Protest: promised 640 acres in Collier Co. (head count) MARCH 11th!!!

[enniehall]

Hey is no one else concerned that the counrty jams big line up is the same day we plan to protest?   

"...At Vineyards Community Park on Firday and Saturday, March 10th and 11th and this year’s line-up is BIGGER and BETTER than ever!!!
Friday Night (March 10th) get set for one of country music’s best entertainers! Neal McCoy takes the stage with special guests, Emerson Drive!
Saturday Night (March 11th) The High Energy Entertainment continues with the Legendary Charlie Daniels Band, –Confederate Railroad, and new national artist Danielle Peck!"

Are we sure that we're going to have media coverage while we protest?  I'm kinda freaking out about this...can anyone offer some reissurance?

[Eworm]

Hey is no one else concerned that the counrty jams big line up is the same day we plan to protest?   

"...At Vineyards Community Park on Firday and Saturday, March 10th and 11th and this year’s line-up is BIGGER and BETTER than ever!!!
Friday Night (March 10th) get set for one of country music’s best entertainers! Neal McCoy takes the stage with special guests, Emerson Drive!
Saturday Night (March 11th) The High Energy Entertainment continues with the Legendary Charlie Daniels Band, –Confederate Railroad, and new national artist Danielle Peck!"

Are we sure that we're going to have media coverage while we protest?  I'm kinda freaking out about this...can anyone offer some reissurance?

IMO one thing has nothing to do with the other. We need to make this priorty number 1. That is the same weekend as gator back as well. However, many who were travelling are not now because of the rally. I mean ask yourself this: What is more important, a concert or a great to enjoy our sport for years to come?? I see only one option here. Also, the rally is at 10AM, I doubt these concerts will be held at that time, are they?

[o4250]

Hey is no one else concerned that the counrty jams big line up is the same day we plan to protest?   

"...At Vineyards Community Park on Firday and Saturday, March 10th and 11th and this year’s line-up is BIGGER and BETTER than ever!!!
Friday Night (March 10th) get set for one of country music’s best entertainers! Neal McCoy takes the stage with special guests, Emerson Drive!
Saturday Night (March 11th) The High Energy Entertainment continues with the Legendary Charlie Daniels Band, –Confederate Railroad, and new national artist Danielle Peck!"

Are we sure that we're going to have media coverage while we protest?  I'm kinda freaking out about this...can anyone offer some reissurance?

IMO one thing has nothing to do with the other. We need to make this priorty number 1. That is the same weekend as gator back as well. However, many who were travelling are not now because of the rally. I mean ask yourself this: What is more important, a concert or a great to enjoy our sport for years to come?? I see only one option here. Also, the rally is at 10AM, I doubt these concerts will be held at that time, are they?

Both those concerts are at night, isn't this early in the morning?

[Eworm]

Hey is no one else concerned that the counrty jams big line up is the same day we plan to protest?   

"...At Vineyards Community Park on Firday and Saturday, March 10th and 11th and this year’s line-up is BIGGER and BETTER than ever!!!
Friday Night (March 10th) get set for one of country music’s best entertainers! Neal McCoy takes the stage with special guests, Emerson Drive!
Saturday Night (March 11th) The High Energy Entertainment continues with the Legendary Charlie Daniels Band, –Confederate Railroad, and new national artist Danielle Peck!"

Are we sure that we're going to have media coverage while we protest?  I'm kinda freaking out about this...can anyone offer some reissurance?

IMO one thing has nothing to do with the other. We need to make this priorty number 1. That is the same weekend as gator back as well. However, many who were travelling are not now because of the rally. I mean ask yourself this: What is more important, a concert or a great to enjoy our sport for years to come?? I see only one option here. Also, the rally is at 10AM, I doubt these concerts will be held at that time, are they?

Both those concerts are at night, isn't this early in the morning?

yes sir: 10AM!!!!!

[enniehall]

No I'm just worried that it's going to draw attention away from what we're trying to do! Country jams is a succesful event and I'm just wondering if this is going to take away some of the news crews and protesters.  Your guys are sure we'll have at least one news crew there is all I'm wanting to know.  I'm in this for good I could care less about not going to the country jams.

