williams Fisher House Eglin Air Force Base.

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W HEN

SIZE (DOESN'T) MATTER

BIG POKER RUN EVENTS MAY BE EXCITING FOR ALL WHO ATTEND, BUT THIS SMALL GROUP OF FPC MEMBERS WERE IN FOR SOME PLEASANT SURPRISES ON THIS LASTMINUTE EVENT. THE FALL KEY WEST FUN RUN DELIVERED BIG FUN FOR THIS SMALL GROUP, WITH SOME UNIQUE EXPERIENCES ALONG THE WAY. STORY & PHOTOS BY STU JONES

W

hen FPC planned its annual Bahamas Poker Run for June 2020, nobody guessed that Covid-19 government mandates in the Bahamas would shut down international travel with strict Covid testing guidelines. That event was moved to July, and again was cancelled for the same reasons. But then FPC’s last-ditch efforts to keep the Bahamas Run alive in September for a handful of eager members was roadblocked, and plan B was crystal clear. With Florida resorts and restaurants officially open for business, it was a nobrainer to head for Key West and give these patient, but

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frustrated powerboaters, a chance to let their hair down, soak in the sun, and escape the Covid curse for at least a few days. Most poker run enthusiasts like the concept of the group setting, and few would ever expect a six-boat run to amount to much. So wrong. The Fall Key West Fun Run was the perfect event that leveraged the “less-is-more” advantage in every possible way. On the Friday morning of departure, teams enjoyed a dockside breakfast at Haulover Marine Center along with a quick dockside chat, and we were soon on course to Key West for the 170-mile run.


With a quick stop near Grove Harbour to rendezvous with another team, the group headed southbound for a rarely visited lunch stop at Alabama Jack’s, near the Card Sound Bridge. The rustic stopover only accommodates about 8-10 boats at one time and is therefore not an option on any other FPC poker run event. After a scenic ride through the Upper Keys, our destination for the first evening was Faro Blanco Resort & Marina, where we overnighted at Hyatt Place and enjoyed dinner at the Lighthouse Grill. The real bonus…. up front docking in the best slips Faro Blanco has to offer. Nice touch!

BILL & TAMMY DAY WITH FRIENDS

BILL DAY | FL | Team DAYS BOAT SALES | 32'Sunsation CCX / 2-Mercury Racing 450R

Scott & Monica James | SC | TEAM COAST TO COAST | 33'DCB / 2-Mercury Racing 450R

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 41


Roger & Pam Anderson | TX | Team EASY MONEY II / 3-Mercury Verado 350

Fred & Judy Reavis | FL | Team BLEW BY U IV | 42' MTI / 4-Mercury Racing 400R

Lunch at Alabama Jacks, near the Card Sound Bridge

Passing through Jewfish Creek, Key Largo

Continuing the adventure, the next day’s highlight was an elegant lunch stopover at the very exclusive Little Palm Island, where the maximum group reservation is 30 guests. We had just under that number for our seating on the oceanview deck of The Dining Room, and everyone enjoyed the experience immensely. Mother Nature was on our side, offering ideal summer boating conditions, as the adventure continued in Key West. Highlights included an amazing

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daytrip to Boca Grande, an otherwise off-limits destination during huge events like the November Key West Poker Run, and a festive Saturday night group dinner at the Conch Republic Seafood Company. To say this Fall Key West Fun Run was small, is an understatement. But sometimes the best things come in small packages, especially when they are completely unplanned. SJ


Roger & Pam Anderson with friends

Michael & Olivia Lopez | IL | Team GRAY AREA | Sunsation 40 CCX

Little Palm Island

Boca Grande, Mule Keys near Key West

Scott & Monica James | SC | Team COAST TO COAST

Relaxing at Boca Grande, in Mule Keys just 10 miles from Key West ( Off-limits event during November Key West run)

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 43


MONEY SHOT ...2.0!

WITH THE COVID-19 CRISIS IN THE MINDS OF ALL FPC MEMBERS FROM ACROSS THE NATION, IT DIDN'T HURT TO TO LET THE HAIR DOWN AND PUSH THE THROTTLES FORWARD, FOR A FLORIDA RENDEZVOUS WITH LIKE-MINDED POWERBOAT ENTHUSIASTS. WITH THE LOCAL TAMPA HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY STRUGGLING TO GET BACK ON TRACK, OVER 200 WEEKEND VISITORS ENJOYED THE DOWNTOWN TAMPA SCENE FOR FESTIVE ESCAPE, AS FPC CELEBRATED TEN YEARS FOR THE TAMPA BAY EVENT AND MADE THAT SUNSHINE SKYWAY MONEY SHOT A TOP PRIORITY!

STORY: STU JONES

A

fter getting FPC back into momentum with the Emerald Coast Powerboat Week a month earlier, a record setting 46 poker r un teams were locked and loaded for the late September r unning of the 10th Annual Tampa Bay Poker Run. But it was not without a measurable level of fr ustration for FPC organizers and many participants, as the event was poised to hit the throttles five months earlier in April, until Covid-19 government inter vention closed hotels and restaurants statewide. With new September dates on the calendar, there was one consolation that would have to be addressed, as FPC was forced to work out a special agreement with the organizers of the annual (IBEX) International Boat Builders Exhibition & Conference, to share the use of the Tampa Convention Center docks. With a 30-boat poker run roster, that seemed manageable, until the numbers started climbing much higher and FPC needed to explore all options. But almost the same moment that the docking dilemma seemed imminent, IBEX

