Powerboat race organizers working to finalize event on Fort Myers Beach

[Serious News]

An event that has already battled obstacles before it has even begun is facing more rough waters.

Some people have raised concerns surrounding the bathroom situation at a boat race, forcing organizers to hold off on final plans for the water spectacle in Lee County.

With only a month to go, organizers for the Roar Offshore powerboat race on Fort Myers Beach are having trouble solidifying plans for the event.

When we first spoke to organizers bringing powerboat racing back to Southwest Florida, they told us they expect to have tens of thousands of people at the event.

”It’s a big deal because you can’t see it every place, you know,” said Berta Voelker who lives in Fort Myers Beach.

As the beach gears up for powerboat races, fans just hope organizers will be ready for the vast numbers expected for the turnout.

“If they don’t have those ducks in a row, they’re in trouble,” said Voelker.

Concerns over trash and lack of restrooms put a halt on finalization of the event at town council.

“I think that’s just some small glitches in the get-a-long,” said Voelker. “I’m hoping and they’ll get it together.”

The new plan includes portable toilets, added dumpsters and hundreds of volunteers.

“To pick up every single little cigarette butt, to beer cans, to whatever is left on the beach,” said Cindy Hill, Roar Offshore vice president.

There was also talk about a lack of sponsors, but the organizers of Roar Offshore said that was never the case. The organizers also said the paperwork is ready for the town council to sign off Monday.

And the Roar Offshore welcomes more sponsors and volunteers for its event.

“We’re over 100% for our sponsors,” said Roar Offshore President Tim Hill. “We’re looking for more sponsors because this a great marketing opportunity.”

https://www.winknews.com/2019/09/06/...t-myers-beach/

[Ratickle]

Wow, I thought Fort Meyers was a done deal.

[Serious News]

We've been unable so far to find out how the City Council voted today. Hopefully it passed.

[Ratickle]

FORT MYERS BEACH

Roar Offshore organizers near deadline for preparations

Is Fort Myers Beach ready for Roar Offshore?

Right now, there are a few people by the water in Fort Myers Beach Monday afternoon. But in a few weeks, tens of thousands of people from around the country will be there for the powerboat races.

In season, business is booming. In the offseason, companies in Fort Myers Beach look for a boost, which is why the Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is ecstatic about the upcoming Roar Offshore.

“We’re super excited about it,” said Michael McClung, the manager of Shucker’s at the Gulfshore. “We’ve been planning for a month.”

“It’s unbelievable,” said Phyllis Beldman, who lives in Fort Myers Beach. “Just the noise. The excitement. We’re so glad it’s coming back.”

However, the mayor worries about the safety and security of visitors, along with the people who call the beach home. Other worries include enough parking and portable restrooms.

Anita Cereceda, mayor of Fort Myers Beach, told WINK News the town council would not issue a permit for the event until the organizers answer those concerns.

“There’s a laundry list of things that still have to be done and a month out is a very, very, short tiny window when it comes to an event of this magnitude,” Cereceda said.

The mayor and council need to see signed contracts from both the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Fort Myers Beach Fire Dept.

Co-organizer of Roar Offshore, Tim Hill, told us there is nothing to fear. Hill said the Lee County Sheriff’s Office has signed off on the event plans. Earlier on Monday, he met with the fire dept. He assures us they have plenty of free shuttles, dumpsters and port-a-potties.

For the event, remote parking will be at Hammon Stadium and the former Big Lots parking lot on San Carlos Blvd. The shuttle will pick up and take people to the LeeTran Beach Park & Ride at Pine Ridge.

There will be 51 standard and 19 handicap port-a-potties, which Hill said is 500% over what others have done. He also says opening night will have around 30 deputies; six on Friday; and nearly 50 on Saturday, which is when organizers expect the most massive crowds.

Hill said about all that remains is finalizing contracts for added deputies and emergency medical services. The timing could not be better.

“We did have Dorian come through give us a little bit of a scare,” Hill said, “so it did throw Labor Day weekend off.”

The event begins on the weekend of October 10-12. For more information visit the Roar Off Shore information page here.

https://www.winknews.com/2019/09/09/...s-beach-event/

[Ratickle]

Sure hope they get it done.

[john acosta]

im tellin ya its outside pressure on officials not to let this happen .
I saw it many times.

[Serious News]

Tune into Beach Talk Radio this morning at 9:30 to get the latest details, information, and facts on the powerboat races. https://www.facebook.com/beachtalkradio/

[john acosta]

finaly some good news .

[Ratickle]

Fingers crossed!