DEP South District Celebrates National Marina Day

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Dear Clean Marina’s,

Happy National Marina Day! The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s South District is honored to partner with you throughout the year. Thank you for making the environment one of your top priorities!

National Marina Day is celebrated on the second Saturday of June. As you know, this boating event promotes boating participation across the country. The public is introduced to boating through landside and on-water activities while experienced boaters are introduced to new technology and equipment. Marinas, dealers, manufacturers, and boater education organizations work together to grow boat ownership and encourage the boating lifestyle. Many events take place across the country with activities including clean-up days, boating safety demonstrations, environmentally friendly boating concepts, and live music.

The South District is encouraging you to register as a Clean and Resilient Marina. These designated marinas help protect clean water and control pollution that can harm fish, wildlife, and the families enjoying recreation on the Gulf of Mexico. Clean and Resilient Marina operators and owners have strategies and practices to better design, develop and manage their marinas before, during, and after a storm. These facilities are recognized by the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, enhancing promotion Gulf wide.

The South District is proud of the voluntary actions you have taken to go above and beyond regulatory requirements.  National Marina Day shines the light on marinas, such as yours, taking the initiative to get people on the water in a safe and environmentally friendly way. We appreciate all of your hard work and hope to continue our partnership in the years to come.

“We have experienced great regional success in our partnerships with the Marina community,” states Jon Iglehart, South District Director. This success comes in large part to Laura Comer, who has led the program implementation from its infancy. Laura is transitioning out of public service to focus on family and enjoyment of the natural environment the Clean Marina and other programs have so well benefitted.  We wish Laura “Fair Winds and Following Seas.” Rich Miller has been training with Laura and will be taking the Program’s helm for the region. He is anxious to build on Laura’s legacy. Rich can be reached at Rich.J.Miller@dep.state.fl.us or at 239-344-5609. 

Clean Marina   Clean and Resilient Marina  National Marina Day