Meet Labor Day Wkend! Updated 6-27!

[branchedout]

I was just sitting here and came up with the bright idea of having a cougar meet. I've only met four FLNECO people (hotcat, gulfcat, fett, and deohsee), and want to meet the rest of you, plus get together with all the cats. So the purpose of this post is to see who here would be interested in a meet in September/October somewhere mid-florida on the west coast (st. pete, sarasota, bradenton area?) It would be on a wkend with a night in a hotel. We could cross post with CEG for some more people if you guys want, or keep it exclusively neco. Either way, I'd like to make a major meet out of it if the interest is there. Sooo, post below please and if enough of you are interested, we'll get to planning :)

Sticky please!! ;)

New information as of 5-15
Thanks to those of you who have voted/spoken out about having a meet. For those that haven't yet, please continue to do so or be looking forward to a barrage of PMs demanding such :evil:

THE DATES HAVE BEEN DECIDED!!! THE MEET WILL TAKE PLACE ON SEPT 1ST-2ND, LABOR DAY WEEKEND, PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!! THANKS :)

New Info as of 6-27-2007

OFFICIAL HOTEL AND PARK INFORMATION

Hey all! Here is your update as promised!

First and foremost, I want to thank Marge (gulfcat) for being a tremendous help and actually going out to Sarasota and scoping out a bunch of places for me.

Date: Saturday 9-1-07 (Labor Day Weekend)
Location: Oscar Scherer Park -- Pavillion #2
Address: 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229
Time: I would like everyone to try to be at the park around 10 AM!!! Stragglers are welcome, of course, but please remember it is Labor Day, so the park will likely be kind of busy and I want to make sure we can all park together and all that fun stuff. We will leave the park at around 3 or 4 PM, so please make sure you are there at least an hour before then so you can get in the group photos before we leave!!!
Cost: Admittance to the park is $4/car. The pavillion cost was $64.20, and I'd appreciate everyone who attends to pitch in around 3 bucks towards its cost. Also, we will take up a collection around lunch, figure about 5 dollars a person, and a few of us will go to publix or one of those stores and pick up lunch foods, soda, water, chips, sandwich stuff, chicken wings, some junk food, etc. etc., whatever we can get and bring it back to the park to eat.

Hotel: Days Inn, Sarasota, FL (not the airport)
5774 CLARK RD SARASOTA, FL 34233
Phone Number: 941-921-7812
Cost: Go to:Days Inn | Sarasota Florida Hotel | Sarasota, FL 34233 | Near Beach (4 Miles), Sarasota Square Mall (6 Miles) & Siesta Key Beach (6 Miles) (http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/check_avail?brandCode=DI,MQ,HJ,KG,RA,SE,TL,BU&searchWithinMiles=25&areaType=1&destination=sarasota&stateName=Florida&state=FL&countryName=United%20States&country=US&checkInDate=09/01&numberAdults=1&numberRooms=1&checkOutDate=09/02&numberChildren=0&rateName=Best%20Avail&rate=000&id=07695&propBrandId=DI&force_nostay=false)As it stands now all rooms for 9-1 to 9-2 cost $79.95 + $8.79 tax for a total of $88.74, HOWEVER, if you book your room early, at least 3-4 weeks in advance, you can get an Advanced Purchase Discount Rate of $59.96 + $6.60 tax for a total of $66.56! The downside of this is you will need to prepay the cost of the room at the time of your booking and there are no cancellations. If you are wishy-washy about this at all, please book at the normal rate so you can cancel and get your money back if necessary!

Other information: In a week or so I will open a list of people who have booked their rooms. Once you book PLEASE PM ME WITH THE FULL NAME AND TYPE OF ROOM YOU BOOKED YOUR ROOM UNDER SO I CAN TRY TO GET TO HOTEL TO BLOCK OUR ROOMS TOGETHER! :)

Also, right now I'm still working on dinner, breakfast, and "other activities," which I will update you with shortly. I would encourage you all to bring some spending money with you to be able to cover lunch, dinner, entertainment, adult beverages, and breakfast!

Alright, that's all for now. Now that we have a hotel and park, you all need to really spread the word! ...please? ;)

Mike.

