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Morning Blog

2009-01-22T06:36:00.000-08:00

Good morning Everyone,

Well, it may be frigid up North but we are freezing here as well. In the 30s this morning. The good news is, as always, we'll see 65 today and 75 tomorrow. One day last week it was 96 degrees warmer here than in Chicago! Beautiful blue sky today and calm seas now that the wind has died.

It's been all about the restaurant for a couple of weeks now. On Thursday last week we had our first of three private opening parties for friends and neighbors. Great time was had by all I am happy and proud to say. Over 150 each night and on Sunday we opened to the public to a packed house! Here's a few photos for you to enjoy.

Check out the menu at http://www.bayfrontbistro.com/.

Season is cranking up now and there's lots of activity around the marina with members comings, goings and enjoying the member clubroom faciilities. Our docks are again filling up as people are realizing we are open and construction is over. Short term and long term slip renters are enjoying the new facilities, especially the heated pool and BBQ deck.

The rental boat business is usually an indicator of the economy but it seems we are still bucking the tide. In December business was up 20% and in January we are sure to finish at least 50% ahead of each of the past two years! Our boats are the best and you can enjoy a wonderful day out on the beaches or just cruising the area watching the Dolphins play.

Congratulations to Kim DeGuerre. Kim is our Ship Store/Retail manager and she won the 2008 Employee of the Year Award for her outstanding dedication and service throughout the year.

Well, busy busy so have to go. Stop in for happy hour and have a drink before dinner. The Lolly Pop Lamb Chops are incredible and the Sweetfire Shrimp appetizer is amazing!

Happy and safe boating!

Joe

2009!

2009-01-05T08:15:00.000-08:00

Good Day Everyone,

Well, it's 2009. What a year it has been here. First let me wish everyone who takes the time to read these blogs a very happy and prosperous new year from all of us here at Snook Bight Yacht Club & Marina and Bayfront Bstro.

The restaurant is looking really spectacular now. It is going to be so special and beyond your imagination! We will open for our first night of food, wine and entertainment on the 18th of this month. You can check out the menu on line at www.bayfrontbistro.com. Make a reservation now for Valentine's Day. We're filling up fast for that special night. You can also call 239-463-FOOD and speak directly to the staff.

Gas prices dropped like a rock for 2 months but, as we all know, they are back on the rise. Marina price today is $2.649 and that is the lowest on the beach at the moment. The prices are changing very fast now and it all depends on the day we buy but we are trying hard to maintain our price advantage. Diesel is also changing often. Today we are $2.67

Boat Rental business was crazy over the holiday and I am delighted to say that we had a nice increase over the same peiod last year which is a good return to our usual monthly increases over previous years. Maybe folks are starting to gain confidence in the economy again.

Looking for a home for your boat? We would love to have you here and our dry storage can take anything up to 45' in length so give Jill a call and discuss our lease and purchase options.

Time to get back to work. Lots of to do to get the restaurant ready! Hope to see you soon.

Joe

2008-12-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas to Everyone

It's a beautiful Christmas morning here at the marina. All of us here wish you all the very best of holiday cheer.

It's a long time since my last blog. We have come so far in the past months. The yacht club and marina are fully open and completed now and things are finally settling into a routine. We are glad to welcome back our dear friends Joe and Sigi on their Krogen. They have been loyal customers for many years and we are always glad to have them back.

Phase IV Charters joins our family. Looking for a beautiful sunset cruise on the Gulf and Bay? Call Capt. Joe Griffin at 239-246-7992.

Great news! Bayfront Bistro is nearly finished. Opening on Monday January 12th, we're taking reservations now. Wait till you see this spectacular restaurant. The Back Bar will blow you away and the views from every table are magnificent. Make a reservation now at www.bayfrontbistro.com and check out the menu there. We're cookin up a heck of a meal for you!

Don't have a boat but would like to see our beautiful waters and watch the dolphins play? Why not book one of our rental boats and have a great day on the water. We have special discount pricing now.

I am proud to announce that our Ship Store manager Kim has been awarded the Employee of the Year for 2007. Why not come by and see why.

Safe boating and happy holidays.

Joe

Morning Nov 1, 2008

2008-11-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

Good morning Everyone,

Well, after a very brisk few days of January weather we are finally warming up again. Today is breezy with 10-15 out of the East and it is absolutely beautiful here on Ft Myers Beach. The Full Moon briught our first real "winter" tides the past few days as well with lows at -3.5. Stay in the channel!

Exciting times here in the marina. We are fully open now and enjoying the wonderful new facilities. Kim has done a great job organising the Ship Store and is now joined by Jim who will assist her in keeping things in order and taking care of boat rentals and the gas dock.

The past week has brought lots together for us with the opening of the club facilities, arrival of the furniture, paintings and plants. Also the tiling of the bridge to the restaurant is under way. The two water features are nearly done and the flagpole and dolphins are in place.

It's been a long two years since Old Glory flew on our waterfront and it was a proud day today when she finally flew again. Of course, joined by the Irish flag honoring my two partners in this venture.

But it's not all about the flagpole this week. Here are a few pics of the clubroom.
From the Clubroom Deck this morning.The party is this week. On Saturday and Sunday the 8th and 9th we open our house for everyone to see. Great food by Pop Z BBQ (ribs and pulled pork) and lots of wine, beer and soft drinks. Entertainment by Eric Stone and his Band will keep us dancin all day. Lots of great door prizes and even an auction of some wonderful artwork by Coyote man Marcus Pierson. http://www.markuspiersonart.com/castresin.asp check out his stuff!

