TARPON CLUB MARINA DESIGNATED AS A CLEAN MARINA

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 10, 2013

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

TARPON CLUB MARINA DESIGNATED AS A CLEAN MARINA

~Naples marina is the 273rd member of the Florida Clean Marina Program~

Tarpon Club

Tarpon Club Marina provides environmentally friendly storage for many marine vessels.

NAPLES - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, together with the Clean Boating Partnership, welcomes the Tarpon Club Marina to the Florida Clean Marina Program. This voluntary state initiative recognizes marinas and boatyards for their commitment to the protection of Florida’s waterways and natural resources.

“Protecting Florida’s marine resources is instrumental to the continued health of the state’s natural and business environments and it is always rewarding to see business actively involved in protecting these resources,” said DEP Sustainable Initiatives Director Brad Stombock. “We’re excited to have the Tarpon Club Marina join the exclusive group of environmental stewards implementing practices to help maintain these resources for future generations.”

DEP's South District Director Jon Iglehart joined Collier County Commissioner Donna Fiala in celebrating Tarpon Club Marina's new designation and were on hand to see the raising of the Clean Marina flag today.

“We are proud to have achieved the Clean Marina Program designation from the state of Florida,” said Robert Fesik, general manager of The Tarpon Club Marina. “This designation recognizes our entire staff’s proactive approach and ongoing dedication to best management practices in maintaining our unique environment and community.”

“Being designated a Florida Clean Marina is indeed an achievement that makes us proud and pleased," added Commissioner Fiala.

Tarpon Club Marina is Florida’s 273rd Clean Marina and is being recognized today for their commitment to environmental stewardship by initiating best management practices and offering recycling and pumpout services for boaters.

Located on the Isles of Capri, the Tarpon Club Marina offers a range of boating services, including direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. The facility recently opened its dry boat storage area that can accommodate 164 boats. Marina amenities also include pre-launch and post launch services, wash racks over containment area with water recovery system and an elaborate fish cleaning table.

"As a long-term resident of the Isles of Capri, and an active leader in the Capri Community Inc. Association, I am happy to hear of the designation that recognizes the Tarpon Club Marina as a clean marina,” said Ann Hall, Capri Community, Inc. Communicator and Island Enhancement Team Leader. “The entire community is appreciative of the commitment made by the marina to keep the Isles of Capri estuaries healthy and beautiful. This fits perfectly with our emphasis on the environment in this pristine area of mangrove estuaries. The marina has proven to be a good neighbor to both the wildlife and the residents of Capri."

To become a designated member of the Florida Clean Marina Program, facilities must implement a set of environmental measures designed to protect Florida’s waterways. These measures address critical environmental issues such as sensitive habitats, waste management, stormwater control, spill prevention and emergency preparedness.

Florida has more than one million registered motorized vessels and more than 2,000 marinas - the largest number of marine facilities in the country. Drawing millions of visitors each year, Florida’s clear waters, world-class beaches and coral reefs support a $67.2 billion tourism industry, an $18.4 billion boating industry and a fishing industry that injects more than $6.9 billion a year into Florida’s communities. Protecting Florida’s waterways is essential.

For more information about the Florida Clean Marina Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.