This month ’ s issue of the Docket focuses on Father ’ s Day and summer , both of which coincide this year as summer begins on Sunday , June 20 , Father ’ s Day . For the SCBA , this summer should start to look somewhat “ normal ” again as more members are vaccinated and we begin in-person events in a responsible manner . Hopefully the burden on parents and teachers will start to ease as younger ages become vaccinated and children can have a more “ normal ” school and social experience .
In honor of Father ’ s Day , I would like to recognize all that fathers have been through over the past year — whether it meant homeschooling children , taking on extra responsibilities so a partner could do the homeschooling , or putting family in front of career goals . We often expect fathers to shoulder burdens in silent strength , but it is important to recognize the effect of mental stress upon men as well . Making it more acceptable for men to express a need for mental or emotional support is critical
YLD PRESIDENT ’ S COLUMN
Sara Castro , Esq . Farr , Farr , Emerich , Hackett , Carr , & Holmes , P . A .
YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION
Father ’ s Day : A tough year for dads , too
to improving mental health and expanding men ’ s support networks beyond their significant other ( frankly , benefiting both parties ). This can also allow men to de-stress in healthier ways , possibly turning to therapy or talking to a friend ( and maybe alleviating developing or existing alcohol or substance abuse issues and suicide death ). It is becoming more acceptable for women to discuss and be open about issues such as miscarriage , infertility , stillbirth , or the loss of a child — but we often forget these issues can deeply affect men as well , and they also deserve support . Many women or men see the toll that mental stress has on their male partners , a toll that is hidden from the outside world because of the stigma placed on men showing anything that is construed as potential “ weakness .” Especially among the legal community , we can sometimes be harsh judges both of ourselves and others when admitting that we are anything less than optimally functioning , highly productive billable-hour or incomeproducing machines .
Often times when discussing parenting issues , by default we focus on mothers — on the one hand , this makes sense as studies show the household “ mental load ” often falls by default on women . If you are not already aware of this term , “ mental load ” refers to mental and emotional work consisting of keeping track of everything needed to keep the household running . For example , doctor ’ s appointments , groceries , dinner plans , laundry , children ’ s clothes , school supplies , and the list goes on . As women began to comprise an equal proportion of the workforce over the past century , running the household has not equally begun to be shared between both spouses but has more often remained in women ’ s sphere of responsibility . Sharing this workload equally requires a conscious effort on both partners in a relationship to shift the societal default . However , a crucial part of equity is not just sharing life ’ s workload equally but also acknowledging that self-care and mental health is critical for men
See PARENTING , Page 15
SOUTH COUNTY DIVISION
In-person events resume — at Snake Island
We have an in-person event ! By the time this article is published , the South County Division ( SCD ) will have captured Snake Island in Venice , plundered it for all of its treasure ( there ’ s no treasure ) and left it a steaming wasteland ( which it currently is anyway ). Bob
Klingbeil , also known as “ Uber Bob ” ( thanks to Chip Gaylor ), the Boones , and the Macks will be teaming up to provide boat transport for those landlubbers who wish to join us on the island . The SCD will be providing food and drinks .
Who owns Snake Island anyway ? The answer is that it is managed by the West Coast Inland Navigation District ( WCIND ), which “ is a multi-county special taxing body , covering Manatee , Sarasota , Charlotte , and Lee counties , encompassing an estimated 1.8 million people . . . [ playing ] a pivotal role in the waterway projects that promote safe
SOUTH COUNTY PRESIDENT ’ S COLUMN
Anthony G . Mowry , Esq . Mowry Law Office navigation from the ‘ open water ’ of the Gulf of Mexico or the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway ( GIWW ) to the systems of secondary waterways . WCIND supports county and local governments in maintaining and enhancing public navigation channels and inlets , boating access facilities , waterfront parks , and piers and special structures .” But that ’ s kind of a snoozefest – Snake Island really is a place for South County locals to gather on the weekends , park their boats , soak up the sun , and enjoy a cocktail ( safely , please ).
The island recently had an overhaul where trees were removed and 6,500 cubic yards of material dredged from nearby Lyons Bay was added to enhance the island . Although popular amongst locals and boaters , the WCIND maintains that it is not a park and it is never “ open .” Upon completion of the project , the executive director of the WCIND stated , “ I would not say that it ’ s ever quote , unquote opened . . . . It ’ s available for ancillary recreational use . . . . It is not a park , it is not managed as a park , it is a spoil island .”
There have been attempts over the years to have the WCIND turn the park over to Sarasota County , which likely would have solidified the rules on hours , alcohol consumption , noise , etc ., but it remains part of the WCIND and a quasi-public park . It is for “ ancillary recreational use .” Ancillary to what ? I dunno . But … BUT ! I know definitively what Snake Island is this year : the site of the first SCD in-person event since March 2020 and I could not be happier about that . So I hope you all decided to pack up the boat and join us for our Snake Island adventure . And if you didn ’ t , there ’ s always next year .
The Docket · June 2021 7