TAMPA YACHT AND COUNTRY CLUB RECEIVES CLEAN MARINA DESIGNATION

Florida DEP Banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2014

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

TAMPA YACHT AND COUNTRY CLUB RECEIVES CLEAN MARINA DESIGNATION

Tampa Yacht Club

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.