To all interested, here is the link to the hotel, site of Council of Councils 2012, Florida Winter Nationals.
Dates are Feb 3-5, 2012.
Prices good Jan 31-Feb 6, 2012, tell them you are with the Florida Van council.
Regular Rooms, 2 double beds $89.00 per night;
Pointe Rooms with water view, sleeps 6 $139.00 per night; Townhouse rooms, sleeps 8 $159.00 per night.

http://facebook.com/MagnusonHotel.MarinaCove

Wow, now this is cool to have info already!

Here also is another link to the motel.

http://www.marinacoveresort.com/

either way both are too far for me...CA this year..FL 2012.

LOL! I just got off the phone with the twins. Gary is already calling to reserve our room.

I WILL be attending!!!

Thats why you fly to Councils,

I wonder how long they hold warrants in FL??

I like the idea of getting a townhouse room and splitting it up... but I really doubt I can find 5 vanners that don't snore! lol!

drat, it's still too early to start shopping airfare.

You know I'll be there. California was way too much fun to even consider missing this one. hopefully junior and glenda bust out some grilled cheese.

Pretty sure we'll be there.

if you call and reserve a room through monday, don't let them tell you it isn't part of the group rate! I just got this sorted out between the hotel and mookie.

Yeah...Gary said the room was more than what the flyer is saying. He's said he'd call them back and straighten it out.

tell him to make sure to mention Florida Van Council.

Going from Coast to Coast - Can't Wait - The CA Girls will be there

Will not be attending.

We will be there.Cant wait.

So,thats why I dont see you at our Fl events anymore.

well , we WANT to go, not 100% sure yet. . . . but UNITED AIRLINES say 385.00/person ROUND TRIP from OKC to TAMPA BAY. We shall see.

Uncle Fester Wait till winter when All travel sites run specials.


God willing We Will be there.

Thats what i'm doing,probably better rates.

I want to go. I want to go. We want to go. We want to go. Ok everything is going up for sale. Well, almost everything.

As of now we will be there again! Ye Ha!

If I go by train it will take 82 hours !!!!

You need a train with wings! It would prolly take less time to take a ship through the panama canal

Is there somewhere on C of C site that show who's going?

on there site.
is there a promo code?

Is there a flier for the 2012 CofC's? Thanks,Brad

FVC Link

The calendar is only showing the Sunday at present

which calendar?

if you mean the calendar here, then that's how the it is listed, otherwise the upcoming events window will be flooded with the same event

I thought you could enter the date range so Vanner's will know when it started and when it ended so they could plan ahead ???

that's why you put the dates in the subject line.
as of right now you can't put in a date range, but they will be adding that in a future version

I'm still kicking myself for missing last year. I'm pricing plane tickets now for two people. Think I'll fly into Tampa. Is there a shuttle or or do I need to rent some wheels?

Is there a schedule of events? Trying to figure out if I can squeeze in a deep sea fishing trip….. Anyone else possibly interested in splitting a charter?

OK, Clover and I are in! Booked two round trip tickets and a drop top. Still need to figure out the room situation. I'm STOKED! This is going to be Awesome!

Man I want to make this. Really not sure right now. Money is tighter than ever right now. Will just see what happens.

I'm in that same boat

Everything for me is up in the air at the moment, if we are still in Fl this feb, we will be there, since Tampa is only 45 minutes from me. That and Since im FVC I need to be there helping out. hope to see you all there!

Room booked - check
Cisco sitter - check

Think we are driving & can't wait!

C of C here we come

WOO HOO !!!!!!!!

Enter Van Show ! Check !!

ok. booked a room.

and found the schedule

Looks like a fun filled weekend! no time for fishing

Flight- check
Room- check
Sailing Trip- check
See ya there!

We are booked Feb 2nd thru the 8th.Taking Lucy's mom so we can make it and Lucy's birthday is the 8th,Party.We are driving down also!

Sarah is coming with us, flight booked!

Looks like this will be the 2nd one I have missed in the last 20 some years...Colorado and Florida...Not good....

Doc are you entering the van show?

Depends, misdimeanor or felony lol!

Room booked

Driving down, since its only a 45 minute drive. got us one of them fance rooms with a view of the water.

We'll be heading down friday, and if there is anybody that has chosen to fly into Orlando instead of Tampa, we will have a few seats open if anybody may be needing a ride. Just pm me and let me know!

Must be nice Chris

Got our Council Rep papers today. It had a Schedule of Events included. Saturday night at the band you are suppose to wear your baseball???? team colors. I'm sure the meant football team colors since Sunday is the Super Bowl Party. oops oh well see ya at C Of C

Nope,we meant baseball spring training theme......

