SUMMARY OF THE RSA RESIDENT MEETING
REGARDING PROPOSED LAND MASS AMENDMENT
TO HONEYMOONISLANDSTATE PARK
Approximately 60 RSA residents attended the meeting to discuss the land mass amendment to HoneymoonIslandState Park. Dunedin Mayor Dave Eggers and Commissioners Judy Scales and Ron Barnett also attended. Copies of the full amendment, list of Advisory Members, list of ARC members, names/addresses of State Senate and House Representatives, and other articles were available to the attendees.
RSA President Alan Hildenbrand summarized resident concerns that have been received by the RSA office. They included: Compromise of the Honeymoon Philosophy; Impact on the Environment; Safety Concerns; Competition with existing private campsites; Noise; Additional strain on the infrastructures; Additional demand for Services; 3rd party construction andoperation of the campsites; Future impact and additional public events once land mass amendment is passed; and Why fix something that is not broken (1.2 million visitors come to Honeymoon Island (in its natural state) each year).
After Mr. Hildenbrand presented the comments already received either in person or via email from RSA residents. He announced an Ad-Hoc Action Committeewould be created; George Nigro accepted the Chairmanship of the Committee. Mr. Hildenbrand thenopened up theILDEBRN meeting for additional comments. The Mayor was asked if the City could handle additional fire/rescue services; his response “any increase in services will put a strain on the city”.
Carey Bolster asked if all the proposed 56 parks would get campsites, or would they be considered one by one. He also questioned how the news of the change of the public meeting venue on July 5 from the library to the HaleCenterwould be circulated. Mayor Eggers stated the City would place marquee signage on the roads and the RSA office will post notices on the website and in the buildings.
George Nigro presented expenses and revenues for HoneymoonIslandState Park for the years 2007 through 2010. He is waiting on expense/revenue data for the other State Parks.
2007-2008:Operating Budget: ½ million dollars
Revenues: 1.5 million dollars
2008-2009Operating Budget: ½ million dollars
Revenues: 1.8 million dollars
2009-2010Operating Budget: $600,000
Revenues: 2.2 million dollars
Question: How much additional revenue is anticipated from the addition of campsites at HoneymoonIsland? Mr. Nigro also presented information on campsites vs. size of parks. Based on his research of average numbers of sites per acreage, HoneymoonIsland should have 3.
Mr. Nigro stated a website was set-up for access to all information and documents and would be used for communication by the Committee. He emphasized the Committee was an ACTION Committee—“doers” are needed. The website is . He passed around a sign-in sheet for residents to sign up for the website and for volunteers on the Committee. The office staff will assist the Committee in whatever manner is required.
Jackie Nigro responded to suspicion how long and who knew about the proposed land mass amendment. She reported that no one at the City or County level knew anything about this until we did (June 14). She also reported she personally surveyed the campgrounds on Alt. 19. There are a total of 500 private sites, some with docks, and they have summer and winter rates and are “almost always full” in the winter season. The draw for the campgrounds is the beach and the trail.
Cyrilla Bolster expressed her concerns over the size of the campers that will be traveling on the 2-lane Causeway that has no shoulders. It was a point well taken.
Joan Sterrett also questioned the size of the park, location of the campground, and access due to the limited access/egress.
Dan Hogan addressed traffic and safety and wants to know how much additional income the STATE will receive if the 56 parks are allowed camping.
Sally Dacy, Elgin, reported she spoke to several campsite volunteers who work in various parks across the U.S. They all believe Honeymoon is not a good location for campsites. Four biggest campsite problems: Pets, Poop, Partying and Policing.
Mr. Hildenbrand charged the Action Committee with researching and recommending questions/statements he will take to the Advisory Committee on July 6. Mr. Hildenbrand asked if donations will be solicited by the Committee; if so he offered $100. The Manager asked the Committee to research who will be the presenters and answer questions (Dept. of Environmental Protection and/or ARC or someone else??) at the July 5 Public Meeting and at the July 6 Advisory Meeting. Also, who should residents send emails and letters to and who should they call. Ms. Nigro suggested Mr. Fasano and Mr. Latvala.
The Action Committee will post all information and notices on the website () and will keep Mr. Hildenbrand informed of meetings and updates.
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 am.
Sharon Wilson, LCAM
Recorder