[branchedout]

I think I should have clarified the poll question, because people are seeing west coast and not realizing I meant the west coast of Florida. :rolleyes:

People who have expressed interest so far:
:wave: Branchedout
:wave: Evee
:wave: wjwolf79
:wave: marxsvt - hasn't posted anything on neco ever before, pmed him to see if he's local
:wave: Gulfcat
:wave: Hotcat - FINALLY GAVE IN!!! 5-20-07
:wave: CHIQUITIKA
:wave: Cougargrrl99
:wave: loyalty
:wave: Southsidecougar - yay! our first GA member!!!
:wave: Cepp
:wave: nutshell3982
:wave: acyd
:wave: whiteycoug99
:wave: Brent372 - CEG troll ;)
:wave: SVTFLEA - CEG troll ;)
:wave: svttour - CEG troll ;)
:wave: HolyRollerzC3 - CEG troll ;)
:wave: tiger561 -CEG troll ;) + daughter - not a troll ;)

People who have said no:
:gtfo:
http://smilies.vidahost.com/otn/happy/thebirdman.gif qkilobyteq
http://smilies.vidahost.com/otn/happy/thebirdman.gif buffdaddy

People who will consider going if enough others do:
:confused: noggs - seems to live in Wisconsin with his Cougar?
:confused: streetracer8605
:confused: cougar22
:confused: tampamoney
:confused: USF311Rat

[cougar22]

Im down...hopefully gas wont skyrocket by then im already at 3.25 a gallon

[hotcat]

Can you add a line for "I will go if its not more then 2 hours away from me" lol

[branchedout]

Can you add a line for "I will go if its not more then 2 hours away from me" lol

No! But since we'll be driving up and back together I can buy you a cup of coffee when you decide to become a coffee drinker ;)

Now vote before I start looking for tow trucks :evil:

[qkilobyteq]

i may go, i was the guy in the sliver monte carlo at the last meet in orlando

[branchedout]

yes louis you were :)

...and you were on my list on people to pester in the next few days if they don't vote -- chevy and all ;)

which reminds me, you still haven't voted :eek:

[Cougargrrl99]

I'll go. I need to know enough in advance so I can get off work and also make sure it doesn't interfere with school.

[hotcat]

No! But since we'll be driving up and back together I can buy you a cup of coffee when you decide to become a coffee drinker ;)


Now vote before I start looking for tow trucks :evil:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: I will when the time gets closer, I dont like to be the one that says I will go then not show-up. I hate roadtrips with my slush box:(

[branchedout]

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: I will when the time gets closer, I dont like to be the one that says I will go then not show-up. I hate roadtrips with my slush box:(

:blah: If my slush box (no tranny cooler) can do it, your slush box (with tranny cooler) definitely can do it! At least your legs won't have 3rd degree burns by the time we get there -- suck it up! :rofl: Just give in, you know you're going to go!

[hotcat]

:blah: If my slush box (no tranny cooler) can do it, your slush box (with tranny cooler) definitely can do it! At least your legs won't have 3rd degree burns by the time we get there -- suck it up! :rofl: Just give in, you know you're going to go!

I know I will most likely end up going but like I said if somthing comes up I dont wanna back out, so we will see.;)

3rd degree burns are bad, ummm-kayyyy:rofl: That might be fixed by the time the meet gets here.:biggrin:

[branchedout]

I know I will most likely end up going but like I said if somthing comes up I dont wanna back out, so we will see.;)

3rd degree burns are bad, ummm-kayyyy:rofl: That might be fixed by the time the meet gets here.:biggrin:

See, it's starting to work! A few more weeks and you'll be certain of going! BTW, date possibilities are in the first post, take a look please.

And yes, 3rd degree burns ARE bad, but it sounds like you know something that you've been holding back?! ...you wouldn't be that cruel, would you? :disgust: lol

[hotcat]

See, it's starting to work! A few more weeks and you'll be certain of going! BTW, date possibilities are in the first post, take a look please.

And yes, 3rd degree burns ARE bad, but it sounds like you know something that you've been holding back?! ...you wouldn't be that cruel, would you? :disgust: lol

:evil: Well done Mike anyone?:rofl: Alright, lets keep this thread on track!

[cougar22]

hey is evee going?? if anything maybe a caravan from florida to west palm and join people on the way so it dosent get boring...good idea or not....since i know hotcat , evee, and hotcat are down by miami

[branchedout]

hey is evee going?? if anything maybe a caravan from florida to west palm and join people on the way so it dosent get boring...good idea or not....since i know hotcat , evee, and hotcat are down by miami

Evee voted yes, so I assume unless something comes up she is planning on going. Once we get a full idea of whose going and when it's going to be and where and all that fun stuff we'll try to organize caravans, but yes, the idea will be to have a caravan of 4-6 cars (or more) from south florida drive up and back together to meet our northern compadres. I hope that enough of those northern compadres will want to go and that they too will have their own caravan to the meet and back as well.

[wjwolf79]

For those of you who live "far away", sometimes for a once-in-a-while meet, you just need to suck up the drive. When I lived in Pensacola, I came to 3 or 4 meets in Tampa. Of course, gas was a lot cheaper then, but it was the same thing, gas prices were going up, so people complained and used it as an excuess to not go.

