ATV Florida Forum

ok, "toomey" and i thought it would be a good idea to start a rally to get our promised 640 acres to ride on. this was supposed to happen on oct 30 2005. this is a new thread to get the ball rolling under the proper topic name. please read the earlier thread called "naples spot by oct. 30th"(please read). im still thinking about a date. i think we could get hundreds of people to show up. if anyone has any info regarding this matter please speak up. a date is coming soon, so start spreading the word.
it would be a good idead to have this rally organized, actually certain jobs that one might be good at. for instance. i could organize it. someone could be in charge of notifying the right people( commissioners, reporters, governor, newspapers and even local radio stations and so on. everyone would be in charge of spreading the word. its going to take all of us to get it done, but imagine the reward. a place to ride, something i lost too long ago.
i'll come up with a date tonight. im open to suggestions. im thinking some saturday in march. the 11th sounds good. i think the place should be around the gov center, but i have no clue where that would be, so if someone could come up with that, it would be great. the reason i think the gov center would be better than the bridge is we'll be more noticed and more heard, than being in the woods. lets finalize the date and place by tommorow night.

That date looks good for me and my crew. We can bring 40-50 strong in like 30 trucks!!!

I think the best thing would be to drive around town at 15MPH or something like that. Get the old folks mad enough to make sure something gets done. The seniors in Naples, in actuality run the city and make the decisions, I think. We can drive around nice and slow with banners hanging from our trucks (OPEN BADLUCK TO ORV) and have a meeting place. Contact the press and make a big thing out of it. If they don't listen we do it again the following weekend and every weekend after that!!!!

MARCH 11TH?? Let me know so we can start the planning.

Or even fram a car accident between several people involved at the same exact time to really stop traffic!!!

JUST LET US KNOW !!!!

IN BEHALF OF ATVMIAXTREME WE ARE IN ON THIS ONE !!!!

ILL HAVE MY TRAIN HORN READY !!!!!



WE SHOULD JUST GO TO THE BUSIEST INTERSECTION AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH BANNERS AND SIGNS

We can't just stop like that. We have to be legal and organized. Now, if we stage a trafic accident at the same time (4 or 5 different ones), then traffic will stop!!!!

The Picayune state forest will eventually open up  again to ORV use.I have been in contact with Jim Colletta(Collier county commisioner) and with Mike Davis( State Representative)discussing what happening with this. Please understand the 640 acres are a seperate issue then the one for the squares.
As soon as the US fish and Wildlife service approve the ORV plan, there will be 12.7 miles of trails. A blue trail and an orange trail. The staging area will be of Everglades Blvd and 54th St. A maximum capacity of 84 riders at any given time. You must wear a helmet,20 mph speed limit,one way trails,$50.00 sticker/year.No double riding, Kids can ride as long as they are under direct supervision. You will have to take a course, wash the bikes before and after riding. THere are also 5 alternative sites being considered and one of them is badluck prairie. The phone # to Mike davis office is 239-417-6270


AS far as the 640 acres go, I agree that we should have some kind of demonstartion. THe SFWMD has been dragging their feet on this. They have proposed a "park" using the sludge they remove from  Lake Trafford in Imokkalee, the problem with this is they have found dangerous chemicals in that muck. Thxs Rick

Right we can't take things to far or they are gonna look at us like a bunch of hoodlums and won't take us seriously.  We need to draw attention in legal ways.  I think it would be best to spread us out, have the majority around the government center and then like 10 to 15 people at the major intersections like pine ridge road at 41, golden gate parkway at 41 and any other major intersections or be in parking lots like at the super walmarts and grocery stores.

If we go to kinkos we can get banners, signs practically anything we want.  Perhaps we can get Cypress Cycle or Powersports to display the signs, might bring in a few more participants.  

it is the 640 acres that we want right? 12 miles is nothing and all of these other rules are bull!!! We are entiltled to more and deserve more! We must demonstrate legally and crowd the streets of naples!!

huumm, why hoodlums? We will be with our families driving through the streets at a very slow pace. Hoodlums would be what we should do! Just unload our bikes and rush the squares, that would be the hoodlum way of doing this.

I also think it'd be best to do it in a civilized way.  Just park somewhere, and unload the trailers, pull out the pop up tents, set up the barbques, pass out flyers showing the ruling that we'd get our 640 and where are they? 

Really, if we are going to pull this off, we have to plan, plan, plan.  I think the date should be held off until we truthfully know what we're doing, so we don't end up regreting it.  We should definitly try to do it before summer though.
Once we get some of the basic plan down, we'll get a date, and notify the media about what we're doing.

I am waiting for collier county government to call me back. I called to see what permits are required to hold a demonstration in the county. SFWMD  has offices here in collier county. I think there is were we should stop and demonstrate....Will follow up as I get info....Rick

Comming to a complete stop in the middle of the road or a baja style race down 5th are for sure going to get attention, but the wrong kind therefore we'd become hoodlums because of the way we handled the situation at hand.  I don't know if you recall but a couple of years back two kids selling lemonade down by fifth had the cops called on them and they had to remove their stand because people complained it was disturbing the peace.  This is a delicate situation we don't want to give the wrong impressions. People already think bad of the off road culture we don't want to make matters worse for ourselves.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/actionnetwork/A1930916 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/actionnetwork/A1930916)

There's a link about protesting, in case anyone wants to read it. 
Does anyone know email addresses of the top people in Naples, because I think it'd be wise to ask them what we should do to get the point across but still be legal.  We can't take no for an answer though, it's either tell us how to do it, or we'll just show up and do whatever.

As far as spreading out, I don't think that'd be best.  I think the smaller pockets would have a hard time by themselves.  It'd be best to all stick together in a big area downtown.

IMO, I think we would have to apply a bit more pressure than just passing out flyers.

We should have a site were we can plan "behind the scenes". Right now, everyone including PD is reading.

Mods, can you create a section where we can get into (once a potential volunteer is qualified) and discuss our plans???? If not, please let me know because I think we can create one in ATVMIAX.........

Well I'm not saying all we should do is flyers.  But what are we going to do while we're sitting out there?  We gotta do something to let everyone know why we're there, and what we want to get done.  I know that flyers are kinda just the sissy way to get the point across, lets hear some realistic but really good ideas...

toomey, please keep in mind I am not shooting down the idea. I'd like to think we are team here. Flyers are good in combination with other methods. We can have flyers, drivers and walkers.

I should be able to round up 100 or so people 4 wheelers and big trucks so keep me up to date we need to have set date soon to get the word out last rally i didnt know till the day of when i heard it on the radio well let me know

Oh it's time.  I work for Supertrucks on airport road.  I could get them to hand out some flyers.  We lift too many trucks for these people not to care about this.  Maybe we should have a meeting before and plan everything out.  I'm kinda busy with workin 2 jobs, but I also know lots of people in Naples.  We need all of Badluck back.  Not 12 miles.  20mph speed limit?  So I can get all the way to 2nd gear!  Washing the bikes before and after?  WTF?!?!?!  Naples is really starting to piss me off.  All the stupid little things.  Like doing all road constructions during BUSY SEASON.  REALLY GOOD PLAN!

i remember at one rally, this guy had everyone sign a petition. this will document the names and numbers of everyone. i definitely think this has to be done. this is another reason we must congregate together. all your ideas are great. we must be legal and do it right. i dont like the rules and the 12 miles, i want more. i don't even know if 640 acres are enough, but it something which is more than what we have now. maybe we should ask the correct way to protest, so we could have a name to say if we get chastised.
 it seems that downtown has come up a lot. does anyone know the layout of the government center. is there room for such an event? if we rally out at the bridge, we will not be noticed and may have been a mistake to do it there in the past. i have never really protested before so im just going off what ive seen on tv.
as far as the date, i was just putting one out there. we cant just talk this time, we must follow through, a date will make that happen!

All very good questions! I to am a little lost as to the layout of the city. We rode the squares many times but I am not from Naples. Who can shed some light here? I kind of like the idea of having maybe 5 or 6 groups protesting at the same time all around town. We need a group of leaders (OUR MAIN PROBLEM!!!)