[Eworm]

No I'm just worried that it's going to draw attention away from what we're trying to do! Country jams is a succesful event and I'm just wondering if this is going to take away some of the news crews and protesters.  Your guys are sure we'll have at least one news crew there is all I'm wanting to know.  I'm in this for good I could care less about not going to the country jams.

We are working on getting new stations out there and chances are they will be! We will have more details next week. You may want to call or email them and let them know about our huge rally!!!

[Mudneck]

I fully support this! I am working on one for east coast as well.
http://www.atvflorida.com/forum/index.php/topic,11717.0.html

Couple points:Since the date is getting closer,Can you disect all posts & clearly  post to web site,Finalized plans so all can stay focussed on what needs to be accomplished?Perhaps start a poll as a sub-topic to get a good idea of the #'s that will show up?

#1 clear directions,meeting time,date,parking area to meet.Needs to be organized so there arent alot of lost folks running all over town.
#2 Is there a petition for all to sign addressing lack of OHV areas to send to state
#3 Is there a speaker for the group who understands fully topics being protested
#4 Press release
#5 How will this be orchastrated?Will it be a slow drive along road,park & hold up signs ?
#6 protocol for participants to follow? NO BEER ALCHOLHOL! CAn you imagine all press there & some drunk w/no shirt pulling wheelies down road?Hopefully no but could happen!
#7 After protest perhaps large park area open to public or stadium parking lot for folks to gather,BBQ,hangout,pop some tops,talk about sucess of event,meet other ATV'ersetc...
#8 Set  a list of e-mails & phone #'s for press,government etc & start mass promotion week before & let them know this is a valid concern.and make sure they show up!
#9 Other ideas?

I am sure you probally have this figured out,but when I read through the thread I got bits & pieces of info.If I were to come where would I go?Just suggesting everything is clearly stated so this will be totally organized,GREAT WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Eworm]

All very good ideas. We have tried to think of everything and we should be making one post next week talking about the exact plan:
This may help for the time being:

http://www.atvflorida.com/forum/index.php/topic,11367.0.html

[MachineDog]

Where is it going to be? We might be able to come, along with bringing about half a dozen other riders.

[lswjth2]

We are going to meet at the entrance to the picayune state forest and end at the collier county gov center.Meet at the state forest no later than 10:00am on 3/11. Directions to picayune from WPB. Take the turnpike to the sawgrass expressway, tie into i-75 NORTH,get off on exit # 80m, make a right(north) you will see oil weel road(cr858) about 8 or 9 miles down the road, make a left there,(citgo gas station on right), stay on oil well road for about 18 miles or so, you will come up to a flashing 4-way stop sign.this is EVERGLADES BLVD,make a left there and stay on that road for about 10 or so miles, you will go back over I-75 and that's the entrance to the park.we will meet there...

[Mars]

While we're at it......

COULD WE PLEASE NOT DRINK BEER AND POWER BRAKE OUR PIC'EM UP TRUCKS ON EVERGLADES BLVD.

Yes, that was going on last year. I turned around and went back home.......

[Eworm]

While we're at it......

COULD WE PLEASE NOT DRINK BEER AND POWER BRAKE OUR PIC'EM UP TRUCKS ON EVERGLADES BLVD.

Yes, that was going on last year. I turned around and went back home.......

We will do this in a civilized manner. We will have spokes persons and people who will lead this initiative. I for one, will make sure no one party is out of control. This is a civilized rally in which we must all have the same goals and interest. They will listen. We are making sure that the word gets out and that news staions/newspapers/politicians are all aware and attend whenever possible. However, we have had some stations turn us down so by all means send emails and make calls.

[Thrumud]

16 days left !

[lswjth2]

Heres your chance to post a comment on the Naples Daily news newspaper. They are running an article on the SFWMD and thier models bla,bla, bla,bla

Go to this link and post your comments. Try not to bash up the commission to badly as these are the people that can help us if they overturn the agreement..Rick

PS: you might have to first register to post? not sure but give it a try

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/feb/23/water_official_blames_paperwork_slow_everglades_re/?local_news

[Eworm]

Made a small post on the newspaper site. I also sent 10 more emails last night with another message in order to see if I get a response

[lswjth2]

way to go. They need to hear from ALL of us..

