Magna Golf Carta

I was surrounded by golf carts today just driving down the street I live on. I had to make a few turns to dodge the slower than slow traffic. I saw 6 on my way to work. Including my next door neighbor. Is it a trend that will continue to grow? Someone told me there were over 100 registered around here now. Will we all drive around in golf carts to the store, the post office, out to dinner or just to participate in the good old Franklin County tradition of just simply driving around ?I sincerely hope it doesn’t replace boating as our population gets older. I suppose it’s a good thing environmentally, with the relatively miniscule energy use compared to the traditional auto, but I still like my vintage Honda 70 Passport Scooter better. I just haven’t trained the dog to ride on it yet , and I have not figured out how to put a cooler and bait tank and rods on it to go down to the Marina and hop on the boat to fish with proper gear yet . I suppose unless I get a trailer for the bike, we will have to get a cart of some kind. Here is a transcript from the Franklin County Board Of Commissioners from 1/2/08.

Public Hearing – Golf Cart Ordinance (10:30 AM)

Pierce discussed the proposed St. George Island Golf Cart Ordinance.

Commissioner Crofton stated some of the issues with the golf cart usage on St. George Island.

Commissioner Parrish expressed his concerns regarding the regulations of golf cart rentals. Commissioner Crofton stated some of the reasons for the restrictions on rentals of the golf carts.

Roy Solomon stated that the City of Apalachicola requires each golf cart to be registered and also requires safety reflectors on the golf carts and suggested that the County consider these requirements.

Board suggested adding the registration of the golf carts to the ordinance as reflectors are already a requirement.

Attorney Shuler suggested having the office of Planning and Zoning handle the registration process.

Attorney Nick Yonclas, representing Jerry Ison of the Jolly Roger Beach Shop, stated that his client rents “gem carts” which are golf carts that can be licensed to drive on Florida roads. Mr. Ison discussed his business further. Attorney Yonclas stated that the passing of this Ordinance, specifically the restrictions on the rentals section, will discriminate against his client.

Attorney Shuler addressed some of Attorney Yonclas’ concerns and statements and stated that the primary purpose of this Ordinance is safety.

Commissioner Crofton stated that the main reason for the restriction on rental in the ordinance was to gather statistical information for the Board to review and restrict the amount of golf carts that would be on the roads in St. George Island.

Mr. Ison stated how the rental restriction would affect his business.

Commissioner Crofton stated that the restriction actually doesn’t change the status quo regarding rentals.

Commissioner Sanders stated that she was against discriminating against the businesses.

Angela Troy, of St. George Island, stated that the ordinance was only needed to allow golf carts to drive on the Island but not to restrict the rentals of golf carts.

Commissioner Sanders agreed with Ms. Troy.

A resident of St. George Island offered some suggestions for amending the proposed ordinance.

Russ Boyd, of Apalachicola, discussed his experiences with driving a golf cart in Apalachicola.

Mr. Pierce stated that the registration should be done on the Island such as the Sheriff substation or the Visitors center.

Motion by Sanders, seconded by Crofton, to authorize the Ordinance with annual registration, similar to the City of Apalachicola, eliminate the rental restriction (Section 8), and include a limit on rentals to 5 per business until statics are reviewed during the first year; Motion carried 5-0.

Maybe we should sell and service Carts , perhaps it would be the cutting edge thing to do ?????????

Marc