SWFMIA Supports the Lee County Marine Task Force

The Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association recognizes the Lee County Marine Law Enforcement Task Force for its extraordinary efforts to reduce marine theft in Southwest Florida. The dedication, commitment, and cooperation put forth by all the agencies involved in the Task Force is truly remarkable and sincerely appreciated by all of our member businesses and the boating public.

Thank you to every Law Enforcement Officer involved for taking this matter personally and to many long hours devoted to the protection of the boating public and the boating industry in Southwest Florida.

The efforts of all agencies in going above and beyond with continued service plays an important role in protecting Southwest Florida’s Boating Waters. To represent our industries appreciation, SWFMIA sponsored a luncheon on February 3rd, 2016 for all of the officers involved with the Marine Task Force at Overtime Pizzeria in Cape Coral. John Good with SWFMIA and Lt. Chris Nyce with the Lee County Sheriff’s office both spoke about the importance of communication between industry and enforcement. On behalf of all SWFMIA’s members, John Good along with Justin McBride presented the Lee County Marine Task Force with a plaque in honor of the dedication and efforts in protecting Southwest Florida’s industry businesses and the boating public.

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JOHN-GOOD_CHRIS-NYCE_PLAQUE

Barry Marshall Appointed to SWFMIA Board of Directors

FORT MYERS, FL — Barry Marshall, Managing Partner of the Sarasota based Viage Group, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association by president Hans Wilson. Barry fills a newly established board seat as the representative of the Sarasota/Manatee (Manasota) Region.

A respected marine Industry veteran, he has over twenty years of experience in the marine industry managing top retail operations on Florida’s West Coast. In 2013 he teamed up with another well-known industry retailer, Eddie Russell to form the Viage Group in Sarasota. The dealership has quickly gained the respect of their customers and the industry for outstanding service.

“Barry is a great addition to our board,” said Hans Wilson. “As we work to expand our membership base along Florida’s west coast, his experience and perspective will help us make an already outstanding board even better.” The SWFMIA Board is made up of 13 members representing a broad spectrum of marine industry businesses located on Florida’s west coast.

For more information, visit www.swfmia.com or contact Kyle Good, [email protected], 954-570-7785.

SWFMIA Membership Roundtables – April 2016

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With a wide array of issues facing the marine industry from water quality to rampant theft at dealerships across SW Florida, SWFMIA held 2 roundtables to provide information and facilitate discussion on what the industry can and needs to do to best represent our businesses and boaters. The first roundtable was April 5th at the Crowne Plaza in Ft. Myers and the second at Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater on April 6th. A common theme in addressing the multitude of issues our industry faces is the importance of communication. Attending our roundtables and meetings provides a great venue for discussions and offering your unique viewpoint in such a diverse industry.

Both Roundtables were kicked off by Association President, Hans Wilson. Hans discussed the importance of being united in an industry association and the interactive format for the roundtable to encourage participation. After self-introductions from everyone in attendance, Han’s provided a legislative update and discussed the role of Missy Timmins, our industry lobbyist, and the impact she plays in Tallahassee with the State Legislature. Theft and break-ins were talking points at both meetings which were facilitated by local law enforcement. Lee County has seen an influx of marine theft at dealerships dominated by lower units and marine electronics. Lt. Chris Nyce reviewed recent reports and dealers in attendance gave suggestions regarding cameras and lighting. The Clearwater region has not had a large theft issue, but it is important to be prepared and aware of the crime wave in Lee County and to look for similar trends.

The Ft. Myers Roundtable focused on the water quality issues as result of the run off from Lake Okeechobee. Phil Flood with the South Florida Water District reviewed the history of water movement discharging from Lake Okeechobee and how the waterways have changed through many years. Phil discussed the heavy rain fall we have seen of lately with Lake Okeechobee having the largest rainfall from November-January since record keeping began in 1932. Congressman Clawson’s Chief of Staff, Pat Cauley discussed efforts for land purchase to help filter and control water quality, and industry members made comment to the impact the Lake-O discharge has made on their businesses. Captain Daniel Andrews with Captains for Clean waters and Rob Wilson with River Watch both spoke and discussed their group’s efforts in Tallahassee during this past Legislature session.