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officials decided to “pull the proverbial drain plug” on the physical trade show, and opt for a Virtual Trade Show format, giving FPC access to the entire inventory of transient dockage at the Tampa Convention Center. To that end, we say…” Thank You IBEX” For FPC, the show must go on, and indeed it did. As early as Wednesday, a handful of teams were already at the Davis Island boat ramp, launching their boats and getting an early start to three days ahead, in a boating playground that is abundant with cr uising options and lunch destinations on almost every direction. And when the boat is docked for the night, being headquartered from landmark hotels including the Tampa Downtown Marriott on Water St., and the Westin Waterside Resort, participants have an endless number of evening entertainment options in this bustling, vibrant Florida city. Whether it’s a stroll down the Tampa Riverwalk which hugs the shoreline of the Hillsborough River and connects major hotels, city parks and popular dining establishments, or


Chloe PHOTOGRAPHY: PETE BODEN & STU JONES

jumping in an Uber to historic Ybor City, there are endless options to turn an poker run into an adventurous extended vacation. For the sake of simplicity, we summonsed the early-bird arrivals to meet up at American Social, a hip bar/restaurant conveniently located just steps from our two host hotels. The place was rocking and was the perfect launch pad for our weekend festivities. By Friday morning, most of out-of-town visitors had arrived and were soon launched and ready for the scheduled fun run, which would head across Tampa Bay to a popular waterfront eatery called Tiki Docks, located at the IGY Maximo Marina. But with at least half of the event roster not present as the boats milled round near the Tampa Convention Center docks, it soon became apparent that a large percentage of registered local teams, were planning on making today’s run a rendezvous location, so away we went. We hit the throttles not a moment too soon, as the hot September morning was already knocking on 90

degrees, with very light winds, so the only relief was getting the boats on plane for that rush of wind at 65 mph! OK…. 65 for some of us….100+ for the rest of you speed freaks! Arriving at IGY Maximo, proved beyond any doubt that this event was well-supported by the local powerboaters. The usual suspects included a strong showing of Statement owners led by company cofounder Nick Buis; Former OPBA president and poker run organizer Ron Long and his wife Elaine, exboat racer Billy Glueck who mustered up the energy and wallet to tune and launch the totally awesome 46 Cougar Raceboat POPEYES; and that usual handful of local Spectre and Skater cat owners that include the Munyan brothers & Chris Lamorte. With the expected lunch rendezvous attendance of about 25 powerboat teams, it was amazing to see close to 40 teams present, but even more astonishing to see the Maximo Marina staff fully engaged in welcoming and directing traffic.

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 45


Friday Everyone seemed pretty thrilled with their first experience at the somewhat new Tiki Docks, a well-managed eatery that is a new spin-off brand from the very successful 23 Restaurants chain (better known as Ford’s Garage) Special thanks to all the restaurant and marina staff for making us all feel very welcome! Later Friday evening with all the boats docked and teams settled in for the night, participants were able to do their poker run check in with Ms. Jackie (FPC) and her staff at the Marriot, to get their captains bags. In keeping with FPC safety guidelines, staggered captains meetings were offered using a specially arranged seating plan in a large meeting room that was set up by the Marriott’s catering staff, keeping the Covid guidelines in place. It was the perfect setting, and above all it allowed FPC to maintain the structure and quality of our event formats, while meeting the new guidelines that hotels and restaurants have the responsibility to maintain.!

Chloe and Joslyn 46 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE


FPC Salutes OUR 2020 SERIES SPONSOR Florida Powerboat Club is pleased to introduce our 2020 Series Sponsor line up! These leading manufacturers have renewed their commitment to support Florida Powerboat Club and assist us in every way by participating at major poker run events and providing additional financial resources to improve the quality of the poker run experience! With this support FPC can continue to produce safe, exciting poker runs to a variety of destinations in paradise!

www.blackwaterboats.com 855-476-1405

www.deepimpactboats.com 866-726-3403

www.mercuryracing.com 920-921-5330

www.mycotrailers.com 941-748-2397

www.mysticpowerboats.com 386-736-2247

www.nor-techboats.com 239-567-5030

www.performanceboatcenter.com

Missouri: 573-873-2300 | Florida: 954-237-0332

To inquire about sponsorship programs contact Stu Jones 954-684-9333


Saturday

Saturday morning the fun was about to shift gears, and after a dockside breakfast at Tampa Convention Center, forty-five teams began to rumble in the harbor and one-by-one, plucking their poker card from the lovely FPC girls Chloe and Joslyn. The 10:30 start ensured that teams would have time to stage the “money shot experience” with the chopper at Tampa Bay’s Sunset Skyway bridge, then pickup another poker card at Egmont Key, then arrive at one of three designated lunch stops on the Manatee River well before noon. Aside from a few hiccups and a poker run party crasher that caused a disturbance during one of the staged photo sessions, the morning logistics went to plan. The practice is using multiple lunch stops by Florida Powerboat Club on the larger event, is about to take on a new level of significance, as event formats are forced to adapt to Covid guidelines. Large group seatings are no longer appealing to many restaurant managers, who are forced to stay within strict seating and capacity guidelines. In keeping with these parameters, FPC was forced to limit each lunch group to about 75 guests, and with a 220-person event roster, this required three lunch stops for the Tampa Bay Poker Run. Nonetheless, two of the three restaurants performed flawlessly, and we want to thank those management teams for being prepared and welcoming FPC. A third establishment did

