Where's Howard and Netdoc.... with the banner revenue SB is raking in, I'd think they could 'sponsor' a porthole....
:mooner:
Vandenberg In Political Trouble?
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Where's Howard and Netdoc.... with the banner revenue SB is raking in, I'd think they could 'sponsor' a porthole....
:mooner:
truck1
Contributor
TrueDoes anyone know where Joe Montana is? The clock is ticking, and this is the ultimate 2 minute drill.
National media focus on Vandenberg
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National media focus on Vandenberg
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BY MANDY BOLEN
Citizen Staff
Despite last-minute cost increases and unexpected funding shortfalls, efforts to sink the USS Hoyt S. Vandenberg continue at a frenetic pace, with city officials and project organizers hastening to secure another $2.3 million from a variety of sources.
In the meantime, national and international filmmakers and television producers are moving forward with various plans to document the preparation, relocation and intentional scuttling of the 523-foot-long ship as an artificial reef.
Dan Tapster, executive producer of "Mythbusters," which airs on the Discovery Channel, contacted the project organizers and is planning a one-hour "Mythbusters" episode to be shot on location in Key West.
The show, which airs in 110 countries, features two Hollywood special effects experts who regularly test "urban myths" using science and technology.
"The 'MYTH-TANIC' episode that will feature the scuttling of the Vandenberg proves to be one of the biggest shows of Series 6," Tapster wrote. "All in all this is going to be pushed and played as a landmark MythBusters show."
The episode is set to test the theory, espoused in Hollywood blockbusters such as "Titanic," that items and people on the deck of a sinking ship are sucked down into a vortex of swirling water as the ship slides beneath the surface.
Key West City Commissioner Bill Verge, who has been working to secure funding for the artificial reef project, said the crew plans to place mannequins and other objects on the decks of the massive ship for the filming.
"Apparently they already tried this, but they didn't have a big enough ship," said Joe Weatherby, who has been working to sink the Vandenberg for 11 years.
He acknowledged that being about $2 million over the projected budget is "not a comfortable place to be."
"It's painful for me to say this, but we've really got a high-profile project here and there are people kicking down doors to do these kinds of films and documentaries," Weatherby said. "The [return on investment] is like nothing else."
He estimated that shows such as "MythBusters" and several others could translate to more than $10 million worth of free media.
A Discovery Channel documentary also is being created by John Bruno, who won an Oscar for his special effects in "The Abyss."
Bruno was nominated for six other Oscars for "True Lies," "Ghostbusters," and "Batman Returns."
Weatherby also has a commitment from the producer of CBS News Sunday Morning, which reaches 5 million people.
The eight-minute segment would include "an overview of your project and the expected benefits on the stressed coral reef system, as well as the economic benefits for the communities along the Florida coast," wrote Jason Sacca, producer of the show. "As far as a shooting schedule, it makes sense to start with a tour of the Vandenberg in Norfolk [where it is currently being cleaned of contaminants] and shoot some video of the ship being readied for sinking."
Internationally, a German producer wants to create a film that explores the "ships to reefs" concept in North Carolina, England and Key West.
"Off Key West, things get exciting," wrote producer Ulf Marquardt in his proposal to Weatherby. "The mighty USS Vandenberg will sink in a minute. We hope to film this event with three cameras, from a boat, from a helicopter, and our technicians figure out if it is feasible to mount a camera in an underwater housing on the ship. ... It ends with the first underwater shots of the ship, which hopefully stands upright on the ground, ready to attract SCUBA divers from all over the world."
It's the same finale Weatherby, Verge and Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson are hoping for on May 15.
mbolen@keysnews.com
Citizen Staff
Despite last-minute cost increases and unexpected funding shortfalls, efforts to sink the USS Hoyt S. Vandenberg continue at a frenetic pace, with city officials and project organizers hastening to secure another $2.3 million from a variety of sources.
In the meantime, national and international filmmakers and television producers are moving forward with various plans to document the preparation, relocation and intentional scuttling of the 523-foot-long ship as an artificial reef.
Dan Tapster, executive producer of "Mythbusters," which airs on the Discovery Channel, contacted the project organizers and is planning a one-hour "Mythbusters" episode to be shot on location in Key West.