I volunteer myself

Anyone else willing to sit down and discuss this for an hour or two?????

i just got off the phone with"lswjth2". he is on top  of the governmental and commissioner aspects.  let this thread go on a couple days and then we'll have a conference call. brainstorming is good. and to everyone, we are trying to do this right and legal. i know this subject hits home with a bunch of the locals but we must act just as professional as the people we are protesting. at the rally, i request everyone to be on their best behavior. remember, they want us to act a fool. this will discredit our purpose.

I am in and Leo I know that many from AMX will be too!

I think we should all stick together instead of groups here and there !!
like that they know we are one big ass group !! and that way there's less chances of any law enforcement of stopping any protest or anything for that matter!!!

When media is involved they will ask many questions !!!

Make sure all that have written to Senators, City of Naples or Government or any locations have Emails, or Letters printed on hand to prove to media things we have tried to accomplish and never gotten answers for !!

Theres lots of planning to do !!!
ANd this needs to get done !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will start the list of possible leaders in the hopes of scheduling a call for this week some time:

Dudek38
Eworm
lswjth2
Mudweiser721


Possible action items to discuss on call:

Naples layout of the city
What should the banners say
One group or several
What news stations should we be contacting?
Who will our spokes persons be?

Hey crew I've been ridding for a long time and have been to the Squares MANY times. I just became a member of this web site and am all for assisting in any way possible with this issue. I know of approx 10 riders from the Fl Keys area and will keep them advised of this and request there assistance. Count me in !!!!!!!

I spoke today with Lt. Stamas of CCSO. I am waiting to hear from a couple of his deputies. I am also waiting to get the OK from facilities Management at Collier government. Here are the rules so far:

WE CANNOT BLOCK TRAFFIC IN ANYWAY, SHAPE, OR FORM.
COLLIER SHERRIFFS WILL NOT STOP TRAFFIC FOR US.
NOISE LAWS ARE IN EFFECT( NO TRAIN HORNS, ETC WHILE WE ARE MOVING)
WE CANNOT PUT UP ANY BANNERS ON ANY BUILDINGS,RIGHT OF WAY ETC. BANNERS ARE OK ON YOUR TRUCK, TRAILER ATV, ETC

I was thinking we should meet at the entrance to picayune forest, drive down immokkalee, down us 41 and end at the government center?

I would also like to see a "petition signature drive" asking the Governor to fire the director of the SFWMD...

I will pass along more info as i get it....Rick

I know personally that SFWMD is not the only people (company) involved in this process. So, please don't go pointing fingers to just them, because alot of them are on our side.

The SWFMD might not be the only one's responsible, Nevertheless, the agreement for the 640 Acres was between them(Big Cypress Basin) and Collier County in exchange for the county giving up the rights to the road in the state forest. I have been going into Big Cypress since 1980 and I have been there on a Friday before opening day of General Gun Season and it was bone dry. I show up Saturday and I have water up to my waist.Interesting... Also When I used to live in Miami,we had a real bad storm go by and they did not open up the flood gates, consequently flooding out sweetwater. Ask around....If you want a copy of the agreement, Please E-MAIL me at LSWJTH2@yahoo.com....I dont know if you went to the meeting that our commissioner Jim Colletta put together when all this happened. They were their and  they cowered and hid behind the "Water Resource Advisory Commission" They calimed that ATV/ORV use was not a "Compatible use"

Want to take a guess under what umbrella that "Advisory commission" comes under??? I"m not saying that EVERYONE that works for that entity is BAD/ANTI OUTDOORSMAN, But that entity sure seems to put a bunch of road blocks for people like us.....Rick

Anybody know where Lisa went to?  She seemed to have alot of information on this stuff and was always well spoken.  I haven't seen a post by her in a couple of months though anyone know her perrsonally? 

A ton of excellent work is going on here.  If someone has GoogleEarth, they can pull up a small map of downtown Naples so we can see how it's all layed out, and what are good areas for parking.  I wouldn't know where to look on the map...  :-[

IMO if we follow these rules to the T it will take several protests to get anything done. However, if that is what we have to work with then be it. But on the other hand, I think we may be able to bend the rules bit in order to get our point across.

For Example:
Not stop traffic but go just below the speed limit and block both lanes going the speed limit. I dont see a problem with that.

For Example:
Contacting business owners who shared our same interest and asking them to put up banners. This should be ok as well.

This is not a pointing finger match, or Giv. Bush or whatever. We want what we deserve, whoever is responsible, doesn't matter. We pay lots of money to have what we deserve. Give it to us now, we are giving everyone one more chance to gain our trust and do what is right and we demand.

LS: you have pm

DUDE: You 2

Ok: here it is, this our chance. Seems like many people are excited and want to FINALLY do something!!!
We are trying to get an idea of the number of people that would attend an organized, LEGAL protest/ralley in Naples. Our plan is to start at the entrance of Picayune Forest and work our way to the government center. We can hang banners from our vehicles and travel at slow rate of speeds (5-10 MPH under the speed limit, blocking all lanes). Our goal is to demand a date for opening our entitled 640 acres. Ideally, it would be good to have this land in Picayune Forest (Squares) and they might just say take it! So please respond to this thread and let us know how many you can commit:

Worm and DJleo plus 30-50
lswjth2 plus 5
dudek38 plus 40
Mudweiser721 plus 5-7
Toomey plus 1
04250 plus 5
PLEDGER#76 plus 3
rancher350kid plus 3
96 warrior plus 3
z400stunter plus 5
Scrub borthers




We will probably meet at about 10AM, do the drive, ralley by the GOV center and then drive back to the entrance of PF and have a bar b que or something. We can load our bikes and make our banners but this would be a day solely for demonstrating. Of course you can go your own way afterwards and ride whereever you are riding today but please try and stay away from Collier if you plan on doing that.

Here are most of everyone that has had something to say. Here is your chance! Respond if you want action! Don't just sit there and pregnant dog and cry!!! RESPOND!!

STRENGTH IN ORGANIZED NUMBERS!

Thrumud
z400stunter
1fast250r
GregsRancher
oldmudslinger
EDT
vadkatherine
MiamiE
96 warrior
svtbolt04
enniehall
NaplesRaptor
ONEslowEXer
OffroadSS350

Let me know the date and if I'm off work count me in

I'll be able to come, me and my dad probably.  If not, I can hitch a ride with someone.

it will be a Saturday sometime in March

new to the site, but live in naples. i live 2 block from the bridge on everglades, i see how many people i can get together!!! we definetly need to take a stand. just name the time

possibly 10AM on a sat sometime in March. Let me know how many???

Just make sure to not do it on the 17th 18th, thats l-cross. The majority of Naples attends these events lol ;D

So does this mean you are participitating and if so, how many? We will not do it on that weekend!

Keep in mind people, this is just the begining. When this works, we will start on Ocala and other areas!!!  Even if you are not near the area your presense will make a difference for the entire state.

Well, of course. The bridge is probaly 10 min from my house. How many? Well lets just once I get the word out all the locals will go. Just about everybody I know has been to the previous rallys, and regulary visited badluck. Also, CNR will be sometime in march Not sure when though, so thats another thing you need to watch out for. 8)

Please provide us with dates so we can plan accordingly. Also, please make sure your local buddies are down with the plan. We will be handing out flyers at the meeting spot with the agenda and goals so everyone is on the same page. As well, we will have new stations out there. What we want is for everyone to respond in the same fashion if they are asked.

I will go, but not on the 25th or 26th.

I live in naples.

steve jahn and family of 5 + 50-60 people from the keys.

Let me know the date, I will be there for sure!!!! and some of my buddys still in the armed forces are getting leave time in febuary and making there way down here, hope it is around that time as in that is when they get there much needed time off and yes I am A PROUD INFEDEL!!!!!!! >:D

Count me in!!! this has to planned wisely..we dont want to be seen as troublemakers....I was reading the info on protesting and we have every right to protest but we have to be aware of the laws!!!!!If there is anything I can do just let me know and we'll start the research!!!!  :P

we'll be there!!!!! =o)

count me in

SOMEONE with some art skillz  should come up with a flyer with date and times.....print it and pass it out to all the people I know in naples...someone should also get hold of Brian McMann he was leading this cause

anybody got an idea of how far of a drive it is from Orlando?

Id@

i be there with 3+

about 3 hours

i'm in... just say the werd

I'm in.  I'll get some friends together.

