Beach Vendor Gets Vote Of Confidence

The owner of Willy's Tropical Breeze Café came before county commissioners Tuesday and told them he has "created something beautiful" on Pine Island and is a "good asset" for the community.

Willy Kochounian's concession has been a beach fixture for 18 years and, except for his first contract, has never had to bid for the rights because subsequent commission boards have granted him renewable five-year pacts.

Commissioner David Russell told his colleagues that, by ordinance, they have the authority to waive the competitive bidding process if they find it in the "best interests" of the county.

But when Kochounian's contract expires in 2011, the renewable clause will be examined. At that time, the county will see if there are any competitors interested in bidding for the rights.

At least one concessionaire, Diane Benoit, has already told Hernando Today she would like to bid for the Pine Island rights.

Benoit, who told a reporter she was too sick to attend Tuesday's meeting, believes the county should go out for bid.

"Nobody's looking to take Willy's away from you," said Russell, who gave a vote of confidence to all county concessionaires.

Commissioner Rose Rocco praised Kochounian's efficiency at his café.

"He's made that beach a tourist attraction so I'd like to thank him for that," Rocco said.

Kochounian left the commissioners' chambers to a smattering of applause from some in the audience.

Also at Tuesday's meeting:

Joe Welch, a partner with Purvis Gray & Company, which did this year's independent financial audit for the county, said he could find no significant problems.

"We found the county to be in good financial condition with adequate reserves," Welch said.

The biggest challenge, he said, will be for the county to reduce revenues in the coming year.

The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) will soon be available online on the county's clerk's Web site.

Commissioners received recommendations designed to advertise and market THE Bus.

The marketing ideas include: media advertising; business ads on the sides of vehicles; community outreach; and public-private partnerships.

Commissioners took no action Tuesday.

Resident Wayne Dukes said commissioners need to tweak bus routes so they go where the majority of potential riders are, including gated subdivisions, community centers and churches.

"THE Bus will not survive running up and down main roads," Dukes said.

Commissioners voted unanimously to spend $95,000 for a 2,800-gallon water truck for use at the Hernando County landfill.