The show, which airs in 110 countries, features two Hollywood special effects experts who regularly test "urban myths" using science and technology.
"The 'MYTH-TANIC' episode that will feature the scuttling of the Vandenberg proves to be one of the biggest shows of Series 6," Tapster wrote. "All in all this is going to be pushed and played as a landmark MythBusters show."
The episode is set to test the theory, espoused in Hollywood blockbusters such as "Titanic," that items and people on the deck of a sinking ship are sucked down into a vortex of swirling water as the ship slides beneath the surface.
Key West City Commissioner Bill Verge, who has been working to secure funding for the artificial reef project, said the crew plans to place mannequins and other objects on the decks of the massive ship for the filming.
"Apparently they already tried this, but they didn't have a big enough ship," said Joe Weatherby, who has been working to sink the Vandenberg for 11 years.
He acknowledged that being about $2 million over the projected budget is "not a comfortable place to be."
"It's painful for me to say this, but we've really got a high-profile project here and there are people kicking down doors to do these kinds of films and documentaries," Weatherby said. "The [return on investment] is like nothing else."
He estimated that shows such as "MythBusters" and several others could translate to more than $10 million worth of free media.
A Discovery Channel documentary also is being created by John Bruno, who won an Oscar for his special effects in "The Abyss."
Bruno was nominated for six other Oscars for "True Lies," "Ghostbusters," and "Batman Returns."
Weatherby also has a commitment from the producer of CBS News Sunday Morning, which reaches 5 million people.
The eight-minute segment would include "an overview of your project and the expected benefits on the stressed coral reef system, as well as the economic benefits for the communities along the Florida coast," wrote Jason Sacca, producer of the show. "As far as a shooting schedule, it makes sense to start with a tour of the Vandenberg in Norfolk [where it is currently being cleaned of contaminants] and shoot some video of the ship being readied for sinking."
Internationally, a German producer wants to create a film that explores the "ships to reefs" concept in North Carolina, England and Key West.
"Off Key West, things get exciting," wrote producer Ulf Marquardt in his proposal to Weatherby. "The mighty USS Vandenberg will sink in a minute. We hope to film this event with three cameras, from a boat, from a helicopter, and our technicians figure out if it is feasible to mount a camera in an underwater housing on the ship. ... It ends with the first underwater shots of the ship, which hopefully stands upright on the ground, ready to attract SCUBA divers from all over the world."
It's the same finale Weatherby, Verge and Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson are hoping for on May 15.
mbolen@keysnews.com
UCFKnightDiver
Contributor
seems that its not so hopeless afterall but those people filming need to donate some money asap b/c all they stand to is benefit from it
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polarguard
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This is from this weekend's Keynoter.
Just how did this develop this later in the project
Hope that they make itbut 
Vandenberg' plans in disarray
Big shortfall puts scuttling into question
The USS Hoyt Vandenberg is making more waves without moving an inch.
While work to prepare the ship for its final mission as an artificial reef off Key West is proceeding, cost concerns have nearly sunk the project.
The project is 40 percent over 2006 cost estimates and time is running out to secure the added money, according to a project budget.
The new estimate of $8.45 million is 3.9 times more than the original estimate calculated in 2001, according to Monroe County Tourist Development Council records. Jeff Dey, whose company, Resource Control Corp., is part of the team scuttling the ship, filed that estimate - $2.18 million.
As the deadlines loom, BB&T Bank is considering pulling loans for the project, Key West City Commissioner Bill Verge said.
He said banks should see through their commitment, but that BB&T has reason to raise questions.
The bank and city became aware of millions of dollars in additional costs when the project manager, Reef Makers, used up bank allocations.
Verge described mounting costs as legitimate, and said they stem from various environmental concerns and unforeseeable variables such as the steep rise in gas prices the past few years. But, he added, Reef Makers should have warned the various governmental agencies involved in the scuttling for the 520-foot former military ship of the rising expenses.
Most of the unforeseen costs are in the removal and disposal of PCB-laced wiring, said Joe Weatherby, marketing director for Reef Makers. PCB is a toxic pollutant banned in 1979.
John McMahon, manager of the Key West branch of BB&T, said it is against company policy to comment on its relationship with clients.
Any pulled funding would add to the project's current $2.4 million shortfall. About $1 million of that is working its way through a legislative committee. Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson said he thinks the state's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development can fund the rest.