When we get the date set, just determine to go. Start saving up a little bit at a time for gas now. I'd say even you non-cougar owners (since there's a few of us now that don't have a coug anymore, self included) come along as well and show us what you got.

[Loyalty]

I voted for I'll go but with our 3 animals I'm not sure about staying over for much more then one night.

[cougar22]

im good for labor day weekend......as for location i would like it to be either sarasota, bradenton, or even if we can fort meyers beach.....

[branchedout]

I voted for I'll go but with our 3 animals I'm not sure about staying over for much more then one night.

Thanks for voting! What kind of animals are you bringing? The plan is for one night in the hotel, but I wasn't looking for a pet friendly hotel (though I can and will if your pets aren't "hotel sneakable" lol). Let me know and I'll see what we can do! ...on a side note, one of the parks I was looking at to meet up happened to be a people park + a dog park :)

Mike

[branchedout]

For those of you who live "far away", sometimes for a once-in-a-while meet, you just need to suck up the drive. When I lived in Pensacola, I came to 3 or 4 meets in Tampa. Of course, gas was a lot cheaper then, but it was the same thing, gas prices were going up, so people complained and used it as an excuess to not go.

When we get the date set, just determine to go. Start saving up a little bit at a time for gas now. I'd say even you non-cougar owners (since there's a few of us now that don't have a coug anymore, self included) come along as well and show us what you got.

I couldn't agree with you more! Unless I missed it, this so far is the only FLNECO meet of 2007 that's being set up just for us as opposed to us tagging along with at a CEG meet. If the CEG guys want to show up, awesome, they're a lot of fun, but the idea is to bring in cougars, not contours. We have months ahead of us, so I'd really like people to commit to this and make our one turnout out this year notable.

Former cougar owners are definitely encouraged to come (so long as they still have love for the cougar! ;) As far as gas goes, I know it's expensive now, and it will likely cost even more in Sept./Oct., and that is part of the reason why we're thinking of doing the meet in the Bradenton/Sarasota area as it's closer to most of the FLNECO population. However, the full experience will be the party in the hotel and the fun stuff that comes with it, so I won't lie, this weekend is going to cost everyone a few bucks for gas, hotel, food, and fun. Saving a little bit here and there is an excellent idea, you have plenty of time.

Btw, which dates are you voting for? My personal opinion is labor day weekend will likely be the best choice, but I really want everyone elses input! :)

[Cougargrrl99]

I think Chris meant he can't leave the pets at the house for more than a day....I don't think they were planning to take them along. :)

[branchedout]

Heh, you know after re-reading what he said, I think you're right, haha. Oops! Buttttt, if he decides to bring them, I have no problem looking for pet friendly accommodations :)

...besides, a dog park would be fun :rofl:

[CHIQUITIKA]

this is a great idea... love to go.... i dont mind any dates....so long it dont land on any type of car show..... xoxo

-- MIZZ CYNTHIA (FL CHAPTER)

[branchedout]

this is a great idea... love to go.... i dont mind any dates....so long it dont land on any type of car show..... xoxo

-- MIZZ CYNTHIA (FL CHAPTER)

Thanks Cynthia :) ...now just make sure you cross out those dates on your calendar because we were there first!!! ;)

[qkilobyteq]

i will go if enough go

[branchedout]

i will go if enough go

...that's where I thought you were on it, but that's not what you voted for :banghead:

[qkilobyteq]

ha ha can't have some fun there

wow you really got upset, i will go if enough people go. long drive to make alone :(

[cougar22]

ok well since its an overnight thing....ummm and since were picking a place...i think we should look on what we can do at night...movies, nightlife, ect. and then we decide the place because it would suck to drive so far and be stuck in a hotel for the whole night......unless were "drinking" lol and we wont be able to drive....also no scrubby hotel where next morning we wake up and theres 13 cougars on bricks

[branchedout]

ok well since its an overnight thing....ummm and since were picking a place...i think we should look on what we can do at night...movies, nightlife, ect. and then we decide the place because it would suck to drive so far and be stuck in a hotel for the whole night......unless were "drinking" lol and we wont be able to drive....also no scrubby hotel where next morning we wake up and theres 13 cougars on bricks

I appreciate your input, but please be patient. This is going to be a fun meet and an overall good time for everyone who shows up. You and I don't know each other because the last two meets you said you'd go to (including the one by where you live) you didn't show up and the ones you suggested, you never attempted to plan ;) ...but if you think I'm willing to put 12 cougars, let alone my own cougar in a place where it will end up on bricks you are out of your freaking mind! Forgetting the bad neighborhood aspect, I personally refuse to sleep in a hotel that feels grimey which I'm sure everyone can appreciate, but if I pick a hotel that's 120 bucks a night, everyones going to be upset. So young grasshopper, please relax, I plan to go out there on my own in the next month or two and look at the hotels in person as well as the parks, etc.