48 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

not fair so well, but we will give them another chance sometime in the future. Saturday evening the group congregated at Jacksons Bistro in Downtown Tampa, where a wonderful dinner was served, and poker hands played out…in a very pleasant setting. As an added attraction, the local NHL home team Tampa Lightning played out a nail-biting game six, potentially winning the Stanley Cup as we shared the venue with hundreds of Bolts fans. Well, the Bolts did not win on that evening, but three of our lucky poker run captains shared a $ 5,000 purse for pulling the top poker hands. Special thanks to FPC member Wes Harlow, who after winning first place, then donated $ 1,000 of his prize money back to fellow FPC members! The Pensacola native who ran his 35 DCB in the run, had expressed concern that he would like to see a successful Key West Poker Run for the club, and offered a $ 200 signing bonus to any member who would register for FPC’s Key West Poker Run that evening. Thanks Wes…it worked… we gained five more entries, and you had enough cash left over to pay for your fuel and hotel! Like you, we all had fond memories of this 10th Anniversary Tampa Bay Poker Run. Stu Jones


Icom Command Mic VHF Radio

Garmin 7612 XSV x 2 Units

Special thanks to SCI for their product support on the FPC official pace boat PROJECT 1080 HP. Twin Garmin 7612 XSV chartplotters, Icom VHF radio system, and Icom handheld marine and aviation-band radios... providing PROJECT 1080 HP with the complete electronics package


1 st Card Stop

Steven & Casey Head | AL | Team TUTZ | 35' Formula

Chloe and Joslyn

Steve Petty | FL | Team GLASSTREAM 360 LS | 36' Glasstream / 3-Mercury Racing Verado 400R

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Beau and Tiffiney Renfroe | GA | Team DIRTY MONEY | 36' Skater / 2-Mercury Racing 700

Jim Wiley | FL | Team NOR-TECH | 39'Nor-Tech / 3-Mercury Verado 350

Chris LaMorte | NJ | Team SKATER 36 | 36' Skater / 2-Mercury Racing 700 SCI

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Dan Raimondi | FL | JENNY | 34' Nor-Tech / 3-Mercury Verado 350

Jason & Christy Stross | FL | BLACK BOATS MATTER | 38' Statement / 3-Mercury Verado 350

Noel & Gretchen Speranza | FL | RETAINAGE | 44' Concept / 4-Mercury Racing Verado 400R

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 53


DONZI Crew Jorge & Ann Arellano | FL | Team DCB | 29' DCB / 2-Mercury Racing 700

Deris Ceresa | FL | Team DONZI | 38' Donzi / 2-Mercury Racing-Modified

Luis Sotero | FL | Team TODO O NADA | 38' Donzi / 2-Mercury Racing 1075

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EGMONT KEY POKER CARD #2

Pat McDonald | FL | Team LAZY LADY | 48' Ocean Yacht

Chloe

56 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE



Christopher Villar | FL | Team REEL G.U.S. | 39' Nor-Tech / 3-Mercury Racing 450R

REEL G.U.S Crew

Chris & Kimberly Erickson | FL | Team ERICKSON MARINE | 35' Contender

Sponsor

Robbie & Anjum Ullah | GA | Team DR PERFORMANCE | 32' Spectre / 2-Mercury Racing Verado 400R

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Daniel Munyan | FL | Team BAD BUSINESS | 34' Statement! / 2-Mercury Racing 450R

Ed & Jacquie Rachel | FL | Team WIDE OPEN | 39' Nor-Tech / 3-Mercury Verado 350

Scott & Monica James | SC | Team COAST TO COAST | 33' DCB / 2-Mercury Racing 450R

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 59


M3800 Crew

Ryan & Amber Zivitski | FL | Team M3800 | 38' Mystic / 4-Mercury Racing 300

Sponsor

JOE JACKED Crew

Wayland Joe | IL | Team JOE JACKED | 42' Mystic / 4-Mercury Racing 450R

BODACIOUS, TOO Crew

H. Neil & Cindy Campbell | FL | Team BODACIOUS, TOO | 42' Mystic / 3-Mercury Racing 400R

60 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE


UNLIKE ANYTHING ON THE WATER M4200

M Y S T I C P O W E R B O A T S . C O M 386-736-2247


Since the Tampa Poker Run 2018, when FPC began the search for the Holy Grail to capture that perfect "Money Shot" as the group of powerboats passed under Tampa Bay's Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the challenge has been repeated for three consecutive years. In the very first take back in March 2018, it was "all" the poker run boats taking a shot at one time, and somehow we pulled it off, with a little "pucker factor" from a few poker run teams, and certainly from the sail boater who was caught in the middle. Whoops! But since the event has grown in numbers, now reaching 45 register teams for the September 2020 edition, it only seemed smarter and safer to break up the photo sessions into smaller groups by their designated "Speed Class". All of the FPC members were on board with the plan, and our 2020 photo results were amazing!Â

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Tony & Jessica Gielow | FL | Team SKIDS OFF | 39' Midnight Express / 4-Mercury VERADO 275

Rob BuShea | FL | Team DIVEOCEAN | 39' FrontRunner / 4-Mercury Racing 450R

TRY IT NOW! Crew

Ryan Foster | FL | Team TRY IT NOW! | 39' Nor-Tech / 3-Mercury Racing 350

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 63


IN 2 DEEP Crew

Weston Harlow | FL | Team IN 2 DEEP | 35' DCB / 2-Mercury Racing 700 SCI

Craig & Paula Ackerman | GA | Team SEA YA | 34' MTI / 2-Mercury Racing 450R

Sponsor

Brian Hoar | VT | Team X RACER 2.0 | 36' Statement! / 2-Mercury Racing 450R

64 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE



With the growing popularity of the Tampa Bay Poker Run and the challenges faced by restaurant owners in serving large groups, FPC was forced to create a multiple-lunch-stop format for the Tampa Bay Poker Run. The Manatee River was the perfect destination, with more than a half-dozen popular waterfront restaurants along its shores through Bradenton on the south shore, and Ellenton on its north shore. With three official lunch destinations selected to serve the 45-boat, 200-guest poker run event, this was the perfect way to mix up food and fun, giving all participants a chance to enjoy the camaraderie with their fellow FPC members. Thanks to all of our restaurant partners for making this a great Saturday of boating fun for our participants!

