Hello,
I hope you have enjoyed this wonderful weather that we have had in Southwest Florida, and that you and your friends and family have been out boating! This is a great time of year to enjoy our beaches and the boating lifestyle that we have all come to love. I'd like to congratulate our quarterly referral winners, Thomas Kueny & Sally Johnson. Because they referred new members to our club, they will receive 1 year of free membership dues. In this newsletter, I'd also like to introduce some of our friendly dock masters that most of you have likely seen at and around the FBC docks, they are some of FBC's newest Club Managers and they're at the docks ready to make your day out on the water hassle-free. As always, thank you for being a
Freedom Boat Club member!
Sincerely,
John Giglio
President & CEO
Freedom Boat Club
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Congratulations to Our Referral Winners!
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Congratulations to Thomas Kueny & Sally Johnson from our Venice Club who have won a One Year Free Membership for referring a friend to Freedom Boat Club! Keep in mind that in addition to the $200 referral fee, you will also be entered into the current quarterly drawing for all members who have referred someone to the club. Thank you to all who have referred other future Freedom Boat Club Members to the club!
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"This is really exciting. It is the first time in 76 years that I ever won anything like this. Perhaps this would be a good day to buy my first lottery ticket." -Tom Kueny
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Meet Our New Club Managers
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Tracy Wackelin
Hidden Harbor, Venice, Venice MarineMax
Living the dream, is what I was doing when I found myself down here in Florida. My husband and I decided to buy a 34' Mainship Trawler and set sail. We left Connecticut on our maiden voyage in 2009 and it brought us to Sarasota, FL. We wintered at Marina Jacks and went back home to Old Saybrook, CT for the summers. We had seasonal jobs, Bartender, my husband a Tow Boat Captain. We fell in love with Florida and all it had to offer, but our ties to children and family kept us going back to CT. for 4 years. The first time I met John Giglio, was on the docks of Marina Jacks, he had just opened the location in Sarasota. The talk then was about my ties to CT, and specifically Essex Yacht Club, John had looked at a location there for a franchise. Freedom Boat Club was definitely where I wanted to work. The following year my husband and I decided to permanently transplant to Florida, so we left behind CT. and my former career in Real Estate and Property Management. I starting working for Freedom Boat Club at Marina Jacks, where I was living on my boat in 2012. It was time to give up our life on the water and move to land in FL, we relocated to Osprey. So I transferred to the Corporate location in Venice. There I was awarded Dockmaster of the year, and the Venice Dock earned the title of Dock of the Year in October 2013. As the company changed and grew in January of 2014, I was promoted to Area Dock Manager, it has a been a privilege to work with all the staff in Palmetto, Sarasota, Hidden Harbor, Venice and Marine Max over the past 4 months. I especially enjoyed meeting and getting to know all the members on a more personal level at each location. My love of the water and boating has turned into a fabulous career!
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Angie Chain
Sarasota
No matter my age I have always been an outdoor person. Playing in the woods and creeks as a child and now enjoying the sun, surf and boating life as an adult. I came to FBC looking for a part time job just over a year ago and quickly fell in love with all aspects of the job. This prompted me to switch careers leaving my medical career behind but taking with me the ability to relate to diverse people.
I am married with 3 kids and we all spend our days off on the boat hanging at sandbars, fishing and tubing. I love the lifestyle; I love the job.
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Joe Deutschle
Bradenton
My earliest recollections of boating was on my family's 14' Crestliner. Dad's rule was PFD on when I got out of the car until we returned. We had some guests aboard and their young daughter fell off the dock without a life jacket and Dad, fully clothed, immediately dove in and scooped her off the bottom...my first lesson on Safe Boating.
My first boat of many was a 7' pram with a 5 horse that I coaxed up to about 25 knots. Since then I've had canoes, kayaks, powerboats, ski boats, and a trawler. My last boat was a 45' sailboat "Bohemian" that my lovely, understanding and tolerant wife of 30+ years lived aboard and cruised from the Cape & Islands, to the Keys and Bahamas for six years.
I worked with Freedom about 3 years ago during the transition from Stickney Point to Marina Jacks. I met with John Giglio a few weeks ago and he asked me to become the Club Manager at Palmetto/Bradenton. I look forward to renewing past acquaintances and meeting the members at Palmetto.
See you on the Docks!
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Get Your Chart Kit at the Next Social Event
Get your new TruVue Chart Kit at the next FBC social event for just $45 each. Tailored to 3 different areas, these charts use aerial and satellite technology to display some of Southwest Florida's most popular waterways.
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 Father's Day Boating Picture Contest
In celebration of the upcoming Father's Day holiday on June 15th, we are looking for the Best "Father" Boating Picture!
For the next month, Freedom Boat Club will be hosting the "Best Father Picture Contest" through our Facebook page. We will be looking for the best father boating picture of you and your family/friends/father having fun aboard a Freedom Boat Club boat!
The winner will receive a set of Freedom Boat Club Tervis Tumblers, 2 T-Shirts & Hats!