If you haven't been invited but would like to come along to the party please e-mail us at info@snookbightmarina.com.

This Monday the final area of the parking lot will be paved so it will be good-bye to the dust!!!!

Our rental boats are the best on the beach and our rates start at $99.00* for a half day. Why not come in and have a look. *Requires coupon. Bring a copy of our ad in The Florida Weekly for your discount!

Well, back to work. Today we're building the stage for Eric Stone's band. http://www.boatsongs.com/

Have a great day and safe boating.

Joe

Morning Blog Oct 5, 2008

2008-10-05T05:44:00.000-07:00

Good morning Everyone

It's not often that we say "Another lousy day" but that is what we have today. Another day of gusty winds and squalls from the South. The good news is tomorrow it will be gorgeous again.

I posted lots of new pics on the Timeline section of the website this morning. Try this link http://www.snookbightmarina.com/construction_timeline.asp

The furniture arrived last week for the Promenade and the Ship Store is now open so here are a few pics.

The Upstairs area is also finished now and Larry and Lorie are now in their offices and the Employee Break Room is up and running. Above is a pic of the Locker Room in the Men's Room. Below are some more pics from upstairs.

This week we'll put the last layer of cool crete on the pool deck. The ClubRoom will get the final paint and wallpaper and the furniture for it will arrive. The BBQs are here now and all is going to be ready for the Members and guests by Friday. We are hoping to receive our final permits from Lee County Utilities by Friday and then it's fully open for business.

Progress on the restaurant is good. You can view the menu at www.bayfrontbistro.com.

The final design features for the bar area are complete and the bids are coming in for the contractors. We appointed Owens Ames Kimball as General Contractors and they are moving at breakneck speed to make a January 10th opening date.

Lastly, it's party time and we'll be hosting a two day open house on the 8th and 9th of November. Invitations are going in the mail tomorrow. If you would like to come along please call Jill or Kim at 239-765-4371 to receive an invitation.

Gotta go now. Lots to do today.

Happy boating!

Dreary Morning Sept 28

2008-09-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

Good morning Everyone,

What a dull and dreary morning it is. Not often do we start the day out like this. There are a few small storms around as the flow is out of the South now. It looks like it may clear later. Calm seas and no wind today.

We're In!!!!!!!!!!!! On Friday we officially opened the new Ship Store and Service Department sections of the main building. Still lots to do but the Ship Store is fully operational and stocked with a wide selection of beers and soft drinks. New ice machine and frozen bait locker as well. Ice is exactly the same price as Publix now and we're working on the drinks prices at the moment. A great selection of clothing at terrific prices and check out the duffle bags and cooler bags.

This coming week we will open the upstairs section to employees and start setting the furniture and getting connected. The pool will get the final inspection on Tuesday and then it's time for a swim! With a small bit of luck the elevator will be cleared and we'll be able to open to Members by Monday week.

The member's Club Room is nearly ready. Just a few minor touch-ups and the furniture for it arrives on the 6th.

I haven't taken any pics today because of the weather but I will tomorrow. The Promenade furniture was delivered on Friday and looks amazing. It's so comfortable. Also, the pool furniture is here and just waiting for the final inspection this week.

Progress on the restaurant continues at a furious pace with the final stucco work this week and painting the exteriour. Then it's all inside. Finally we say good-bye to the scaffolding!

Mitch and the architects are going gangbusters toward the January 2 opening of Bayfront Bistro and the plans are really exciting. The back bar will be a sight to behold! Check out the menu at www.bayfrontbistro.com

So, as we continue to get settled in to our new digs we look forward to our first party welcoming the Members and prospective Members on November 1. And then on Sunday the 2nd we'll have an open house for all to see. Lots of food and drink and a special draw for prizes such as free boat rentals, VHF radios and more on the day.

By the way, compare our gas prices. We're $469 while all of our neighbors are $4.87 to $5.10! And Members enjoy that special price at the moment of $4.41.

Safe boating and we look forward to welcoming you!

Joe

Morning Blog

2008-09-23T03:55:00.000-07:00

Good morning Everyone,

Lots of activity here at the marina as we get ready to move into the new Ship Store on Wednesday. O my God, that's tomorrow! We have been stocking the shelves all week and we're about 70% ready. All of the new shirts and towels and bags are in and lots of new goodies in the store.

The cooler is still being stocked and we hope all of the distributors will be here by Thursday. In the cooler we have a great selection now of soft drinks and domestic as well as imported beers, wine and coolers. Check out the prices. We are working hard to be competitive with Publix. Also with the new ice machine we're now exactly the same price as Publix, $1.93 per bag.

Next week we'll move in upstairs and the furniture for the offices has arrived and is being set up today. The pool is ready and the final layer of Cool Crete on the deck will be completed tomorrow. I get the first swim! The BBQs arrive on Thursday as well.

Most of the security and webcam equipment is now installed and we're just waiting for it to go live so we can put the cams up on our website. Great views of the Gulf and the Bay!

On Friday Robb & Stuckey will deliver the pool furniture and the wonderful collection for the Promenade. Can't wait! The Promenade looks great with the lights on now and the 3" ropes joining each colum. Just need a place to sit and enjoy the scenery!

We're also moving into the new service department tomorrow. The guys are sure looking forward to getting out of those 40' containers.