Which is the best airport to fly into St. Pete or Tampa? and is there a shuttle service for either one. If not what is best transportation from Airport. eg Taxi,Limo, Bus
Thanks

hey i gotta get a break once in awhile. Any other van run is 5 hours minimum just to get out of the state except for the 2 or 3 here in Fl.

Yeah--Super Bowl in Indy this year--we are going to stay home and attend some of the eVANts our very hospitable city will be hosting! Maybe MY team will even be one of the ones playing in the big game!!! That would be sooooooo nice!

So--you all have to hold up some of my end of the weekend--
and don't forget the coffee!

We're driving

Ok, Room Booked!!!!!

Finally! Room and Airfare (Jet Blue Non-Stop) are booked! Flying into Orlando and driving over! Only non-stop from CT. Jan. 31st to Feb. 6th.

Group from Wisconsin flying in, roundtrip non stop $230.00, each, about 6 of us going.

Smitty, Tampa is most likely easiest to get flights in and it's only 45 minute drive to St.Pete..

Someone from the FVC should really chime in and answer the questions here. It's only 3 months away now, people need to make their plans.

Also please have whoever is in charge of the van show get in touch with me.

I'm working on getting more info.Not sure who is in charge of the van show,but I will find out and let you know.

Seems like great rate for round trip non stop. Now I'm wondering if I got bent over on our tickets.

Is there any schedule of events listed yet? Sorry found it here!

http://www.councilofcouncils.com/

Go to the actual Council of Councils Page. There is a schedule of events tab at the bottom of the page.
(The Link to the page is at the top left in the Site Navigation sidebar).

Hi all. this years Council of Councils t-shirts are by pre-order this year. We will have a ragland sleeved baseball shirt. The art work is on the Florida Van Council web page. The sleeve will be blue. The shirts are $15. each. You don't have to pay for them now just pre-order and pay at the event to insure you get the size you want. Please pass the word.. orders to Judpilon@aol.com referance COC shirts thanks all

Jr is in charge of the show. it will be held on Saturday afternoon

either airport is ok. We will be listing the modes of transportation soon. We will not have a shuttle but if you check out www.floridavancouncil.com and look of the council of council info you will see a list of people and when they are arriving. We recommend that you contact each other and set up one of the shuttle. the more in the shuttle the cheaper it is. Most questions can be answered on the site. or you can e-mail me at Judpilon@aol.com and refferance c of c. hear is some info you may be interested in.

Hi all. this years Council of Councils t-shirts are by pre-order this year. We will have a ragland sleeved baseball shirt. The art work is on the Florida Van Council web page. The sleeve will be blue. The shirts are $15. each. You don't have to pay for them now just pre-order and pay at the event to insure you get the size you want. Please pass the word.. orders to Judpilon@aol.com referance COC shirts thanks all

Better late than never, we're booked at the hotel and for our flight to Tampa. We lucked out on the room this late in the game. It was the last non smoking room they had available for the 9 day stretch there. It's probably not in the same block as the rest of the rooms but at least it's the same hotel.
We touch down in Tampa at 11:43 AM Saturday the 28th and leave out at 8:20 AM Monday Feb. 6th day after the Superbowl.

Okay Vanners!
Guess What---I get to go to C of C in FLA! YEAH!

I checked the list on the Council site and didn't notice anyone else listed arriving at my time. I know that must be some Vanners getting in around the same time. I am going to book a limo ride from the airport to the hotel on Thursday afternoon--and I am sure to have more space in the car than I can fill up. (I know, but planes charge for boxes of toys now!) So, if you are arriving before 2:30 pm on the 2nd and would like to share a ride--please let me know.

I am not sure about Sunday yet--but I would use a ride from the hotel around 11:30 am to the airport in Tampa. I just haven't figured out that ride yet. So, if you want to get on that bus too, we can work out something there also!

if you want a shirt, you need to pre-order it!
The shirts are $15. or sizes M - 3 xl. They will be screen printed. pay at the meeting when you pick it up, if you want one, email Judith, judpilon@aol.com

Sooo! Looking forward to C of C! Can't wait, is it really still a month away!

There are alot of vanners that I know are going that did not got to the site to enter their flight and contact information. I know of approx. 12-15 from New England that are not on there. Suzie maybe some of them are on your schedule.

We should be there by Thursday. Smitty, Brenda & Fish are riding to Florida with us.
I can't wait Woo Hoo

Thanks Johnny! I will post a thing over on the NEVC site and maybe send out a couple of notes too!

