3 minute read
NEWS BRIEF
from Issue 974
www.abelsmarine.com
Boaters Helping Boaters, Hurricane Ian Relief Fund Moving Forward
In the days following Hurricane Ian, the desire to help was the impetus in establishing the Boaters Helping Boaters Fund and thankfully the fund has received over $60,000 in donations! Now, the emergency has passed, and reality is setting in that full recovery is going to be a long process. Resources and supplies are stretched to the limit, and everyone is impatient to get back to normal and back to business. Dealers are pressed for room to service and display boats because lots are packed with customer owned boats that have no place to go. Many damaged boats have yet to be removed. The river and major waterways are mostly cleared, but debris removal in canals and smaller areas is just beginning, making it is still somewhat unsafe to be on the water in hardest hit areas. Boat ramps are being used to stage debris removal and are not expected to be open to the public in the foreseeable future. Yet, most marine businesses are optimistic looking forward. Marinas and private docks will be rebuilt, damaged boats will be replaced, and marine businesses will be busy moving farther into 2023. The Ft. Myers Boat Show, traditionally held in November, has been moved to January 5th – 8th and is virtually sold out. Business will be back as strong as ever. “Our concern is for the people in our industry dealing with the here and now,” said MIA Executive Director John Good. “They are hurting! Applications for relief were only recently made available and the response has been overwhelming. $500 checks will be in the mail soon and it will not be long before our fund is depleted. $500.00 may not seem like much in the big picture, but based on the comments we are receiving, it is very much appreciated, and every little bit helps. It is gratifying to see where these funds are going. Here’s a look at the applicants received so far: Marine Industry - 41, Fishing/Charter - 18, Marine Law Enforcement – 23”. While applications are confidential, a few typical comments on the storm’s impact drives home the struggles many are dealing with. • “Hurricane Ian destroyed our home and vehicles and place of business. Both of our boats survived. But there is no business to be seen right now.” • “We lost everything we own. House had 70 inches of water in it and must be demolished. Lost my truck, my wife’s car, my patrol truck, my camper and my ATV. All the contents of the house were destroyed.” • “Flooded home... truck... tvs... clothing... workboots... countless amount of loss...s taying with friends” “5 feet of water in house and a fire the next day. 3 daily driver vehicles were under water and totaled. Fire claim has been denied since they claim it was caused by the flood.” • “Home flooded and vessels damaged. Funds would be used to repair vessels and supplement lost income due to lack of tourism during season.” It is hoped the marine industry and others will continue to help see the effort through. Donations will be accepted with ticket sales in January at the Ft. Myers Boat Show and the St. Pete Boat Show, but it would be great to see the fund grow before the end of the year to brighten the holidays of more of those in need. Tax deductible donations can be made on-line at www.oldsaltfishing.org/hurricane. Make checks to Old Salt Fishing Foundation (Hurricane Ian Relief in the notes). PO Box 8564. Madeira Beach, FL 33738 For more information contact: John Good, Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida & Tampa Bay, 954-570-7785, john@swfmia.com
St. Petersburg MARINA
500 1st Avenue S.E. • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Pinellas County
Latitude: 27N 46’ 12.36” • Longitude 82W 37’ 47.38” (727) 893-7329 • Toll Free 1-800-782-8350
Marina Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM • 7 Days a Week Marina@stpete.org
COURTESY DOCKS MOORING FIELD RESTROOMS/SHOWERS & LAUNDRY
• DOCKAGE AVAILABLE • 500’ TRANSIENT DOCK • ETHANOL FREE FUEL - GAS AND DIESEL Ships Store with beer, ice, tackle, supplies, live bait, etc. Great location in the heart of downtown St. Pete
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