LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

As I sit down to write this LFP for the Fall issue of Powerboating in Paradise, it happens to be early October and exactly four weeks from the launch of the Key West Poker Run November 8th. My writing format for this letter tends to be less editorial in nature, and typically more personal in scope, often including some level of reflection from the previous year of events and activities, followed by a projection of how the Key West Poker Run is shaping up.

As a creature of habit, I will remain true to format, and I will begin by sharing that 2022 was a year of highs and lows. Among the high points, is the fact that we are now operating in our 30th year since the club’s formal incorporation in June 1993. Punctuating that high point, FPC saw almost record attendance at most of our 2022 events, raising the bar for the number of our annual participation statistics, which are measured by “total” boat registrations of all events, from January through November.

Offsetting these highs, was the harsh blow from a frivolous and preposterous personal injury lawsuit against FPC, (four lawsuits in total) that were served in November 2019 and related to a 2017 accident on the Key West Poker Run. This launched a 30-month roller coaster ride of litigation that forced FPC into a tedious, frustrating and costly defense-mining process that ended with an 11th hour cash settlement earlier this year, costing FPC over six-figures in the end. Unfortunately, that trickles down to everyone who participates on FPC events and will eventually have repercussions across the sport of poker runs throughout the nation. It translates to tougher measures with respect to gathering waivers from all participants and puts more focus on the process of securing adequate liability insurance coverages from all participants. So, when we badger you for signed waivers and email you with these new guidelines, please understand the source. The irony of this case, appears more tragic than the actual accident. The former club member whose life we saved, was reported to have sustained injuries with an 85% likelihood of mortality. But he is alive today, because our FPC safety management program worked! Medics responded quickly and our MDFR fire-rescue team helicoptered him immediately to Miami where he received critical care and major surgery within hours. So, that is the thanks we get? Instead, a lawsuit that could have potentially closed the doors to FPC! As for their scumbag personal injury attorney that fabricated the case against FPC and made up a laundry list of crap about FPC’s responsibility to anticipate and somehow magically transmit a warning to the driver of the 100-mph+ powerboat, that he was speeding towards a huge yacht wake…? Well, a normal person with sound mind, cannot make this stuff up. Sadly my friends, this is what is wrong with our broken legal system, and I share this warning for all of you. Just slow down and be careful out there, because that is YOUR responsibility, not MINE. And if you don’t, accidents can happen, and this sewer rat will sniff his way into your lives, the way he found ours.

So, back to the good stuff! Holy Geez- Key West is on fire, again! We are four weeks away with a roster of 245 teams, and that means we will likely kiss last year’s record of 273 registered teams. Honestly, the marinas and most of the lodging in Key West is sold out, so we might not see that number get too much higher. I don’t even care where we land on registration numbers, because the only digits I care about right now, are 3 and 0. Happy 30th Birthday Key West Poker Run!! To all those who have partaken in this signature event, whether it was then or now, Thank You! You are the reason this event has reached and sustained its status as a world class poker run event, which is aging quite gracefully! Be safe out there, and we’ll see you in Key West!

Stu Jones FPC President & Founder