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Watercraft request for gulf is denied
By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA © St. Petersburg Times, published December 10, 2000 ST. PETE BEACH -- Sharp community opposition and a 20-year moratorium on additional watercraft business on the beach proved too much to overcome Thursday for "Capt. Dave" Winkler. He wanted city permission to consolidate his two operations behind the TradeWinds Sirata Beach Resort, 5930 Gulf Blvd., and to rent eight more personal watercraft at the beachfront site. The commission unanimously rejected his proposal. "We have a great community when we try to balance the interests and needs of residents and businesses and tourists," said Mayor Ward Friszolowski. "The beach is one of our prized possessions, and this would create a potential conflict between swimmers and Jet Skis." The five commissioners heard nearly two hours of mostly negative testimony before upholding the Development Review Board's earlier decision against Winkler. "I can't deny a business the right to earn a living, but at what cost to residents? I'm very uncomfortable that the residents have to pay for everything," said resident Ruth Ledner. John Shine said personal watercraft operating on the beach were "obnoxious" and interfered with swimmers. Cleo Robertson agreed. "Wave-Runners give us a lot of problems. We can't get away from the smell. They are like mosquitoes in the night -- buzz, buzz, buzz." Joseph Merola wanted the commission to ban watercraft from the gulf completely. "We'd like to keep Jet Skis in Boca Ciega Bay, like all the other towns have done. Once we open it up, we're going to have them every 50 feet on the beach," he said. "It would be a detriment to my business (parasailing) to have WaveRunners on the beach," protested Mike Bomar. Winkler acknowledged the strong community opposition. "People like or dislike WaveRunners. It is not a gray zone," he said, arguing that transferring the watercraft now operating from his Blind Pass business location would be safer and would better meet the needs of tourists. Customers currently are transported from the Sirata to Blind Pass to pick up their watercraft. "Tourism is the main part of our identity. Watersport operations is as vital and indigenous as you can get to a neighborhood environment. Please allow us to grow and keep up with visitors' requests," Winkler said. Keith Overton, the Sirata's general manager, said there is a great demand for water scooters. "It would make it easier for us and more convenient for our guests to have them at our location," he said. At the end of the hearing, city commissioners acknowledged the strong community opposition. "Dave has a good business and is a good guy. But by moving on this, we could have potential problems," said Commissioner John Phillips. "None of the special exceptions (seeking additional commercial watercraft on the Gulf of Mexico) have ever been granted. I just don't think this is a good idea," said Commissioner Peter Blank. Friszolowski agreed, adding that if the commission ever considered allowing additional watercraft on the gulf, he would prefer quieter types such as sailboats, paddle boats and windsurfers. PREVIOUS COVERAGE:Capt. Dave rocks his rivals with rentals
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