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The Clearwater Roundtable hosted David Dashman with USF whose program provides free safety & health consultations to help businesses be in compliance with OSHA. Dave reviewed the program and many of the hazards in the marine industry that his inspections can help mitigate. The consultation can assist employers in developing or maintaining effective safety and health management programs. Visit http://usfoticenter.org/ for more info.

Kevin Carlan, SWFMIA Chairman of the Tampa Bay Region, passionately urged all in attendance at the Clearwater Roundtable to help grow SWFMIA’s membership in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. Kevin discussed his frustration of sector separation with Red Snapper and the importance of our industry having a powerful voice to support recreational boating in the region.

SWFMIA local government agenda items for the week of June 6, 2016

Lee County Tuesday the 7th @ 9:30am

Award Invitation to Bid ITB160293 Punta Rassa Boat Ramp Replacement
($550,000; Florida Boater Improvement Program Fund; $130,000; Florida Boater Improvement Program Fund reserves; Not included in FY 15-16 budget.):
Awards project ITB160293 Punta Rassa Boat Ramp Replacement to Kelly Brothers, Inc., the lowest (with the application of the Local Vendor Preference of 3%) responsive, responsible bidder meeting all bid requirements, in the amount of $573,589, to repair and/or replace the Punta Rassa Boat Ramp facilities and adjoining docks.  The boat ramp is in need of repair because of its age and heavy usage by the boating public. (#20160307-NATURAL RESOURCES)

Approve Third Amendment to Lease Agreement with Trico Shrimp Company, Inc.
Approval of the Third Amendment to Lease Agreement between Lee County and Trico Shrimp Company, Inc. outlines the County’s sole financial responsibility as it pertains to the payment of any and all fees (FY 15 $10,578) associated with the Sovereignty Submerged Lands Lease No.: 360009075 with the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida. The State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of State Lands, determined that at the renewal of the Sovereignty Submerged Lands Lease No.: 360009075 with the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida that Trico Shrimp Company, Inc., a long time lessee with Lee County, be party to the Sovereignty Submerged Lands Lease. (#20160282-PARKS AND RECREATION)

City of Cape Coral Monday the 6th @ 4:30pm

No issues

City of Fort Myers Monday the 6th @ 4:30pm

No issues

Town of Fort Myers Beach Monday the 6th @ 2:00pm

Mooring Field budget Discussion – An analysis of the mooring Field operation

City of Sanibel Tuesday the 7th @ 9:00am

Authorization to dredge the entrance channel to Sanibel Isles/Water Shadows canal system at a cost of $34,850 and approval of such funding and dredging by Florida Marine Construction (Funds to be paid from the dredging assessment account funded by the residents and the City for such dredging purposes)
Staff Memorandum

RESOLUTION 16-045 APPROVING BUDGET AMENDMENT/TRANSFER NO. 2016-029; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE

(To appropriate $34,850 in emergency funding for dredging entrance channel to Sanibel Isles/Water Shadows canal system. See staff memo on previous agenda item for additional information. The funding for this amendment is from the unappropriated Sanibel Isles/Water Shadows Dredging Fund ending fund balance and therefore does not increase the FY2016 budget)
Resolution 16-045

City of Bonita Springs No Meetings

Village of Estero Wednesday the 8th @ 9:30am

No issues

Charlotte County No Meetings

City of Punta Gorda No Meetings

Sarasota County Tuesday the 7th and Wednesday the 8th @ 9:00am

Tuesday
To approve a sovereign submerged lands lease agreement modification with the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida, through June 21, 2016, for the use of submerged lands in the Myakka River adjacent to Snook Haven Park, 500 East Venice Avenue, Venice, for an annual fee of $508.00, plus any pertinent sales tax and subject to annual fee adjustments pursuant to Rule 18-21.011, Florida Administrative Code;

To approve a sovereign submerged lands lease agreement renewal with the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida, for another five years through June 21, 2021, for the use of submerged lands in the Myakka River adjacent to Snook Haven Park, 500 East Venice Avenue, Venice, for an annual fee of $508.00, plus any pertinent sales tax and subject to annual fee adjustments pursuant to Rule 18-21.011, Florida Administrative Code.

