Re: Making a Party Island
Well, first things first, I suppose: You are NEVER going to be able to please everyone, so try your hardest but don't look back with regrets. Especially when words like "association meeting" are involved. Lots of "members" take ownership where it wasn't due and feel 100% justified in their opinions, right, wrong or indifferent (which usually isn't the case). When I first moved to Florida, one of the hardest adjustments for me was dealing with Homeowner's Associations, but that's a whole different subject for it's own thread I suppose.
Secondly, and more importantly, get to the bottom of what the "legalities" of your island are and do it before you go back out on that lake. I can assure you of this, SOMEONE is checking the laws and how they pertain to your party island, probably as I type this. Don't rely of "heresay" from someone here on the internets. Call the local authorities (sheriff's office, fish & wildlife, coast guard, whoever it is) and ask them what's legal and what isn't. There's simply no logic in taking a "wait and see" approach to this as many people have been carted off to the hooscow screaming "But I didn't know!!". Remember, ignorance of the law is never innocence.
And lastly, if you happen to find out this isn't legal, then find an alternative. I say that because at the end, there won't be much left but memories, so you've got to make as many good ones as you can. Trust me on this, life is going to fill you with enough bad ones. It's up to you to tip the scales to the good. Best of luck and keep us posted.
