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A business for the brood
By MARY ELMORE
© St. Petersburg Times,
Why not cover both at once? That's the idea behind Duck Tours, a mom and pop business that Louis and Jill Betz launched in March. Ducks are 21/2-ton amphibious trucks with four-wheel drive that were used during World War II to land personnel and supplies on beachheads without port facilities. Named for the military acronym DUKW, they were created after the attack on Pearl Harbor and were first used during the invasion of Sicily. The Betzes, lifelong Tampa residents who make their home in Carrollwood Village, were first exposed to duck tours while traveling to various cities in the Midwest. They thought the concept was a natural for Florida, with its many waterways. It took them several years to line up their own amphibious vehicles, 1940s originals that were carefully restored and hold up to 27 people. Today they operate Duck Tours from two locations in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Separately, Louis Betz Jr. is a local political consultant. Jill Betz worked in advertising and marketing for the Eckerd drugstore chain for 10 years before leaving to care for their children and the Duck Tours business. Victoria Betz, 9, and Louis Betz III, 6, attend Essrig Elementary School, where Jill Betz is active in the PTA. As much as possible, the Betzes have made Duck Tours a family business. "The children are always interested in coming up with new ideas for the tour," Jill Betz said. "Last semester, they came up with the idea to offer honor roll students free rides if they bring their report card." The Tampa duck tour begins at Newks Cafe, across from the Ice Palace, and starts with a land tour of downtown Tampa and the surrounding area. The duck will then splash into the Hillsborough River for a scenic water tour, then back onto land en route to the Latin Quarter of Ybor City. In St. Petersburg, tours begin at The Pier and continue through numerous points of interest before heading into Tampa Bay at Demens Landing or into Lake Maggiore for a scenic tour of the waterfront. The ducks can also be booked for parties. "The success so far has been very well-received," Jill Betz said. "People have visited the Web site to thank us for such a great time. One couple came back for a third time. Even if you're born and raised here, it's a really unique way to see Tampa." About the toursTicket prices are $18.50 for adults, $16.50 for children and $9.95 for children 3 to 12. Children two and younger ride free. Group prices and advance reservations are encouraged for parties of 15 or more. Tickets can be purchased seven days a week starting at 10 a.m. at Newks Cafe, 514 Channelside Drive, Tampa, or at The Pier, 800 NE Second Ave., St. Petersburg. For information, call (813) 310-3825 or click onto www.DuckToursofTampaBay.com.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
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