Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/118445
Sarasota News Leader March 29, 2013 The boat race is actually one of 19 different events over 10 days, but most of them are free and open to the public. In other words, they bring in zero income. That includes the annual Boat Parade down Main Street in Sarasota and the Independence Day fireworks. And the festival is not all the organization does for the community. The Holiday Boat Parade is another one of its events, as is Thunder by the Bay for bikers. But the money to fund the activities is not what it used to be. Page 37 rental to keep the boats — and marine mammals — safe." As money tightened in the Great Recession, the charity's staff and board stopped dreaming about new facilities and used the proceeds to maintain the six existing buildings. Nicandri says a number of other communities would be delighted to see Sarasota bow out of the festival. "Other cities want this race on the Fourth of July," she said. "If they get it, it won't come back." "The construction industry used to support us heavily," Nicandri said. "But we know what's She called up 12 local and out-of-area boat happened there. Same with the boat-building racers to testify. Sarasota's Steve Kildahl has industry." been in every race since 1985. "To see this race go away would be a shame," he said. The race — if it happens — will mark the 30th annual running of the super boats. Over those He is a hands-on mechanic who runs a small three decades, the Suncoast Charities for Chil- marine business in the city. dren has built six facilities to help local kids with special needs, using the proceeds from Kildahl was not the only old-timer to speak the races and other activities. But the well has out. Bob Long, the former CEO of Wellcraft, said, "This race brought us business all year run dry. long. It promoted boating and fun." "We need $79,200 to pay the race sanction fee," Nicandri said. "And we're looking at One member of the audience said sotto voce, increased vendor costs, a decline in in-kind "We can spend millions to help the Benderservices [and] increased helicopter and boat sons and rowing, but we can't help this?" %