The most exciting of all is the progress on the restaurant. Bayfront Bistro will open in January and we are submitting for permit to complete the interior on Wednesday. This is going to be a wonderful restaurant with something for everyone. From Baby Back Ribs and Sliders to:

Try These

SEARED AHI TUNA PAD THAI SALAD Napa cabbage – udon noodles – roasted peanuts sesame ginger vinaigrette

BUFFALO CHICKEN SANDWICH Bleu cheese aioli - Franks hot sauce lettuce – tomato – onion

PAN SEARED GROUPER Sage caper brown butter – scalloped potatoes fresh vegetables

GORGONZOLA TORTELLINI Chef made three cheese tortellini – vine ripe tomatoes – fresh basil rich gorgonzola cream sauce – shredded parmesan

A casual restaurant with great food (all freshly made on the day) and a very substantial wine list featuring the beautiful wines of Napa and Sonoma Counties. You will be able to arrive by boat or car and dine on the upper deck or down below or just saddle up to the bar where the view is amazing in all directions. Check out the website (still under construction but the menu is up) at www.bayfrontbistro.com

We've joined with Mitch Schwenke of The Blue Coyote who has proven his considerable skill at hiring and training the most creative and energetic staff of any restaurant I have ever been to. Check it out at http://bluecoyoteclub.com/home.htm Mitch and his team will get the restaurant up and running for us and hire the management for the future. Wait till you see the interior as Mitch has designed it with our architect Gora McGahey Associates! It's going to be something really special.

Opening January 2!

I know a pic is worth a thousand, as they say, but I'll wait a few more days to get more pics up. The final cleanup is going on right now and it will look better on the weekend after the Promenade and pool furniture is in place.

Oh yeah! The weather. Well, Noah is building a new ark here today. We have had torrential rains every evening for a week and the drought is officially over. Ike gave us a miss of course and all is quiet for now in the Atlantic. Interesting that the storms that passed us by have cooled the waters around us and that will inhibit storm development for a while yet. Every day quiet is another day closer to the end of season. We started Fall yesterday at 11:41 AM. Who coulda guessed? Why not 11:45 or...

Today we're looking for 15 Kts NE winds and probably afternoon rain with cooler temps. Tomorrow we get back to normal with a dry spell coming in from the North. All in all, still paradise!

Well, that's enough blabber for now. I'll leave the rest to McCain and Obama. uuuggghhh.

Later

Joe

Update September 8

2008-09-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

Good morning Everyone,

Well, first I am sure you all realize we have been extremely busy here dodging hurricanes. Every time we get a storm threat we must go into our hurricane Prep mode and that means all hands on deck preparing the property and the boats. Our policy has always been to prepare for the worst if a storm enters the Gulf so the last few weeks have been crazy here.

Crossing our fingers now, it appears Ike will give us a bye and with no named storms out there we will begin returning to normal tomorrow. That means flood panels down, sand bags stowed and planters back on the pad.

We are getting very close to opening the main building including the Ship Store and upstairs amenities now. The final paint touch up is today and the appliances arrive on Thursday. With a little luck we'll complete the stucco on the bridge this week and be able to open next week. We are now stocking the Ship Store and the pool looks great with its glistening water.

The flagpole arrives this week and soon the water features will be up and splashing.

I'll be taking loads of pictures next week when we are finished. Not much to see this week with the flood panels covering the windows and doors and the plastic coverings everywhere inside while they paint.

Of course, the air con is on and the bathrooms are getting their final touches today as well.

We're glad to welcome some new folks in wet slips recently including Larry on his 44' Bayliner, Scott, Shelley and the family on their special built 56' houseboat "Now We're Ready" and Joe Griffin on his 38' Marine Trader.

Word came to me last week that our dear friend Jack McCloskey is in remission now after a very tough battle with cancer. Jack and Peg have been such great friends to the marina and we're just delighted that he is doing well. We look forward to seeing you aboard Slam Dunk very soon Jack.

Many Member boats have now arrived and are enjoying the Platinum Concierge Service as promised.

Last week we announced that Jill McLearn will serve as Concierge. This position is so very important. Jill's responsibilities will be to manage the relationship between each Member and the marina. Everything that concerns member services will be overseen by Jill, the Member's first point of contact.

Kim DeGuerre will now take charge of the Ship Store and she is looking forward to moving in to the new store next week. The new store will be well stocked with all your boating needs and a great selection of fishing equipment will also be on hand. And when you get here check out our beer and soft drink prices. Kim will soon have an assistant in the store to help out with the new shift hours.

On November 1 we will begin our new hours of 7AM to 7PM.

We also welcome our new dockhand Wayne Palhette who joined the team two weeks ago.

So, come in and have a look. We'll be glad to have you.

Joe

2008-07-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon everyone,

Well, lots of progress since my last blog. I know there has been a long gap since my last but with my daughter's wedding in Ireland and a few surgery events I have been a bit ocuppied. In spite of my absence construction moves along. Funny how that happens without me....

First let me tell you it is Hot, Hot, Hot here. Index over 100 every day and 95% humidy. No rain for a week now following a solid 7 days of monsoons. What is going on? Anyway, it's mid simmer and hurricane season is cranked up so we're all watching the weather closely.

Tarpon don't seem to mind as we have schools of them in the marina now.

Here are some pics of the construction. We are now able to store boats properly on all the rack levels and will be announcing our first closing dates this week. The main storage facility is completed except for the doors which are being assembled today. They will hang them on Thursday. The electricity is on everywhere and we are pumping fuel again.

Today is a big day as they are hanging the large signs over the doors and we are all holding our breath to see the first one up. The fire sprinkler system is completed finally and we can now complete the air con in the amenities areas and ship store.

The sidewalks around the parking on the main lot are being poured this week along with the walls on the bridge. Soon the main parking area will be tarmac.