I am in guys...

Give me the address and I will get the map and I can post it here email or printed

 ;) dykid

Someone needs to contact Brian McMahon who is the Vice President of the Florida Outdoor Alliance.  He has organized protests in the past for Bad Luck Prairie.  His contact information is on SaveBadLuck.com. which has not been updated for sometime now.  He's the one that can really get this thing going.

OK. I contacted Brian from the Florida Outdoor Alliance and we will be meeting Monday after work. Im pretty sure they will also participate and help us with this. In the Meantime, I will try to start working on a petition so we can sign and give to the dealers in our areas and hopefully they will get thier customers to sign, asking Governor Bush for the removal of the SWFMD director. Hopefully this will also generate some comomtion up in Tallahasse...As soon as i have the petition, I will post it so you can print it,make copies, distribute, and bring with you to the demonstration. I will collect them there and mail them...Rick

OK. I contacted Brian from the Florida Outdoor Alliance and we will be meeting Monday after work. Im pretty sure they will also participate and help us with this. In the Meantime, I will try to start working on a petition so we can sign and give to the dealers in our areas and hopefully they will get thier customers to sign, asking Governor Bush for the removal of the SWFMD director. Hopefully this will also generate some comomtion up in Tallahasse...As soon as i have the petition, I will post it so you can print it,make copies, distribute, and bring with you to the demonstration. I will collect them there and mail them...Rick

Good talking last night Steve. Let's keep the pedal to the medal!!!!

I may not be able to make it down there to be involved, but an idea for your banners....

someone good at making a SIMPLE website, make one up with copies of the letters sent, petitions signed, and everything you can think of regarding documenting the process of trying to get the area opened back up and just put the website on your banners.

nowadays, most households have access to the internet, and people will remember a catchy website name more than they will a flyer that they get on the street.

Id@

ps: www.thebadluck.com is available.

Good idea. My sister is a graphic designer. ALL WE NEED IS THE ACTUAL PRINT.
What should it say?? RICK??
I was thinking something like:

GOALS:
To remove the director of SWFWM
To reinstate the use of OHV's in Picayune State Forest or provide our families with the promised 640 acres of high and dry land

PLAN:
Drive from the entrance of Picayune done Everglades and up 41 (not sure yet about this but LSW and myself will detail)


JUST SOME IDEAS HERE:
Give us our land back
We pay, we abide and we vote
We want our land!


PLEASE GIVE US IDEAS and FEEBACK!!!! ALL GREAT THINGS STARTED AS IDEAS!!!

Date is still in the air but time will be 10AM!!

Will you be there and if so, how plau how many???

I think our main focus should Stay on the 640 acres that was contractually signed between the SWFMD and Collier county. Maybe the sign could say something like:

LIARS: Where are the 640 Acres? You stole our recreational areas for what?
Fire the Director of SWFMD or something like that. I for one, Im planning to take my family and put up a sign that say's something like,"Protect The family, An Endangered Species", and have my girls sit on the atv's.

As far as the petition goes, this I think, Is a way to make the dingbats up in Tallahasee do something, especially when you have people asking that you lose your JOB...Rick

Makes sense! Lets work off of this. Keep in mind that it would be ideal to have these 640 acres in PSF. There are trails cut and it is a well known area.

Here is one I knew would come in handy one day, this is why I started it:
http://www.petitiononline.com/epalma18/petition.html

What do you think? Can we use this? Should we?

I can prob get shirts for like 6.00
we should all wear them

black shirt / white letters saying

Give us our land back
We pay, we abide and we vote
We want our land!

or anything else !!!

this isnt a joke !!! something needs to get done !!!!
everyone needs to be on the same page !!!!

We will be there! I think everyone needs to take seperate vehicles if possible. The more vehicles the bigger the rally will look. We need to plan a date soon so we can plan our other events around this.

Yeah man!!! Good idea!! I did not think of that. Hope to see you thre Cody!

http://savebadluck.com/index.html (http://savebadluck.com/index.html)


Incase any of guys forgot. ;)

Yeah the site outdated big time. I would like to speak to the person who runs that site. Does anyone know who it is?

Brian McMahon
Vice President
Florida Outdoor Alliance
bmcmahon@savebadluck.com

At least that's what it seems to indicate on the tab "What to do" of the website

L-Cross is March 17th, 18th and 19th and it's gonna be the DAC concert, what about the first weekend in march?  Is there going to be a pre-meeting to organize this?

Just wanted to say too it doesn't matter to me whether or not something is going on the weekend we plan this I can skip and out of town event for the possibility of having in town future riding spots but it will affect the outcome of our numbers.

1st weekend sounds good to me and so does 2nd and that is what me, dude and LWS were thinking. We will confirm though. I have been in contact with several members already via phone. If you feel you can bring some good advice and ideas then by all means let me know. I think a meeting of somekind would be a good idea, maybe a weekend in Ocala or simply a day at the track or northport or halowpaw, wherever. So either the 4th or the 11th (March)....What do you guys think?

 I think you just voted yourself a leader in this project!!!!lol

I think as long as we don't do it on a CNR date, or a l-cross date. We should be fine.

Also the swamp buggy races are in march. :-X

If those that attend these events think it is more important to attend then go ahead. IMO this has become a high priority based on the fact that we have never gotten to this point and we are here now. This is it. Do what you think is best. The dates are either the 4th or the 11th or March. When are the buggy races?

I just checked the site and there the 4th and 5th. Chances are CNR will be the very end of the month. The reason I'm giving you a warning about these events is these will probaly  be attented by the same people who would attend the meeting. And sadly, they will probaly go to the other events. I think 11th should be perfect, if we can get the word out before the 4th and 5th of march. Im sure the swamp buggy races will anounce the meeting to all that attend the races.

Ok then!!!! MARCH 11th it is. Thanks 04250

Can anyone get the map up of the route we are taking, and the places we'll be parking?
Also, we need to get this on floridatrailriders.org too.

March 11th is great!! We will be there

Ida its about 2-3hr drive down

Freakk

I put up a thread on floridatrailriders.org, so that we can spread the word.  They've got lots of high rankers running that organization, so if they jump in, it should help out alot.

http://www.floridatrailriders.org/cgi-bin/ikon3/ikonboard.cgi?s=68ab4bcbca8f0faec8ce5da635f4f579;act=ST;f=5;t=3842;r=1 (http://www.floridatrailriders.org/cgi-bin/ikon3/ikonboard.cgi?s=68ab4bcbca8f0faec8ce5da635f4f579;act=ST;f=5;t=3842;r=1)

Muddfreek are you in? If so, how many?

Great TOOMEY!!!

This is the opportunity to get a place to ride , so let everyone know about it, there is no tomorrow

I also went ahead and emailed the president, vice, land manager, all those people from the site directly, and told the the situation and to please forward the emails and spread the word.

How many are you in for?

i was think start on everglades go to randle then immokale rd then down to 41 to gov center then back to forest??

does that sound good???

[attachment deleted by admin]

We should go down the golden gate blvd instead of randall. Its two lanes, and people will probaly get caught at the light on randall and imokalle road.

So we're going to do the drive first, then park afterwards.

i though it was drive, park by gov center, then after, drive back to P.S.  forest

We should all meet at the bridge before hand.

 Someone should get a trailer and like.. a dog pen, the huge ones, and put a quad in it and say like.. "Does this look like fun to you?" while someone sits in it or somthing

also, I know that you cant sit in it while it drives, but when you park..

I am in and my number is 790 came on guys we need a lot more...

 ;) dykid

So march 11th at 10am for sure???
im bringin everyone i know plus everyone they know so let me know??

