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PALMETTO – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP),
together with the Clean Boating Partnership, today recognized Bradenton
Yacht Club as the 222nd member of the Florida Clean Marina Program and
the 7th in Manatee County. The program, which recognizes marinas and boatyards
for their commitment to the protection of Florida’s natural resources, now
boasts 224 Clean Marinas, 33
Clean Boatyards and 11 Clean Marine Retailers statewide.
“By achieving the Clean Marina designation, the Bradenton Yacht Club
shows that it has made important strides to implement measures that better
protect Florida’s waterways and natural resources,” said Southwest District
Director Deborah Getzoff. “Clean Marina facilities such as the Bradenton
Yacht Club display sustainable practices that can be used to help preserve the
marine environment for the enjoyment of all Floridians.”
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.
The Bradenton Yacht Club was chartered in 1946 and is one of the original 13
Member Clubs of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs. This new member of the
Clean Marina community offers a 52 slip marina, 285 feet of transient
dockage, fuel facilities, as well as permanent and portable pumpout capability.
“We feel it is important to be a designated as a Clean Marina to bring
awareness to our members and visitors alike that we are doing our part to
improve the beautiful waters that enhance our daily lives,” said Captain V.A.
Craig, Dockmaster for the Bradenton Yacht Club. “Small, simple steps, undertaken
by each of us can have a significant impact on what we pass along to our
children.”
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 Bradenton Yacht Club 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.
Easy As One – Ordinary actions. Extraordinary results. is an environmental
awareness campaign by DEP that highlights easy actions each one of us can take
to make sustainable practices part of our daily lives at home, at school, at
work, and at play. As the lead agency in state government for environmental
management and stewardship, DEP encourages citizens to adopt green habits that
protect Florida’s air and water quality, conserve water and reduce waste. A
sustainable Florida depends on the collective efforts of citizens, groups,
businesses, industry and government.
For more information about the Florida Clean Marina Program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.
To learn more about Easy As One, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/EasyAsOne
or follow on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/EasyAsOne. |