The other excitement of the day is that we are finally seeing the pavers go down on the promenade which is a huge step forward in terms of the overall look of things.

Crane hanging the sign.

Waiting to be hung

Pavers ready and now being placed.

There is a lot of work completed inside the building and it is difficult to show that in the pics. The glass partitions are all in place and the drywall is completed downstairs. This week the aircon will complete the upstairs and the drywall will finally go up. The rails are now in place at the pool deck and the outside of the building is getting its final coat of paint.

The restaurant is now getting the roof and being closed in. The bridge roof is completed and the side shutters will be next. You should see the view! We have a deal in principle with a great restaurant operator and are moving forward toward a grand opening in the late Fall but, believe me, it will be worth the wait. The new bar design is incredible and the entire restaurant and the food will be something special!

Well, time to get back to work. Safe boating.

Joe

Morning Bell June 24

2008-06-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone,

A long break in between Blogs. Sorry, there's no excuse for me but we have been working so hard to get the place finished. First of all, the weather.

Whew! I think we invented hot. The last week has been a scorcher with temps hitting nearly 100 and very high humidity. Also we have had torrential rains every day and we are squarely in the rainy season now. Today light East winds and lower (seasonal) temps of 86 degrees. Likely afternoon storms, mostly inland.

Well, lots of progress on the construction and, as they say, a picture is worth.... so I am uploading a number of pics to the Construction Progress album link. I have been trying to upload photos for an hour on the Blog with no luck so follow this link to our website to see the photos. http://www.snookbightmarina.com/marina_construction_timeline.asp and click on Timeline.

We will be permitted for the main storage building next week and a number of Member boats are already here and tucked away. Members are welcome to bring their boats in now.

Dry wall is being finished as we speak in the Ship Store and they will be moving upstairs tomorrow. It is a great step forward to see this finish work finally under way.

The parking for Members is closed just for 2 days now to make the curb and lay sod in the swales and then it will be open again.

Electrics are in the final stages of installation by the utility company.

I have been on this all day with interrupions every minute so I will close this and again suggest you go to our website "Timeline" to see the pics from today.

Thanks and safe boating!

Morning Bell May 17

2008-05-17T04:18:00.000-07:00

Good morning Everyone,

Another boring (sic) day in Paradise. Sunny, breezy and 89*. We have a cold front hanging to the North so we'll probably have a few clouds but rain is unlikely along the coast. Winds will remain out of the SW or WSW at 10-20 Kts today thru Monday so the onshore breeze will bring a heavy chop to the Gulf. It looks like this wind is going to persist until Tuesday when things settle a bit.

Here's one for you. The Arthritus Index is High today! Didn't even know there was such a thing. No wonder I ache all over. And I blamed it on the construction. Who knew?

Things continue at breakneck speed on the construction side. The stucco work continues as well as the final "bump-out" features on the main building. We will see the building finally closed completely by late next week. Yesterday the bridge was poured and also the deck on the pool. The modifications to the End Walls in the storage building are nearly complete and the rails for the doors were set in concrete on Thursday. The tench drain along the seawall on the promenade is being set and that promenade will be poured very shortly. That will make way for the pavers and planter boxes.

Inside the electrics are nearly complete as is the Air Con. The cabinets will be installed on June 1 in the Member's Club Room and the Employee Lounge. The appliances are all on order and waiting to be shipped. The Lockers for the shower rooms arrive next week and will be installed as well as the sinks and showers so lots going on! Here's a few pics.

Above is the bridge being poured and the finished job. Below is the dumpster enclosure in progress.

My partner, Billy, was in from Ireland this week and had a turn on the new Forklift. Here's a couple of pics giving you a perspective on the size.

While all of this is going on we're at the Naples Bayfront Boat Show this weekend and there's lots of activities there.

Well, that's about all for today. off to Naples for the boat show.

Safe Boating!

Joe

Morning Blog

2008-05-08T04:27:00.000-07:00

Good morning Eeveryone,

Firstly I have to again apologize for not updating the blog as I would like. Your comments are noted and I will try to do better. Please understand that we are under intense pressure here with construction and the looming deadline of mid-June. I find myself either on the property with contractors or in meetings dawn to dusk.

Let's talk about the weather first. There is so much not to cover! Sunny, warm and breezy!!! perfect Florida late Spring. We desperately need rain as the brush fires are popping up everywhere but the water is the cleanest I have seen it since the 60's! Just wonderful boating weather although today's Southerly breeze may make it a little choppy.

Yesterday was a wonderfully exciting day for Larry and all of the Staff, not to mention me. The new Marina Bull arrived at 9AM. Yesterday we had 18 70’ high lifts on the property along with one 100 ton crane and four trailer loads of the new Wiggins Marina Bull. The Bull came on four trailers and the main chassis arrived on a 110’ long, 5 section, articulated trailer rig which was 15’ wide and required special escorts and clearances all the way from California. The chassis weighs 122,000 lbs. Add in 2 forks at 7000 lbs each and the counter weight at 12,000 lbs and the mast at 22,000 lbs! We backed up traffic all the way back to both bridges for three hours yesterday morning! 6.5 miles! Sorry folks.

div>Here's a few pics..

Today the Bull will be fully assembled and in action!

Of course, there is a lot more going on right now. Yesterday I counted 28 different sub-contractors on the property all falling all over each other tryng to complete their individual tasks. Here's a view of the storage building yesterday:

A maze of manlifts in action making the modifications to the end walls, running electrics, water and sprinkler pipes. Also painters. It looks the same on the outside of the building!

