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SARASOTA ? The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
together with the Clean Boating Partnership recently recognized the Hyatt
Regency Sarasota Marina as the 202nd member of the Florida Clean Marina program.
The program, which recognizes marinas and boatyards for their commitment to the
protection of Florida?s natural resources, now boasts more than 200 Clean
Marinas, 30 Clean Boatyards and eight Clean Marine Retailers statewide.
?Florida has more than 2,000 marinas, and facilities such as the Hyatt
Regency Sarasota Marina play an important role in the protection of our
waterways and marine resources,? said Deborah Getzoff, Director of DEP?s
Southwest District Office. ?This marina has taken the initiative to preserve the
state?s natural resources and lead the boating industry by example.?
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.
?Hyatt Regency Sarasota is proud to become a designated member of the Florida
Clean Marina program,? said Josh Haas, Hyatt Regency Sarasota, Director of Sales
and Marketing. ?We understand the significance of being environmentally
responsible to the community of Sarasota County and this proves to be another
step in the right direction.?
The Clean Boating Partnership is a consortium of industry leaders who
contribute time and input to the Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard, Clean Marine
Retailer and Clean Boater programs which DEP administers to protect Florida?s
waterways. The partnership includes DEP, Marine Industries Association of
Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of
Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.
?The Clean Boating Partnership applauds the Hyatt Regency Sarasota Marina for
its commitment to Florida?s environment,? said the Partnership?s Chair Mark
Leslie. ?The dedication and hard work in becoming a Clean Marina is an
accomplishment this facility can be proud of and we welcome it to our growing
Clean Marina family.
With more than one million registered motorized vessels in Florida,
environmental education within marine industries is the first step toward
safeguarding the state?s natural resources. By providing green education and
alternatives the Florida Clean Marina program helps ensure a sustainable future
for the environment and a billion dollar marine industry. For more information
about the Florida Clean Marina program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.
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 Clean Vessel Act grant
program and the Florida Green Lodging program offer a variety of services
including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no
cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives
programs is to meet the needs of the present population without compromising
resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP?s Sustainable
Initiatives, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/green.
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2012 State of Florida