With all that being said, just so that everyone has a general understanding of what's cooking in my head:

We'll likely meet up saturday morning at a park and hang out there. Around lunch time, we'll take up a collection of a few bucks per head, and a few of us will go to a local supermarket and get some food for lunch and bring it back to the park where we'll eat. Whether we do a cook out or sandwhiches or whatever will all be up for discussion when it gets closer. Of course it's a park so there's all kinds of things to do when we get bored staring at each other, lol.

Afterwards, we will go back to our hotel, get checked in, relax for a bit (showers), then we'll meet up and go to dinner in a few of our cars (this way the anti social people are forced to be social, and those who choose to drink at dinner will not have to drive in an unfamiliar town).

Then we'll explore the nightlife. I am researching several possibilities of things to do. We'll have fun. Minigolf, movies, boat rides, shooting, who knows? We'll see.

Then we'll go back to the hotel and likely break some rules (pool after closing? who knows), hang out with some beverages that contain hops, maybe even sangria for one special person if she helps convince some of the maybe's to show ;) This usually involves taking over somebodys room, watching the tv, sharing war stories, and just having a good time.

Bed time when whoever's room got taken over gets fed up and kicks us out.

Morning we check out, go get breakfast together, gas up, and head home.


The above is basically what the CEG guys did for the last meet in Orlando, and the way it was done worked out great -- it was a blast. I encourage all of you to put your 2 cents in if you have any ideas or suggestions, but I'd ask you all to be a little patient... Planning a meet that's nearly 250 miles away from you in a place you've never been before, plus wanting to make sure the one meet this year is a big success is not as easy as it seems. I'm still waiting for people to put in their date choices and express interest before solidifying actual plans. Once we get a date, everything should fall into place fairly quickly. At this point in the game, I'd ask that you all use your neco contacts and try to spread the word about the meet -- the more people that show up the better!

Thanks :)
Mike.

[cougar22]

I appreciate your input, but please be patient. This is going to be a fun meet and an overall good time for everyone who shows up. You and I don't know each other because the last two meets you said you'd go to (including the one by where you live) you didn't show up and the ones you suggested, you never attempted to plan ;) ...but if you think I'm willing to put 12 cougars, let alone my own cougar in a place where it will end up on bricks you are out of your freaking mind! Forgetting the bad neighborhood aspect, I personally refuse to sleep in a hotel that feels grimey which I'm sure everyone can appreciate, but if I pick a hotel that's 120 bucks a night, everyones going to be upset. So young grasshopper, please relax, I plan to go out there on my own in the next month or two and look at the hotels in person as well as the parks, etc.

With all that being said, just so that everyone has a general understanding of what's cooking in my head:

We'll likely meet up saturday morning at a park and hang out there. Around lunch time, we'll take up a collection of a few bucks per head, and a few of us will go to a local supermarket and get some food for lunch and bring it back to the park where we'll eat. Whether we do a cook out or sandwhiches or whatever will all be up for discussion when it gets closer. Of course it's a park so there's all kinds of things to do when we get bored staring at each other, lol.

Afterwards, we will go back to our hotel, get checked in, relax for a bit (showers), then we'll meet up and go to dinner in a few of our cars (this way the anti social people are forced to be social, and those who choose to drink at dinner will not have to drive in an unfamiliar town).

Then we'll explore the nightlife. I am researching several possibilities of things to do. We'll have fun. Minigolf, movies, boat rides, shooting, who knows? We'll see.

Then we'll go back to the hotel and likely break some rules (pool after closing? who knows), hang out with some beverages that contain hops, maybe even sangria for one special person if she helps convince some of the maybe's to show ;) This usually involves taking over somebodys room, watching the tv, sharing war stories, and just having a good time.

Bed time when whoever's room got taken over gets fed up and kicks us out.


Thanks :)
Mike.


lol :rofl: Mike hey hey the last two meets was just crazy the first one i rembember my cat was dead and the second one something happend the night before i got a email saying it was earlirer or later dont rember but i just went to work.....and the meets i planned will eventually happen....(pause).......noooootttt!!
as for your plan it sound great....but your stuck buying me drinks since im not 21 yet :rofl:
as for my attendence ill go FOR SURE THIS TIME if theres going to be alot of attandance and if a caravan gets set! and youll get to meet the sexy zn just kidding

[branchedout]

I'll make sure to get you a bottle of coke when I pick up the cerveza.

