MEMORANDUM. .~f!/ STARRED ITEM Agenda Item: Regular Mtg.: 01122/15. City Commission. Robert DiSpirito, City Manager.

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1 *STARRED ITEM* Agenda Item: NB-6 Regular Mtg.: 01122/15 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: City Commission Robert DiSpirito, City Manager January 13, 2015.~f!/ SUBJECT: PRESENTER: RECOMMENDATION: ATTACHMENT: BACKGROUND: Letter of Support, Friends of Island Parks Robert DiSpirito, City Manager Discuss and approve for signature the attached letter of support for "Friends oflsland Parks". (I) Sample letter to "Friends of the Island Parks, Inc." dated January 22, 2015 (2) Letter to Representative Carl Zimmerman dated May 21,2013 (3) Memo of what "Friends of the Island Parks" has been doing since March, 2013 (4) Listing of exhibits/displays planned for the Caladesi Discovery Center (5) Listing of the fundraisers, services provided and accomplishments of the "Friends of the Island Parks" Mayor Bujalski received a written request from the "Friends of the Island Parks, Inc." for the Dunedin City Commission to send a letter expressing their support for the building of the Discovery Center on Caladesi Island. A copy of the letter is attached for Commission discussion and approval.

2 CITY OF DUNEDIN PO Box 1348 Dunedin, FL DUN~DIN Home of Honeymoon Island Jan.22,2015 Friends of the Island Parks, Inc. 1 Causeway Boulevard Dunedin, FL Dear Friends of Island Parks, The Dunedin City Commission is pleased to offer our support of your efforts to build the Discovery Center on Caladesi Island. The Discovery Center will be a much needed and appreciated interpretation of this unique barrier island. It will allow visitors a glimpse into the "Real Florida" of yesteryear proving that Caladesi is more than just a beautiful beach. The viewing platform will give the guests a bird' s eye view of the Pinellas County coast line, St. Joseph Sound and the canopy of Caladesi Island. We appreciate what the organization has done to enhance the visitor experience in our award winning state parks. We are very fortunate to have two undeveloped barrier islands in our backyard. The Nature Center, built by the Friends with the support of Rotary International, is appreciated by our local population, as well as visitors from all over the United States and the world. In conclusion, we offer our full support of the initiative to establish an interpretive learning center with a viewing platform on Caladesi Island. I'm certain it will be an outstanding complement to the Nature Center on Honeymoon Island. Both the Nature Center on Honeymoon and the Discovery Center on Caladesi will provide visitors with an opportunity to learn the rich cultural history and gain in-depth insight into the natural magnificence of the Gulf Coast. Through your efforts, we will be able to share all of the wonderful things that make Caladesi Island a unique place to visit. "The City of Dunedin does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, political affiliation, martial status, sexual orientation and disabled status in employment or the provision of services"

3 CITY OF DUNEDIN "Dedicated Ia Quality Service" P.O. BOX 1348 May 21,2013 DUNEDIN, FLORIDA (727) WEB SITE: Representative Carl F. "Z" Zimmerman Florida House of Representatives, District 65 II 06 Pinehurst Road Dunedin, Florida Subject: City of Dunedin Support for the Caladesi Discovery Center Dear Representative Zimmerman: The City of Dunedin, on behalf of the City Commission, our business owners and residents, respectfully requests your support of the future funding and construction of the "Caladesi Discovery Center." The Caladesi Discovery Center (CDC) will be an open air, ADA compliant, interpretive facility rising from the old observation tower site at Caladesi Island State Park. An observation deck at a height of approximately 25 feet above ground level will provide visitors a panoramic view of this undeveloped barrier island. In addition to offering a magnificent bird's eye view of the topography and plant communities of one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Florida's Gulf Coast, the CDC will provide hands-on exhibits where park guests will be able to investigate aspects ofcaladesi's history, habitat and wildlife. Although Caladesi Island State Park is managed and operated by the Florida State Parks System, it is located within the jurisdiction of the City of Dunedin. As such, the City is delighted in the promotional efforts that are currently underway to develop such a significant, educational resource within our City. With neighboring Honeymoon Island State Park being Florida's most visited State Park, boasting over one million visitors annually, the indirect economic impact that this project represents to the local Dunedin economy will be impressive. Additional information regarding this facility, including donation options, can be found by visiting websites for either the Friends of the Island Parks ( or the Caladesi Discovery Center, at For additional project details, please contact Cynthia Farris, Vice President, Friends of the Island Parks at (727) , or via at cynthiafarris@msn.com. The City of Dunedin is sincerely grateful for your favorable support of this important economic development and eco-tourism project. cc: City Commission Rob DiSpirito, City Manager Cynthia Farris, Friends of the Island Parks "The City of Dunedin does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, political affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation and disabled status in employment or the provision of services"

