FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2014
TAMPA YACHT AND COUNTRY CLUB RECEIVES CLEAN MARINA DESIGNATION
The Tampa Yacht and Country Club is the sixth marina in Hillsborough County to join the voluntary program.
TAMPA – The
Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Environmental Education and Sustainable
Initiatives welcomes the Tampa Yacht and Country Club into the Clean Marina
family today. This voluntary state initiative recognizes marinas
and boatyards for their commitment to the protection of Florida’s waterways and
natural resources.
“By
joining the Clean Marina program the Tampa Yacht & Country Club is showing
its commitment to being good environmental stewards and implementing green
practices,” said Southwest District Director Mary Yeargan. “The program allows us
to recognize those businesses that are willing to partner with the department to
protect Florida’s marine resources and business environments.”
Tampa
Yacht and Country Club has been designated as the 281st Clean Marina in Florida. The Tampa Yacht and Country
Club was founded in 1908. It currently has 31 covered slips and 50
open slips with approximately 65 spaces available in dry storage, which
will be added to the Clean Marina community.
“We
are proud to have achieved the Clean Marina program designation from the state
of Florida,” said John C. Timmel, Commodore of Tampa Yacht & Country Club.
“This designation recognizes our entire staff and board of director’s proactive
approach and ongoing dedication to best management practices in maintaining our
unique environment and protecting Florida waters.”
The Clean Marina program was
launched as a voluntary partnership program between DEP and marinas to promote
the health of Florida’s vitally important water resources. To earn the Clean
Marina designation, marinas must implement a set of environmental Best Management Practices designed to protect Florida’s waterways. These Best Management Practices
address serious environmental issues such as sensitive habitats, waste
management, stormwater control, spill prevention and emergency preparedness.
Florida
has nearly 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. To date, 283
marinas have been recognized by the Clean Marina program in addition to 43
boatyards and 19 designated clean retailers.
For more information about the Florida Clean Marina program, click HERE.
|