I am in for that date March 11... :P :P :P :P


 ;) dykid

I found this on the Naples daily news website. No there out of money for the everglades restoration project....Rick



http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/jan/28/everglades_falling_back_governments_do_list/?local_news

I found this on the NAples daily news website. No they are out of money for the everglades restoration project....Rick


http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/jan/28/everglades_falling_back_governments_do_list/?local_news

you know i've been thinking, 640 acres isnt enough for anything. its not even possible with the number of riders. bad luck would be more popular than ever if it were to open. we need to keep this in mind when coming up with our mission. we need to ask for more than they will give up, so we get what we want.

you know i've been thinking, 640 acres isnt enough for anything. its not even possible with the number of riders. bad luck would be more popular than ever if it were to open. we need to keep this in mind when coming up with our mission. we need to ask for more than they will give up, so we get what we want.

no money to do anything but we still cant use it , that sucks

Alright so the date is set for March 11th thats a Saturday and everyone needs to meet up by 10am.  Where are we meeting just over the bridge on Everglades?  Or are we going to be at the government center first?  What are we going to say on our banners?  Signs that need to be made, what are they going to say?  Anyone have a collection of all the articles from naples daily news?  Could you email me the articles krishnpls05@aol.com. 

Also can someone make a the links on this topic into one big one.  I've been reading on three different links I think with this topic.

I'll start digging through the Naples Daily News archives for  information on bad luck, picayune forest and the proposed area for riders.  If anyone has related info or website I can look at for info please share.

Ok, Here we go folks...Just left a meeting with Brian McHanon, he's the vice president for the Florida Outdoor Alliance. They will be there with us on March 11th to protest. Here's additional things  we need to do to make ourselves heard..

1.Call or write all the collier county commisioners and ask them to RESCIND THE AGREEMENT WITH THE SFWMD...
2.Call and thank Rep MIke Davis for his support
3.Call rep Mario-Diaz balart and voice your concern
4.write to the US fish and wildlife service and express your concerns.

Here's what I'm Doing before Next Friday.

1.I will Call Jim Colletta's office and inform him about our protest and ask him to speak at the rally
2.I will call rep Mike Davis office and ask him to speak at the rally
3.I will call Diaz-balart office and ask that he speaks at the rally
4.I will go down to the collier county government center and ask that this issue be brought forth the entire commission, and ask the commission that they rescind on this agreement.
5.I will e-mail the Director of the SFWMD and let her know that a petition drive has been started asking for her removal from office,and invite her to come down and talk to us at the rally.
6.I will e-mail US fish and wildlife asking them to speak at the rally.

We all need each other's help in getting the word around. We need to call, write , show up in person , but we need to make alot of noise.....Rick

I am attaching the petition. Please feel free to download it, print it, give it to atv shops, 4x4 shops, we need to get a gazillionsignatures...


[attachment deleted by admin]

Dear Governor Bush,
This email is to inform you about our rally/ protest
in south Florida. This protest is to get our land in
south Florida back, to operate "off road vehicles" and
exercise our freedom. We are calling for the removal
of Director Carol Ann Wehle(south florida water
management), due to the breach of contract. This
contract stated the (sfwm) would designate 640 acres
of recreational land. This never happened.
Also, there is no land in south Florida to utilize off
road vehicles. Why do companies even sell orv's? If
you don't already know, this is a major problem down
here, MAJOR! This has been an on going problem and I'm
sure your office is aware of this certain area. The
name of this area is sometimes referred as, "Bad Luck
Prairie, Squares, Picyune Forest". We are holding a
rally/ protest on March 11th to be held at 9 am just
off Everglades Blvd just south of the I-75 overpass.
Please feel free to call me @ 305.393.6987 for further
directions.
I know you care about us down here in South Florida,
especially because you hail from here, and that you
will not let us down. Know that several of our
"cause's" leaders will be contacting every lead
official concerning this matter, local news, radio
stations and press. We're expecting around 1,000
petitioners to attend. We are also asking lead
officials to speak at our rally.

Sincerely,
Steve Jahn   


sincerely, steve

please send a similiar email to jeb     jeb.bush@myflorida.com

call Jay Slack supervisor US Fish and Wildlife @ 772.562.3909  x 300
ask to attend rally

go to local atv/ dirtbike shops/ dealers pass out/ sign petition and go pick up
come to rally

we need help, everyone's help, do what u can, do it right! take out two hours of your time to contact who you can.

mike davis is going to be in tallahassee on march 11th for "sessions". it seems to be that everyone i called today is in a meeting, so i left the best messages i could.

everyone please call these numbers. just leave a message if nothing else. trust me it'll help.
mike davis 239.417.6270
jim colleta 239.774.8097   
jay slack    us fish and wildlife   772.562.3909 x 300
randy smith sfwater district   561 686 8800x 6197

the point is to call and bother these people in a polite way, to get them talking and for us to be heard. i personally try to be very professional.

now i am going to my friends and Riva South to get these petitions signed and spread the word of the 11th.

I spoke with Jay Slack of US fish and Wildlife, he says he would be going and speaking to our Group. He also told me that they have been trying to help the SFWMD but that they have been dragging their feet.....Rick

Hello, I'm new and live in Ft,Myers and would like to help with this. I just moved here and went to a place called Yucapan and got a ticket. Please keep me informed...Thanks, Jason

I keep hearing about this contract between swfmd does anybody have a link?

Rick, you have PM

if anyone wants a copy, please e-mail me @ lswjth2@yahoo.com and put the word agreement in the subject line and i will send it to you...Rick

Sound good Steve: here is mine


Hello Jeb,

   Thank you for taking the time to read this over. I am writing in regards to the issues we are facing as law abiding, tax paying citizens. There are some major issues regarding the 640 acres of land promised to OHV enthusiast last year when they closed down Picayune State Forest in Collier county. This sport, as you probably know can be a great way to explore and enjoy our own backyard, Florida. The increasing deaths on ATV's can be attributed to not having a legal place to enjoy our sport and kids not being able to ride in a controlled environment. We are planning a rally in hopes of getting the promised land we were suppose to have last year. We need your help with this and know you will come through in some way. I know you like the outdoors and understand where we are coming from. Please help us and attend the rally, if possible. If not, send someone or write a letter. We are also calling for the removal of Director Carol Ann Wehle(south Florida water management), due to the breach of contract, which I am sure can agree. We are hoping for at least 1000 people during our rally and can use the help of any representatives and/or congressmen. Please respond directly as this is becoming more and more of a heated issue. Thanks for your time Jeb.

Okay question, I'm not very good in math but I found a conversion chart it says 640 acres equals one square mile. This means it one mile this way, one mile that way and so on until you met your starting point, right?  So if I can run a mile in like 11min I could run around our area to ride in less than an hour and considering I ride faster than I run I could be around the entire perimeter in less than 30min?  Please tell me I made a error somewhere!! That is ridiculous if it is true.

it is a small area, we know. we are hoping for more. this 640 is what was promised and we're putting it in their face. hopefully we get the whole thing back. this is the only leg we have to stand on.

Ok, here's what i did today
1. Posted this on floridaatv.com amd atvmiaxtreme.com
2. sent an e-mail to all of the Collier county commission asking that they come and speak at the rally.
3. spoke with the guy from US fishand Wildlife, he said he would come and speak to us
4. Emailed rep  mike davis asking him to attend
5. Emailed diaz balart asking him to attend/made him aware of the issue
6.spoke with the naples daily news and asked them to cover our story
7.Emailed abc news 7(fort myers) asked them to cover our story


WE ALL NEED TO GET INVOLVED.....

http://www.arra-access.com/arra/WashingtonNewsletterfebruary2006.html

nope thats the truth 640 acres is very small its is 1 square mile about the size of L-Cross we need the prarie back not just a small piece

Right I'll fight for anything and push for more, it's just pathetic when we had an estimated 22,000 acres (read in one of the articles) but it is better than nothing, I guess a way to get the foot in the door.

Gotta start small, once we get this piece back then atleast we have something to start with.

I am waiting on the petition site to let me know when the online petition will be ready, should be today. I am also contacting Diaz-Balart and sent an email to Jeb. I was real busy at work recently but things slowed down a bit. We need to start working on what we want the banners to say. Also, I am working on some ideas for the flyers: I WILL HANDLE THAT RICK......


Eric

This might sound stupid but are the 2 protest threads protesting for the same area?  ???  There is valuable information in both threads -  the other thread has all the rules and things we should follow in order to not make us look bad. Can we combine or close the other thread?

I have asked and been waiting for MOD to do just that but no success. MODS PLEASE COMBINE THREADS!!!! Just another PM to them

ANYONE HAVE A BULL HORN?????

Has anyone thought about contacting Hel Me Howard on channel 7 WSVN in Miami. I will be out of town and can not do it but I watch him all the time and he seams to get results. Just food for thought.

