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Group to traverse length of Kissimmee River

SwampMatt

Well-known member
There was some talk here not long ago about making a ride from Camp Mack to Key Largo or something like that.

Here is a group I saw on the news that is traveling the length of the kissimmee river (in kayaks, I think) and it is plastered all over the news channel here in Orlando. They run the story every hour or so. (24 hour local news station operated by the Orlando Sentinel newspaper)

I found it interesting that they got the news coverage and we airboaters could get the same with just a little effort planning and writing some emails and making some press releases. Good PR.

Here is the news story with a link to a pretty good video segment:
http://www.cfnews13.com/Features/Kissim ... story.html

And here is a link to their map page.
http://www.cfnews13.com/Features/Kissim ... fault.aspx

This is a start for the kind of coverage we'd need for a group ride on the st. Johns or the Kissimmee Rivers.

their mission statement is:
To increase awareness of the hydrological and ecological connection between the heavily urbanized Orlando metropolitan area and the fragile and unique Everglades ecosystem. Additionally, to draw attention to the unprecedented restoration efforts and superior recreational opportunities along this corridor.

There is all kinds of info linked to from the map page. Such as their sponsors and equipment lists, etc. It goes to show how some preparation and smarmy mission statement can get some positive publicity.

matt
 
Hey Mood,

Myself, Plumcrazy, and a good friend of ours are in the process of working out the details of the Keys trip from Camp Mack. It will be in July and we're planning to end up in the Keys the day before the lobster mini season. We plan on making it worth our while so we figured lobsters would work. I or Plumcrazy will post more details in the future.
 
Jdot - that is so cool!!! Glad to hear it.

You are a very good writer, but I'd be happy to help write some press releases. Someplace in my computer I have a list of 50 or 75 news outlets to contact.

Some points that would be good to touch upon:

The waterway is a historical path of steamboats, and helped to bring settlers and the cattle/citrus industry to the interior of Florida. Lot of opportunity for some historical photos.

Wildlife sightings.

With the political climate changing the way it is with development, SFWMD restrictions, and the tree huggers closing off huge areas, or development or ag use - This may be the last time people may be able to make that trip.

I know there are more aspects to soak some good PR from - I'm not the best but I offer that start. I know there is some tension with some of this group and gatorstick right now, but BlackPowderScout is right - He excells at this kind of PR work.... If I were you, I'd ask for his advice - or even offer him a place on you planning/operational committee.

One thing you may also want to consider is sponsorship. If you have some media coverage lined up, you can easily get sponsors from what brand of bottled water you'll drink along the way to why kind of prop will push the big push. And so on. Key is media coverage. You may be able to get a tent mfgr to supply a tent - or a sunscreen company to put some swimsuit models on your boat for part of the ride. :D

That is so cool! I'm glad you are making the trip!!!

What is your route? I'd like to help with some aerial maps if you need them.

Consider selling the trip to a video production company. You'd have to "sell" it. But I'll bet you could find someone. They'll take a bunch of footage, and sell it to ESPN, outdoor channel or if it comes out really cool - even the discovery channel or PBS. I would not hold your breath on that, but a professional producer can work wonders. It all depends on the personality you have on the trip and If you get Plum & cntry or Stan sitting around a campfire telling stories - They'd easily be a hit.

Keep us posted.

This epic journey stuff is really cool. So interesting!

:)

matt.
 
Hey Matt you know you're more than welcome to accompany us on this trip with or without an airboat. There will be plenty of room and some of us may need some relief drivers. Right now we're working out the stops we will need to make and the logistics of fuel and supplies. I hope to have one or more chase boats (center console or similar) to provide supply hauling and/or towing services if needed. There's still a lot to work out but we feel confident it is a trip we're gonna make.
 
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