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ST. PETERSBURG – The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP), together with the Clean
Boating Partnership, recognized Isla Del Sol Yacht and
Country Club in St. Petersburg as the State’s 110th
Clean Marina.
“We’re excited to have Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country
Club on board as a Clean Marina,” said Deborah Getzoff,
Director of DEP’s Southwest District. “Clean water is
vital to Florida’s environment and economy, and Clean
Marinas such as Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club lead
the way in protecting this precious resource.”
Situated within the Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve,
an Outstanding Florida Waterbody, Isla Del Sol Yacht and
Country Club has incorporated environmentally-friendly
practices into its everyday operation. Staff of the
73-slip marina educate Yacht Club and visiting members
about the sensitive aquatic resources in the local area,
including instructions for the sewage pump out facility,
fishing line recycling, and antifreeze and battery
recycling, which help improve water quality in Boca
Ciega Bay. In addition, marina staff attend regular
training events to highlight environmental protection
and safety measures.
Isla Del Sol Yach and County Club’s General Manager
Noel Coad said, “We’re pleased and honored to be named a
Florida Clean Marina. A clean environment is important
to all aspects of our Club’s operations – without it,
we’d lose the very appeal of boating, golfing or playing
tennis in clean air and clean water. The Clean Marina
Program makes an outstanding contribution to our
environment and we’re proud to be included in it.”
Florida’s marinas currently provide services to
thousands of boaters using state waters daily. The
effects of year-round boating activities contribute to
constant and growing pressure on Florida’s sensitive
aquatic and marine ecosystems. In response, the Clean
Boating Partnership, which includes the DEP, Marine
Industries Association of Florida, Florida Sea Grant
Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard
Auxiliary, developed the Clean Marina Program to help
marinas, boatyards and boaters protect Florida’s
waterways using simple environmental practices that
prevent pollution.
“DEP and the Clean Boating Partnership are proud to
recognize Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club for their
accomplishment in being designated as a Clean Marina,”
said Maury Kolchakian, DEP Division of Law Enforcement
Assistant Director. “Isla Del Sol is setting an
important example to the community by protecting our
beautiful natural resources for the enjoyment of our
citizens and visitors.”
Florida’s Clean Marinas and Clean Boatyards go above
and beyond required environmental regulations by
adopting safeguards that keep solvents, sewage, fuel and
oil out of the water, while protecting manatees and
other marine creatures. By educating boaters and
improving operations at marine facilities, Florida’s
Clean Marinas and Clean Boatyards are helping to ensure
a sustainable future for the environment, boaters and
the billion-dollar marine industry.
“Clean water is the lifeblood of tourism, the marine
industry and the boating public in Florida,” said
Allison Underwood, Chair of the Clean Boating
Partnership. “Our partnership goal is to protect fragile
ecosystems while ensuring continued public enjoyment of
our waters. By recognizing Clean Marinas, boaters can
apply ‘pier pressure’ on behalf of the environment.”
For more information about the Clean Marina Program,
visit
http://www.floridacleanboatingpartnership.com. | 
2012 State of Florida