Electric feeds to the docks are now finally through the seawall and we will be closing this up today. That is such a big step because we can now grade the area along the water and lay the pavers.

The stairs that lead to the employee lounge and the electrical room.

Here you can see that the building is partially painted and the bunks for the boats are being prepared.

So, there is so much going on. The walk in cooler is due to arrive this week and all of the doors and windows are not installed and waiting for glass. The stucco work is ongoing around the building and the shheting on the remainder of the storage building is being hung. Yesterday we punched the hole under the wall to join the sewer mains and the drainage pipes are nearly all in.

I will do my best to post another blog over the weekend and, in the meantime, happy boating!

Joe

News April 19th

2008-04-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

Good morning Everyone,

What a beautiful day it is here at Snook Bight Yacht Club & Marina. Lots of sun, light breeze ( sorry sailors) and temps going to the low 80s today. Perfect! We ahd a low tide this morning at 6 so it's on the Flood now to a high at 12:36 this afternoon. Gulf water temp is 73* now and rising.

Full Moon tomorrow.

The rental boat business is still really brisk and everyone that comes in is raving about the number of dolphins they are seeing and how active they are. It's breeding time for them now and they are having a great time in the beautiful, clear water we are enjoying. Say what you will about the drought but it sure has allowed the water to clear up in the Bay and Gulf. Time to Enjoy! Note: Dolphin photo taken by one of our Beachcomber Tours customers.

Lots of activity on the construction side now. Here are a few photos.

Electric Lines running to the docks.

New water lines. A shakey time in the temporary ship store.

A bad day for parking!
Lots of stuff going on in the storage building. Electrics, Sprinklers and relocation of the support beams for the member boats makes for a noisy and crowded building.

Believe it or not, we're still on schedule for opening the main building to Members in June. The pool is almost done and all of the air conditioning and electrics inside are nearing completion. Drywall will be going up next week and the paving on the North side (Member's parking) will be completed by Friday.

The bridge joining the restaurant and the main building will be poured next week as well so there is slots of progress everywhere!

Member's and Lease customers enjoy superb Platinum Concierge Service from start to finish. Lots of Member boats are coming in now as folks head North. This week one new Member arrived and his boat got a full cleaning and flush and is now at rest for the summer. Once a month we'll launch his boat, run it up the Bay and back, check all the systems and tuck it away again. It's all part of the service.

Interested in taking advantage of the Platinum Concierge Service here? Whether for wet slip or dry rack storage, buying or leasing, this is the place. Give us a call. We have a limited number of dry storage racks available for lease on 6 or 12 month basis.

Well, that's about all for today. Time to get out on the water!

Joe

Catching Up

2008-04-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon Everyone,

Nearly a month since my last Blog. So sorry but we have been so busy here with Easter, Spring Break and the construction. So here goes.

Weather has been great lately and today it's simply beautiful. Light winds, hardly a cloud, calm seas. What more could you ask. We've had a few days of southerly winds and they are bringing some late afternoon clouds and a chance of rain but it is no issue for boating. It's always interesting during the transition of seasons and this year we seem to be rushing through Spring.

Lots of progress on the construction. Here are a few pics.

The above pics show the two 8000 gallon fuel tanks being placed underground.

Here's a pic of the ground in front of the restaurant and ship store being prepped which will be the promenade area. Can't wait to see the finished product!

Tiki has been restless lately and we have to watch him every day. He loves to go "walk-about" and usually ends up at the door to the ship store knocking to get in.

Construction continues on schedule to open the storage facility June 15th with the restaurant probably opening in September.

Our rental boat business continues to grow at a tremendous rate and we're now the clear leader on Ft Myers Beach. We've continually added boats to the fleet and it seems there is no top end to the available busines. It makes a great day with family and friends and is economical and possible for everyone, regardless of their experience.

We now have Members who wish to rent their storage racks and we are the contact to arrange for rented space for your boat. Any length up to 45 feet and rates starting at $16.75 per foot per month. Some club memberships are also available. Annual and semi-annual rates. Call for more information.

Well, my blog manager won't let me add any more images today so I'll sign off now. More tomorrow.

Happy and safe boating.

Joe

Morning Bell March 7

2008-03-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

Good morning Everyone,

First the weather. It's been an up and down week with a few cold fronts (not really cold) blowing thru including one today that looks like it will be a little more serious. Windy and cold tonite dropping to 40s. Yesterday and today we have very high temps and humidy. Feels like summer! Boaters, there are SCWs for the Gulf today and tomorrow. It's building today out of the South and will shift around overnite and be coming from the North tomorrow after the front passes by. Looks like rain tomorrow but Sunday will be great!

The Shrimp Festival begins tomorrow with the parade in the morning and we'll be there with our annual float carrying the Chamber comittee.

It's an exciting day today as the last section of the seawall will be finished today, the steel girders for the communications towere are going up and the drywall for the ship store arrived so here are a few pics so far.

Two weeks ago Jodi and bobbie had a tour out on the Bay and, as usual, the dolphins were following along. Check out these incredible shots taken by one very happy customer.

Last night larry and I watched a couple of Manatees swimming around the launch well.

The day's getting away from me. More pics tomorrow.

Joe

Morning Bell Feb 27th

2008-02-27T05:45:00.000-08:00

Good morning Everyone,

Well, I can't say "another day in Paradise" today as the news is all about the weather today. Overnite we had winds of 30 Kts up to about 7AM. Now they are settling a little bit as the front passes through but still around 20 Kts. Lots of clouds around as well but no rain. Looks like this will pass through today and bring sunshine back tomorrow. As with all fronts like this in Jan/Feb we can look forward to cold temps overnite and into the morning. Currently it's only 66* and not likely to get much warmer today. Down in the 40s tonite.

