FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 10, 2016

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

DEP CELEBRATES NATIONAL MARINA DAY WITH TWO CLEAN AND RESILIENT MARINA DESIGNATIONS

~Marinas recognized for environmental stewardship and emergency preparedness ~

DEP Northwest District Director Shawn Hamilton (l) presents Clean and Resilient Marina flags and designation certificates to NAS Pensacola staff and Commanding Officer Capt. Martin (r).

PENSACOLA, Fla. – As part of the National Marina Day celebration, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has designated Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola’s Bayou Grande and Sherman Cove marinas as Clean and Resilient Marinas, recognizing their commitment to environmental protection as well as their ability to withstand natural and man-made disasters. The marinas are the 14th and 15th to receive the Clean and Resilient designation in Florida.

“NAS Pensacola’s Bayou Grande and Sherman Cove marinas are leaders in Florida’s boating and marine industry as demonstrated by their environmental stewardship,” said Shawn Hamilton, director of DEP’s Northwest District. “The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is honored to recognize both the Bayou Grande and Sherman Cove marinas as Florida Clean and Resilient Marinas.”

Both NAS Pensacola’s Bayou Grande and Sherman Cove marinas have been a part of the Florida Clean Marina Program since 2007. To become designated Clean and Resilient Marinas, they implemented additional best management practices to improve the facilities' ability to withstand natural and man-made disasters. In addition to having well prepared staff and an active emergency preparedness leadership team, both marinas provide shelter from water impact and storm surge and are built to withstand hurricane-force winds. NAS Pensacola also works in the community to coordinate emergency preparedness, providing information on potential emergency situations, evacuation routes and shelter areas, which include both marina facilities.

The department is also launching an interactive map that provides the locations of Clean Marinas around the state. To find a National Marina Day celebration in your area, click here for a list of events at Florida’s Clean Marinas.

About the Clean Marina Program

Florida has nearly 900,000 registered motorized vessels in Florida and more than 2,000 marinas – the largest number of marine facilities in the country – drawing millions of visitors each year. With more than 1,350 miles of coastline, 50,000 miles of inland and coastal rivers and streams, Floridians depend on water more than any other natural resource. By providing “green” education and alternatives, the Florida Clean Marina Program helps ensure a sustainable future for the environment and marine industry. For more information about the Florida Clean Marina Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.