No matter what the event, if it is well thought out, it delivers what is promised, and lives up to its potential. The rewards are usually far in excess of anyone’s expectations. The Billfish Tournament was the perfect example; it put a lot of pressure on this community for a few days each year due to major traffic jams, parking problems and crowds moving in and out–and of course the noise of excitement and celebration was non-stop, lasting way into the morning hours. Bay Point Security was in overload for those few days-
-but then, as with all things, it would end–and everyone associated in any way would be pleased with the event, the way it was handled, the size of the crowds, and proud of our Bay Point community for having the privilege of hosting such an exciting event that awarded a million dollars in prize money. And it wasn’t just Bay Point that felt the pride; Bay County, all the Golf Coast fishermen, boat manufacturers and many others began looking forward to next year the day after the Billfish Tournament was over.
This past Fourth of July weekend was a very interesting and exciting time in and around Bay Point. Bay Point Security was asked to assist in the Sheraton’s first Fourth of July Celebration; our role was simple–we were to provide an additional presence and to look for problems away from the hotel, and we did just that. From the very beginning it was apparent that the Bay Point Sheraton had established itself as a first class operation, something we can all be proud of. I was told that for the first time in its short history, the hotel was completely FULL! While that is a great feat in and of itself, what was amazing was everything else the Sheraton provided for its guests and visitors over the Fourth of July weekend. While the Sheraton cannot take credit for the perfect weather, they certainly can and should take credit for everything else, which was just as perfect as the weather.
When Jane and I arrived at the hotel to see the fireworks, we were fortunate to find a small spot to park our golf cart. The roads and parking lots surrounding the hotel were crowded, and parking was at a premium and very difficult to find. We intended to spend some time at Flip Flops before seeing the fireworks, but the place was jammed. People everywhere. Not a seat or barstool available. The pools were filled with happy children. We walked out to Pelicans and watched the fireworks, which started on the dot of 8:30, as scheduled. The visitors who came for the fireworks got everything they bargained for and more. My guess is that everyone who was here this year for the Fourth of July celebration will not only come back but will bring their friends next year. The Sheraton is a fantastic addition to Bay Point, and all of us who own property in Bay Point benefit from their vision and effort.
While the Sheraton operated without a hitch security-wise over the July fourth weekend, Bay Point Security Officers were kept busy. We issued 21 citations over the weekend for speeding, illegal entry and parking violations–and yes the activities at the hotel were an attraction that elevated the number of citations issued.
There is also some very good news from the Bay County Sheriff’s office. There has always been a communications problem when it came to interaction between BCSO and not only our Home Owners Association but other HOAs in the area as well. Often the problem was created because the BCSO Officer responding was unfamiliar with the State Statutes that apply to Home Owners Associations. This often led to frustration on the Associations and the responding Officer. Also, there was never a single point of contact for HOAs when dealing with the BCSO. This meant that every time you called the BCSO, you would likely be talking to a different person, so you would have to start again from square one explaining your problem.
To correct this situation–and I can’t say enough good things about this new initiative. BCSO Officer Mike Morris has been chosen to set up this communication effort and, working with those of us in the HOAs, his goal is to educate the responding Officers and to make certain the HOAs understand the BCSO’s concerns. This is something we have needed for a long time and I applaud the Bay County Sheriff. I am certain it will pay dividends. In addition, after spending some time talking to Officer Morris, I do not think they could have chosen a better person for this assignment. This BCSO Officer has the right temperament, the right attitude and the right goal: he simply wants to open up a dialogue designed to improve cooperation and understanding between all parties.
by JIM MOORE, Director of Security