I will try

Herre's the link to the agreement that was signed bewteen the SFWMD and Collier County....



http://www.atvflorida.com/files/temp/landgrab.pdf

would somebody make up a sweet rally flyer soon. if we could print it up from this website that would be awesome. i need to start passing these out.

Working on it buddy, very soon!!!!

Well this is  Rally  #3..... sure hope we can get more people motivated. The fist rally almost 5000 +
If someone can make up some sort of flyer and E-mail it to me I'll take it to all the Local Atv shops
There are alot of locals in the area who don't get online much.....This weekend is the Collier county fair and Everglades seafood festival. I could put tons of flyers on peoples vehicles. Also feb 12th at the same fair they are having a Atv Pull-off that i plan on winning, maybe I could put a banner saying "SAVE BADLUCK" or something just some thoughts ....

Correct me if I am wrong. During the first rally, everyone was on quads riding aropund the squares, right? also, our main goal is to get our 640 and remove the director. I am working on the flyers

yeah you're right we still could ride but still the more people we inform the more people we have a chance of showing up...don't get me wrong Im all for the 640 acres and  the director of water mangment being tied to a cypress stump.... we just gotta make sure they don't pawn off some dump on us. They need to get back to fish and wildlife idea of a trail system through the blocks around 56th
that forestry and water mangment rejected at the last minute

Your input is greatly needed, I think you know what we want. Please keep em coming, I should have a flyer by Friday mid day.......

sounds good guy i'm going to the Everglades seafood festival on saturday....i'll print a ton out If you could e-mail me one direct that would be great


Exrider57@yahoo.com

Yep

good good good, we need a lot of locals from the area to get notified, since they're the closest, and they'll probably come. they miss it too.

please everyone refer to the thread labeled" protest, promised 640 acres" from now on. put your info on it, not here.

I put up petitions yestrerday @ Sun sports, Jerry Finn is the  manager there. They are @ 10999 Metro Parkway(277-7777) and i handed another @ Westcoast
Motorsports)Kurt Church is the manager there. 275-5535. These are atv shops in Fort. Myers. I will try to go to the Naples area today....Rick

just as an FYI, I merged the two threads regarding this topic into this one at the request of another member here.

wish I could make it to this.

Id@

thanks IDA!!!

ttt

So I'm not the most creative person in this field and I know this sounds pretty cheesy but we could make signs that say "SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S NEW ENDANGERED SPECIES" and have a big picture of a rider/atv or you and your bike (in full saftey gear would be best) underneath the words. 

I AM ALMOST DONE WITH THE FLYER! You have get some ides from there, trust me

that sounds good to me it's catchy lol

Provide email address's so I can email you the flyers. We need to choose between 3 flyers I created

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/Epalma/ATCRALLYsmall2.jpg)

Here it is guys!! let me know what you think.....

looks good, email me the full size file so I can get them out. bigscrb15@aol.com

x2. I'll hand them out withing the next few weeks at school. And also at the next C&R event.

the flyer is super cool, but it needs to be more specific on the meeting place. i thought we were gathering at the bridge. if so, it should say, " just south of the 1-75 overpass on everglades blvd" and the time.  everyone passing them out should put they're name and number on the back of it for further direction, maybe even some gps numbers, if anyone has them, then say we'll:" caravan to the gov center".

The general area is really only one place. Either the bridge or the entrance, there will be people all over the place IMO.

Guys: I think you can copy right from here, paste in word and then print. Let me know how it goes.


ONESLOWEX: Where are you brother? I know you can use these!!! DO IT man!!!!

 i think 640 acres is better than what we have now. seminole mx track is only 85 acres and look what they have, and how many people ride at one time... just an observation. EWORM why don't you try to get in contact with the guys at EL SOL 95. those guys are into the politics and exposing "political corruption". i think they would love to have such a topic on their morning radio program.

I live in Naples (Golden Gate estates) just minutes from the praire.
I'm gunna get on printing thanks for the good work  Eworm

i tried to change the location part and was unsuccessful, has anyone else tried. eric, the flyer rocks, i've learned that one must make things SUPER clear when gathering people.

I have a black and white as well so that when you print them (if you are not a color printer/copier), it will come out better if you print the B&W flyer. Give me 20 minutes and I will have it up here

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/Epalma/ATCRALLYbw100.jpg)

Nice flyer  ;)  -  Are we copy pasting it or can you email to me so I can email it others to print out as well.

Thanks - froggy0501@yahoo.com

Well there is already bulletins going around on myspace about this. So the word is getting out. 8)

Yep, we are trying out hardest here. KEEP THE PEDAL TO THE MEDAL!!!

Alright guys n ladies im gettin everyone i know wound up and posted tons of stuff on myspace yesterday and everyone who got it reposted it so its spreading like wild fire so count me in for a good 100 strong and big trucks and 4 wheelers i also asked people to help with banners,stickers etc. thanks for the flyer EWORM ive printed it and posted it elsewhere. later
Andy

SWEEETT, thanks ANDY!!! We have some spots on Radio (smal ones) and working on getting others (bigger). I have a call scheduled with a producers from help me howard in the coming days as well.

Thats is very good news about protest..

I hope we can do big protest thingy in tallahasee
sometime this year before hurricaine season hits before june 1 2006
or do it next year before all riding areas get shut down.


I'm glad you people are doing it.
Maybe it will be on tv or on local newpaper.
It's about time to get our riding days back. :)

Oh it will be on TV, RADIO and LOCAL PAPER. We are on that as we speak!!!

I am not familiar with the naples area so will need good directions but i had another question--where is it posted on myspace--i was trying to find it but can't--thanks.

I posted as bulletin asking people to repost its gettin around fast so if u know ne one in naples ull get it here soon should be posted as SAVE BADLUCK also its posted in every naples riding or truck group i know
www.myspace.com/offroadss350 is mine friend me and ull get it then u can repost it later
Andy

things are sounding real good. i would love to contact any radio, newspaper or whatever, leave me a number to call. nice work eric and everyone. hey rick, where do we stand on the political side of things?
eric, what are the media saying, are they interested and spreading the word?

I contacted the Naples daily newspaper. They said they will cover it and will be at the rally. I also contacted abc7 news, no reply, the news press in ft.myers, no reply,  as time gets closer, i will remind them again. I sent sasha(local radio Personality) an e-mail asking her to give us a spot on her radio show, no reply.
I did get a response from commissioner Fiala saying she cant go, she has a prior engagement. State Rep Mike Davis will be in Tallahasee that weekend in session. I have a breakfast meeting tommorow with Jim colleta(county commissioner) and Brian Mchanon from the Florida outdoor alliance. I will let you guys know how this went. Meanwhile, let pass out the flyers and get signatures on the petition. Jay S. From US fish and Wildlife service said he would be at the rally to speak. Let's keep the pressure on... Let me know if there's anything else i can do on my end..Rick

Well guys I am glad we started early. The snow ball is building!!!! An we still have a month!!! I am trying the local news stations and papers as well.

Ok guys, I want to give you a heads up as to my meeting with Commissioner Colleta and Brian from Florida outdoor alliance this morning.
1)Commissioner Colleta Will be going to our rally and Talking to us.
2)we"REALLY NEED!!!!!!!!" TO JOIN THE FLORIDA OUTDOOR ALLIANCE, I cannot stress this enough. This organization has been carrying the baton for ALL OF US for years now ,and it's time we either all join or start giving financial support to them. Yearly dues are 35.00. I for one will sign up at the rally and i URGE all of us to do the same, If you cant join because of the Fee's give whatever you can, please..
3)Smarter people than I have asked that we start a second petition asking that the "Board of Governors" for the SFWMD be an "ELECTED BOOARD" instead of what it is now, an "APPOINTED BOARD" to do this we need to start a second petition asking that this measure be brought to a ballot and let the citizens of florida vote on changing this. I was assured that if we started this second petition, we would have a bunch of politicians behind us because it seems the SFWMD can only do one thing and that is piss people off. I will start to work on that second petition and post it here as soon as i can. I will keep posting info as i get it. On a seperate note, Brian from FOA will be going to Tallahassee on 2/27 and find out was is going on with the Picayune forest and the ORV plan for there(seperate issue than the 640 acres) . Meanwhile let all keep working on this....Thxs Rick

Here's the website for them...http://www.floridaoutdooralliance.com/

Use this RICK!!

http://www.petitiononline.com/

Easier!!