Woody’s River Roo – Ellenton, FL Casual rustic vibe, limited dockage on the inside basin but a long finger dock supported over fifteen high-performance boats with rafting. Guests raved about how the private

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tables were all reserved in advance and abundance of tasty appetizers were served within moments of arrival. Great job by the Woody’s staff…High Marks!


Caddy's Bradenton/ Tarpon Point Marina: Bradenton, FL Thanks to a totally prepared Tarpon Point Marina dock staff for an amazing greeting as the poker run teams had plenty of dockage pre-reserved, making the arrival a breeze! Restaurant staff were on the ball, although reports were that the kitchen may have gotten backed up due to extra crew members being added to the FPC guest count.

This is outside an organizer's control and is not an easy problem to overcome when it happens. Caddy’s apologizes for any delays in food service, and we ask FPC participants to report their crew numbers accurately prior to event, so restaurant management can be prepared.

PIER 22 Restaurant/ Twin Dolphin Marina: Bradenton, FL Not a hiccup encountered! Plenty of transient docking provided and although it was a five minute walk to Pier 22 Restaurant, crews were able to stop at the Twin Dolphin Marina dock office to get their poker card, before arriving for lunch. Food was amazing and service outstanding. Nothing more to say‌Well executed by staff... Happy customers, Home Run!

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 67


Sponsor

Nick Buis | FL | Team STATEMENT | 42' Ultimate / 2- Mercury Racing 1075

TEAM OBSESSION Crew

Ryan Snyder | FL | Team DEPLORABLE | 38' Fountain / 3-Mercury Verado 350

Rufus & Leslie Scott | GA | Team OBSESSION | 47' Fountain / 3-Mercury Verado 525

68 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE


Florida Powerboat Club offers a “Commercial Member” program which is designed for individuals or companies that are engaged in some form of commerce that relates to the marine industry. In many cases these members provide special discounts and offers to FPC members, so we invite you to contact them and keep your boating-related needs within the FPC family.

Join us in welcoming these

NEW FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB COMMERCIAL MEMBERS: MICHAEL LAYTON

JOHN COSKER

706-359-6899 adrenalinepowerboats.com mike@adrenalinepowerboats.com

386.736.2247 mysticpowerboats.com j@mysticpowerboats.com

P.O. Box 611 Lincolnton, GA 30817

1848 Patterson Ave. DeLand, FL 32724

CJ KUSMIERZ

SVEN TEUBER

Adrenaline Powerboats

Bluefin Marine Consultants

Mystic Powerboats Inc.

On Track Incentives, LLC

616-893-7503 bluefinconsultants.org info@bluefinconsultants.org

+1813-500-7110 ontrackincentives.com sven@ontrackincentives.com

Port St. Lucie, FL

11125 Winthrop Lake Drive Riverview, FL 33578

MICHAEL & NICOLE LUND

SCOTT PORTA

508-678-4547 bordenlightmarina.com office@bordenlightmarina.com 1 Ferry Street Fall River, MA 02721

386-428-7417 portaproducts.com portaproducts@aol.com 1601 Tionia Rd. New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

BILL DAY

RUDY DIPIETRO

Borden Light Marina

Days Boat Sales & Service

Porta Product Corp

Renaissance Prowler

1-888-413-8315 daysboatsales.com bill@daysboatsales.com

954-274-6648 www.renaissanceprowler.com Rudyjr@aol.com

101 Arrowhead Ct Frankfort, Kentucky 40601

13040 NW 43rd Avenue Opa Locka, FL 33054

PETER/ RAYMOND ROBERTS

FRANK SCHEELEN

+1 705-487-7575 doublerperformance.com office@doublerperformance.com

+49 (0) 7741 96 94 25 scheelen-racing.com email: info@scheelen-racing.com

50 Line 9 N, Oro-Medonte, Ontario L0L 1T0

Im Unterberg 11 D-79761 Waldshut-Tiengen

JIMMIE HARRISON

BRANDON MAYER

954-467-7723 fjprop.com jimmie@fjprop.com

1-888-413-8315 sweetwaterlanding.net bmayer14@yahoo.com

200 sw 6th St Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

16991 State Road 31, Fort Myers, FL 33905

KEVIN SCHULTE

HUGO DOMINGEZ

Hardline Products

Vandalize Boats

1-888-413-8315 hardlineproducts.com sales@hardlineproducts.com

305-635-0005 vandalizeboats.com info@vandalizeboats.com

7766 SW Jack James Drive Stuart, FL 34997

3480 NW 21st Street Miami, FL 33142

DoubleR Performance

Frank & Jimmies Propeller

Scheelen-Racing

Sweetwater Landing Marina


NEW FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB COMMERCIAL MEMBERS: RICHARD GARCIA

WALLY J. WOLANSKE

33055873094 boatdepotonline.com boatdepot@live.com

7169981197 exogear.co walter.wolanske@exogear.co

101500 Overseas HWY Key Largo, FL 33037

301 Clematis St. West Palm Beach, FL 33401

PEDRO RIVEIRO

ANDREW POKORNY

Boat Depot

Spinal Armor

The Firm Realty Group

Powerstroke Performance

3056190257 peteriveiro.com peteriveiro@gmail.com

2399104169 powerstrokeperformancespecialties.com andrew.pokorny@gmail.com

26 Bahama Ave Key Largo,FL 33037

5660 Division Drive Fort Myers, FL 33905

TOM CROWLEY Oakdale Yacht

6318046592 oakdaleyacht.com tom@oakdaleyacht.com 520 Shore Drive Oakdale, NY 11769

TWISTED METAL Crew

Billy Glueck | FL | Team TWISTED METAL | 42' Fountain Race Boat

Keith Overton | FL | Team STATEMENT | 38'Statement / 3-Mercury Verado 350

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JOIN THE CLUB. JOIN THE FUN . Five levels of membership to suit your boating lifestyle.

PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP

• Access to all FPC events and parties. • Powerboating Video. (Dozens of titles to choose.) • Powerboating in Paradise Magazine subscription. • Embroidered Club T-shirt in your choice of colors. • Access to all Membership discount programs. PLUS: • Premium mens OGIO club polo shirt. • Premium Concierge Services • Priority booking status for rooms and dockage on all FPC Events. • Marina and marine service referrals for your powerboat. • Nautical assistance to a variety of marine resorts and boating destinations. • Planning and hotel/slip reservations for your Florida boating weekends. • Personal assistance(up to 4 hours) for boat shoping by FPC President Stu Jones( Hourly rates apply for additional time spent)

$479.00/year*

GOLD MEMBERSHIP

Membership suggested for married couples Includes all of the Standard Membership benefits, PLUS: • Second membership for spouse/partner included • Premium mens OGIO Club Polo Shirt. • Premium womens OGIO Ladies Tank Top $379.00/year*

STANDARD MEMBERSHIP

Membership Includes:

• Access to all FPC events and parties. • Powerboating Video. (Dozens of titles to choose.) • Powerboating in Paradise Magazine subscription. • Embroidered Club T-shirt in your choice of colors. • Access to all Membership discount programs. $279.00/year*

COMMERCIAL MEMBERSHIP Membership Includes:

• Discounted rates on FPC Magazine advertising • Discounted rates on all web advertising/banner programs. • Access to all FPC events and parties. • Business listing on our website affiliate section. • Business card introduction Ad in FPC magazine. Commercial Members also have the opportunity to run promotions and discounts through FPC events. $349.00/year*

SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP

Membership Includes:

• Club T-shirt in your choice of colors. • Powerboating in Paradise Magazine subscription. • Access to FPC parties • Discounted Boat Show tickets. $89.00/year*

*Overseas and international memberships will have a slightly higher rate to compensate for mailing/shipping costs.


Keith Goodson | FL | Team THIS IS US | 50' Azimut - Poker Card #3

72 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE


Ron & Elaine Long | FL | Team ALL NIGHT LONG | 35' Statement / 2-Mercury Verado 350

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 73





Greetings Participants, Sponsors & Event Partners, We are so pleased to see the positive momentum of our Florida Powerboat Club events get

back on pace, with recent events in Destin, Tampa and now Key West. With the challenges of Covid-19, we never imagined that Key West 2020 would exceed 150 registered poker run teams, producing a roster of nearly 700 participants who will contribute tremendously to the lumbering Key West local economy. Absent from our four-day Key West agenda, will be the World Superboat Championship Races, and with the continued focus on maintaining CDC social distancing guidelines, it goes without saying that our usual Poker Run Village format and evening entertainment agendas will be missing from our normal event format. But surely that won’t dampen the spirits of our enthusiastic participants, many of you just happy to be out on the water and sharing the adventure with your fellow FPC members. I do ask all of you, to share with me the responsibilities of recognizing that while we may wish to forget about Covid-19 for a few days, and the challenges it has presented in all our lives, this is not an option. The coronavirus it is still very much a threat all of us, our families, our friends and our fellow FPC members. For some of in the over sixty age group, and for those like myself who have had respiratory illness in the past, those risks may be even higher. So I ask all of you, to please take nothing for granted. To punctuate this point, I remind everyone that the City of Key West has been very proactive in the battle against Covid spread, taking serious steps to cancel all major events including Fantasy Fest, Songwriters Festival, and the RWO Powerboat races to name a few. To this day, even the major cruise lines are blocked from making Key West a port of call. With our Key West Poker Run not being an officially sanctioned Key West event, and by virtue of our event format, FPC has been given a green light to continue our 28-year annual tradition. I feel extremely fortunate, even privileged to have been given the opportunity to lead our members and industry sponsors, back to the Conch Republic, at a time when other tourism groups are being asked to stay home. We could use a little “escape”, and it’s no secret that FPC very much needed this event to get back on our feet. For that, I thank you all immensely! I have just two requests: 1) On the Water: Please do not let down your guard on safety while you are in the boats… especially those running in the performance classes at higher rates of speed. Your life jacket is your best friend. Please use it when the time is right!

2) On the Land: I ask you all to please be proud of your affiliation with FPC, practice discretion with social distancing in public places, and above all, remember that the Covid curse is still very much a threat to all of us. Your mask is your best friend. Please use it when the time is right! Thank you all!

Stu Jones, FPC President & Founder

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 77


KEY WEST POKER RUN 2020

PARTICIPANTS

Dawn & Donald Hadden.............. SC 30’ AMT.....................AMERICAN BAD ASS

Kevin & Melissa Welch................. MA 42’ Cigarette...........................TA DA PINS

Howard & Amie Beindit IV........... MI 41’ Apache................................TATONKA

Steve & Teresa Presley................ TN 41’ Cigarette...............LIVING THE DREAM

Michael Friedman....................... FL 41’ Apache.........................CRAZY HORSE

Mike & Susan Pascoe.................. GA 41’ Cigarette................... COIN OPERATED

Wally Wolanske........................... FL 37’ Axopar........................SPINAL ARMOR

John Wittenberger SR.................. NJ 39’ Cigarette..................... ON THE ROCKS

Andy Imhof................................. MD 43’ Black Thunder................. EL PADRINO

