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LEESBURG - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), together
with the Clean Boating Partnership, recognized the City of Leesburg’s Venetian Cove
Marina, located on Lake Harris, as the 217th member of the Florida Clean Marina Program
and the 32nd Clean Boatyard. This is the 1st Clean Marina and the 1st Clean
Boatyard designation in Lake County.
The program, which recognizes marinas and boatyards for their commitment to the protection of
Florida’s waterways and natural resources, now boasts 228 Clean Marinas, 33 Clean
Boatyards and 11 Clean Marine Retailers statewide.
“We are excited to welcome Venetian Cove as the first Clean Marina and Clean
Boatyard in Lake County,” said DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein. “By achieving
this designation the marina is joining an elite group of environmental stewards leading by example
through their commitment to Florida’s environment.”
Located on one of the largest freshwater chain of lakes in Florida, Venetian Cove Marina grants
access to Florida’s abundant lake systems. Venetian Cove Marina’s large dry stack and enclosed
boat maintenance shop reduces the possibility of fluid releases outdoors or in the water. The
marina offers waste management stations to keep used oils, cleaners and solvents out of the water
and provides boaters with environmental education.
“The Venetian Cove Marina is located on Lake Harris in Venetian Gardens, one of Leesburg’s most
valued natural resources,” said Bruce Ericson, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of
Leesburg. “We are proud to receive the Clean Marina and Clean Boatyard
designation as it reinforces our commitment to the environment, our community and protection of
this valuable resource.”
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. Protecting Florida’s waterways is essential.
“The Clean Boating Partnership applauds the City of Leesburg and Venetian Cove Marina
for its commitment to Florida’s environment,” said Clean Boating Partnership 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.”
About the Clean Boating Partnership
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.
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. For more information about the
Florida Clean Marina program, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.
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2012 State of Florida