[cougar22]

I'll make sure to get you a bottle of coke when I pick up the cerveza.


hmm i perfer purple fanta thank you

[branchedout]

gross, but I'm sure we can find some! :thumbsup:

[cougar22]

gross, but I'm sure we can find some! :thumbsup:

ill probabbly be the only one that cant drink.....but i am "legal" in ceratain states including tenesee and alabama

[Cougargrrl99]

In Sarasota...

The Cock and Bull club:
Rated #29 Beer Bar in America, The C & B Pub has Florida's (http://www.10best.com/Sarasota/Nightlife/suggestions.html?suggestedBusinessID=927#) largest beer selection. Ales, Belgians, and craft beer – from A to Z – this pub has it covered. Drink at their Old World bar, in the snug, or out by the bonfire. Package beer is available all the time! http://www.sarasotarhythmnbrews.com/the-cock-n-bull/index.htm

The Gator Club:
Live music, pool tables and fun!
http://www.thegatorclub.com/

But, really, we'll have some youngins that won't be able to get in, so maybe something a little more age-friendly? I don't know. I've only been to Sarasota for shopping :biggrin: As far as I'm concerned, Sarasota is like Pinellas Co., retirement city!!

[Cougargrrl99]

I don't know if anyone would be interested, but on Clearwater Beach on Friday/Saturday nights it turns into a big car scene. All sorts of things come out at night in the parking lots. Joey and I've been before....

As for the "hang outs" on the Gandy (bridge between St Pete and Tampa) as well as 60 (bridge from Tampa to Clearwater Beach....where the illicit "car races" are held that the cops break up....then they head back to Gandy and get kicked out....and go back to 60...etc :rofl:) Joey, Ian, Chad and I ....if I forgot anyone, I'm sorry! :tongue:

In St Pete, there's the Pier to walk around on. There's some chill bars in the downtown area. Umm...Baywalk for movies/dining. We have the Salvador Dali Museum, FL International Museum (I think that's what it's called), the Dog Track (that was by Wayne's old apt building), we also have the Sun Cruz Casino boat!! :rofl: (Sorry, I'm all excited about slots now, I put in 1 dollar, and got back 200 on the cruise).

[branchedout]

Thanks for all that Kendra :)

I love casinos they kick ass! ...although it can either make the meet free for somebody or turn a 200 dollar wkend into a 2000 dollar wkend (I've been known to get carried away a lil bit at the slots, lol).

I'm leaning towards Sarasota/Bradenton area right now. While the beeeerrr sounds great, we will likely have some youngins who can't get in, so unless we go to a resturant with a bar, we'll probably have to leave the drinking for the hotel, which is fun too.

I went ahead and cross posted in COOGAH neco (ga), swampland neco (la), and the carolina's neco. I really want to draw a crowd to this. Please tell your neco friends :)

[cougar22]

ok but i get a bed by myself lol

[branchedout]

Once we select a hotel, I'm sure some people are going to want roommates. Sharing the cost of a room obviously makes it cheaper. In your case I would recommend reserving a suite with two (2) beds in it :rofl:

[cougar22]

:rofl: NO MIKE I WILL NOT SHARE A ROOM WITH YOU! :rofl: :rofl: LOL

[Cougargrrl99]

http://www.sarasota.com/restaurants.htm

Restaurants there. I saw a few there that sound mighty tasty. I'm not really fond of Bradenton, so Sarasota is sounding better and better. :rofl:

Marge has been wanting to go to the Classic Car Museum....

There's also Jungle Gardens.... birds, reptiles, creepy crawly critters and all that nasty stuff. Admission for advanced booking of a group of min 10, 10 dollars. Otherwise normally 12.

I'm always up for some bowling, becuase you can drink there too! Gulf Gate Lanes Bowling sounds cool.

There is Myakka State Park for photo ops. Also, across the Skyway is Ft Desoto that is a beautiful place!

[branchedout]

:rofl: NO MIKE I WILL NOT SHARE A ROOM WITH YOU! :rofl: :rofl: LOL

No, you most definitely won't!

Asides from the fact that I won't be sharing a room with anyone, if I did, it wouldn't be you. Sorry pal.

[Cougargrrl99]

I see Mr. Tampamoney says he'll go if enough people go....well I got news for you buck-o, if I'm going then so are you. :disgust:

:wiggle:

[Southsidecougar]

IF this is actually going to go down then I would be willing to make the drive froma Atlanta. Count me in!:)

[branchedout]

IF this is actually going to go down then I would be willing to make the drive froma Atlanta. Count me in!:)

Sweet, thanks! I added you to the list of people who are going. It will definitely go down, in the next month or so everything should be decided (when, where, what, kind of deal). Please spread the word :)

Thanks,
Mike

[Southsidecougar]

I think i can manage to drag a few of COOGA down with me. If not then I can just bring both of my cats.

