Last email post for tonight I hope. A lot has happened today, some of it quite positive in aspect compared to where things seemed to be yesterday. I firmly believe in give and take in these things as long as the main goals of maintaining access aren't compromised. Laurel would like to maintain the current venue for the meeting, apparently opening things up to other locations in the future. I would ask that parties consider the greater good of getting the kiting community past issues with the county and participating in this first meeting.
"Hi Rick, This is a labor of love and an invitation. I am not moved by the perception of one individual and our cause is not threatened by anything as much as by dissension. I firmly believe that changing the venue of this meeting, would be damaging to the cause; if, later meetings are held elsewhere it is of no consequence to me, period. If I didn't believe in right and wrong and were not willing to stand by my convictions and to stand alone, I would not be doing this, would I? I do sincerely appreciate and accept the wisdom of your suggestion. My reasoning, however and my motivation are sound.
Sincerely and with kind regards and respect, Laurel
From: Rick Iossi <flkitesurfer@hotmail.com>
To:
kitesurfher@yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, May 17, 2010 9:30:29 PM
Subject: RE: Sarasota Kiteboarders Coalition/ SKC
Hello Laurel,
Me too (hope there will be wide participation in the opening meeting). Perhaps picking a more neutral location? It is a pain but having a divided front with such a small community is something to be avoided. It may take some yielding from all parties involved to build a common base to work from. If everyone is lobbying public officials from the same position, showing up unified at hearings it carries more weight. I need to spend more time reviewing the documents to try to identify all the types of people that might be impacted by the proposed regulations. Making them aware of the proposed changes and asking them to join in could effectively swell our numbers. What type of folks do you think the regulations may impact?
Our beaches aren't suitable for landboarding, too soft, narrow and crowded. If they make themselves vocal and numbers felt, try to row them aboard. If not, well we've got our hands full with just fighting for kiteboarding on the water.
Excellent measures regarding kite launch and handling. I would add to it, staying on land for as short a time as possible. Perhaps exercising particular care during peak nesting times between March and August. The wind fizzles by mid May as a rule, in theory taking viable kiting off the table for much of the remaining time. We had the same problem with powered paragliders being confused with kiters. We took in some photos with a quick comparison of impacts of each in handout form to set them straight. Sometimes submitting these materials for review prior to meetings can be helpful as long as it seems they won't try to form rocks out of it to throw at us.
If they stick to there guns, redefining private to effective "public" beach, I am afraid there are serious legal overtones that warrant challenging. The good news is there will be a lot of people impacted by this potentially beyond kiters. Think of all the rich folks with beach front houses, that paid heavily to be there to have privileges restricted after the fact while still paying high taxes. They would make nice allies. Do you see windsurfers being impacted by any of this?
Thanks for your efforts in this!
Rick"