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NICEVILLE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), together
with the Clean Boating Partnership, today recognized North Light Yacht Club on Boggy
Bayou as the 220th member of the Florida Clean Marina Program. This is the 7th Clean
Marina designation in Okaloosa County.
The program, which recognizes marinas and boatyards for their commitment to the protection of
Florida’s waterways and natural resources, now boasts 227 Clean Marinas, 33 Clean
Boatyards and 11 Clean Marine Retailers statewide.
“Communities increasingly depend on our ability to think and work purposefully and
collaboratively to protect the environment,” said DEP Northwest District Director Ken Prest. “The
Florida Clean Marina Program is a great example of collaborative efforts between business
and government to promote the sustainable use of materials and marine resources.”
In order to protect the waters of Boggy Bayou, North Light Yacht Club constructed and installed
a state-of-the-art upland fish cleaning station that prevents fish waste and residue from entering
the water. The yacht club also installed a wastewater filtration and recycling system in the boat
washing area to treat and store wastewater for reuse.
“We are extremely proud to be recognized by the state of Florida and the Department of
Environmental Protection as a Clean Marina,” said Joe Winkeler, North Light owner and
developer. “Our vision was to build a modern marina facility that sets a higher standard for
design and engineering. Every component of North Light was crafted to meet and exceed the
requirements needed in terms of ecologically responsible construction and practices.”
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 Snook Bight 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