As you may already know, ABWIG has already obtained the required permits and has been working toward developing a “Request for Proposal” (RFP) to facilitate dredging.

Specifically, ABWIG intends to have three areas in Apollo Beach dredged:

• The North Channel, adjacent to TECO
• The South Channel, from Bal Harbor going in to Symphony Isles and Mira Bay
• The Main Channel, south of Andalucia

Most important is the task of raising the needed funds! A small group of ABWIG volunteers have already raised approximately $90,000 in a very short amount of time. However, much more is needed if we are to successfully undertake this very challenging project. Therefore, it is essential that you get involved and support your community.

You can make a financial donation, get personally active by volunteering your time and talent, or do both!

ABWIG nears goal; hosts Commissioner at open house

“This is real, we’re making this happen and won’t stop until we’re done…”

By Mitch Traphagen

APOLLO BEACH — The ABWIG (Apollo Beach Waterway Improvement Group) open house on May 21 was a full house as organizers provided an update on the group’s financial status and hosted Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandra Murman and Mohamed Dabees from Humiston & Moore Engineers of Naples, Florida. Also in attendance were representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and Ross Dickerson of the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department.

Read the full article from the link below

http://www.observernews.net/thisweek/front_page/4372-ABWIG_nears_goal_hosts_Commissioner_at_open_house.html

ABWIG’S open house meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 21st at 7 pm at the Century 21 Beggins Real Estate office on Hwy 41, next to the Publix Shopping Center. At the meeting, Commissioner Sandy Murman will talk about the project and upcoming developments for the Apollo Beach Area. Ross Dickerson, Director of the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, will provide an update on the AB Nature Park redesign plans, RFP results and construction schedules. ABWIG President, Len Berkstresser, will provide an update on the dredging project’s finances. Please attend the meeting to get the latest details.

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.

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

When:   Tuesday, August 21st

Time: 7:00 pm

Where:  Tampa Sailing Squadron, 1250 Apollo Beach Blvd.  Apollo Beach

Ladies and Gentlemen, SPECIAL MEETING! PLEASE JOIN US! At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17th, at the Beggins Century 21 offices on Hwy 41, the Apollo Beach Waterway Improvement Group will hold a very special meeting. Hillsborough County Commissioner, Sandra Murman, and South West Florida Water Management District Chief Scientist, Dr. Brandt Henningsen, will be speaking about plans for the South Shore area, with an emphasis on the dredging project planned for this summer, the improvements to the Apollo Beach Nature Park and beautification plans for Apollo Beach Blvd. LET’S FILL THE C-21 CONFERENCE ROOM TO CAPACITY! Please spread the word about this meeting and encourage everyone you know to attend. Thank you for your support!