Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Flotilla 96 Building to be Upgraded


The flotilla building, which was built in 1993, is going to be upgraded in August, September and October. 

Collier County, the owner of the building, has agreed to complete several major interior and exterior projects, including painting, floor tile and carpet, ceiling tiles, lighting, air ducts, gutters, and power washing.

Collier County will pay for the majority of repairs, while Flotilla 96 will be asked to pay for 50% of the new carpet and tile floor and 100% of any other upgrades.  In accordance with flotilla standing rules, flotilla membership must vote on proposed expenditures from the flotilla account. 

Once again, Collier County has demonstrated its commitment to Flotilla 96 and safe boating in Southwest Florida. The Collier County Parks and Recreation Department has reminded all of us that we have an outstanding landlord.

Barry Williams, the Collier County Director of Parks and Recreation said, “We’re delighted to assist Flotilla 96 and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.  The men and women of the flotilla provide a huge community service:  they make sure residents and visitors to Collier County practice safe boating every day of the year.” 

Flotilla Commander Dave Shuster appointed member Richard Laughlin to be the flotilla’s project manager and liaison to county officials. Laughlin will coordinate work with the county, handle questions and update our membership.

“Richard Laughlin is ideal for this project,” said Shuster.  “The organizational skills he brings from his career in the Navy will be immensely helpful.”  

The Minutes in a Minute


Meeting July 18 2012
Twenty-one members and two guests attending.

After preliminaries, Commander Dave Shuster and Vice Commander John Gaston swore in Zarela Velasquez as staff officer for Communications Services.  Shuster introduced guests Barbara Elvi and Tom Hart, and speaker Captain Jonathan Blake from Tow Boat U.S.

Captain Blake reviewed the history and services of Tow Boat U.S., with six boats in local waters on call day or night and answering 2,000 calls last year.  He then answered questions from our members.

Items of interest:

·      The Dashboard shows that our flotilla compares favorably with others in reaching goals for the year.
·      We accounted for 100 percent of our participating members in the recent hurricane readiness test.
·      The Ready for Operations (RFO) test is available for members who want to prove their skills at the level of active duty Coast Guard.
·      The operations meeting is changed to 5:30 on the third Wednesday of the month, prior to the general meeting at 7:30.
·      The Lee County and Collier County Marine Patrol units have asked us to observe, document and report safety violations when we are on patrol.
·      Wiggins Pass State Park has asked us to conduct vessel examinations at the Water Turkey Bay boat ramp.

Shuster announced that he will not run for Flotilla Commander next year.

Coming in August

DATE
EVENT
LOCATION
Aug. 8 - 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Staff Officers Meeting
CANCELLED
Flotilla Building
Aug. 11 - 9:00 AM to Noon
Vessel Inspections
Wiggins Pass & Lovers Key Boat Ramps
Aug. 15 – 5:30
6:30 PM
Operations Meeting
  Social Hour
Flotilla Building
Aug. 15 - 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Members Meeting
Flotilla Building
Aug. 25 - 9:00 AM to Noon
Vessel Inspections
Wiggins Pass & Lovers Key Boat Ramps

Coming in September

DATE
EVENT
LOCATION
Sept. 8 - 9:00 AM to Noon
Vessel Inspections
Wiggins Pass & Lovers Key Boat Ramps
Sept. 12 - 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Staff Officers Meeting
Flotilla Building
Sept. 19 – 5:30
     6:30 to 7:00 PM
Operations Meeting
  Social Hour
Flotilla Building
Sept. 19 - 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Members Meeting
Flotilla Building
Sept. 22 - 9:00 AM to Noon
Vessel Inspections
Wiggins Pass & Lovers Key Boat Ramps


Coming in October

DATE
EVENT
LOCATION
Oct. 10 - 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Staff Officers Meeting
Flotilla Building
Oct. 11 - 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Lines & Knots
Flotilla Building
Oct. 13 - 9:00 AM to Noon
Vessel Inspections
Wiggins Pass & Lovers Key Boat Ramps
Oct. 13 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
About Boating Safety - Day 1
Flotilla Building
Oct. 17 – 5:30 PM
                   6:30 PM
Operations meeting
  Social Hour
Flotilla Building
Oct. 17 - 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Members Meeting
Flotilla Building
Oct. 20 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
About Boating Safety - Day 2
Flotilla Building
Oct. 22 - 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Local Waters Knowledge
Flotilla Building
Oct. 25 - 7:00 to 9:00 PM
GPS for Mariners
Flotilla Building
Oct. 27 - 9:00 AM to Noon
Vessel Inspections
Wiggins Pass & Lovers Key Boat Ramps