The winner will be announced in next month's Newsletter and on the FBC Facebook.
Limit 1 photo per member.
Submit your photo to: [email protected].
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Don Pedro Shuttle in Englewood Update
Freedom Boat Club is happy to announce that starting on May 1st and through the summer season, the Don Pedro Island Shuttle will continue to be offered to members. The shuttle departs from the Englewood FBC location at Cape Haze Marina.
- The shuttle is a 15-passenger pontoon boat so space is limited.
- You may bring guests, however reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Please note that the shuttle days will be changing to Fridays &
Saturdays during the summer.
There are 3 boat shuttles per day going from Cape Haze to Don Pedro Island State Park:
9 a.m.
11 a.m.
1 p.m.
There are 3 return boat shuttles per day returning from Don Pedro Island State Park to Cape Haze:
11:40 a.m.
1:40 p.m.
4 p.m.
Seasonal members who want to use the shuttle must be in one of their active boating months to make a reservation. The use of this service will NOT count against your current reservation limit in the reservation system. In order to book a space on this shuttle, reservations will need to be made exclusively through Alison by phone at 941-451-8756 x 1 or
Monday-Friday between 9 a.m.-
 1 p.m., just like the normal reservation process.
*Please make note that all park rules apply.
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Marina Jack- Parking Policy for Sarasota
We have implemented a new policy regarding parking passes at our Freedom Boat Club location at Marina Jack in Sarasota.
- Each boat will be issued 2 passes in the orange box. Members will need to retrieve the passes from the boat that you have reserved, instead of the kiosk.
- If you have more than 2 vehicles, you will need to utilize the valet parking or park in the other lot and meet up with your party at the dock.
- Members are responsible for returning the passes to the boat or dock staff upon their return.
- For any unreturned parking passes, members will be billed $25 per pass for replacement.
We regret that we have to implement such a rigid policy but too many members are not returning their parking passes. The dock staff have already begun to enforce this policy, thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
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Picture ID Requirement
Effective January 2, 2014, club members are now required to present a picture ID to the dock manager prior to starting the check-out process. The dock manager will match the name on the ID to the name on the reservation. Where there is a difference, the dock manager will attempt to verify that you are indeed the proper person checking out the boat. The club is having to take this measure based on the actions of a small group of members who have reserved boats for use by their family, neighbors, or friends. These non-members show up at the dock claiming to be the true member, complete the check-out process and get underway. This is not only unfair to existing members who have made a significant investment in joining Freedom Boat Club, but they are also taking a boat that another member was unable to reserve. This situation also presents the club with a potential liability risk.
Please be patient as we implement this into the check out process for all members. This procedure is to ensure that every member has a pleasurable boating experience with no confusion during the check-out procedure. We thank you for your cooperation.
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 Member's Choice Event
What kind of social event or party would you like us to host this summer? We want to hear from you. Send us your ideas - whether you would prefer a themed party, a boating event, a get-together at a particular restaurant or some other location. The most popular idea might just happen this summer!
Please send us your Name, Email, Location, and what type of party you'd like to see us host during the summer. Email Gabrielle at
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Reservation Reminders
Extended Hours Policy: All extended hours MUST be approved by Alison in Reservations during reservation hours prior to your reservation. Extended hours cannot be arranged through a dock master.
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***If you need to cancel a reservation for "the next day," and it is after 1 p.m,. please call the dockmaster so that he or she can call the next member on the waiting list.
***If you need to cancel a reservation the "day of", please call the dock master so that they may call the next person on the waiting list.
1. Bradenton: 941-400-1837
2. Sarasota: 941-400-1831
3. Hidden Harbor: 941-313-4045
4. Venice: 941-400-1832
5. Venice Marine Max 941-504-0966
6. Englewood: 941-400-1826
7. Punta Gorda: 239-218-7653
8. Ft. Myers: 239-218-8462
9. Pine Island: 239-322-0736
10. Bonita (Hickory): 239-220-3426
11. Bonita (Beach): 239-963-5329
12. Naples: 239-293-4379
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Cancelling a Reservation Protocol:
There seems to be some confusion about who to call when a reservation can no longer be cancelled online.
Here are the guidelines:
**If an error box pops up please follow the instructions below: (do not follow the instructions below if you are wanting to cancel the morning of a reservation-same day)
**If a member needs to cancel the morning of a reservation, then the member can always call the dock master and leave a message.
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New Boat Arrival Spotlight
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Yea Buoy- Englewood
2014 Hurricane SS201
20' Deck Boat
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Barnacle Bill- Naples
2014 Cobia Bay Boat
21' Center Console Fishing Boat
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2014 Cobia Bay Boat
21' Center Console Fishing Boat
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Name A Boat Contest Winner
Congratulations to our boat name winner! Thank you to all who entered the contests at the dock parties. More boats will be arriving soon, so be on the lookout for more boat name winners!
Can't Get Enough- Bradenton Boat- Member Becky Schoeneck from Venice
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 Boating Apps If you're looking for practical and functional apps, you should check out these handy apps!