4 Friends of the Island Parks, Inc. 1 Causeway Boulevard Dunedin. Florida What have The Friends oflsland Parks been doing since March 2013? The Friends of Island Parks, FIP, had received a verbal estimate to build the Caladesi Discover Center for $3DO,OOO With the monies raised from Memories of Caladesi event, it was thought our total fundraising and monies set aside by FIP would be close to the verbal estimate When the bids were opened, the figures were much different $600,000 to $700,000 Shock and bewilderment set in. In June Ed Steponaitis, a FIP board member, was asked to investigate the potential for grants His first contact was a local grant writer that had written one small grant for FIP After three months of very little activity, Ed asked the board for permission to look into other grant writers We found two grant writers that belonged to a professional association in Tampa. The FIP paid the two grant writers a fee to provide a list of potential grants we could apply for It was suggested by the two grant writers that we call the contact people listed on the grant. We did follow through with their suggestion and found our application would be considered a Capital Campaign grant. All10-12 potential grants did not fund capital campaigns. Grants had shifted their focus to social needs because of our current economy Through research Ed had obtained the name of the grant writer that secured the Weaver Park grant. She had since moved to CA. Weaver Park is a water front park in Dunedin FL She highly recommended a writer from the East Coast. We contacted the grant writer and scheduled a visit to come and see Caladesi and the project. She met the Ex Board of the FIP the same day. It was a very promising day! Our East Coast grant writer suggested we apply for monies through the Legislative process. The suggestion was attach our request to the Gov. Water Bill. We did as she suggested. FIP visited their local state representative and state senator office many times during the legislative session seeking support The outcome was our application was dropped from the bill and that bill was never voted on. DISAPPOINTMENT Ed contacted the same professional organization in Tampa looking for another grant writer. This time it was a different experience! I explained all the above to the grant writer. I was told FIP didn't need a grant writer at this point. Instead we needed a professional fundraiser first then a grant writer to fill in applying for foundation monies. /

5 The search was on for a professional fundraiser. That turned out to be a longer process than we thought. After a month and many s, the FIP board approved hiring a professional fundraiser. He has developed a detailed written step by step plan. He has helped us in the implementation. The FIP will be in charge of soliciting Our planned kick off date is Feb. 2, 2015 Our grant writer has supplied us with the names of 12 grants and foundations, which will fund a capital campaign. Our professional fund raiser feels confident we will receive some support from the grants chosen The FIP look forward to Feb. 2, 2015

6 Caladesi Discovery Center Displays 1" level Tocabago Native Americans: Discuss why native Americans came to the island, how they lived, tools they used and discuss Clarence Moore's excavation of the burial mound. Henry Scharrer: The Homestead Years. A couple of displays could tell the story of Henry and Myrtle. One thought would be to make two walls of the elevator shaft look like the house. Windows could be installed and you could look in and see Henry sitting at his radio. Perhaps Terry Fortner has other pictures like this. A Park Is Born: Caladesi Island was slated for development even before Honeymoon was thought about. This display could explain the efforts of local citizens to preserve the island. Gerry Rehm may be able to give input. Donor Recognition Board: This could be mounted on the third wall of the elevator shaft. It could be similar to the picture used at the RCNC or something totally different. Twin Pine (Harp Tree): A Replica of the Harp tree similar to the pine tree in the RCNC could be placed in the area where the floor to the second level is open. A picture showing Henry with the Mayor of Dunedin from 190?. Could be placed there and an area for a visitor to stand and have the same picture taken. The Parks Recreational Opportunities: Included in this could be hiking, the kayak trail and other nature related topics. 2" level Shorebird Nesting and Resting: The display will discuss the necessity of undisturbed beach areas for shorebird nesting and resting. Snakes: This display would discuss the importance of snakes in the balance of the parks wildlife. To be included I this would be information regarding the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Eagles, Owls and Hawks. Oh My! This display would discuss the various raptors that spend time on the island. Also from the deck visitors could look down in to a nest on the harp tree and perhaps see an egg or chicks

