Florida ‘Clean Marinas’ Celebrate National Marina Day

“Clean Marinas help protect Florida’s waterways,” said Maury Kolchakian, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Law Enforcement Assistant Director. “National Marina Day provides an opportunity for marinas to educate boaters about the important ecological practices they can implement.”

The fifth annual National Marina Day acknowledges the history of the marina industry and the importance of marinas to both communities and the environment. Designated Clean Marinas are providing environmental information and memorabilia in Daytona Beach, Vero Beach, Melbourne, Sebastian, Cape Canaveral, Titusville, Sanford, Ponce Inlet and Cocoa Beach. In addition, several Clean Marinas around the state will be recognizing National Marina Day with events and activities.

Florida Clean Marinas are hosting events at:

• Hall of Fame Marina - 435 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale
  The marina will provide courtesy vessel examinations by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

• Harbour Towne Marina - 801 N.E. Third St., Dania Beach
  Event will include a safety demonstration from the American Maritime Officers, a Junior Angler fishing clinic and derby, a brass hat diver demonstration, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary inspections and barbecue.

• MiaMarina at Bayside Marina - 401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Dinner Key Marina - 3400 Pan American Drive, Miami, Marine Stadium Marina - 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami
  Three marinas in Miami will host open houses, customer appreciation events, vessel safety inspections by the U.S. Coast Guard, provide refreshments and offer giveaways.

• Crandon Park Marina - 4000 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne
  The event will provide information on boating safety, hurricane preparedness and environmentally-friendly boating habits.

• The Harborage Marina at Bayboro - 1110 Third St. S., St. Petersburg
  The Harborage Marina will provide live music and refreshments.

The state’s marinas provide services to thousands of boaters using Florida’s waters daily. The effects of year-round boating activities contribute to growing pressure on Florida’s sensitive aquatic and marine ecosystems. In response, the Clean Boating Partnership, which includes DEP, marina and boatyard owners and operators, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, developed the Clean Marina Program to help boaters, marinas and boatyards use environmental practices to preserve Florida’s natural resources.