Locals like us think this is frigid weather and everyone here is bundled up. You'd think it was snowing outside.

Unfortunately this is not a day for boating.

Beachcomber Tours runs an eco tour boat out of the marina and the other day Capt. Bobby Romero had a group on board that got some rare and incredible pictures of dolphins at play. I'm promised we'll get copies to show you shortly. Many people are fortunate to see dolphins on the back bay when out in a rental boat or with Beachcomber Tours. It's one of the most enjoyable events you can have. Do you know why the dolphin love to swim in the wake of a boat?

The most common belief is that they love to play and this is playtime. That is probably true and, if not, it's suits us to see it that way because we love these guys. Another commonly held theory is that they get a kind of high from the oxygenated water on the wake. Whatever it is, it sure is fun to see.

Yesterday was MaryAnne's birthday.

Happy Birthday MaryAnne!

No pics of the construction today but there is lots of activity. The steel building work is nearly finished and Stemic is working hard on the last section of seawall. The air conditioning is being installed this week and there are all kinds of odd looking things hanging from the ceilings everwhere. The plumbers are also on site as well as the supplier of the water filtration and cleaning system so lots going on.

Today's a day for maintenance catch up on the rental boats as the weather has dampened any interest in boating by the tourists in the area. We'll be ready for them tomorrow again.

Time to get back to work. Have a great day and drop in to see us.

Joe

Morning Bell Feb 26

2008-02-26T08:48:00.000-08:00

Good morning Everyone,

Another day in Paradise. Partly cloudy skies, high in the 80s and SW winds 10-15 Kts. Seas will be onshore today and 2-4 feet. There is a strong cold front approaching and lots of weather on the way. Rain chance tonite and more tomorrow with strong NW winds (30+ Kts) so batten down the hatches. They are predicting some possibility of thunderstorms as the front approaches and passes thru. Clearing behind the front but lots of wind on Thursday.

Once in a while we get a celeb on the property so we always like to brag. Today we're priveledged to have Washingto Redskins star OL Jason Fabini with us. Jason and his friends are having a great day on the water.

Had a chance to take a boat out the other day to photograph the property from the water. This shot gives you some idea of our progress and the scope of the project. Can't wait til' it's done!

Lots of rental boat activity this week again. Season is in full swing and most boats are out every day. Due to the increase in our business we launched another new 22' Premier Pontoon boat the other day.

We're expecting confirmation any day now of our registration with Yachting Club of America. With over 800 yacht clubs listed in the US, Hawaii, Us Virgin Islands and Alaska, YCA provides reciprocal priviledges and lots of valuable information to Member Clubs throughout the world. Check them out at http://www.ycaol.com/

Time to go for now. Happy boating!

Joe

Morning Bell Feb 22

2008-02-22T03:39:00.000-08:00

Good morning Everyone,

Well, it's been a week since my last blog. So sorry but we have been so busy around here with the daily construction challenges and season is upon us so boat rental business is crazy. Anyway, we've had some pretty interesting weather since my last. A good bit of rain and some breezy days but staying very warm.

Today will be a perfect April day (I know, it's February) with temps in the mid 80s and high humidity. No rain and clear skies. Seas should be less than 3 feet so good boating weather. The water temp is already in the eighties and that doesn't boad well for hurricane season but the way the weather is these days we could have a mini winter before June and, who knows, ice forming in the Gulf!

Lots of pics today as construction moves along very well. The pace of activity has increased dramatically in the past days. Here's a few to keep you up on progress.

In spite of all the work going on operations around the marina continue. Here you can see Jennifer and Gary Schmidt's boat, Holy Schmidt, getting a facelift. We have a great crew of detailers to do your boat over from top to bottom.

On to other things. I am pleased to announce the addition of Kim deGuerre to the Team. Kim comes to us from another marina and will share the duties of the Ship Store and also maintain inventory of the Parts Department.

Here Kim and Tiki pose for the camera. Tiki has a weakness for pretty women and always gives them a whistle as they go by. Tiki loves the camera.

Yesterday we had the pleasure and priviledge of a visit from Kathy Oerter and her friends. They rented a pontoon boat and had a great day on the water. You will remember that Kathy is the wife of Al Oerter, 4 time Olympia Gold Medalist. Although Al has left us he is remembered as a great guy with a bright personality and also proved to be a pretty good artist. Want to learn more? Go to http://www.aloerter.com/

Ok, time to get to work. Check out the "Timeline" section of the website to see all the recent and older photos of our progress.

Good boating! Joe

Morning Bell Feb 9

2008-02-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

Good morning Everyone,

Yesterday we reported rain just North of us. Today its very overcast and no wind. Very muggy but still no sign of a raindrop. Maybe tomorrow. Sun seems to be arriving as I type.

Heard from Neville and Catherine on DreamTime. Here's the latest on their world cruise.

"Hi Joe,
We left South Seas on Monday and had a beautiful cruise all the way to Upper Captiva Island - what an adventure! We're still anchored off the runway on Upper Captiva but I promise you, we will be leaving next week, probably Monday/Tuesday for Dry Tortugas.I've spent the last few days setting-up my Iridium email and forwarding my business and zeroXTE emails to the sat' phone - it works like a treat. I have a feeling that the Beam data cradle I purchased along with the larger external antenna really help my connection speed.We'll be updating the site tonight, perhaps with aerial shots of Dream Time taken by our new pilot friend we met last night.Stay in touch, and if you're in the neighbourhood this weekend, stop by.