To approve a project agreement with the West Coast Inland Navigation District for the Nora Patterson Bay Island Park Seawall Project, in the amount of $474,634.00.

(Public hearing) To adopt an initial rate resolution to establish the assessment methodology for the levy of non-ad valorem assessments and the tentative annual assessments for the South Creek Bayou No. 1 Navigable Waterways Project Unit.

Wednesday
No issues

City of North Port No Meetings

City of Sarasota Monday the 6th @ 2:30pm

Public Hearing Re: Proposed Ordinance No. 16-5168, amending the Zoning Code (2002 Edition) of the City of Sarasota by amending Article VII, Regulations of General Applicability, Division 13, Waterfront Property and Docks, Section VII-1302, Docks, so as to modify the regulations applicable to community boat docks; providing for severability of the parts hereof, etc. (Title Only)(Application No. 16-ZTA-01, Applicant City of Sarasota) – Presenter(s): Planning and Development Services General Manager Schneider
Click to View Backup Material

Approval Re: Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Annual Budget for the City of Sarasota Bayfront Mooring Field – Presenter(s): Asset Manager Schanley and Sam Chavers, Dockmaster and Director of Marina Operations, Marina Jack
Click to View Backup Material

City of Venice No Meetings

Town of Longboat Key Monday the 6th @ 1:00pm

Resolution 2016-13, Annual Inlet Management Plan Funding Resolution Joint Project with Manatee County for the Longboat Pass Maintenance Dredging.
Consistent with the Town’s Joint Inlet Management Plan with Manatee County, an annual funding request will be submitted to Florida Department of
Environmental Protection. This Resolution is an application requirement that confirms the funding ability of the Town. Resolution 2016-13 provides for the Town to be jointly eligible along with Manatee County for State funding assistance. Resolution 2016-13 was placed on the May 16, 2016 Regular
Workshop Meeting Consent Agenda and forwarded to the June 6, 2016 Special Meeting for formal action. Recommended Action: Pending discussion, pass Resolution 2016-13

Manatee County Tuesday the 7th @ 9:00am

No issues

City of Anna Maria Thursday the 9th @ 6:00pm

Agenda not posted will check back tomorrow

City of Bradenton Beach No Meetings

City of Bradenton Wednesday the 8th @ 8:30am

No issues

City of Holmes Beach No Meetings

City of Palmetto Monday the 6th @ 7:00pm

No issues

Hillsborough County No Meetings

Plant City No Meetings

City of Tampa No Meetings

City of Temple Terrace No Meetings

Pinellas County Tuesday the 7th @ 9:30am

No issues

Town of Belleair Tuesday the 7th @ 5:30pm

Cancelled

City of Belleair Beach Monday the 6th @ 5:30pm

No issues

City of Belleair Bluffs No Meetings

City of Clearwater No Meetings

City of Gulfport Tuesday the 7th @ 7:00pm

2016-43, A resolution of the City of Gulfport, Florida, authorizing the city manager to negotiate and enter into a Feasibility and Cost Share Agreement (FCSA) with the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) for the Boca Ciega Bay Restoration Study for the city’ Beach Re-nourishment Project; and providing for an effective date.
Item #7-c – Memorandum

City of Indian Rocks Beach No Meetings

Town of Indian Shores No Meetings

City of Largo No Meetings

City of Madeira Beach No Meetings

Town of North Redington Beach Thursday the 9th @ 7:00pm

Agenda not posted will check back tomorrow

City of Oldsmar Tuesday the 7th @ 7:00pm

No issues

City of Pinellas Park Thursday the 9th @ 7:30pm

No issues

Town of Redington Shores Wednesday the 8th @ 7:00pm

No issues

City of Safety Harbor Monday the 6th @ 7:30pm

No issues

City of Seminole Wednesday the 8th @ 6:00pm

No issues

City South Pasadena No Meetings

City of St. Pete Beach No Meetings

City of St. Petersburg No Meetings

City of Tarpon Springs Tuesday the 7th @ 6:30pm

APP-16-36 BOAT & TRAILER ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
ORDINANCE 2016-06:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 5: BOATS, DOCKS AND WATERWAYS, SECTION 5-26 BOAT
LAUNCH PERMITS, AND CHAPTER 18: TRAFFIC, SECTION 18-14 PARKING OF LARGE VEHICLES AND TRAILERS IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS; ROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF TARPON
SPRINGS, FLORIDA; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE.
http://www.ctsfl.us/index_htm_files/Ordinance2016-06.Boat-Trailer.pdf