Dee Jaye--that will be one full new HHR!!
How's Fish gonna tip the T bottle?!?!?

You can register on the council site so everyone knows who is going. http://www.councilofcouncils.com/ I thought I heard that the hotel is close to full which is great. The wife & I are looking for things to do if anyone has some cool ideas? Getting in on Tuesday!

We should be there early afternoon on Wed. Look us up!

Not bringing the HHR. Bring Big Red.

Yep Wednesday (not Thursday)

Woooo Hoooo Can't wait!!!!! This is going to be a Great Time!!!!

Smitty, We will and looking forward to this trip!

I'm not attending

just realized that the cut off for the reduced price for the c of c is not on the web page. Today is the day. If you have not booked please do so. Make sure you say you are with the council of councils or they will tell you all the rooms are booked. The hotel numbers are 727-867-1151 or 1-800-227-8045

today is the last day to book at the reduced rate. here are the numbers. be sure you let them know you are with the c of c or they will tell you it is all booked 727-867-1151 or 1-800-227-8045

Would love to go this year but just not in the cards or wallet. Hope everyone has a great time. Will be watching on the live cast from home.

Same here Phil had to cancel for this year.Puppy,mom, just not possible.

We sure had hoped to come down to the warmth for this as well, but $ is just to tight right now. Speed safely everyone and take and post lots of pictures!

2 weeks from now we will be in FL! It has got to be warmer!

Think I got the fever, cant wait to run a muck!

Yep 2 weeks from now we'll be in Florida and sipping drinks!!!! Definitely got the fever, can't wait!!!!

I cant wait!

Our first C of C

Florida Van CouncilVannin.Com. Inc.
COUNCILS OF COUNCIL UPDATE: Met with management team at hotel today; the bad news is we are only 2/3 booked for hotel (insert pouty face here). The good news, the hotel is not imposing the special rate cut off as previously posted. You can still book under the special prices for the "Florida Van Council" up until Feb 1. So don't dilly-dally or we're going to have fun without you! That's promise! The weather was 79 and sunny today, supposed to be nice for all of next week. Don't forget your swim costumes as there is also a heated pool and hot tub. The theme is Baseball for the Saturday night party. We hope you are prepared for the PJ party on Fridy night. See you there.

I just booked at the hotel. Yes, you need to say, "Florida Van Council." I used "Council of Councils" two weeks ago and they said they were full. They referred me to a non-Magnuson property in St. Pete that used Expedia and had a concellation charge. Took some doing to straighten that out but we did it.

See you there,

Bleu Kat

Here is an idea to see the local area from the water! http://www.icsharks.com/BoatRentalsHome.html


I was thinking about going out one day!

Anyone looking to share a room or have a extra bed or sofa i could sleep on ill be coming in on the 2nd and gone on the 5th flight gets in at like 4 and leaves about the same time on sunday. i am on a very tight budget this year any help from fellow vanners would be great.
chris
732-773-2929

I Will be Mailing a bunch of ctcruisenews to Johnny O.This paper has been doing a lot for vans for about a year now.Ken "Superbeast" has been a contributor,Along with myself.

All Cruisenews packed and ready to go, I wish I can Fit in with them. Lot's of Different issue's with All Van Story's.. While Supplies Last. LOOK FOR JOHNNY O.

Me too!

In the past 20 odd years, I've missed 2. To the newbies - ya gonna have fun! Don't forget you jammies for the Pajama Party Sat night.

I think we need a a hooters run! thursday night maybe?

So wish we were going but no money. Oh well. Maybe next year. Of course I said that last year. Have fun all. Make sure to post pics when you can of all of you having fun so we can wallow in self pity at home.

Well, Crap...

As Virtual mentioned I will have some last chance Vannin calendars with me for sale @ $10.00 each. The luggage is starting to get real heavy!

We are going to miss you Howard!!! But it looks like you are in good hands!!!

See you all Tuesday.

Astro, make sure you let us know the details of the "Live Chat" setup for the meeting....as Jewels & I will surely be there for that!

