FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2014
PORT ST. JOE MARINA RECEIVES CLEAN MARINA DESIGNATION
~Marina takes initiative to become more environmentally friendly~
Port St. Joe Marina is the second marina in Gulf County to receive designation.
PORT ST. JOE – The
Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Sustainable
Initiatives welcomed Port St. Joe Marina into the Clean Marina family on Saturday,
March 8. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the marina’s Customer
Appreciation Day.
“The
Clean Marina program is a collaborative effort between businesses and
government,” said Northwest District Director Shawn Hamilton. “The program
allows us to recognize marinas, like Port St. Joe, that commit to protecting
Florida’s waterways and natural resources.”
Port
St. Joe Marina has been designated as the 276th Clean Marina in Florida and is
the second facility to be designated in Gulf County. The marina contains 114
wet slips and 79 dry storage slips, which will be added to the Clean Marina community.
“We at the Port St Joe Marina are thrilled to be a
designated Clean Marina from the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection,“ said Clara Landry, General Manager of the Port St Joe Marina.
“This designation reflects the staff’s commitment and dedication to protecting
our Florida waters.”
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 protecting sensitive habitats, waste management, stormwater control, spill
prevention and emergency preparedness.
Florida has more than 1 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 supplement 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 the continued growth of our state's aquatic industries.
For more information about the Florida Clean Marina Program,
visit www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.
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