Ask Brian to please create a paypal account or something. It would be much easier.

I asked a friend who DJs at gator county what to do to get something announced and she said just fax them so i'll send them the flyer as a fax in case they haven't gotten it yet, i have another friend at the cape daily breeze and another at a newspaper in lehigh i'll talk to them this week as well and see what they can do. 

OKOKOKOK!!!! Good stuff, get the word out!!!!

I just petitioned the county managers office in collier county asking the this issue be heard in front of the entire commission. As soon as i get a date, i will post it....Rick

I think it is a good idea that we start thinking of somekind of sound system or bullhorn in order to keep everyone organized. What do you think?

I agree. We definetely need at a minimum a bull horn so the speakers that are attending can be heard along with  those that want to speak. I think leo from atvmia is a disc jockey?? maybe he can help out with this. otherwise, were going to  have to start looking into renting some kind of equipment...

Yeah I am talking to him right now. We got it!!!!

Everyone, PLEASE READ AND DO....


Here's the e-mail address to the inspector General for the SFWMD, he is supposed to investigate fraud, misuse, mismanagement ,etc...
E-mail him and let him know that the SFWMD is not keeping their contractual agreement and to look into this....


jwwillia@sfwmd.gov

I just got off the phone w/a guy from the newspaper and he said that we need a press release--is there one ready, does anyone know how to make one, do you think that the flyer would work--i would like to have more info on it if it is going to the newspapers but i don't really know the whole story.  All i know is that i recently bought a bike and really  have no place to ride--so this sounds like a great idea to me. 

I started another thread so we can see the purpose and goals more clearly. You can use most of that verbage for the press release. Wait until LSW looks at it thuogh......

I petitioned the county commission today to have this brought forward in front of the entire commission. I went ahead and submitted for review the second petition asking the the " Board of Governors"  of the SFWMD become an ELECTED board instead of an APPOINTED board.I THINK WE NEED TO START THINKING ABOUT OPENING UP A BANK ACCOUNT AND MAYBE HIRE A LOBBYIST or SET UP A FUND IN CASE WE NEED TO TAKE THE SFWMD TO COURT?? As for a press release I think you hit this on the nail....Great Job

Hey guys I haven't read through all the recenct post yet because my home computer is really slow but I thought this imformation might be useful...On my way home I was listening to one of the radio staions advertising the Counrty Jams at the Vinnyards in Naples.  I only heard Charlie Daniels and some one else was there on Sunday the 12th and I can't remember who they said was there on Saturday.  This could either damage our cause big time pulling attention away or this could really help us if we maybe make another trip out on sunday.  Just thought I'd let ya'll know if you didn't already

Hey guys,  I've been out of town and just jumped on the topic.  "This is what I have been waiting for "  Can't wait !   I spoke with Mark (owner) for TEAM ACTION 4X4 in Ft Myers.  This guy knows how much this area means to alot of his clients, he will be there with a few of his friend and some sick 4x4 trucks.  I also have a few ATV enthusiast from Dade and Broward showing up.  See Ya'll there !

Dennis

4x4's, UTE'S, SPORT, Dirt Bikes!!!! We all play a role here!!!!

ENCOURAGING NEWS....
Guys , I received an e-mail today from commissioner Fialo and I quote
" Rick, In my book a promise is a promise"  This is one of the five people we will try to convince to rescind on the agreement. Keep the pressure up, Keep calling, writing the commission and everyone else you can think of. yOU GUYS ARE DOING A GREAT JOB . Let keep the pressure on. Call the SFWMD and ask them for your 640 acres. We can beat this if we stay together....Rick

FOX 4 news had a report on last night about ATVers in the Yucapan.  It was pretty one sided.  I wrote a letter to FOX 4 about it, also mentioned about the land that was promised to us.  You can check it out under "Watch fox news tonight" in the 'Open Discussion'.  Maybe more Press, don't know?

I received the "official " confirmation today to petition  so that this may  be brought in front of the entire commission. On Feb 28th, i will be giving them our 10 min speech. Then if commission "approves" this for a public hearing we can all go and explain our point, but most importantly, it will force the SFWMD to show up and explain what are they going to do about this. I have a copy of  the meeting between the collier county attorneys and the SFWMD people and they did not want to help the county with a lawsuit brought against the county. The county in turn, had to name them as a Third party to the lawsuit. It going to be interesting to see on what side the commission going to be.

On Monday Feb 13 & Tuesday Feb 14 Fox 4 news in Southwest Florida broadcast the issue of lack of OHV areas in Southwest Florida,  at the end of the broadcast Fox 4 news asked anyone with concerns or suggestions to the topic, to contact them.   We should contact Fox 4 news to show up March 11th .  Has anyone contact the media ?

I saw that report tonight!  They would come out for sure!

I just sent patrick nolan from fox4 news an e-mail about this and the broken contract between collier county and the sfwmd, and i attatched a copy of the agreement. I also let him know about our rally and asked that they be there..

it would be great if they showed up

21 more days ! 

Hey does anyone own or have access to a street legal tractor, front end loader, trackhoe etc that could lead the way this could definately keep the our speed on the roads down during the rally later
Andy

http://www.atvflorida.com/forum/index.php/topic,11717.0.html

Keep it alive need help & imput here too!

19 more days and counting

im back, been snowboarding in wisconsin. i need to hit the street hard tomorrow. has anyone had any luck recruiting mass people for the rally?

We should quite a few people out there man!!!

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!!!!!

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!!!

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

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

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...

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.

16 days left !

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

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

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

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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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.

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

TTT, please do this now

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.

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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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=

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.

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!!!

Folks, I delivered our speech today and it went very well. On March 28th we will all get a chance to voice our opinion on this agreement, but you must ATTEND. This will take place at the collier county government center starting at 9:00 am. One of the commissioners even sugested opening up the Picayune forest back up until we have our riding area in place. I also spoke with the rep from the SFWMD and they will now be attending the rallye and letting us know what is happening. Please lets be courteous to ALL the speakers at the rally and at the meeting on the 28th. I can assure that many people are keeping an eye on this including the Governor Himself. I was also told by the rep from the SFWMD, that they will let us have substantial input as to what we want to see in the atv park if it does happen over in Lake trafford. They are also willing to give a handful of us a tour of the area later that week. THIS IS WHAT WE ALL HAVE BEEN SCREAMING FOR. THE MOMENT OF TRUTH IS UPON US. EITHER SHOW UP TO THESE EVENTS AND BE COUNTED, OR SQUEAL LIKE A PIG.....Rick

Rick, can we show up to these events just for support even if we dont feel comfortable speaking u know id like to help however i can but not to into politics u know just an 18 yr old kid who wants to ride his atv...

Everyone is welcomed. The only thing we ask as a group is act responsible....would love to have you there. This is OUR rallye. We either all swim together or sink together....see ya there.

Eworm & lswjth2  you guys have done a great job !  I want to thank you and anyone else involved with this project.  You guys might be our heros.  Thanks for everything and I'LL SEE YOU AT THE PROTEST BABY !

Here  the link to the article that was posted on foxnews4 website...


http://www.fox4florida.com/news.shtml

WE ARE GATHERING STEAM GUYS!!!!! WE WILL HIT EM HARD!!!!! Everyone please attend, even if you never use the squares. When this works we can do the same for other places!!!!

WHOA WHOA!!

And dont worry, me and Rick have a lot on our minds and we will doing most of the speaking!!!! Anyone is welcome to speak but we are thier just in case!!

im rallying my troops as eworm says WE WILL HIT EM HARD do u guys think we should extend the rally parade past the courthouse perhaps toward 5 avenue down town naples or up airport RD. towards north naples but we definately need stop for a while in front of the courthouse theres plenty of parking across the street in albertsons parking lot well ill see u all at the rally

We will be there with my 4 quads and my friends are also coming with about another 6 quads or so. But I have a problem with this 640 acres talk. Why are we giving in we should be able to have all of badluck just like before! I grew up out there and still go there. Why can't the put up a guard house up on the entrance to the prairie and charge a yearly fee of $35 per bike just like the state operated Croom in Central Florida. I want the the "blocks","sign", "the boyscout camp", the "well", and the trail to "Port of Isle". What we need to do is set up a fund so we can hire a very good lawyer. Do we have any four wheeling lawyer's out there? TIME TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE OR LOOSE IT FOR EVER!!!!