Frank & Frank Jr Jannucci........... NJ 39’ Cigarette........................ FUNDSALOW

Alex Tembelis.............................. NY 43’ Black Thunder................ MCMONSTER

Todd Amandus............................ FL 39’ Cigarette....................... SMOKIN GUN

Robert Jenkins............................ MO 46’ Black Thunder Offshore.Black Thunder Offshore

Bill Robbins................................. TX 39’ Cigarette..........CENTER OF ATTENTION

James Slattery............................ FL 43’ Blackwater.....................BLACKWATER

Robert Revera............................. FL 39’ Cigarette................................LEVEL 5

Dennis Delatorre......................... FL 41’ Blackwater....PLANTATION BOAT MART

Bud Porter.................................. IL 39’ Cigarette......................... RELENTLESS

Mark & Eileen Fischer................. FL 39’ Blackwater.....................BLACKWATER

Stu & Jackie Jones...................... FL 38’ Cigarette......................PROJECT 1080

Derek Wachob............................. OK 59’ Cigarette...............................6 CARAT

Kevin & Jenica Eisenbach............ MO 38’ Cigarette.....................SUPER SOAKER

David & Leann Branton............... LA 59’ Cigarette.................................... AMG

Wesley Abraham......................... NY 36’ Cigarette..............LIP SHIP CIGARETTE

John Ruiz.................................... FL 59’ Cigarette........... POWER OF ATTORNEY

Jeff & Brenda Jacobs................... MD 36’ Cigarette......................... WE’RE BACK

Bill Nohle.................................... MD 50’ Cigarette................. THUNDERSTRUCK

Brian Teyssier.............................. PA 30’ Cigarette............................CIGARETTE

John Ruiz.................................... FL 50’ Cigarette........... POWER OF ATTORNEY

Noel & Gretchen Speranza.......... FL 44’ Concept............................RETAINAGE

Daryl Turner............................... TX 46’ Cigarette........................RUMRUNNER

Eric Avila..................................... FL 44’ Concept.................... CONCEPT BOATS

Peter Zizzo.................................. IL 46’ Cigarette............................CIGARETTE

Randy Kohorst............................ FL 36’ Concept........................... STIX DOWN

Frank Lovato............................... NJ 42’ Cigarette...........................NO XCUSES

Parnell & Wendy Olson................ MI 36’ Concept........................ WICKED WON

Don House.................................. KY 42’ Cigarette........................... MAYHEM V

Ron Levy..................................... FL 32’ Concept...............................CONCEPT

Stephen Barker........................... NY 42’ Cigarette............................. X-FACTOR

Jorge & Ann Arellano.................. FL 35’ DCB...............................151 EXPRESS

John Ruiz.................................... FL 42’ Cigarette........... POWER OF ATTORNEY

Chad Havens............................... TX 35’ DCB.......................................SAVAGE

Sonny Meraban........................... IL 42’ Cigarette..........................CHECKMATE

Dennis Delatorre......................... FL 39’ Deep Impact.PLANTATION BOAT MART

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James & Sonia Redding............... GA 39’ Deep Impact........................LA MEXICANA

Alan Lima................................... FL 84’ Lazzara..................................BACKSTAGE

Mark & Eileen Fischer................. FL 39’ Deep Impact........................ DEEP IMPACT

Neil & Cindy Campbell................ FL 74’ Lazzara......................... BODACIOUS, TOO

Robert & Jackie Rauch................. FL 39’ Deep Impact........................... FOURGASM

John Ruiz.................................... FL 141’ Mangusta................POWER OF ATTORNEY

David Sacher............................... FL 36’ Deep Impact...................................LEO IV

Richard Bennett.......................... SC 52’ MTI.....................................................MTI

Al & Christy Newell...................... KY 38’ Donzi................................ BLOWN ASSETS

Derek Wachob............................. OK 52’ MTI.................................BLACK DIAMOND

Paddy Sullivan............................ MD 38’ Donzi...................................... CODE BLUE

Don Verkuylen............................ FL 52’ MTI.................................... SUPER VELOCE

Seth & Jeni Therrien.................... FL 38’ Donzi..............................CRUSH GROOVIN

Lane Christianson........................ TX 48’ MTI.......................................... FAST LANE

Luis Sotero.................................. FL 38’ Donzi..................................TODO O NADA

Fred & Judy Reavis...................... SC 48’ MTI.....................................................MTI

Deris Ceresa................................ FL 38’ Donzi.......................................DONZI ZRC

Alex Pratt.................................... MI 48’ MTI..........................................GOOD BOY

Robert Provalenko....................... SC 45’ Everglades............................. RAMBLE ON

John Woodruff............................ GA 48’ MTI...........................................WINDSHIP

Joey McAllister............................ GA 35’ Formula................................PURE VISION

Sam Gabriel................................ NJ 48 MTI......................................RAGING BULL

Mat & Ann Marie Raymond......... NC 48’ Fountain................................MISS GRACE

Alan Matthews............................ NY 42’ MTI...........................................THE WOLF

Jeff Hoefling............................... IN 42’ Fountain........................TOO LIVELY CREW

Bill Melchione............................. NJ 42’ MTI.....................................................MTI

Bret Laso..................................... SC 40’ Fountain.................................. RENEGADE

Fred & Judy Reavis...................... SC 42’ MTI.....................................................MTI

Mike & Holly Riggs...................... NC 38’ Fountain............................................ NSF

Bob & Charlene Ladas................. MA 42’ MTI..................................................MTI-V

Tom Crowley............................... NY 38’ Fountain..........................OAKDALE YACHT

Robyn & Kevin McCarty............... IL 42’ MTI......................................... CHILLAXIN’

