FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  October 16, 2003
CONTACT: Willie Puz, (561) 718-8736    

Local Marina Recognized for Environmental Commitment

-- Jupiter Yacht Club Marina Turning Green --

JUPITER - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), together with the Clean Boating Partnership, recognized the Jupiter Yacht Club Marina as the State’s 74th Clean Marina.

“The sensitivity of the environment and ecosystem near the Jupiter Yacht Club makes this designation very special,” said DEP’s Southeast District Clean Marina Coordinator Paul Thompson. “By earning this designation, the Jupiter Yacht Club is investing in Florida’s environment and economy.”

Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, the Yacht Club is one of the area’s newest marinas. The facility is the first completed community along the Jupiter Riverwalk -- a 2.5 mile recreational corridor under construction by the Town of Jupiter, which will offer residents and visitors access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Jupiter Inlet.

“The Riverwalk is a source of pride for the town of Jupiter,” said Jupiter Yacht Club Project Manager Greg Lewis. “We are pleased that we can bring this environmental distinction to the project.”

Over 2,000 marinas currently provide services to thousands of boaters using state waters daily. The effects of year-round boating activities contribute to constant and growing pressure on Florida’s sensitive aquatic and marine ecosystems. In response, the Clean Boating Partnership, which includes the DEP, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, developed the Clean Marina Program to help marinas, boatyards and boaters protect Florida’s waterways using simple environmental practices that prevent pollution.

Florida’s Clean Marinas go above and beyond required environmental regulations by adopting safeguards that keep solvents, sewage and fuel oil out of the water, while protecting manatees and other marine creatures.