This is going to be one of the most different summers ever, he said.
Asked if the TDC should pay more than the $1 million it already committed, he said: I'd love to see the TDC come out with something, but that would have to be an action that board would have to address.
At this point, the executive director, Harold Wheeler, has taken a pretty staunch position against extra monies being used. He hasn't been helpful up into this point, and I don't expect him to be helpful about it in the future, he said.
Placing explosives on the ship to sink it will take a month, Verge said. To make the U.S. Coast Guard deadline of June 1, brought about by the beginning of hurricane season, the ship must be in place by the end of April.
If the ship is sunk, benefits to the Keys are disputed.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration contends the ship will increase diving 10 percent in the county, according to a report authored by Bob Leeworthy, chief economist for that agency. Added visitors will spend an extra $7.5 million each year since divers spend on lodging and other tourism businesses, the report says.
Wheeler said he thinks the impact could hurt the Upper Keys, where diving is a big attraction, or dissipate quickly.
I believe if the ship goes down that it will have a very positive effect for at least a short period of time, he said. The question is after a about a year and a half or two years, what economic impact is it going to have in Key West?
Said Weatherby, This is the right thing for our economy and our environment, but I recognize that people feel differently.
Just how did this develop this later in the projectHope that they make it
but Vandenberg' plans in disarray
Big shortfall puts scuttling into question
The USS Hoyt Vandenberg is making more waves without moving an inch.
While work to prepare the ship for its final mission as an artificial reef off Key West is proceeding, cost concerns have nearly sunk the project.
The project is 40 percent over 2006 cost estimates and time is running out to secure the added money, according to a project budget.
The new estimate of $8.45 million is 3.9 times more than the original estimate calculated in 2001, according to Monroe County Tourist Development Council records. Jeff Dey, whose company, Resource Control Corp., is part of the team scuttling the ship, filed that estimate - $2.18 million.
As the deadlines loom, BB&T Bank is considering pulling loans for the project, Key West City Commissioner Bill Verge said.
He said banks should see through their commitment, but that BB&T has reason to raise questions.
The bank and city became aware of millions of dollars in additional costs when the project manager, Reef Makers, used up bank allocations.
Verge described mounting costs as legitimate, and said they stem from various environmental concerns and unforeseeable variables such as the steep rise in gas prices the past few years. But, he added, Reef Makers should have warned the various governmental agencies involved in the scuttling for the 520-foot former military ship of the rising expenses.
Most of the unforeseen costs are in the removal and disposal of PCB-laced wiring, said Joe Weatherby, marketing director for Reef Makers. PCB is a toxic pollutant banned in 1979.
John McMahon, manager of the Key West branch of BB&T, said it is against company policy to comment on its relationship with clients.
Any pulled funding would add to the project's current $2.4 million shortfall. About $1 million of that is working its way through a legislative committee. Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson said he thinks the state's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development can fund the rest.
This is going to be one of the most different summers ever, he said.
Asked if the TDC should pay more than the $1 million it already committed, he said: I'd love to see the TDC come out with something, but that would have to be an action that board would have to address.
At this point, the executive director, Harold Wheeler, has taken a pretty staunch position against extra monies being used. He hasn't been helpful up into this point, and I don't expect him to be helpful about it in the future, he said.
Placing explosives on the ship to sink it will take a month, Verge said. To make the U.S. Coast Guard deadline of June 1, brought about by the beginning of hurricane season, the ship must be in place by the end of April.
If the ship is sunk, benefits to the Keys are disputed.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration contends the ship will increase diving 10 percent in the county, according to a report authored by Bob Leeworthy, chief economist for that agency. Added visitors will spend an extra $7.5 million each year since divers spend on lodging and other tourism businesses, the report says.
Wheeler said he thinks the impact could hurt the Upper Keys, where diving is a big attraction, or dissipate quickly.
I believe if the ship goes down that it will have a very positive effect for at least a short period of time, he said. The question is after a about a year and a half or two years, what economic impact is it going to have in Key West?
Said Weatherby, This is the right thing for our economy and our environment, but I recognize that people feel differently.
OP
polarguard
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A very negative editorial from Firdays Key West News Paper - unofrtunately it appears supporters of this great project are bailing out.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shaking the money tree an ill-timed bailout
When is enough enough?