Honda rubicons

Which is it the 11th or th 28th? Not too many people are going to be able to show up on a weekday. I hope who ever is going to speak at the meeting doesn't sell out and only shoot for the blocks THAT IS NOT BADLUCK PRARIE. Maybe that is one of the problems of getting people to show up, your not fighting for the right part of badluck. If you just want the blocks why are we fighting you can go to east naples and get the same effect. I want the open prairie, the hedges, the landmarks. I hope our leaderships head is in the right place there is NO reason the state couldn't follow the same lines as CROOM in central florida.

The reason for the 640 acres is because we finally have a single agency we can point to. They are in breech of contract. I have already contacted a law firm and there's other things happening in the background that i cannot discuss for obvious reasons. but TRUST ME, THERE'S A BUNCH OF PEOPLE LOOKING AT WHAT WE ARE DOING. One of the things we need to stress and we need to tell the commission on March 28th, is  to either let us ride back in the picayune on their secondary roads, or forego the agreement, or forego the extension they gave the SFWMD. if they forego the extension, I can almost Guarantee that there will be a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BROUGHT against that agency. Let's be civil at the rallye, act  professionally. The pieces of the puzzle are slowly coming together. The pressure needs to be continued. Depending on how many of us show up to the commission on the 28th, that will be a defining moment for us all. We will see you there....

I hope so. I'll be professional and calm but it's getting to a point were we need to show an act of defiance. Maybe schedule a huge riding rally on the prairie on a certain week end, legal or not the can't arrest all of collier. As far as I'm concerned count me in for the class action lawsuit, its time, I think weve been playing too nice.

Let me clarify this for you . On march 11, Saturday,we will hold the rallye. We will meet at the entrance to the Picayune forest, Try to   leave there around 10:00 am or so, drive thru a predetermined path, and eventually end at the Collier County Government center. There is where will be holding our speaches, etc. The local media will be there so we need to be on our best behavior.Remember this is a FAMILY recreational activity we are trying to get back. On March 28th (Tuesday) at 9:00 am, the commission is bringing up the contract between themselves and the SFWMD up for review and hopefully will make some kind of a ruling. This is about personal sacrifice. Is this something worth losing half a day or a day of work? This is something only the individuls can answer. There are people out there like Brian Mchannon from the Florida outdoor alliance who have been working at this for years, never getting a penny from Joe Public or even a thank you. You have to decide how bad do you really want it......

Some of us love the prairie so much we want (and will) to be there but it will be alot more than a half a day or even a full day of work lost for us to attend. Not to mention a 500 mile round trip from were I am right now! And don't even get me started on preperations...Your personal case is not every one elses try to remember that.

You are absolutely correct. Ths will take a lot more than 1 or 2 days. It will take a lot of time and money. I'm sorry if i made you feel like this is something personal. This was OUR riding area, and this is OUR rallye. Everyone is welcomed,everyone will have an opprtunity to speak. As soon as i hear back from the law firm, I will post it.....See you soon.....

Let me know if there is an accout set up to help w/ legal fees and other expenses. Also I would like to know who the money is going to. Thanks

No legal fund has been set up yet. However, I would strongly urge everyone to join the Florida Outdoor Alliance. Membership is 35.00 @ year. They will be at the rallye and have been fighting for us for a long time. As soon as i find out more stuff. I will post it...

 WONDERFUL!!! Rick, pm me so I can give you my phone number...I want to work with you.

Damn, sucks that our dad will be working on the 11th so we won't be able to come. :(

Machine dog, why don't you ask around to see if someone from that area might be coming down, maybe one of you buds or someone your parents know and trust. If you cant  make it, try writing letters, making calls, etc. Maybe have your parents join the Florida outdoor Alliance, that's another way of supporting our cause. E-mail the governor, the newspaper, etc...You get the idea. WE all thank you for any support you can provide....

8 more days BABY !   Please remember if you see a tree hugger, wack'em in the head, tie both their legs to a quad and drag'em thru the MUD.  Just be nice and don't go over 40 mph.  Lol

SEE YOU THERE !

here's the link on the article that came out on the naples daily news website. I DOES NOT mention the 640 acres, but it gives you an idea of how much dissarray there in....


http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/mar/05/pumping_problem/?local_news

I e-mailed "DIRT WHEELS" Magazine regarding this event. Waiting for reply.
I think it will be great to have our event on a magazine, don't ya think ?
I will keep you posted

That's great. This is the kind of things we need to do. Great thinking..See you on Saturday....

We are going to be there but have not decided if we should load up 1 ATV in the truck, or bring the trailer with both atv's. What is everyone else doing?

I will be pulling my trailer with both my quads on them...See you there...

Another question. With this many people driving, do they require any permits? I know they do to have a group of over 75 in the forest. I don't want to have 500 trucks "disrupting traffic" and them hand everyone tickets.

We have the OK to demonstrate on the Collier county Government center campus. Also, the collier sheriffs office will be there to keep the peace. I asked they they help with the traffic and they declined, saying that they dont do that kind of thing anymore. If we wanted to hire a private compant to do this, we would haqve needed a "Parade" permit. Everything is on the up and up. We ask though, to please do not slow traffic on purpose. It's already pretty slow as it is since we are "in Season"

More ATVs ... more exposer !  This will give others an idea of how bad we need a riding area. Haul your quads and while you're at it , load up the grill and some refreshments .   

5 days i dont think we will have to worry bout driving to fast, all the rubbernecks not involved with the rally will cause a traffic jam on there own tryin to figure out wuts goin on well see u all there
Andy

I got confirmation today that foxnews 4 tv(Naples/Ft.Myers) will be at the rallye this Saturday..

Was in Ocala for 4 days guys!! Sorry:but I am back. Here is some useful information for everyone to remember:

I will be at the rally by 9:30 (coming from Miami). I will set up the sound and we will do a quick introduction at about 9:50 or 10 as to: who we are, what we want and state that WE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL SOMETHING GETS DONE!!!! We will then head out at about 10:00-10:15 towards the Government center and do our bar b que's and protests there!!!

KEEP IN MIND AT ALL TIMES THAT WE ARE FAMILIES WITH KIDS THAT WANT WHAT WE WERE PROMISED!!!

RIGHTS OF PROTESTERS

WHAT TO DO DURING A POLICE ENCOUNTER

1. You don’t have to answer a police officer’s
questions, but you must show your driver’s license
and registration when stopped in a car. While on
the street, if a police officer has reason to believe
you’re involved in criminal activity and asks you
for identification, you must show ID, identify
yourself, or face possible arrest. You cannot be
arrested merely for refusing to provide proof of
immigration status.

2. You don't have to consent to any search of
yourself, your property or your papers. Police may
"pat-down" your clothing if they suspect a
concealed weapon. Don't resist, but make it clear
that you don't consent to any further search.

3. Keep your hands where police can see
them. Don't run. Don't touch any police officer. Don't
resist even if you believe you're innocent.

4. Ask if you are under arrest. If you are,
you have a right to know why and you should ask
to talk to a lawyer. Then tell the officer you wish to
exercise your right to remain silent. If you are not
under arrest, ask if you are free to leave.

5. If you witness a police action that you
believe is unfair, don't interfere, don't complain on
the scene or tell the police officers they're wrong.
Call 911 and document everything you witness.
Write down officers' names, badge and patrol car
numbers.

6. If you feel your rights have been violated,
call the ACLU of Florida, 305-576-2337, or consult
with a lawyer about filing a complaint with a police
oversight board.


YOUR RIGHT TO PROTEST

1. You have a constitutionally protected
right to engage in peaceful protest in “traditional
public forums” such as streets, sidewalks or parks.
But, the government can impose "time, place and
manner" restrictions on speech by requiring
permits. These restrictions are generally
permissible as long as they are reasonable and
not based on content. The government cannot
impose permit restrictions simply because it does
not like the message of a certain speaker or group.