Hey guys has anyone looked into this? http://stpete.pedalpub.com/ I'm sure you would be able to get a couple of pub crawl bikes filled...
PedalPub St.Petersburg, LLC
stpete.pedalpub.com
PedalPub St.Petersburg, LLC
stpete.pedalpub.com

The wife and I've been here 2 days now and having a blast. Met up with my childhood friend last night for dinner which was awsome. Havent seen him in 39 years but he lives only 15 minutes from here. We had a lot of laughs and he is a very good musician. He played us some songs on his guitar right here in our room. It was awsome.
Today we cruised up the strip to Clearwater and all points in between. We hit the beach briefly,ate lunch,then cruised back south and went out to Fort Desoto for a mini tour/history lesson and some more beach chillin and wathced the sunset. The area around the fort is all undeveloped or park property so theres a lot of remote beach front spots which is kinda cool. Im not much for the big commercial areas so I enjoyed the somewhat privacy of it.
The only real downside so far is the hotel's ice machine on the first floor doesnt work at all so we have to go upstairs and all the way to the other end for ice. I can see the other ice machine runnin dry pretty quick once the hotel starts filling up.
Weather has been low 70's so far,very tolerable but not perfect beach weather either. It's supposed to be 79 by Thursday they say so that looks promising.
FYI,free wi-fi here at the hotel. Gotta run,I'm busy chillin ha-ha.

Snotty, Val & myself are in! I think some other New Englander's will jump on this as well. Do we have to book it in advance?

Do they know about the broken ice machine? hopefully there on it! those machines take a beating at a C of C eVANt

And I would say were good for at least 4... if we fill it up, I think ya need 16 people its only like 20 bucks a head... I don't know, I was hoping someone thats down there running the C of C could check it out for us...

Hopefully they are reading this and can help us out. I think it would be a blast!

They know about it. They said maintenance is working on it but I dont think its been touched at all yet. Hopefully someone will get to it Monday.
Also,contrary to what I was told on the phone when I booked my room,I had no problem switching over to a non smoking 2 double bed room like I asked for in the first place. We also checked in early around 1:00PM.

Tim, Can you check into the Pub Tour that Snotty was checking into? Maybe see if they need reservations etc.

I would like one of those calendars.I will be in late night Thursday 11 or so I'm not sure how to find ya but I definitely want one.

"O Vanners" sign will be on the door! Most likely you will hear or smell me somewhere. See you there.

Anyone else in for the Pub Tour???

Yeah we might be up for that! I'll bring it up to the rest of the group. We have 5 that are riding down together with DeeJaye and Roger and 2 more that are meeting us down there.

Ok I called them and heres the scoop. Reservations are preferred for a full load(16 people),they supply a driver. Note;info I received seems a little contradictory to the website(maybe a seasonal thing,I dunno)
Anyhow,the pub tour leaves from downtown St Pete at 5:30. This Fridays bike has 7 seats already filled. Individual seats are $25 or if you rent the whole bike its $190/hour,about $12 a person. Bike goes about 10 minutes between bars downtown. All bars give you happy hour pricing the whole night long with the wristband they give you,even after the tour is over.
I would think time on bike would be minimal since you will be off of it at the bars once you get there. Drinking on the bike IS NOT permitted "If I know about it" she said. In other words you would have to be sneaky about it.
Reservations are definitely a good idea since she would need to schedule extra drivers. Also consider the website says standard tip for driver would be $30 to $40 on top of rental price. Not bad for an hours work where all you do is steer and brake a bike while 16 people pedal it.

I am still in if we can get 16 people in on one either Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. Bar Tour ye ha!

were in too!!! I'm thinking Thurs afternoon might work better, Smitty when is your gang getting in? with SOVC Johnny n Val Moon Lite were already at 11 peeps, North Chesapeake would probably be in for a few??? I think we can do this! Lets hook up asap at the motel and see what we can do...

It is a plan! Luggage packed in the car and off to the airport at 4AM. See you there and we can make the plans.

ok cool... I still have a full day of work tomorrow UGH! we arrive in Tampa at 10am on Wed AM, then I think a couple quick stops in Tampa then over to the motel... see ya there sometime on Wednesday!

Snotty we'll be there sometime Wed afternoon. Stopping at Bonnie & Joe's. Smitty, Brenda, Fish & us will be in our Big Red.

We're going on a sailing trip at 4:00 on thurs so not sure that will work for us. I'll let you know.

Whats the scoop on the sailing trips? Reservations required or what? Is it one leaving from the motel cove?

Yeah they leave from the cove, Gnarly and Mook are doing them. It's a 45' Ocean sailing boat, there's a link on the Councils web site.

Wish I could go

Me to

damn... how does either Wed night or Fri late afternoon work for everyone?

Ice machine is fixed!

Ice machine is fixed!

Several people arrived today,finally got to meet some folks at the tiki bar and "talk van". Nice weather today,we swam and hung poolside catching rays. It's supposed to be even better tomorrow. Headed out at 10AM for the museum tour of Joe Medonnia's collection. Hope I spelled that right or at least close. Not that anybody needs me for anything but if ya do Im in room 131 next to the ice machine.