[cougar22]

im down for bowling....wow as it appears this meet is getting bigger and bigger ...mike you better tell the hotel were reserving the whole building

[Southsidecougar]

Just and idea but maybe we could set aside some time to help those who have been waiting to get help installing a variety of modifications.

That alone would be worth the drive and it would encourage more members to attend.

[branchedout]

I think i can manage to drag a few of COOGA down with me. If not then I can just bring both of my cats.

That'd be awesome if you could either, lol. Alls we need is 20 cats and we'll qualify for a de facto cougarbash, haha.

[branchedout]

Just and idea but maybe we could set aside some time to help those who have been waiting to get help installing a variety of modifications.

That alone would be worth the drive and it would encourage more members to attend.

That is a good idea; at the CEG meets I've been to, minor mods/fixes always seem to take place so I don't think this would be any different. But because this is a Sat-Sun deal in public places as opposed to somebodys house or a hotel parking lot for several days, serious projects most likely wouldn't be very easy to do.

I'll tell you what, though, if you or anyone else has any specific projects they'd like to work on at the meet, please post them up and we'll see if anyone whose planning on going would be able to help out and whether or not they feel it can be done in the time frame we're working with.

[Southsidecougar]

That is a good idea; at the CEG meets I've been to, minor mods/fixes always seem to take place so I don't think this would be any different. But because this is a Sat-Sun deal in public places as opposed to somebodys house or a hotel parking lot for several days, serious projects most likely wouldn't be very easy to do.

I'll tell you what, though, if you or anyone else has any specific projects they'd like to work on at the meet, please post them up and we'll see if anyone whose planning on going would be able to help out and whether or not they feel it can be done in the time frame we're working with.

I don’t have anything in particular atm that I need help with. But I’m sure I can come up with something. By September.:evil: :rofl:

[branchedout]

lol, we're not doing headers or 3L drops in the park!

[Southsidecougar]

lol, we're not doing headers or 3L drops in the park!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Loyalty]

Yeah I was saying that I couldn't stay much more then overnight because I wouldn't be able to bring the pets. We just got a new addition that I'll post about soon :biggrin:

FT Desoto would be cool. Isn't that where we met up a few years ago?

[Evee]

I am def. going. Should be fun. If its only one night, I'm sure I can sneak away from the parents. Mike look for decent priced rooms as we are only doing it for a meet. I don't think we all need golden toilets or duck feather pillows. The Baymont will do for me lol. As far as a caravan, I can drive up with you Camilo. We can all bring our own bottles too. I would totally love doing a beach thing..I desperately need to re-tan. Labor day weekend would be pissed full of people so take that into account.


BTW, My cell works Mike lol. I finally paid it :rofl:

[wjwolf79]

Looks like we could turn this into a major meet.

I say we go ahead and setup the weekend set in stone for Labor day weekend (that seemed to be the choice of the options). It doesn't matter to me, as I can get time off at the drop of a hat.

We'll also probably want to get a few people (3-4 at most) to make a committee to organize this, as leaving the entire thing for one person would be too much.

[Cougargrrl99]

I can help out with it. I love organizing things. I'm not too terribly far away, either. I could haul some friends down and we can try out bars for everyone :cover: :rofl:

[branchedout]

Very good, it did occur to me that LD wkend would mean a lot of people, but I think the fact that most of us would have Monday off is too good of an opportunity to pass up. So, it's set:

MEET IS SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 1ST- 2ND, MARK YOUR CALENDERS!!!!

I like the committee idea, Kendra has already been solicited :evil: Wayne, it was your idea, you in too?

Evee and Camillo, please be patient, you two will be included in the caravan, I promise.

As far as the hotel, I don't want it to cost anybody more than 90 bucks or so after all taxes and whatnot, so I really need to check them out in person to be able to make that decision. Keep in mind, most hotels have a minimum check in age of 21, so you may need to room with somebody older than you.

Mike.

[wjwolf79]

I think we have enough people over 21 to not have that an issue

[Evee]

Ill book it online. Use daddys CC lol..I can probably put it on my business CC.

[branchedout]

Ill book it online. Use daddys CC lol..I can probably put it on my business CC.

Every hotel I've ever checked into has required my drivers license and the credit card I used to book the room to get an imprint and signature... But that's all premature, once we pick a hotel, we'll get to the particulars.

