T&T: Fwd: FWC Marine Patrol in Venice

[loraxt10@aol.com]

  Well list, here is what I recieved today from the Mayor of Venice in response to the many bits of info I provided him. I've got to say, I'm impressed with Mr Hammett's quick action. As this issue has evolved, it is clear that FL has rules about being there beyond a certain lenght of time. Personally, I have no problem with that, I may not agree with their rules, but I do respect and recognize their right to enact whatever rules they choose. The message I took away from the various postings was not so much being questioned about the circumstances of being asked about your FL stay, but rather the manner of that questioning. The words used to describe the incidents include: rude, arrogant, hostile, very threatening, menacing, you get the picture. It is my understanding that is what needs to be addressed. I would like to hear in pretty a straightforward statement from his superiors that the officer in question had been told back off the harassing behavior and become a one man w
 elcoming committee who's mission in life is get the cruising community to want to visit Venice, leave some of their money there and leave having had an experience they intend to repeat.  We will see what comes next. Jeff Sharkey MT34 "Ripple"
  
 -----Original Message-----
 From: fhammet@ci.venice.fl.us
 To: MINEER.LINDA.S23@flsenate.gov
 Cc: loraxt10@aol.com
 Sent: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 11:25 AM
 Subject: RE: FWC Marine Patrol in Venice
 
  I had a very productive meeting with Capt. Davis, Lt. Gerkin, and Officer Erickson today. I will be sending an email to the folks that have sent messages over the last week with an update. My quick reaction is mixed. One of the things that was surprising, is that there were next to zero citations issued, however many warnings have been issued. There seems to be some confusion among the Captains as to what the rules are on transient vessels and I will send out an email, with references, so that there is a better understanding. Thank you for facilitating that meeting.   I will be traveling next week and may not get out the mail message before the end of next week.The representatives from FWC were most helpful in providing the rules and the extent of the requirements. The requirements in simple terms are similar to cars, but not always followed with the boating community.   Fred Hammett