Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/130753
Sarasota News Leader May 17, 2013 Page 31 gun talking with private individuals interested in contributing to park improvements. He soon would appear before the commission again, he said, with a business plan "[to] show you exactly how we are going to move forward and deliver these launches." When Barbetta asked for confirmation that the park needs to purchase the vessels before it hosts the USRowing Masters National Championships in mid-August, Blackketter said that was correct. Blackketter added that SANCA is doing "due diligence" to determine the best type of boats to buy. Commissioner Nora Patterson said of the park, "It's a terrific venue. … However, it cannot be supported entirely by government, and I really am hoping to start seeing the recruitment of contributions." Paul Blackketter. Photo by Norman Schimmel She added, "It's going to be a real problem if A FISA team visited the park last month in we can't crank up that show of local and reconjunction with the bid for the World Chamgional support." pionships. The site inspection was designed to Blackketter responded, "We're actually look- provide recommendations to SANCA and staff ing to hire a fundraising team" to pay for the from Sarasota and Manatee counties about infrastructure and equipment the park needs. what has to be done for the facility to win the bid. Additionally, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation has given SANCA a grant to help Regarding construction, Blackketter reported it develop a marketing program, Blackketter on May 7, "We're ahead of schedule." noted. "You'll see a very active and robust STATE SUPPORT campaign … in the very near future." "I don't want to add some 'Grinch-iness' to this," Patterson added, "but the bottom line is … obviously we're hoping for large corporate sponsors," especially to help pay for some of the equipment and structures expected by the International Rowing Federation (FISA). During Blackketter's appearance, commissioners also took the opportunity to express their thanks to members of the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation, which helped secure another $5 million in state funding this year for improvements at Benderson Park.