[cougar22]

lol who said i was impatient .....and evee you can drive up with me thats if you can keep up lol....just kidding thats cool i also confirmed with CHIQUITIKA and she also is going to be driving with us....and by the way mike i want a hotel with a golden toilet, duck feather pillows and bed, and two girls with palm leafs giving me air conditioning and one girl to hold my drink....:)

[branchedout]

lol who said i was impatient .....and evee you can drive up with me thats if you can keep up lol....just kidding thats cool i also confirmed with CHIQUITIKA and she also is going to be driving with us....and by the way mike i want a hotel with a golden toilet, duck feather pillows and bed, and two girls with palm leafs giving me air conditioning and one girl to old my drink....:)

:gtfo:

[cougar22]

or i can also settle for a normal hotel like everyone else:eek: :biggrin:

[wjwolf79]

I'm sure we can find a place under a bridge for you. Cheap too!

[Loyalty]

Kendra what's Jungle Gardens??? Working with animals you know I'm always interested in that sorta stuff :biggrin:

[Cougargrrl99]

Kendra what's Jungle Gardens??? Working with animals you know I'm always interested in that sorta stuff :biggrin:

They have like little exhibits for reptiles, birds, creepy crawly critters and such. YUCK! I think even some of it might be hands on? I don't know. I've never been there, so I cannot be certain. I just read on the webiste, to see the animals, most are shows that you catch. Other than that, the place was opened in the 1930's originally for the tropical gardens they'd planted in there. Apparently there are alot of rare plants planted amongst the gardens.

If anyone is interested. http://www.sarasotajunglegardens.com/index2.html

[CHIQUITIKA]

for sure ill be out there.... xoxo

[cougar22]

I'm sure we can find a place under a bridge for you. Cheap too!

wellllll if it comes to that ill just sleep in the cougar...:banghead: by the way is qkilobyteq going?

[Evee]

Theyve never cared I guess. I just show them my license and my pops CC. I'm an authorized user of his CC's so I guess that helps some. If we can't get a room Ill stay at my friends house.

[branchedout]

or you could just room with somebody who is able to get a room and pay him/her back your portion of the room :)

[cougar22]

so how many people are deff. going as of now? just wondering....

Also i was wondering if anyone has anything to sale car wise wouldnet it be a good time to offer it at this thread so there will be no shipping cost and buyer and seller can do the transaction then and there? because im interested in a couple of things....(just a thought)

[gulfcat]

I'm finally back after a llloooonnnggg time - but as Mike said
I'm definitely attending.
I'm so impressed with the effort Mike is putting into this!! I'll help, too, but won't be able to for a while yet (after Fest, probably).

Sarasota sounds like a great location - and most of the old snowbirds will still be up north on Labor Day. And Kendra's right - I keep bringing up the car museum! (One good point for it in September: it's air conditioned.)

I'll vote for a window clinic - my passenger window goes up & down much slower than my driver's window.

[branchedout]

Yay!!! MARGE IS BACK!!!! :grouphug:

And just to point out, a lot of people have stepped up and offered lots of help, mainly Wayne and Kendra -- thanks guys :)

[branchedout]

As of a few minutes ago, this became the most viewed thread in FLNECO in over a year :biggrin:

...now with that said, how come only 13 of you have voted? (2 not even from florida)!

You should vote ;)

Mike.

[wjwolf79]

but how many of us are repeat visitors just checking the updates!

lol

[branchedout]

but how many of us are repeat visitors just checking the updates!

lol

shhh! lol

[Loyalty]

Marge I don't remember 100% but I think a few years ago when Sunni still had her Cougar she needed her drivers side window motor changed out and it looked to be a PITA. Again I'm not sure, but if Tony comes he may have some insight.

Oh BTW by that time Sunni and I should be in our new place (most likely North Port). It's about 30 minutes away from Sarasota. If so I'm sure we'll have room for people to crash if we need to :biggrin:

[branchedout]

Im pretty positive Tony will go, if for nothing else to get me to stop pestering him about it and to ensure that I will not remind him every single chance I get that he did not go and the fun he missed, lol. I'm sure people will appreciate you opening your home to them, but we are planning on staying in a hotel (suite party), and that's definitely a huge part of the experience -- I'd hope most, if not all, of the people would want to be a part of that. :)

[hotcat]

There, Happy now, I voted! Damn-it Mike, you are a bad influence(worse then me trying to get you to buy parts:biggrin:)

[hotcat]

Marge, I can get you my price on a window motor and we could get that takin care of for you;)

[cougar22]

Marge, I can get you my price on a window motor and we could get that takin care of for you;)

alright hotcat is going maybe you can check my engine to see whats wrong with it since its acting a little funny.......