Very, very soon, taxpayers in Key West will get the answer to that question if Mayor Morgan McPherson's hunt for money to help sink the USS Hoyt Vandenberg runs short.
At last count, the city's effort to cover the ever-escalating costs is about $1.4 million shy. The mayor, returning from Tallahassee and pressing the flesh, believes he's got commitments from the state's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development that will close the gap.
But the larger question remains: Is sinking the 520-foot former military ship as an artificial reef off Key West at a cost of $8.45 million the best use of scarce public dollars at a time of severe budget cuts for essential services?
Some will argue that debate was fought and lost long ago.
In fact, when private sponsors of the project first approached city business and civic leaders, the cost was estimated at a fraction of today's bloated price.
Bank loans secured to pay for preparation of the surplused Navy ship have already been depleted, which came as a shock to city officials when they recently learned about the shortfall.
Even Commissioner Bill Verge, among the staunchest supporters of the Vandenberg project, began to look for an exit strategy.
The city ordinance he had prepared for this week's commission meeting would have sent the ship to a scrap yard if additional funding can't be found in time.
Some think that was a ploy to shake the money tree of public and private backers. Well, we'll wait and see if it worked.
And if it doesn't, the accounting for good money thrown after bad will hang around like a three-day-old stink, one that voters aren't likely to forget any time soon.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
:noThe saddest thing is that they are throwing away the very project that could help them in economically tough times.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shaking the money tree an ill-timed bailout
When is enough enough?
Very, very soon, taxpayers in Key West will get the answer to that question if Mayor Morgan McPherson's hunt for money to help sink the USS Hoyt Vandenberg runs short.
At last count, the city's effort to cover the ever-escalating costs is about $1.4 million shy. The mayor, returning from Tallahassee and pressing the flesh, believes he's got commitments from the state's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development that will close the gap.
But the larger question remains: Is sinking the 520-foot former military ship as an artificial reef off Key West at a cost of $8.45 million the best use of scarce public dollars at a time of severe budget cuts for essential services?
Some will argue that debate was fought and lost long ago.
In fact, when private sponsors of the project first approached city business and civic leaders, the cost was estimated at a fraction of today's bloated price.
Bank loans secured to pay for preparation of the surplused Navy ship have already been depleted, which came as a shock to city officials when they recently learned about the shortfall.
Even Commissioner Bill Verge, among the staunchest supporters of the Vandenberg project, began to look for an exit strategy.
The city ordinance he had prepared for this week's commission meeting would have sent the ship to a scrap yard if additional funding can't be found in time.
Some think that was a ploy to shake the money tree of public and private backers. Well, we'll wait and see if it worked.
And if it doesn't, the accounting for good money thrown after bad will hang around like a three-day-old stink, one that voters aren't likely to forget any time soon.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
:noThe saddest thing is that they are throwing away the very project that could help them in economically tough times.
Hmm, I wonder if Miami or Pompano would be interested (or able) for a last minute takeover...?
Today, Key West isn't a compelling dive destination... Yea, I suppose you can dive there, but unless your hitting the Wilkes, or on the way to the Dry Tortugas, its not a destination... The Vandenberg would have made it a must visit locale... They really missing out on alot of tourism dollars here... just ask the folks in Pensacola who benefitted from the 'O'...
Today, Key West isn't a compelling dive destination... Yea, I suppose you can dive there, but unless your hitting the Wilkes, or on the way to the Dry Tortugas, its not a destination... The Vandenberg would have made it a must visit locale... They really missing out on alot of tourism dollars here... just ask the folks in Pensacola who benefitted from the 'O'...
The question isn't whether it's the best use of $8.5 million dollars. Most of that has already been spent. Not sinking the ship doesn't get it back. The question is whether applying the final $1.4 million to get it down is worthwhile.
I think Key Westers are just spoiled and take tourism for granted. They deserve all the pain they get from this but as a diver I still want it to go down. I'd be even happier to see it off Pompano or thereabouts.
I think Key Westers are just spoiled and take tourism for granted. They deserve all the pain they get from this but as a diver I still want it to go down. I'd be even happier to see it off Pompano or thereabouts.
I just might see a WreckFest in my future...
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