Cheers,Neville & Catherine"

Their website is www.zeroxte.com and they are, eventually, going to depart on the next leg of their round the world criuise. Next stop the Dry Tortugas but when they actually leave the beautiful barrier islands here is almost as unpredictable as the Dem's candidate selection. We'll just have to wait a little longer for reports from the high seas.

Yesterday I told you that maryAnne, our accountant, is retiring in June. Today I introduce her replacement, Lorie Van Winkle. Lorie has a Masters in Business Administration and loads of experience so we are looking forward to great things in our bank balance.

Good luck and welcome aboard!

Work continues and we're seeing progress everyday. Here's a couple of pics showing the Service Department facing and the roof going on the Member's area.

Looks like we have some wind coming tonite and tomorrow. NOAA says 15 to 20 Kts NW with seas 3-5 feet so it's going to be a great sailing day and a little rough for small craft.

Have a great day!

Joe

Morning Bell Feb 8th

2008-02-08T05:45:00.000-08:00

Good morning Everyone,

Well, every once in a while this time of year we have the strangest weather event. There are actually some dark clouds to the North and East this morning. Apparently there is water falling from the sky in Port Charlotte. Rain? It's been so long we have forgotten what rain looks like. Maybe we'll get some today.

We do get something else regurlarly though. On a daily basis someone comes to me or calls just for the purpose of complimenting a member of our Staff. It's been amazing and wonderful to have this happen so consistently over the past 2 years. Yesterday I received the following:

"Hi Larry I just wanted to say thanks to you and everyone for your hospitality when we dropped off the boat at your dealership last Friday. It was really awesome that you let us take a boat out on the ocean like that! We had never been on the ocean before, so we just thought it was fantastic. You are lucky to live in such a beautiful place. It looks like your new building will be beautiful as well, and your staff is so professional and friendly.

Thank you again for everything, it was really a pleasure meeting you!

Chris

PS. We loved Tiki the bird! We had never seen a parrot before, other than on TV. He is fascinating. =)

Thanks -
Chris "

Work continues on the buildings and the roof trusses went up yesterday so the whole restaurant and member facilities are really looking good. Last week they filled the pool to test for leaks before pouring the final concrete surface and all was good so shortly we'll see the final pour there. The service buildings were finished this week and look great now with the siding up. I'll have pics tomorrow.

Meet Jill! Jill is our Ship Store and Boat Rental coordinator and has been really busy with rentals and stuff lately. Jill lives here on the Beach and is well known around town for her great personality, good humor and constant smile.

Jill spends a good deal of her time counting live shrimp. Not the most enjoyable of tasks but she always does it with a smile.

MaryAnne is our Accountant. She came to us 2 years ago when she and Mike moved here from Maryland. Mike is a retired policeman. Now they have decided to move on and fully retire to travel. We'll miss MaryAnne but wish she and Mike all the best. She'll be leaving us in June and her replacement starts on Monday. Lorie VanWinkle and I'll tell you more about her tomorrow.

Have you seen the video of the new marina? If not why not click on the link and then click twice on the play arrow. It's worth a look and be sure you have your volume turned on. http://www.snookbightmarina.com/marina_tour.asp

Gotta go for now. More tomorrow.

Joe

Morning Bell Feb 7th

2008-02-07T03:43:00.000-08:00

Good morning Everyone,

Today's weather is just like yesterday. A few light clouds, lot's of sunshine and 83 degrees. Breezy again and the wind is out of the SW so it's a bit choppy out there. Looks like 10-15 Kts all day as the cold front passes by to our North. I heard this morning the shuttle launch is delayed due to the clouds and chance of rain in their area.

I mentioned the other day that we were just appointed full line dealers for Evinrude's new E-Tech motors. We sstarted testing these two years ago on our rental fleet and we have sure been pleased with their performance. Lighter and more economical to run makes them a great choice for your re-power. So, this morning let's meet a couple of the Service Department guys.

Larry Philips is Service Manager and leads the crew. He joined us about 18 months ago after selling his Marine Service business in upstate New York. Larry is originally from the Tampa area and is glad to be back in Florida. We're glad too! Larry has a broad range of tech background, good diesel and electrical skills and carries his Captain's license proudly.

Rich is our newest mechanic having joined us a couple of years ago. He is always smiling and recently got his Yamaha Master Tech certification. Always working hard, he is.

Well, at least I was right about the smiling part.

Things are in full swing here now that season is upon us. Rental boats are going out and bait sales are at their peak. If you're considering a boat rental soon better go to our rental boat section on the website and reserve your choice.

By the way, the beaches are in great shape now and the manatees are back in the marina. Yesterday we had a cow and two calves moving around in the area between B and C Dock.

The Cowens are headed home for a while. They live here on their cruiser off and on in the winter and have a reort on the lake in Westport, Ontario. It's cold up there now but I'm told it's beautiful in the summer. Check them out at The Cove Country Inn. http://www.coveinn.com/

7AM here and time to get started so have a great day wherever you are and come to paradise and see us soon.

Joe

Morning Bell Feb 5th

2008-02-05T03:16:00.000-08:00

Good morning Everyone,

Well, another glorious day in the making here on Ft Myers Beach. Sunny and 87 degrees is the plan.

I posted a few new photos on the construction page this morning. http://www.snookbightmarina.com/marina_construction_timeline.asp

If you scroll through to about 180 you'll be at the newest ones. We now have access to the launch pad area and have installed the new ramp to the floating dock at that location. Boats are in place now for temp storage on the pad while construction continues.

