Apollo Beach Waterway Improvement Group

We recently received some questions from people in the community and would like to answer them here.

Question 1.   Since the dredging will start next April, on the South channel, what happens if the funds run out before they actually get around to dredging the North channel?  What happens then? People in Dolphin Cove feel like their donation will have been for nothing Yes, they know it will help the South channel, but it won’t have helped get work done on OUR channel). Or, if we do collect all $250.000, are we guaranteed that the North channel will in fact get dredged and the the “jetty” and “pods” will get installed?  If so, when can we expect the work on the North channel to get done?

Answer:  The North channel will be dredged by ABWIG and ABWIG has input into the Nature Park’s beach projects, which will be undertaken by the County.  The dredging for both Hammerhead channels (North, South and Main) is planned to start as soon as manatee protection restrictions are lifted in April 2013.  We’ll probably start with the Main and South channels, then move to the North channel, so that the County has time to implement its plan for the Nature Park.

ABWIG’s dredging funds are not “earmarked” for particular channels.  The dredging contract will be for 1 project to dredge the three access waterways into Apollo Beach.  Our fundraiser goal of $250,000 took into account the projected costs of dredging three channels – -North, South and Main and we are seeking donation from ALL Apollo Beach residnets for the betterment of the community.

Question 2.  Is the donation tax deductible?

ABWIG is a Florida and federal non-profit corporation but donations to ABWIG are not tax deductible.  Donations are not deductible on federal income tax returns because ABWIG isn’t a 501c(3) organization.   ABWIG doesn’t meet the definitions for 501c(3) under the US Internal Revenue Code, which restricts that designation to organizations whose primary purpose is charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering antional or international amateur sports competition, and preventing cruelty to children or animals.

Our friends at Mira Bay have gratiously offered to hold a fundraiser for ABWIG!  All proceeds will go to ABWIG.  Come on out for a night of fun.

WHAT:       CASINO ROYALE NIGHT

WHEN:       SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH

WHERE:     THE MIRABAY CLUB

TIME:          6:30PM TO 11:00PM

COST:       $50 PER PERSON – -AVAILABLE FROM THE ABWIG BOARD

Texas Hold ‘Em. Blackjack, Roulette and Craps

Heavy Hors D’oeuvres, Raffle and Silent Auctions

Most magnificent efforts are challenged by multiple setbacks.

By MELODY JAMESON

APOLLO BEACH — Most magnificent efforts are challenged by multiple setbacks.

It’s the stuff of which good fiction is made. Probably because it’s also a reality of life.  Click here for the rest of the article:  http://www.observernews.net/thisweek/front_page/4055-AB_channel_dredging_delayed_but_on_course.html

APOLLO BEACH, FL – Buoyed by the cooperation of several governmental entities, volunteers piloting a channel dredging effort here are tacking toward a June start date.They may have to trim sheets and weather a financial downdraft, however, to get there.The Apollo Beach Water Improvement Group (ABWIG) has raised about $ 108,000 in donations from companies and individuals in its most recent effort to finance silt cleaning of the channels that give outbound AB boaters access to Tampa Bay and to their home docks on the return trip. Len Berkstresser, ABWIG president, made the announcement to about … Read Entire Article Here

Channel Maps_Depths (2)

The photos show the channels that will be dredged.  The soundings were taken by ABWIG volunteers.  The tide chart for the day is attached to the map to show tides on the day of the readings.  This really shows the need for dredging.  Are you tired of having to wait until high tide to go sailing?  Contribute today.  We need your help.