City of Treasure Island Tuesday the 7th @ 6:00pm

No issues

Southwest Florida Water Management District No Meetings

South Florida Water Management No Meetings Thursday the 9th @ 9:00am

No issues

WCIND No Meetings

Dealer Break-Ins Continue

The rash of dealer break-ins continues. Tom Hansen of the Boathouse in Cape Coral asks all dealers and marinas to be extra vigilant as thefts by very professional thieves continues. “We just had high end electronics stolen from a boat on the corner of our property along Del Prado Blvd. (a very high traffic road) in a well-lit lot with full security and cameras. These thieves are pros and are very brazen. It is the fourth incident we have had in recent months despite a significant investment in security measures and a close working relationship with local law enforcement.”

We urge you to be extra vigilant and please report any incidents you have to local law enforcement, then to SWFMIA ([email protected]) so we can pass it along to other members.

Endorse Appointment of Phil Dyskow to Gulf Fisheries Management Council

The Gulf Fisheries Management Council prepares fishery management plans designed to manage fishery resources from where state waters end, out to the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico for Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

Is that a big deal to the boating?? Well, they set policy on recreational fishing’s seasons and bag limits in federal waters (such as our current 8 day red snapper season!). Have you heard about Sector Separation, another policy issue that could have devastating effects on your customers opportunity to catch fish?

Yeah, it’s a big deal that will directly affect your business and we have an opportunity to put a boating industry leader on the council.

Dyskow is the former president of the Yamaha Marine Group, has a strong commitment to conservation and as a member of NOAA’s Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee is experienced in the fisheries management process.

Boating United, the industry’s grassroots political platform makes it easy for you to you to be engaged on many important boating issues and provides a very easy way for you to send your endorsement for Dyskow’s appointment to the Council. Click on Let’s show our support for Phil! If you’ve done this before, your info is already there and sending an email is a click. If you’ve never done it, you can easily sign up as a Boating United participant and be engaged.

Manatee Down-listing Public Comment Ends April 6th

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced plans to downlist the West Indian manatee from endangered to a less-serious status of threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The Service has asked for public comment on the issue, and time is running out to make your voice heard! April 6th is the last day to submit your comments here: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FWS-R4-ES-2015-0178-0001.

For more information on this issue, click the links below to download these supplementary documents:

West Indian Manatee Risk Management

West Indian Manatee Habitat

West Indian Manatee Carrying Capacity

Save the Manatee Club Position

Lake Okeechobee Water Release

SWFMIA Members, please take action!

For many of our members, recent rain and subsequent release of water into the Caloosahatchee River has been a huge problem. We have received several inquiries from members asking what we can do?

Because of the unusually heavy rains this winter, a massive amount of fresh water tainted with pollutants is being released from Lake Okeechobee into the Caloosahatchee River basin and the St. Lucie Waterway. We have received several inquiries from members asking what we can be done to affect change?

As the system currently exists there is no other option for release of the extreme quantities of water other than the Caloosahatchee River and the St. Lucie Waterway. There are plans as part of the overall Everglades Restoration Plan to provide other options. These are expensive and complex fixes and funding has been held up for many years. Due to the inaction of our government our beautiful rivers, estuaries and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico are paying a terrible price with this unnecessary influx of polluted fresh water. It is time for our government to take both short and long-term action.

What can we do? We can join others in a rallying cry to the agencies involved.

Mayor Kevin Ruane of Sanibel has issued a call to action and our Government Affairs Consultant, Joe Mazurkiewicz, has suggested that SWFMIA members back his effort. SWFMIA members can support this effort by urging your elected officials to support the Mayor’s “3 Step Action Plan” described below. Additionally, the SWFIMA is leveraging this situation as a call to action. Members are asked to contact our Congressional delegation to get them to help move the Federal government to fund their share of the Everglades Restoration projects ASAP.