- iKnots - It makes learning the most important boating and climbing knots simple and easy. Clear animations and explanations make sure you remember how and which knot to use.
- WeatherBug - This straight-forward app collects data from your nearest weather station and displays real-time satellite maps and more. A neat trick: just shake your phone to refresh the screen.
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Bradenton & Sarasota
Thursday, June 12th
West Marine Fishing Seminar
Bradenton West Marine Store
3622 1st St, Bradenton, Fl 34208
6:00pm
Thursday, June 19th
Bradenton Dock Party-
Casino Night & Potluck at the Dock
5:30pm-7:30pm
Thursday, June 26th
West Marine Fishing Seminar
Sarasota West Marine Store
6:00pm
Venice & Englewood
Tuesday, June 10th
Venice Fishing Seminar
Venice Area Chamber of Commerce
Feeding Frenzy- Captain Kevin Deiter
$20 Per Person
6:30pm
Wednesday, June 25th
Venice Social at Pineapples Restaurant
Appetizers & Live Music
6:00pm-8:00pm
Thursday, June 26th
Ladies Day on the Bay Training Course
Venice Dock
9am Class & 1pm Class
(Members Only-More details to follow soon)
Punta Gorda, Pine Island, Fort Myers
Tuesday, June 10th
Fort Myers Social on the Beach
The Cottage Bar (upstairs)
Fort Myers Beach
5:00pm-7:00pm
Saturday, June 21st
West Marine "Electronics for Fishing Success" Seminar
Fort Myers West Marine Store
1:00pm
Bonita Springs & Naples Tuesday, June 10th West Marine Fishing Seminar Naples West Marine Store 6:00pm-7:00pm Monday, June 16th Naples Social- Coconut Jacks Appetizers & Live Music 5:00pm-7:00pm
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All events are listed on our Facebook in the "Events" section. Be sure to look on Facebook for contests, pictures, and more!
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New Partnerships
Contact Lisa Dubeansky for your catering or private party needs.
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FBC Phone Numbers
Click Here for the complete list of FBC Dock Master & Corporate Phone Numbers:
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Seasonal Memberships
Changing your seasonal months does require an email/fax to Alison in Reservations, or a letter to Corporate. This can be done by any of the following methods:
- Emailing Alison at [email protected]
- Writing a letter to our Corporate Office at 990 Laguna Drive, Venice, FL 34285
- Faxing your request to Corporate at 941-451-8766
All requested changes will be acknowledged back to you by email from Alison, once the change has been processed and completed.
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Fish Size Regulations
This is just a reminder about fish size limits when fishing in Southwest Florida. Please refer to the Fish Size Regulation Guide from Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission for complete size limits on fish, daily bag limit, and season dates. Please don't be offended if our dock staff measures your fish- this is just a precaution, as keeping undersized fish is illegal.
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Parking Note for FBC Members
Please park behind the blue sign at the Bonita Springs Hickory Location, so as not to interfere with restaurant customers.
Please park in the parking garage at Bayfront Marina in Naples.
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Venice Beach Photography
Venice Beach Photography offers portrait, event and commercial photography. Whether you are looking for a portrait on the beach as a couple or a family, or know someone who is getting married, Venice Beach Photography is here to serve you, your friends and family. Also specializing in commercial photography such as business head shots, real estate, personal property, restaurants and spas and more. Various promotional offers exclusive for Freedom Boat Club members. Please call for details.
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Get Your Freedom Boat Club Gear!
Get your Freedom Boat Club Gear at the next social event! Freedom Boat Club items will be available for purchase at each dock party. Purchase information will be included in each dock party email. We will collect funds (check or cash) at these events.
FBC T-Shirt: $6
FBC White Visor: $6
FBC Navy Hat: $6
FBC Towel: $27
FBC Insulated Cooler Bag: $5
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Islamorada Reminder!
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Now is the time to take advantage of our new "amenity" boating location that recently opened in beautiful Islamorada!
The "amenity" location is available to existing Freedom Boat Club members who may join for a one-time entry fee of $1,000 and an additional $100 per month.
While this is a corporately operated location, it is an amenity to our members.
This location will also be outside of the existing reservation system access. All members who opt for use of this location will have 4 additional reservations that can be used at Islamorada exclusively. This will provide the ability to schedule boats during Keys excursions and vacations to this beautiful destination. Now is the time to sign up for this fantastic, special opportunity!
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If your address has recently changed since you became a member, please e-mail Cynthia Turner at [email protected]
or call the Corporate Office at
941-451-8756 x2.
There is currently a design problem with the depth finders on some of our newer Hurricane Deck Boats. The manufacturing company is working on the problem; please be patient as they will be replaced as soon as the new models arrive.
Commercial use of Freedom Boat Club boats is not permitted.
In an effort to keep scuff marks off of the boats, please be sure not to
wear black-soled shoes when boating.
MAIN OFFICE NUMBER: 941-451-8756
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