[lswjth2]

Okay . I speak tuesday in front of the commission. Here's a copy of the speech. Let me know what you want added, removed etc.....I want to mention one thing though. This will not be succesful if it's only a handful of people being active. we need EVERYONE. I posted a link here the other day for the naples daily news only 2 or 3 of you posted anything. we got hammered on that posting. Folks this is being done for ALL THE RIDERS. If we lose becuase of not sufficient participation, dont go crying. I am supposed to meet a reporter from  the naples daily news tommorrow abd give him a copy of the lawsuit where the SFWMD had to be named a third party. Either get involved and do something about it, or you might as well put your atv for sale in some other state. We might have a chance but it will take everyone. Sorry for the ranting, i just want to make sure this is a success for the entire atvflorida.com community...Rick

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[smokechaser068]

I have read most of everbodys posts.  I lived in Collier County for 23 yrs (off GG Blvd) and now live in Ocala.  I was down there and still am a firefighter up here and delt with the craziness of people on a regular basis.  I feel what everbody is doing is great.  We had Badluck through my school years and after.    Where I had great times.  Then it was shut down then the fence was torn down and people continued to ride illegally.  In the beginning it was great but then bad apples did show up it is amazing what a few beers do to people.  Nobody is perfect. I sympathize with everybody because when you do have someplace to ride then it is taken away it stinks.  I now have children and I want them to enjoy riding atvs.  The Ocala National Forest is one of many places to ride up here. Croom is another.  Both places have rules and laws which are policed by law and joe public,  because nobody wants to lose what we have up here.  I think who ever is incharge of your issues should get in touch with Wildlife Officials and find away to incorporate what we have up here and use it down there.  I would be willing to be a contact person up here if needed.  Keep up the fight don't give up.

[Eworm]

Okay . I speak tuesday in front of the commission. Here's a copy of the speech. Let me know what you want added, removed etc.....I want to mention one thing though. This will not be succesful if it's only a handful of people being active. we need EVERYONE. I posted a link here the other day for the naples daily news only 2 or 3 of you posted anything. we got hammered on that posting. Folks this is being done for ALL THE RIDERS. If we lose becuase of not sufficient participation, dont go crying. I am supposed to meet a reporter from  the naples daily news tommorrow abd give him a copy of the lawsuit where the SFWMD had to be named a third party. Either get involved and do something about it, or you might as well put your atv for sale in some other state. We might have a chance but it will take everyone. Sorry for the ranting, i just want to make sure this is a success for the entire atvflorida.com community...Rick

Rick, with the exception of some minor gramatical errors it looks great, GOOD JOB MAN!!!!

[Eworm]

Heres your chance to post a comment on the Naples Daily news newspaper. They are running an article on the SFWMD and thier models bla,bla, bla,bla

Go to this link and post your comments. Try not to bash up the commission to badly as these are the people that can help us if they overturn the agreement..Rick

PS: you might have to first register to post? not sure but give it a try

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/feb/23/water_official_blames_paperwork_slow_everglades_re/?local_news

TTT, please do this now

[lswjth2]

Ok folks. I had nbc channel 2 news interview me today, this will come out tonight @ 11:00 pm. They said they will have a television crew there tommorrow morning in the commission chambers.

tHIS SI BEGINNING TO CATCH ON, WE NEED EVERYONE PUSHING THIS.

[lswjth2]

Ok, this is the speech that willbe delivered tommorrow to the commision on behalf of all us us.....let me know what you guys think....rick

I will also report back tommorrow and let you know how it went..

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[lswjth2]

We came out last night on the 11:00 pm news on nbc channel 2 news( naples/ft.myers) heres the link to the article.....



http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=6033&z=3&p=

[AlterEgo]

Just saw the interview this morning. Good interview and good job! For once ATVers came off looking like the one's wronged instead of us getting bad press.

[Eworm]

So that everyone knows this was a team effort. We need to keep the heat on, big time!!!!! We all need to work together like adults and get what we deserve!!! GREAT JOB RICK!!!!! I knew Kara would work out!!!! Working on other stations as we speak bro!!!