Here is a good look at the new launch area from C Dock and a few boats waiting for their skippers to take them for a ride.

In the last few weeks we have been enjoying a unique sight on the Bay. The lone Red Ibis is back again this year. I first saw him flying with the flock last Spring and he's back again. I have seen him three times now. The flock flies along the water in a long formation and he is usually right in the middle.

Here's a shot from Trinidad of two Red Ibis in flight. Imagine how amazing one looks in a flock of 20 or so white ones.

More to report on the voyage of DreamTime. Neville and Catherine sailed to Upper Captiva to have a final check of all the new systems on board before finally leaving land behind. While in that area they discovered South Seas Resort and had a couple of days there while on the hook off of Captiva. We stopped in to see them and when we left on Sunday they assured us they would leave all of the luxury behind today. They have launched the new web site so have a look at zeroxte.com

Well, time to go to work. Happy boating!

Joe

The Morning Bell Feb 1st

2008-02-01T07:25:00.000-08:00

Good morning Everyone,

So, I'm a terrible Blogger. I missed the Bell again for two days. Please be assured it is not because I am sleeping in. We have been so busy on the site getting everything ready I just haven't been near my desk. Enough of that.

Lots going on. The restaurant precast slabs were all set on Thursday and now they are pouring the concrete floor. The second last small section of seawall and seawall cap are being poured as I write this morning. Later today the 1 ton wheel stops for the launch pad are being bolted in place and we'll be launching boats from there by Tuesday.

Once the electrics are run this morning the temporary shower and laundry facilities are being moved to the launch pad on the far North end where they will be easy to access from the docks.

The new ramp to the floating dock at the launch pad was assembled and placed yesterday and we're ready to launch boats now.

Work continues all around setting the upstairs walls and finishing the pool (it passed the leak test!) and mounting the sheeting on the building.

In the meantime, weather is wonderful. We have a light breeze and temps will be in the 80s every day for a week. No rain. Glorious weather for boating!

Continuing with our "Meet the Employees" section, here is Rick O'Shea. Rick is one of our seniour techs who just received his Master Tech certifications for Yamaha and BRP. His real love (sorry Tasha) is fishing and nobody has caught more snook right here on the docks than Rick.

Sharing with the important task of keeping the boats in tip top shape and providing Master Tech service on Evinrude/Johnson is Bob Einer. We call him "The Grump" but you wouldn't get that from this photo of Larry presenting Bob with his anniversary award. Bob's not crazy about 4-strokes but he sure loves the E-Tech from Evinrude.

Larry, of course, is our General Manager. Retired Coast Guard and experienced marina manager from North Carolina, Larry keeps things going strong here.

Well, time to go. Should have some construction pics tomorrow.

Joe

Morning Bell late Jan 29th

2008-01-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon everyone,

I missed the Bell yesterday and am very late today. No excuse. Just a lot happening on the site.

It's a fabulous day here in South Florida with a light 6Kts breeze out of the South bringing war sunshine and calm seas.

Good news! Bob Barys who has been with us off and on for 4 years has now decided to join the team permenantly. Bob is a great guy with a terrific work ethic and wonderful to work with. Bob will fill the new position of launch Crew Supervisor with overall responsibility for the launching and storing of boats.

Well, they're on their way. Neville and Catherine on Dreamtime departed at 8AM this morning and will not make another landfall until the reach the Dry Tortugas. After a little time there snorkeling and touring the Fort they will press on for Cuba and points South. They promise to keep us up to date and they're website is zeroxte.com. Sponsored by Panasonic and ourselves, they are on a round the world cruise.

We're all envious here.

Lots going on today on the site. The floating dock for the temporary launch well was put in place today and grading ot the area in front of the Ship Store is complete so we will be launching from the new pad by Friday. The Precast slabs for the restaurant are due tomorrow and work continues on the second floor of the main building.

We had a good result at the Naples Boat Show with several Premier boats sold. Thanks to Peter and Kathy Grandanico for the loan of their brand new premier Intrigue which was a big hit at the show.

Time to go. More tomorrow.

Joe

Morning Bell Jan 26th

2008-01-26T06:08:00.000-08:00

Good morning mariners and wannabees,

It's a glorious day in Ft Myers Beach. Bright sunshine, no clouds and calm seas! A Snook Bight Day!

We continue to have most of the staff at the Naples Boat Show and will be there all weekend. Looks like we'll sell a few more boats today so that's good news for us. We're showing a fabulous Premier Pontoon Boat that we delivered to a customer in December. The great news from Premier is the introduction of their new Nano Block technology on all of the seating. This patented coating is permenent and blocks all effects from the sun and stains and is guaranteed for 7 years.

More good news! Snook Bight Yacht Club & Marina was named the Business of the Year for 2007 by the Ft Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce at the annual Chamber Gala last week.

Ric O'Shea has been our main Yamaha and Volvo Penta Tech for a few years and carries a Master Technician certification. With our recent appointment as main motor dealers for Evinrude and Johnson outboards he now joins Bob Einer as a certified technician for those engines as well. Good job Ric! Need info on where the snook are. Ric's the man.

Here Ric is replacing seals on a Volvo Penta while Larry (Gen Manager) looks on. Ric's always got a smile.

On the construction front Monday the swimming pool will be filled to check for leaks. That's progress!

Interested in rental boats and a great day on the water. Check out our fleet and see what there is to do at http://www.snookbightmarina.com/ft_myers_beach_boat_rentals.asp

Well, that's all for today. Off to the boat show.

Joe