Unwarranted Cost Increase at Florida Springs

[Line Squirrel]

Because we were told the pass covers diving when purchasing the pass...

I do not recall seeing it in writing. Nowhere in the description of the annual pass does it say that the fee includes cave diving. The powers to be will just tell you the person that told you that was mistaken. Hence the reason the the memo/clarification.

As much as it appears I like playing devil's advocate, I don't...well, maybe a little. But let's get real.

[RN]

E-mail sent. I'll be heading to the park this week to demand a refund if my current pass, that I just bought June 1, doesn't get grandfathered. If they refuse to refund my money, I will file a dispute with my credit card company. Peacock Springs State Park, Madison, Manatee, etc will also have seen the last of me.

[JahJahwarrior]

I do not recall seeing it in writing. Nowhere in the description of the annual pass does it say that the fee includes cave diving. The powers to be will just tell you the person that told you that was mistaken. Hence the reason the the memo/clarification.

As much as it appears I like playing devil's advocate, I don't...well, maybe a little. But let's get real.

I could pick the people I bought my passes from out of a line up. Could we sue them?

I suggested that the state needs to consider the element of fraud in my email. Even though it wasn't in writing, I was lied to, and that irks me. I'm sure nothing can be done, but that won't stop me from complaining a lot...

[jj1987]

Sheesh, calm down everyone. Manatee Springs is grandfathering all current pass holders, so no need for a refund, as you'll be getting the product you purchased. I would call each of the state parks and verify this.

Please post which parks you talk to and what their rules are on it. I would hate to annoy the parks, we're such a small portion of the overall system that we do need to remain in line.

I don't think we can hold the state legally responsible for something an hourly employee does. If that were the case, I would get a job at a car dealership and quote someone $5 for a Ferrari and have them sell it back to me for $6.

[Line Squirrel]

I could pick the people I bought my passes from out of a line up. Could we sue them?

I suggested that the state needs to consider the element of fraud in my email. Even though it wasn't in writing, I was lied to, and that irks me.

Fraud is a bit strong, you would have to prove they knowingly told you something false. Telling you something wrong out of ignorance is not fraud.

IMO they did however set a precedence by letting us dive using our annual passes for the last...what?? 15 or so years?? That would be my approach, not fraud.

FWIW I absolutely agree that everybody on this forum should email everyone on the above mentioned list and demand a refund, prorated or not. I just don't think it (a refund) will ever happen.

[JahJahwarrior]

I believe there is one securities act that allows the use of the term fraud even if it was in ignorance, but I could be wrong. I'm no lawyer, just a pissed off customer of the state.

And, the letter posted by MetalDector on TDS states that the parks have been directed to refund divers who ask.

[Cantey]

Sent an email and handwritten letter. Hope that everyone else does as well. I don't think that they realize that when they increase prices like this, there are going to be less visitors. How are they gonna justify their next funding request from the state next time the DEP want's to acquire new land for a state park when visitation is low?

[fno]

I recieved a copy of this email last week as I am on the Emerald Commitee, but thought it only applied to Wakulla State Park. Apparenty not!!!! I do not know if the refund policy is for the park or the whole system, but feel free to use this example to encourage other park managers at Manatee, Peackock, Madison, etc, etc to refund your park pass. I wish mine was current so I "could" hassle them for a refund. I will also be making a motion to be discussed at the August NSS-CDS board meeting on ways the organization can try to influence the State.

Frank Ohidy, NSS-CDS Director



From: Fugate, Brian [mailto:Brian.Fugate@dep.state.fl.us]
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2010 4:10 PM
To: Ottinger, Jason
Cc: Allen, Bonnie
Subject: Diving Fee

Jason,

It has been brought to our attention by our Headquarters office that we have not been charging correctly for diving. The state parks annual entrance pass does not cover diving. All divers going to Emerald Sink must pay the $15.00 dive fee. Please update the information on the Emerald Sink Dive Policy and the Dive Reservation Request Form. If anyone bought an annual pass strictly for the diving we will process a refund and collect the pass if they wish. Please let all approved divers know about this. Thank you.

Brian Fugate
Park Manager, Wakulla Springs State Park
550 Wakulla Park Drive
Wakulla Springs, FL 32327

850-926-0700



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[metaldector]

I will also be making a motion to be discussed at the August NSS-CDS board meeting on ways the organization can try to influence the State.

I don't think waiting until August is as good as getting the BOD to make waves now. Certainly it is in the interest of the NSS-CDC to keep cave divers diving. If it isn't acted upon until then it may appear to condone the DEP's action instead of condemning it.

[FW]

Sheesh, calm down everyone. Manatee Springs is grandfathering all current pass holders, so no need for a refund, as you'll be getting the product you purchased. I would call each of the state parks and verify this.

Please post which parks you talk to and what their rules are on it. I would hate to annoy the parks, we're such a small portion of the overall system that we do need to remain in line.

I don't think we can hold the state legally responsible for something an hourly employee does. If that were the case, I would get a job at a car dealership and quote someone $5 for a Ferrari and have them sell it back to me for $6.

We should listen to this! If Manatee honors current passes, than maybe Peacock, and Madison will. They might not, if we make too much of a stink.