7 3' Level Coastal Geology: This display would explain how barrier islands are formed and their purpose. It could explain what would happen with sea level rise, erosion and impacts on people. Hog Island becoming two islands would also be explained as well as the closing of Big Pass. This display would face north towards Honeymoon Island and Hurricane Pass. St. Joseph Sound/Clearwater Harbor: Displays facing east could discuss the importance of the estuary. Sea Grasses, mollusk reefs, mangroves and the animals that inhabit these areas could be discussed. The effects that occur upstream and the effect that it has on the health of the estuary could also be explained. Slash Pine Forest: Caladesi and Honeymoon Island have some of the last remaining stands of virgin slash pine forest on barrier islands in the State of Florida. Some of the trees at Caladesi are close to 200 years old. The importance of this resource to many industries could be discussed as well as the effects and need for fire. Coastal Dune: The display facing west could discuss the Coastal Dune habitat. Walking down the boardwalks at Caladesi from the beach you can see the fore dune and also see several back dunes. This area is home to some of the hardiest plants on the island as well as several different species of wildlife. The area also offers protection from strong wave energy generated in the Gulf of Mexico. Outdoor Exhibits Sea Turtle: A larger than life sea turtle statue could be exhibited outside the facility. It could be large enough for a person to sit on and have their picture taken. Row Boat: A replica of the row boat Myrtle used to row to school could be exhibited outside the facility. It could be designed in a way so someone could sit in it and have their picture taken.

8 Friends of the Island Parks, Inc. 1 Causeway Boulevard Dunedin. Florida What do the Friends of Island Parks Do? Fund raisers: :>- Island Earth Days- Two day event, Halloween in the Park- Two night event :>- Provide volunteers for various fund-raising runs through the park, receive donations from sponsoring organizations :>- Receive memorial donations for benches, picnic tables, swings etc. :>- Membership dues :>- Clearwater Caladesi Event for the construction of the Caladesi Discovery Center :>- Retail sales at nature center :>- Starting of Capital Campaign to raise $750,00 for the Caladesi Discovery Center Services Provided: 1. Staff Nature Center- Open 56 hours per week 52 weeks per year. 2. Help park staff with maintenance 3. Provide volunteers for: :>- Ferry Dock introductions to Caladesi during 4 month period :>- The Life Program available to sixth grade students from the Dunedin Middle School. Involves 350+ sixth graders yearly in science projects to better understand FL environment :>- Turtle patrol :>- Nature walks and beach walks :>- Provide educational and cultural presentations at monthly meetings 4. Volunteer hours at Honeymoon Island and Caladesi equal16.27 full-time employees- Financial value $756,145 Accomplishments: :>- Moved bath house from north beach to existing Nature Center location and converted to a Nature Center :>- Supervised and paid for new handicapped accessible play ground in the picnic area :>- Purchased and planted Sea Oats along dunes :>- Purchase of Gators and commercial lawn moving equipment for Honeymoon Island and Caladesi :>- Purchase of radios for park personnel communications :>- Park Ranger Bathroom Renovations :>- Establish funding for Nature Center OPS position :>- Little Library Boxes :>- Ongoing maintenance of Nature Center /

Estuary Conservation Association, Inc

Estuary Conservation Association, Inc General Information Contact Information Nonprofit Primary Contact First Name Primary Contact Last Name Estuary Conservation Association, Inc Alan Ritchie Address 853