Kyle Fowler................................. GA 38’ Fountain.......................... A-SALT WEAPON

John O’Loughlin.......................... NY 39’ MTI...................................... UNFORGIVEN

William & Meghan Wiles............. TX 38’ Fountain.......................... NEVER ENOUGH

Michael & Sarah Howe................ FL 39’ MTI.................................LIGHT SPEED 2.0

Dave & Karen Peterson............... FL 53’ HCB......................................SEA DREAMS

Pete Riveiro................................ FL 34’ MTI............................................THE FIRM

Giovanni & Magda Milito............. FL 38’ Hustler....................................... TRIGGER

Derek Wachob............................. OK 34’ MTI...................BLACK DIAMOND EXPRESS

Chet & Cindy Huffman................ CA 44’ Intrepid.................................. STILL NUTZ

Craig & Paula Ackerman............. GA 34’ MTI................................................SEA YA

Chris Colson................................ NJ 39’ Lavey Craft......................FLUID FRIENDLY

Shannon Hamilton...................... GA 50’ Mystic................................ LOW ALTITUDE

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 79


John Cosker................................ FL 42’ Mystic...............MYSTIC POWERBOATS

Al / Chris Sadow......................... CT 39’ Nor-Tech................... HAMMER DOWN

Darryl Cuttell.............................. OH 42’ Mystic...................................DARANA

Jimmie Harrison.......................... FL 39’ Nor-Tech.......................FJ PROPELLER

Benji/Chris Mastronardi.............. ON 42’ Mystic................... DOUBLE DIAMOND

Hans Othar Blix........................... FL 39’ Nor-Tech........................... 2TWENTY5

Wayland Joe............................... IL 42’ Mystic..............................JOE JACKED

Patrick McCarty........................... LA 39’ Nor-Tech............................POST CALL

Robert Lockyer............................ FL 40’ Mystic....................... BLUE MYSTIQUE

Travis Musgrave.......................... KY 34’ Nor-Tech................................. FASTLY

Chris Cox..................................... NY 40’ Mystic.................................... MYSTIC

Tammy & Mike Redden............... SC 34’ Nor-Tech.........................KRYPTONITE

Douglas Gooch............................ KY 38’ Mystic..................... HIGH MAINTENCE

Mark & Eileen Fischer................. FL 118’ Ocean Alexander............EILEENS WAY

Edmundo Tamayo....................... FL 38’ Mystic.................................FIT 4 LIFE

Chris Mastronardi........................ ON 50’ Outerlimits....................OUTERLIMITS

Barry & Stephanie Henson.......... TN 55’ Neptunis................................SPLASH

Brian & Danni Forehand.............. NC 50’ Outerlimits........................BE FORE U

Nick & Christi Evans.................... IN 50’ Nor-Tech................... BURNIN BENJI’S

Scott Higgs.................................. MO 50’ Outerlimits.................... BOOBY TRAP

Brad Hancock.............................. GA 47’ Nor-Tech.........................HAIL RAISER

Chris & Shelby Mattingly............. KY 46’ Outerlimits................... NEVER ENUFF

John Mehalik.............................. FL 46’ Nor-Tech............................ NOR-TECH

Greg DelMonte............................ NJ 44’ Outerlimits.............HARD TO HANDLE

Matthew & Lori Schulz................. MI 45’ Nor-Tech....................................LOLO

Jeb & Stephanie Bradshaw.......... NC 42’ Outerlimits....................OUTERLIMITS

Henrik Margard / Schou............. FL 45’ Nor-Tech............................ NOR-TECH

Peter Burke................................. MA 41’ Outerlimits....................... TRIGGER B

Roger & Pam Anderson............... TX 39’ Nor-Tech.....................EASY MONEY II

Connor & Allye Toomey............... MD 39’ Outerlimits...................... OUTTA LINE

Christopher Villar........................ FL 39’ Nor-Tech..........................REEL G.U.S.

Joe Peffley.................................. NC 32’ Phantom...........................SINISTER 2

Chad Kohmescher........................ OK 39’ Nor-Tech.................................... OMD

Manny Oses................................ FL 38’ Renagade....RENEGADE POWERBOATS

Greg Bent................................... LA 39’ Nor-Tech............................HELL BENT

ISAAC BURGOS............................ FL 33’ Renagade............................ 33 OPEN

Curtis Watkins............................. FL 39’ Nor-Tech........................EVIL WOMAN

Randy Kent................................. MO 38’ Renegade.MIDWEST BOATING CENTER

Daniel Kurzejewski...................... FL 39’ Nor-Tech............................ NOR-TECH

KEITH LEWIS................................ FL 33’ Renegade......................... RENEGADE

John & Suzanne Stella................ NY 39’ Nor-Tech........ PERFECT PRESCRIPTION

Michael Tandoi............................ NY 40’ Skater..................... OUT OF CONTROL

80 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE


Bubba & Brittany Chrisco............. OK 36’ Skater.......................Mrs. WAR PARTY

Jason Tolliver.............................. OH 40’ Sunsation.................. BAD DECISIONS

Kelly and Anna Kraiss................. AZ 36’ Skater................................... TOP CAT

Brett Manire................................ MO 40’ Sunsation.PERFORMANCE BOAT CENTER

Brant Daniels.............................. KS 32’ Skater................................... KANSAS

Mike Lopez................................. IL 40’ Sunsation.........................GRAY AREA

Daren & Megan Waligora............ MI 32’ Spectre.................... WET INTENTIONS

Win Farnsworth........................... FL 80’ Sunseeker................................... 007

Matt Carlson............................... NJ 30’ Spectre.....................RISKY BEHAVIOR

Rocco & Danielle Rocco................ NH 34’ Victory.....................TIME CONSCIOUS