2. If, for example, you are planning a parade
that involves closing down streets, a permit is
almost always required. But a small march that
stays on public sidewalks and obeys all traffic
signals often does not require a permit. Make sure
to inquire about city or county ordinances that
regulate First Amendment activities.

3. Generally, you have the right to distribute
literature, hold signs and collect petition
signatures while on sidewalks or in front of
government buildings as long as you are not
disrupting other people, forcing passersby to
accept leaflets or causing traffic problems.

4. You have the right to set up tables on
public sidewalks and solicit donations, as long as
the walkway is not blocked. Find out about
municipal restrictions on setup times or booth
locations.

5. Drumming, dancing, singing and
chanting are all protected First Amendment
activities. Street performers, mimes or puppeteers
also have a right to express themselves in public.

6. You have the right to wear a mask while
engaging in a protest. But in Florida, wearing a
mask or concealing your identity while engaging
in criminal activity or racially-motivated
intimidation may result in criminal charges and a
separate set of penalties.

7. In order to put on an event that involves a large
group of people and the use of public facilities or amplified
sound, you will need a permit. (Make sure to ask about noise
ordinances and a noise ordinance waiver if necessary for a
special event).

8. Under the USA Patriot Act, non-US citizens who are not
permanent residents can be investigated solely because of their
First Amendment activities. Immigrants who choose to engage in
a protest, march or demonstration should carry with them the
telephone numbers of friends and relatives, as well as the
telephone numbers of an immigration attorney or an immigrant
advocacy organization.

LIMITATIONS ON SPEECH

1. The First Amendment does not protect speech that is
combined with the violation of established laws such as
trespassing, disobeying or interfering with a lawful order by a
police officer.

2. Although inflammatory speakers cannot be punished
for merely arousing an audience, a speaker can be arrested for
incitement if he/she advocates imminent violence or
specifically provokes people to commit unlawful actions.

3. Also unprotected are malicious statements about
public officials and obscene speech.

LIMITATIONS ON ACTION

1. Demonstrators who engage in civil disobedience
peaceful, but unlawful, activities as a form of protest are
not protected under the First Amendment.

2. If you endanger others while protesting, you can be
arrested. A protest that blocks vehicular or pedestrian traffic
is illegal without a permit.

3. You do not have the right to block a building
entrance or physically harass people. The general rule is that
free speech activity cannot take place on private property,
including outdoor malls, without the consent of the property
owner. You do not have the right to remain on private
property after being told to leave by the property owner.
 

Wish I could attend this one, but theres no way I can make the drive. Load up an extra quad for me! I cant wait to hear how everything goes... and hopefully see some pictures/video... This is definately an awesome start at getting what we as riders desearve and have been promised. Another question that I want an answer to.... where has all the title money been going??? $200 roughly for every ATV and Dirtbike sold since 2001. And with Florida being 2nd highest in sales in the country... where is all this money????? Anyway, have fun, be safe, be loud, and be good :) Cant wait to hear about this Saturday night/Sunday morning, lol.

-Ashley

Also it would probably look better if we all dressed nice, like dockers or nice jeans with polo or button down shirts.  The better we look the more serious we will be taken. 

That probally won't happen. A lot of the locals prefer camo overalls. Id also like to thank whoever put the flyers at G's, that got the word about the rally fast.

I TOTALLY  agree. I will be wearing a shirt and tie.I also just got confirmation that the Naples  daily news will be there on Saturday. The better we act and look, the better for all of us.

I will be dressed accordingly as well... Rick, I will call you on Friday to go over the game plan. I have been real busy with to many things but we will talk on Friday. I guess I will open up and then you can get into the nitty gritty. Either way.

Can someone please post the easiest way to get there from Miami, Ft Lauderdale, West Palm and Ft Myers........

My way takes to long, I think.....

This is the best way!!!


Take I-75 south to exit 107( pine ridge road), make a left at pine ridge road and stay on it until you see Collier blvd (951), make a left onto Collier blvd, a couple of miles later you will come to Golden gate blvd, make a right there. stay on that road for like 10 miles, you will pass Wilson blvd, keep going 2 miles or so later you will get to everglades blvd, make a right on everglades and this will take you over I-75. thats the state park entrance. From there we will drive to the government center....See you on Saturday....

Thanks RICK!!!

Guys E-worm post is for the WEST COAST folks. If you are coming from Miami, west Palm Beach ,EAST COAST etc, Here are the directions:
Take 1-75 North, to exit 80, make a right on exit 80(North) go for about 8 miles or so, you will come to Oil Well Road( cr858) , make a left there(WEST), stay on oil well road for about 20 miles, you will eventually get to Everglades blvd, make a left on Everglades blvd(SOUTH) and stay there. About 15 miles later, everglades blvd will go OVER I-75. That's the entrance to the Picayune. We will meet there and try to leave no later than 10:00 am, and drive from there to the collier county government center..

Address to the government center is:
3301 East Tamiami trail.

if anyone is going to country jam friday could u put some flyers there please
and thanks to the person who brought them to swamp buggy

Are we riding the quads to the goverment center from the forest entrance or pulling them ther w/ trucks?

In the back of trucks riding ur 4 wheeler down 30miles of extremely busy 4 and 6 lanes roads would put u in jail for a while

Tommrow folks, hope everybodys ready. 8)

Ready

OH YEAH!!!!! WE ARE READY


 ;D

Who is jose? I think thats what his name was. I was watching the Collier county channel and he was talking about the 640 acres.  ;D

Well, freak went up to Sarasota and picked me up so I could make this trip.  We'll see y'all out there tomorrow.

Jose and rick are one and the same. Thats me. I will see you all there tommorrow...

READY TO GO PUTTIN THE REAR END BACK IN THE BIKE ALL NITE SO I COULD LOAD IT UP IN THE
RIDIN THE 2005 F150 ALL BLACK ON SUPERSWAMPERZ ORANGE SUZUKI ON OUTLAWS IN THE BED SEE U ALLTHERE
ANDY

Freak and I were out there today.  Lsw you did a great job at organizing and getting the press out there.  The people that you had speak about the issues on the land were very knowledgeable and presented themselves well.

Thanks for all the hard work and research.  I came down from Sarasota to be a part of this demonstration.  For anyone that wasn't there I can say you missed an amazing site.

Harold's dad... Harold.

Did it pass?

Sorry i was in orlando doing theme parks down there i just got back from there today. :)

We have a commissioners meeting on this on 3/28 in Naples. Lets see if people show up and be heard!!

What time is the commisioners meeting at, and if it is at the us41 and airport intersection, what building is it held in?

We arre trying to get this to be towards the end of the day so hopefully more people can go. As soon as i have something confirmed, I will post it

I received confirmation today. 3/28 at the collier county goverment center.
3301 east tamiami trail. Bldg f, 3rd floor. not sure of the time yet. I do know the meetings start @ 9:00 am. If i find out the time, i will post it.

LSW... I have got the Day off from work.  I will be there.

Freakk

Thxs. We need alot more people to go. I honestly beleive that if we make a strong enough showing, we will let back in. My wife and two daughters have that day off from work/school. Keep up the great work and Pass this on....

I'm trying to get QT down for the day, I know she wants to be there as well.

 I can make it however, I live in Dade county. Do you think it will matter?

Hi Eworm. Great to hear from you.  The more people show up, the better we will look, but it also shows how committed we are to this, and that the decision the commission makes affects people from other counties  not just our's. Let me know if you are going to make it. I have a friend you met the other day and he's coming. Maybe you guys can ride together and save on the gas. Everytime someone speaks on our behalf, it's an additional 3 to 5 minutes. I have definite PROOF, that they lied to us and to the commission. I cannot go into the details, but i will make sure that the TV satations and the naples news is there to see what i will show them. I cannot see them  not letting us back in there until they give us a riding area. If you want call me tommorrow and we can talk some more...See you soon.

whats the latest??

Latest is the Meeting will be tommorrrow @ 10:30 am.
If you cannot make it, please e-mail the commissioners

www.colliergov.net/bcc

the arra site said a meeting at 3rd floor building f 3301 tamiami trail east.. at 9 am... is this the same meeting ??... im driving from north port to attend and i want to make sure i get the time right..