This is the information I finally got from State Rep. Ed Jennings office about the new riding areas for Florida. I wouldn't say it was good news but new. I will try to keep everybody posted.


After much phone tagging, I finally have some information for you.

Jan 1, 2003 - A report was suppose to be issued by DACS and DEP listing 5 new off highway vehicle facilities.

The change was for at least 2 new facilities and the report includes 3 new facilities that are now in the feasibility review process. I am being sent a copy of the report and will forward it to you when I receive it.

July 1, 2003 - A advisory committee was to be appointed.

The committee was formed and I am being faxed a list of the committee names and will fax a copy to you.

Oct, 1 2003 - A guidebook was to be ready for publication to the public.

The book is a little behind schedule. They had a final review on yesterday and are making plans to go to print on Monday. You can call Amy at 850-414-0871 around the 24th of Oct. and they will send a copy to you. You can also contact her if you have any more specific questions regarding this statue.

I hope this provides some information for you. If you need anything else, please do not hesitate to contact me. Again, sorry for the delay.

Michelle Sherfield
Executive Secretary to
Rep. Ed. Jennings, Jr.
District 23

 

It looks like the T. Mark Schmidt thing has fallen through the cracks to me. You have not idea what we go through down south, I've considered selling my machine and quiting the sport due to the fact that there are no legal riding area within 200 miles.

 

We need some direction to voice our opinions, any help will be appreciated.

 

How about organizing a ride/get together to protest, like they did at bad luck prairie, and calling the TV stations.

 

Lets do it, ..............when?

 

count us in - a huge group of riders with no place to ride -

 

I agree we should have a get together of some kind, but I believe that we should find out who is on the task force and invite them. I think we have to be organized before the state will take notice. I don't know all the facts from the get together at Bad Luck but that property still has a chance of being closed.

 

go to Naplesnews.com and use their search - look for
"Bad Luck Prairie" and you will see a few results -
about 18 months ago, a group was formed to save the ride area -
After a good effort, they failed. I think South Florida Water Management
has control of it - and plans for "increased water flow" is in the planned use -

I hear SFWM will "trade" a 300 acre area (+/-) for us off-road dirtbags -
location to be decided at some other time

thanks a lot -

I need 300 acres to do warm up laps -

Does anybody else object to this?

how many of us are willing to do what it takes to protect our riding area?

We need strong people to back us -
ATV repair shops and dealers pay BIG taxes and are greatly impacted
by our hobby - maybe THEY should help us fight -

I hear The Blue Ribbon Coalition help fight to keep ride areas open

When will they stop? When we start fighting back.

We vote, we pay taxes and we need to be heard

 

I would think that the FTR would have some thoughts on this. Does anybody know the President of that Club?

 

I'm all for getting organized and doing what it takes. I am tired of getting harrassed by the police. We have to take this one step at a time.

I'm going to do some research on this and see how the snowmobile community did it and get back to you guys.