John Wittenberger Jr................... NJ 30’ Spectre......................BAD DECISIONS

Jorge & Ann Arellano.................. FL 36’ Warlock.........................151 EXPRESS

Chris & Lindsey Miller................. OK 30’ Spectre......................NEVER ENOUGH

David Wilks................................. SC 43’ Wellcraft............ SLIPPERY WHEN WET

Shane Franks.............................. MI 42’ Statement..........................SADDLEUP

Mike Dewitt................................. IN 36’ WRIGHT PERFORMANCE.FORT MYERS INVESTMENTS

Steve & Lisa Young...................... AL 38’ Statement...................... NAUTI HABIT

Matt Borcina............................... NY 36’ Wright Performance............MC ELECTRICAL

Keith Overton.............................. FL 38 Statement........................ STATEMENT

CONTRACTORS

Travis Weeks............................... NC 36’ Statement...........PERFORMANCE EAST

DIAMOND SPONSORS: BLACKWATER BOATS

MERCURY RACING

BLACK THUNDER OFFSHORE

MARINE CONCEPTS

CONCEPT BOATS

MYCO TRAILERS

CONCH REPUBLIC SEAFOOD CO

MYSTIC POWERBOATS

DEEP IMPACT BOATS

NOR-TECH HI PERFORMANCE

GOOD BOY VODKA

PERFORMANCE BOAT CENTER

GROVE HARBOUR MARINA

PLANTATION BOAT MART

HAULOVER MARINE CENTER

SUPERIOR COMMUNICATIONS INC

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 81


FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB 2021 Event Calendar

JAN 22-24

| WINTER POKER RUN TO FARO BLANCO RESORT, MARATHON

FEB 18-21

| 26TH MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN- KEY LARGO

MARCH 17-21

| SPRING KEY WEST POKER RUN: MIAMI TO KEY WEST

APRIL 15-18

| 11TH ANNUAL TAMPA BAY POKER RUNDOWNTOWN TAMPA

MAY 14-16

| 2ND ANNUAL MIDNIGHT NIGHT EXPRESS BIMINI RENDEZVOUS

MAY TBA

| 2ND ANNUAL ORANGE BEACH POWEBOAT WEEK, THE WHARF

JUNE 17-22

| 30TH ANNUAL BAHAMAS POKER RUN: BIMINI/NASSAU/EXUMAS

JULY / AUG

| FPC SUMMER POKER RUN TOUR- MULTIPLE VENUES USA/CANADA

AUG 12-17

| BAHAMAS SUMMER BLAST: BIMINI/CHUB/ NASSAU (NEW DATES)

SEPT 22-26

| EMERALD COAST POWERBOAT WEEKDESTIN- FWB (NEW DATES)

OCT 8-10

| FALL FUN RUN- KEY LARGO- COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND (NEW EVENT)

NOV 10-15

| 29TH ANNUAL KEY WEST POKER RUN – WED & THURS DEPARTURES

DEC 1

| HOLIDAY SEASON EVENT- TBA

Disclaimer: Please note that FPC event dates list on these pages were published at the time of printing in Fall 2020. Since then, event dates and venues may have been modified, so it is important to always refer to the FPC website www.flpowerboat.com before making any event plans.

WATCH FPC ON YOUTUBE - SUBSCRIBE TO FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB !! CONTACT US: 954-545-1414 | FLPOWERBOAT.COM | STU@FLPOWERBOAT.COM

FOLLOW US:

@FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB @STUFPC @FLPOWERBOAT

82 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

AMERICAN CUSTOM MARINE.......................................... 9 AO COOLERS................................................................. 65 BLACKWATER.............................................................. 27 BRAND X...................................................................... 39 DEEP IMPACT................................................................. 5 FPC 2021 CALENDAR SALE.......................................... 57 FPC MARKET PLACE................................................69-70 FPC MEMBERSHIP........................................................ 71 HAULOVER MARINE CENTER........................................ BC KEY WEST VACATION HOMES....................................... 39 LIVORSI MARINE...........................................................51 MARINE CUSTOMS....................................................... 65 MERCURY RACING....................................................... IBC MARINE DESIGN CORPORATION.................................... 55 MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN 2021.......................... 37 MYCO TRAILERS........................................................... 17 MYSTIC POWERBOATS................................................. 61 NOR-TECH.................................................................... 13 PERFORMANCE BOAT CENTER...................................... 35 PROJECT 1080 FOR SALE............................................. 74 SCI SUPERIOR COMMUNICATIONS................................ 49 SHORE THING STORAGE ............................................... 19 TNT CUSTOM MARINE.................................................. 29 WINTER POKER RUN 2021............................................IFC

ADVERTISING DEADLINE: NEXT ISSUE JANUARY 15, 2021 SUBSCRIBE TO POWERBOATING IN PARADISE MAGAZINE DELIVERED 4 TIMES A YEAR


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MercuryRacing.com/860


Be A Part Of The Action!

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! FIND Y O UR NE W N ORM A L

S t a t e O f T h e A rt D ry S t o r a g e F o r B o ats To 6 0 ’ I n L e n g t h • Adjacent To Haulover Inlet • Completely Enclosed • • Category 5 Storm Rated Building • Minutes To Everywhere You want To Be • Located directly on the Intra-Coastal Waterway, this multi-million dollar marina facility offers everything you need for an exciting day on the water. With one call your boat will be ready to blast out the inlet and be in the ocean in minutes.

Call 305-945-3934 to be a part of the action! Check us out at www.haulovermarinecenter.net New home of Midnight Express and Marine Technology Inc (MTI) performance boats.

WWW.WESTREC.COM

Stop by and see all that we have to offer: 15600 Collins Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33154


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