Suncoast Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation
Meeting Minutes
July 13th, 2010
Location: The Garden
217 Central Avenue
St Petersburg, FL
Live music by Austin Piazza
Call to order: 7:30pm by Thomas, chapter chair
Thomas advised of the Surfrider Mission Statement: For the protection and enjoyment of
the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people using C.A.R.E, conservation, activism,
research, and education. The Suncoast Chapter proudly upholds the Surfrider mission statement
and this chapter has been active on the Gulf Coast since 2007.
Thomas asked all those in attendance to introduce themselves and say something unique about themselves.
Jessica Respondek continues to do a tremendous amount of research and logging many hours on
Upham Beach. She’s always ready to take on volunteers! So don’t be shy and step up to
research or do other tasks this issue requires as we continue towards the goal to “Free Upham”.
Send her an email and jnjrespondek@verizon.net. Thank you Jessica!
Rise Above Plastics
Victoria is heading up this initiative for the Chapter. Suncoast Chapter will be the first
Florida Chapter to take on this important campaign. Rise above Plastics is about plastics
elimination in the environment. Plastics are people pollution. What we do today effects tomorrow.
The committee will to push towards imposing a plastic bag fee on all grocery type plastic bags.
The committee will also do education and outreach program to the public. Volunteers are needed
to report and count plastic items found at cleanups as well as just recording where you find plastic
bags and what grocery store brand is on the bag.
Education is key to make this work. Tell everyone to limit your plastic use.
Volunteers interested in this initiative should get with Victoria about Rise Above Plastics.
Victoria brought in crafts that kids made out of plastics, very creative.
She is also the lead on an enormous plastic wave that is being constructed and will be finished for the Jack Johnson concert.
Not The Answer
Thomas stated that there have been about 91+million gallons fo oil spilling into the Gulf of Mexico.
The chapter still has Not The Answer shirts for sale.
Thomas covered our chapters oil spill response plan.
Hands Across The Sand was a great success, hundreds of people came out to show their support in saying no to offshore oil drilling. It was held on June 26th.
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Charity Poker tournament
Ron Henkel is heading up a charity poker tournament Aug. 7th. In an effort to raise funds for the chapter.
Retailer of the month
Scott Orsinin is this months retailer of the month. Congratulations Scott.
Scott Orsini heads up the LocalS campaign. The project began last summer with an
etiquette quiz. Reward stickers were given for achieving a passing score. The test involves
ethical training for local surfers on how to and not to behave out on the waves. Show respect for
each other. Share the stoke. The committee aims for signs posted at the more popular breaks
along the west coast.
Beach cleanup
Josh Nash talked on the next beach cleanup of our adopted beach set for Sept. 11th.
He also talked about an amendment to an ordinance in Sarasota County. The board of commissioners stated that life guards control the surfing inside the buoyed areas. It is outlawed inside of these areas. But lifeguards will allow surfing in red flag conditions, as there are not very many swimmers in the water. Surfing is allowed outside of the buoys and wherever the sand is wet we are allowed to surf.
Member of the month
Ron Henkel was selected for the member of the month. Congratulations Ron. Look for his write up in the volunteer section on our website.
Past months events
Thomas talked on events we recently have participated in as a chapter.
-International Surf Day
-Hands Across The Sand
-Donavon Frankenreiter concert
-Morgan Skate competition
-Public service announcement with the Corey and Shea Lopez
-Sarasota Ban on Surfing
-New logo_our chapter will be buying the new logo items. Tent and flags etc.
Iron Surfer
Surfrider Foundation has a membership recruiting campaign til Oct 31st. With trips and shwag for the winners.
Intern Update
Austin Piazza has had the intern position for six weeks. Thomas described his duties and achievements thus far. Austin got an opportunity to talk about his experience.
Business cards will be ordered when the new logo info is ready.
Jessica updated the finances in the chapters possession $12,842.87
Upcoming events
-Charity poker tournament
-Making plastic wave to be unveiled at the Jack Johnson concert
-Jack Johnson concert
Anything else?
Adjourned: 9:25pm.