OPERATION RAPID RESPONSE

Acquisition of a LifeProof 27 Center Console Boat and Heavy-Duty Tow Vehicle
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 84, Sarasota, Florida
August 1st, 2025

Executive Summary

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 84, Sarasota, seeks to raise $435,000 to purchase a new 27 foot center console boat & trailer, a new heavy-duty tow vehicle, and five years-worth of operating costs. These assets will significantly enhance our ability to support U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez, improving response times and safety for the recreational boating public in our Area of Responsibility (AOR), especially in the southern region where response times are currently delayed. Your support will directly contribute to safer waterways, faster emergency responses, and a stronger boating community in Sarasota and surrounding areas.

About U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 84

Since its establishment on December 20, 1966, Flotilla 84 has served as a vital volunteer unit under the U.S. Coast Guard’s Southeast District (previous name District 7), supporting USCG Station Cortez. Located in Sarasota, Florida, our mission focuses on promoting recreational boating safety through education, vessel safety checks, search and rescue (SAR), safety patrols, and additional USCG direct support. With over 75 active members, we augment Coast Guard operations and conducted 1150 vessel safety checks and over 12,000 total volunteer hours in 2024. Members of Flotilla 84 were recently acknowledged for our efforts to stop a runaway boat in Sarasota Bay that gained national news. Our area of responsibility covers the Skyway Bridge to Boca Grande Pass.

The Need

Station Cortez, located in historic Cortez Village (Bradenton), manages over 1,000 SAR cases annually, with Flotilla 84 and other Auxiliary units playing a critical role. The southern portion of our AOR, extending toward Venice and Charlotte Harbor, faces prolonged response times due to distance and limited resources, posing risks in emergencies where rapid response is essential.

Flotilla 84 currently relies on member-owned vessels, which may lack availability or suitability for SAR missions in diverse conditions. A dedicated center console boat, paired with a reliable, heavy duty tow vehicle, will enable faster, more effective responses, particularly in the southern AOR, enhancing support for Station Cortez and ensuring timely aid to boaters indistress.

Proposed Solution
Equipment Acquisition

1. LifeProof 27 Center Console Boat ($310,000)

  • Engineered for durability and performance in rough waters, ideal for SAR and safety patrols.

  • Features: 27-foot length, twin outboard engines, advanced navigation systems, and capacity for rescue equipment.

  • Benefits: Improved speed, stability, and reliability for missions in Sarasota’s coastal

  • waters, significantly reducing response times in the southern AOR.

2. Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Tow Vehicle ($65,000)

  • Heavy-duty truck designed for safe and efficient towing of the LifeProof 27.

  • Features: 4WD, high towing capacity, and reliability for frequent launches and recoveries.

  • Benefits: Enables rapid deployment of the boat to launch sites across the AOR.

3. Operating Costs for Five Years ($60,000)

  • $3,000/yr Insurance Premium

  • $2,500/yr Parts for Maintenance

  • $6,500/yr Dockage

Total Estimated Cost: $435,000

Costs include taxes, registration, and necessary auxiliary equipment (e.g., VHF radios, safety gear).

Impact:

  • Faster Response Times: The LifeProof 27 will reduce response times in the southern AOR by up to 30%, ensuring quicker assistance to distressed boaters.

  • Increased Operational Capacity: A dedicated vessel guarantees availability for SAR missions, safety patrols, and public education, augmenting Station Cortez’s resources.

  • Increased Operational Frequency: Having a dedicated Flotilla-owned boat will allow for more frequent patrols during weekends.

  • Enhanced Safety: Advanced equipment improves crew safety and mission effectiveness in challenging Gulf conditions.

  • Community Benefit: Strengthened boating safety programs and emergency response capabilities will protect thousands of recreational boaters annually.

Fundraising Goal and Strategy

Goal: Raise $435,000 by December 31, 2025

Timeline

  • August 01 2025: Launch fundraising campaign.

  • Oct-Dec 2025: Host community events, promote online donations, and secure initial pledges.

  • January 2026: Initiate Boat Build.

  • January 2027: Take delivery and begin training members on the new boat.

  • Spring 2027: Deploy boat and tow vehicle for active missions, with a public dedication ceremony.

Sarasota County Youth Connection

A USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 84 member is the head instructor for the Marine Service Technologies Program at Suncoast Technical College. As a result, we will use the school to service our new vessel. This collaboration fosters an environment that is mutually beneficial and one that exposes the younger generation to servicing high-end boats and provides exposure to on-water safety and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. is dedicated to strengthening the Coast Guard Auxiliary by supporting and enhancing member experiences, securing resources, and ensuring that the Auxiliary provides effective support of the Coast Guard’s mission. 

The Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, Inc. is a 501 c 3 non-profit corporation under the laws of the District of Colombia. As an organization it receives no federal government appropriation funds.

All funds donated to “AuxA” are tax deductible and AuxA can be a great charity for Donor Advised Funds (DAF’s). The Coast Guard Auxiliary Association has earned a 100/100 rating by Charity Navigator. https://www.cgauxa.org.

Donation Process:

  • Online: Visit Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, select “Support a Specific Unit,” enter Unit Number 070-08-04, and complete payment.  

  • By Check: Use the CGAUX Donation Form and mail to the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association.  

  • Contact: Flotilla 84 Fundraising Coordinator at [insert contact email] for inquiries or to pledge support.  

All donations are tax-deductible through the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association, a 501(c)(3) organization

Conclusion

The acquisition of a LifeProof 27 Center Console Boat and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 tow vehicle will revolutionize Flotilla 84’s ability to support U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez and protect the recreational boating public. By reducing response times in the southern AOR, enhancing operational readiness, and promoting boating safety, this investment will save lives and strengthen our community. We invite you to join us in this critical mission by becoming a plank owner and contributing towards our fundraising goal. Together, we can ensure safer waterways for the Suncoast.

Contact Information: 

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 84
Linda McDonald, Fundraising Coordinator  
lballou915@aol.com,  
Facebook: facebook.com/US-Coast-Guard-Aux-Flotilla-84-Sarasota-Florida  
Donations: cgauxa.org (Unit Number 070-08-04)



Thank you for your support in making our waterways safer!