As summer comes to a close, SBT and Watercraft Superstore continue their mission of supporting the community and local public schools. Sandy Lane Elementary and Skycrest Elementary were selected again this year to receive a donation of t-shirts for their faculty and staff. The two schools are located in North Greenwood and are in close proximity to the companies' factories. Student t-shirts were also donated to Sandy Lane Elementary and will be sold by the PTO as a fundraiser. Sage Pickren, director of community outreach, explains the companies' decision to donate, "Public schools are often under funded and lack resources that help promote healthy school climate. T-shirts increase school spirit and improve teacher morale, which has large impacts on student growth and achievement. It's nice to see our company logos around the community on the back's of hardworking educators who are improving the lives of young children."

Watercraft Superstore donated three $50 gift cards to the event. Stephanie Mosny, WCSS General Manager, commented about the donation, "We enjoy sponsoring the Grand Tour each year. It's events like these that keep the jet ski industry alive. We also love that it's for a great cause!" The Grand Tour raised $18,500 for Leader Dogs for the Blind. To learn more about the organization, visit www.leaderdog.org.

About Watercraft Superstore: Watercraft Superstore is the largest online supplier of personal watercraft parts, apparel, and lifestyle accessories in the world. Watercraft Superstore's annual magalogue is distributed to over 100,000 subscribers. The company is located in Clearwater, Florida. For more information, visit www.watercraftsuperstore.net.

​On July 11, 2017, Ryan Pickren donated one million United Airline frequent flyer miles to Eckerd Kids Foundation in Clearwater, Florida. Pickren earned the frequent flyer miles by participating in a “bug bounty” program established by United Airlines. He discovered numerous vulnerabilities in the company’s website and reported them to the airline in exchange for miles. Over the past year, Ryan Pickren, has accrued over fifteen million miles, breaking the record for the most miles held by an individual. In an effort to support his local community and provide continued support to a favorite Pickren family community partner, Ryan Pickren made his donation valued at $20,000 to Eckerd Kids Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates for children’s rights and well-being. The foundation assists youth in times of instability and provides families in need with access to resources and services in the community. Eckerd Youth Foundation is a national leader for advocacy of children’s rights and best practices in prevention and intervention for children who are at-risk. David Dennis, president and CEO of Eckerd Kids Foundation, responded to the donation, “We are so grateful to you for all your many years of support of our Vision of ensuring every child has an opportunity to succeed.” The Pickren family is a continued supporter of Eckerd Kids Foundation. The organization was the 2017 recipient of a $5,000 donation from Watercraft Superstore’s annual charity event, The Skyway Ski Show. 

On Saturday, May 20th, 2017, families in the North Greenwood community gathered for some good food and friendly competition. Participants submitted BBQ rib samples to be judged by community leaders like O'Neil Larkin and the Clearwater Chief of Police, Daniel Slaughter. SBT donated $750 to help sponsor the event. Greg Pickren, Owner of SBT, attended the event and commented, "We are proud to be part of a community with so much life and culture. I look forward to attending the Ribfest Cookoff each year and I never leave hungry."

SBT recently lent $20,000 interest free to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall in Largo, Florida. The old VFW lodge burned down leaving many veterans without a place to gather. Bill Haynes, valued SBT employee and VFW member, brought this community need to the company's attention. The lodge served as a place for veterans to socialize and re-assimilate back into civilian life. The $20,000 loan allowed the VFW to purchase a new lodge and resume their gatherings. The VFW provides veterans with access to a vast network of resources and helps members find support and community among people who have had similar experiences. Bill Haynes expressed gratitude to SBT, "Thank you very much from the membership of VFW post 10094 and myself." 

This Spring, the Watercraft Superstore donated $500 to Special Operations Bionic Warriors, a non-profit organization that supports injured US Special Operation soldiers. The national organization enhances soldiers' quality of life through sport. They provide adaptive sport equipment and events to improve the athletes physiological and psychological well-being. 

Anthony Radetic is a retired Warrant Officer who competes in many action sports, including jet ski racing. He is on of America's greatest challenged athletes and competes in many races overseas. Radetic recently won the Ironman Class race at the Mark Hahn 300 Memorial Race in Lake Havasu. The jet ski race was his first race of the season and lasted a continuous 300 miles! On March 2nd, Anthony Radetic was honored for becoming a Warrant Officer. The "1st Warrant Officer Company Iron Warrant Award" is now named the "W01 Anthony Radetic Iron Warrant Award." The award is given to the most physically dexterous candidate of the warrant class. Anthony Radetic was recognized for his determination and dedication in overcoming his injury. 
For GoPro footage from Anthony Radetic's ride in the P1AquaX USA race, visit the Bionic Warrior website. www.specialoperationsbionicwarriors.com/single-post/2015/09/30/Radetics-Wild-Closed-Course-Race Be sure to check out his FaceBook page. www.facebook.com/AnthonyRadetic/

The Watercraft Superstore is an official sponsor of Anthony Radetic. In 2016, he served as a guest judge at the Skyway Ski Show, an annual charity event hosted by WCSS. That year, Wounded Warriors was selected as the Skyway Ski Show's charity and received a $5,000 donation. BlackTip Jetports also provides traction mats, seat covers, and other accessories that keep Radetic's jet ski looking sharp. SBT is a continued sponsor of Anthony Radetic, providing parts for his race ski at no charge. 

The Watercraft Superstore recently donated apparel and marine items to help keep the local waterways safe for boaters. Eckerd College runs a search and rescue team that provides volunteer maritime search and rescue services to the Tampa Bay boating community. Last year the program assisted over 600 boaters. The Watercraft Superstore continued to support Eckerd College this year by donating supplies to their student volunteers. 

On March 7, 2017, The Watercraft Superstore hosted their annual charity event, The Skyway Ski Show, at Whiskey Joe's restaurant in Tampa, Florida. The event previews new jet skis for the upcoming year. Jet ski manufacturers, like Yamaha, Sea-Doo, and Kawasaki, bring their newest models of PWCs for panelists to ride and evaluate. Each year, $5000 is donated to a charity of the company's choice. This year, The Eckerd Kids Foundation was selected to receive the donation.

Eckerd Kids Foundation offers a wide variety of services to at-risk youth and families in the community. Through prevention interventions, community-based services, transitional services, and workforce development, Eckerd Kids works systematically to support families and has provided "second chances" to over 200,000 people. Eckerd Kids is located in Clearwater, Florida and is a favorite non-profit organization of the Pickren Family Companies. ​

​​E-Nini-Hassee, an outdoor therapeutic school for girls, is one of the many resources Eckerd Kids provides to the community. Adolescent girls who are experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties receive counseling services in a positive, strength-based environment. Jesse Freeman, a graduate from the Eckerd Kids E-Nini-Hassee program, describes the positive impact Eckerd Kids has had on her life, “Without camp, things would have been bad. I would have been on more drugs, probably in a hospital and most likely end up in prison. Camp exposed me to things that are ethical instead of destructive and I was able to meet people who held true values. Without the support and family from the people at Eckerd Kids and Camp E-Nini-Hassee, I would not have the life I have today. I hope by now working at E-Nini-Hassee I can help give these young girls the tools I was given to create a more fulfilling life. “

On January 22nd, 2017, The West Florida Flames U10 Academy hosted their inaugural golf tournament at Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort. The golf tournament benefited the local, elite youth soccer team. Event Organizer, Virginia Stewart, describes The West Florida Flames soccer team: