CITY OF JACKSONVILLE MARINA RECEIVES CLEAN MARINA DESIGNATION DURING GREATER JACKSONVILLE KINGFISH TOURNAMENT

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 07/19/2011 03:35 PM EDT

For Immediate Release: July 19, 2010

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

CITY OF JACKSONVILLE MARINA RECEIVES CLEAN MARINA DESIGNATION DURING GREATER JACKSONVILLE KINGFISH TOURNAMENT

~DEP recognizes Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina for environmental commitment ~

Aerial view of Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek Marina

JACKSONVILLE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Clean Marina Program, together with the Clean Boating Partnership, will formally recognize City of Jacksonville Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek, home of the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament, tomorrow, Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. The City of Jacksonville will be presented with a Clean Marina plaque and flag celebrating the City’s commitment to the voluntary state initiative recognizing marinas and boatyards for their commitment to the protection of Florida’s waterways and natural resources. The marina is the 13th in Duval County to receive the Clean Marina Designation.

“It is wonderful to see the City of Jacksonville joining an elite group of environmental stewards that implement green practices that protect Florida’s marine environment,” said DEP Sustainable Initiatives Director Brad Stombock. “The Florida Clean Marina Program is a great example of collaborative efforts between business and government to promote the sustainable use of materials and marina resources.”

The Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament, being held July 18 – July 23, is the largest fishing tournament in the Southeast United States. More than 500 boats participate and the tournament has an economic impact of approximately $12 million, according to Jacksonville Marine Charities, Inc.

Protecting Florida’s waterways is essential to the economy. 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 $60.8 billion tourism industry, an $18.9 billion boating industry and a fishing industry that injects more than $7.5 billion a year into Florida’s communities.

About the Florida Clean Marina Program

The Florida Clean Marina program is a voluntary designation program with a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. To become designated as a Clean Marina, facilities must implement a set of environmental measures designed to protect Florida’s waterways. These measures address critical environmental issues such as sensitive habitat, waste management, stormwater control, spill prevention and emergency preparedness. www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.

About the Office of Sustainable Initiatives

DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting the environment. The Florida Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Clean Vessel Act Grant Program offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. For more information about the DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green/.

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