[branchedout]

There, Happy now, I voted! Damn-it Mike, you are a bad influence(worse then me trying to get you to buy parts:biggrin:)

http://smilies.vidahost.com/otn/realhappy/luxhello.gif So happy! lol. But damn you're stubborn, hahahaha :) Oh, and check your email, your bad influence worked, again. *sighs* :evil:

[USF311Rat]

ok ok ok ... i MIGHT be able to go, depending on how optometry school is going (first day 8607)... i ll be living in Davie/Ft Lauderdale at the time, so it would be a hike.

btw, i dont check this often, but i do check AIM and myspace a lot
myspace.com/311rat
aim: aod311aod

thx
Rat

[Loyalty]

Hey Steve :wave:, haven't heard from you in a while.

[cougar22]

hot cat just a question you think its a big deal to change out or relocate my imrc because i think thats what the problem is?? at the meet.

[wjwolf79]

Stevo's been around.. well.. perhaps not here.. but I talk to him pretty regularly. And he's going. I'll make him. :)

[branchedout]

I just realized that Kendra has not officially voted yet which means everyone should remind her to do so asap ;)

[branchedout]

Hey guys, I updated the first page of this thread with two possible hotels that we will be looking into when we go up to Sarasota in a month or two. Please look if interested. Thanks :)

Mike.

[hotcat]

hot cat just a question you think its a big deal to change out or relocate my imrc because i think thats what the problem is?? at the meet.

Relocating the IMRC is doable but I don't think we can get too crazy in the diag as I cant bring the proper tools needed;)

[Loyalty]

From what I've read relocating the IMRC is as easy as unbolting it and bolting it under the intake (aftermarket), no? :shrug:

[branchedout]

That's the basic impression I got, though I guess the question is how nice you want to hide it and how well you want to stick it (self tapping screws, zipties, or something else). But he mentioned replacing it too which isn't particularly hard, but obviously is a little bit more involved, lol.

[blustreak]

Just read the first post and those two hotels are in a good part of town if none has been down there. The roads around there are wide too. Sarasota is more expensive for most things compared to the surrounding areas but not bad.

I don't know what the plan is for night time activities but you could always go to Livingston's. It's a game/bar/pool place. It also has an indoor drift go kart track that's fun. It's in South Sarasota, not far from the interstate and Clark Road is kind of Central near the interstate. You could also go out the Beach for a decently chill night life.

[branchedout]

Thanks for that. Do you know of any decent buffets in that area? ...and btw, you still haven't voted! :disgust:


:)
Mike

[Southsidecougar]

Just read the first post and those two hotels are in a good part of town if none has been down there. The roads around there are wide too. Sarasota is more expensive for most things compared to the surrounding areas but not bad.

I don't know what the plan is for night time activities but you could always go to Livingston's. It's a game/bar/pool place. It also has an indoor drift go kart track that's fun. It's in South Sarasota, not far from the interstate and Clark Road is kind of Central near the interstate. You could also go out the Beach for a decently chill night life.

Christian are you going to this meet ? You better cus it seem like you know all the hot spots! Just point me in the direction of all the fine Latina's.

[cougar22]

well hotcat in my case i just want you to just see my car maybe let you drive it and diagnose it to see what the problem may be and ill take care of the mechanical part down here in miami.....not actually work on it this is a meet, your not driving to far away to do the same thing as your job.....i was thinking of the relocation only if that is the problem.....anyways drifting and gokarting sounds like a great idea!! and deff. down for a buffet.....and southsidecougar if you do want us to point you to the fine latinas ill just point where ever miami is lol....

[blustreak]

So when are you all meeting up? I'm coming down but not in the Cougar. We'll be in my gf's 04 Celica.

We're leaving here early afternoon Friday and traffic will be stupid but I was just trying to get a gauge of when you all would be there so maybe I could come on by.

[wjwolf79]

well, since it's still 4 months away, we're still working out times. But I would imagine that some of us would be there mid-afternoon-ish on the 1st of Sept, and the last would be leaving around noonish on the 2nd (whenever checkout time with the hotel is).

[blustreak]

well, since it's still 4 months away, we're still working out times. But I would imagine that some of us would be there mid-afternoon-ish on the 1st of Sept, and the last would be leaving around noonish on the 2nd (whenever checkout time with the hotel is).

Perfectly understandable........ If you all have any ideas of the kinds of things you want to do I could probably tell you where the best place is to go.

[branchedout]

Perfectly understandable........ If you all have any ideas of the kinds of things you want to do I could probably tell you where the best place is to go.

Do you know of any buffets in that area? Any mini-golf, arcade, fun places to go?