From the July / August 2009 Marsh Rider Issue:


Reflections

By BISHOP WRIGHT, Jr.
President, Florida Airboat Association



Congratulations to Joe Meloi Jr. of Broward County who won the Diamondback FAA raffle Hull.
Thanks to Diamondback for donating the hull.

FAA has its main events ahead of us. We need everyone on board to help with: the first annual Manufacturers Dinner, second annual Airboaters Appreciation Day and third annual Airboat Show. While you and we are working on these events, there also is a never ending list of meetings to attend to ensure we gain the most access & opportunity possible at all times. Thanks to all of the hard working volunteers who make this happen on a day-to-day basis.

As many of you know, we lost Dustin Basham, our Editor in Chief, died in early May. Dustin gave the airboating family a strong and clear voice and helped us gain acceptance in many places we have never been welcomed. He found a new passion late in life thanks to folks like you, who helped him learn to enjoy the sport and understand our culture and heritage. Thoughts and prayers go out to Bonnie and Jessica. “Rest in Peace, Dustin” we will miss you.

Dustin was passionate about Youth Hunting so we are asking you make a contribution to the Future of Hunting in Florida in Dustin’s memory. The address is FHF, P.O. Box 10949, Tallahassee, FL. 32302. Checks should be made out to FHF - you can write his name in the memo line of the check.

At the mid-way point in this year, I’d like to thank all of our affiliates for staying focused on our goals. It’s easy to get distracted with all the issues we have on our plate at this time. In the middle of difficult times lies opportunity “if you’re going through hell, just keep going” is something Winston Churchill said and I must say last month was just that, hopefully we broke loose and headed out the other side of hell.

FAA and airboaters are getting bombarded from all sides: FAA is fighting two separate lawsuits, we are trying to work with FWC and SFWM and we had lots of challenges during the legislative session. May and June definitely put FAA on a roller coaster ride and it isn’t over yet. One minute we were going up and the next minute we are dropping down, but in the end I believe we are weathering the storm.

Osceola County has finally responded to our lawsuit. We are in the process of taking depositions with Coast Guard personnel. We have also asked the county for copies of any sound complaints received and violations issued. If you’re wondering why we seem to be moving slowly it’s because FAA Executive Committee believes our fund raising should keep up with our expenses. So, if you’re willing to speed up the process we are ready for your financial help.

This year’s legislative season was a wild one to say the least; FAA helped the Florida Guides Association on their sales tax exemption repeal issue and they contributed to a percentage of FAA’s lobbying fees. This was the first of its kind and we hope to continue working with other groups that have the same interest as FAA to help split our lobbying fund bills. In the past we’ve counted on the (FWF) Florida Wildlife Federation to support sportsmen’s issues but if you look at their website, I think you’ll see the need for FAA to take the lead role on sportsmen’s issues in Tallahassee.

I would like to thank everyone who has helped and will continue to help by contributing to Marsh Rider magazine. While we mourn the loss of Dustin, we will be that much stronger because we are all committed to helping his and our dream live on.

Because of the article on the Miami Boat Show in this past issue of Marsh Rider Magazine, Panther Airboats sold a boat to long time customer Tom Dinsdale, an avid airboater and hosts the Airboat Rodeo and races in Nebraska each year in August. This Airboat was on display at the Miami Boat show, and around the state of Florida at Airboat shows since the first of the year. This just goes to show that Marsh Rider is not just read in Florida! So, if you’re looking for a good advertising tool don’t second guess Marsh Rider magazine, it works.

~Bishop