This is a real issue that exemplifies the need for all our members to get involved. Nothing is more effective than residents and local businessmen taking direct action to contact legislators.

Please copy us on any e-mails or faxes you send.

Sanibel Mayor Calls for Immediate Implementation of 3-Point Action Plan in Response to Lake O. Releases

While in Tallahassee addressing our State legislators on critical long-term local and regional water quality projects Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane issued a call for immediate action by the South Florida Water Management District and the Army Corps of Engineers to address the current Lake Okeechobee releases. Simultaneously, Mayor Ruane issued a call to the mayors of each city in Lee County to work collectively on requesting a 3-Point Action Plan. “As a community, as a region and as a government restoring and protecting the quality of our economic lifeline, water quality, is our highest priority. We know we are most effective in Tallahassee and Washington when we speak with one unified voice. Today I am calling on the mayors of our sister cities to support this 3-Point Plan for immediate action steps” stated Ruane as he issued the “Call for Action.”

The “3 Step Action Plan” calls for:

  • Maximizing storage on all private lands currently under contract with the SFWMD
  • Maximize potential storage on public lands within Lee County
  • Call on the Army Corps of Engineers and the SFWMD to exercise their operational flexibility to hold more water in the Lake

Click here to read Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane’s request to the mayors of Lee County.
Click here to read the City of Sanibel’s Caloosahatchee Watershed Regional Water Management Issues White Paper: Short and Long-term solutions for storage and treatment.

Have you seen a direct impact?

Our Tallahassee Lobbyist, Missy Timmins is looking for any numbers you might have on direct impact to your business of the water release. Or, relay any specific comments of customers or related incidents

This is needed immediately. Please e-mail [email protected]

Please contact your senator and representative

Below is a contact list for our Senators and Representatives, and a link that will help you identify your district. Click on “Map of Congressional Districts” and zoom in.
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/FL

US Congressional Contacts in SWFMIA Member Area

Senators

DC Phone

DC Fax

Contact Form

Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) 202-224-5274 202-228-2183 https://www.billnelson.senate.gov/contact-bill
Nick Russell – Legislative Asst. [email protected]
Abby Tinsley – Legislative Assistant [email protected]
Senator Marco Rubio 202-224-3041 202-228-0285 http://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email-senator-rubio?p=Contact
Eleni Valanos – Legislative Correspondent [email protected]
Lauren Reamy – Professional Staff Member [email protected]

District

Congress

DC Phone

DC Fax

Contact Form

11 Representative Richard Nugent (R – 11) 202-225-1002 202-226-6559 https://nugent.house.gov/contact/email-me
12 Representative Gus M. Bilirakis (R – 12) 202-225-5755 202-225-4085 https://bilirakis.house.gov/email-congressman-bilirakis
13 Representative David Jolly (R – 13) 202-225-5961 202-225-9764 http://jolly.house.gov/contact/
14 Representative Kathy Castor (D – 14) 202-225-3376 202-225-5652 https://castor.house.gov/contact/contactform.htm
15
Representative Dennis Ross (R – 15)
202-225-1252 202-226-0585 http://dennisross.house.gov/contact/
16
Representative Vern Buchanan (R – 16)
202-225-5015 202-226-0828 https://buchanan.house.gov/contact
17
Representative Thomas J. Rooney (R – 17)
202-225-5792 202-225-3132 https://rooney.house.gov/contact/email-me
18
Representative Patrick Murphy (D – 18)
202-225-3026 202-225-8398 http://patrickmurphy.house.gov/contact/email-me/
19
Representative Curt Clawson (R – 19)
202-225-2536 http://clawson.house.gov/contact/
19 Pat Cauley – Chief of Staff [email protected]
19 Jack Tymann – Senior Advisor [email protected]
26
Representative Carlos Curbelo (R – 26)
202-225-2778 202-226-0346 https://curbelo.house.gov/contact/

Here is a a copy of the letter SWFMIA is sending to our U.S Senators and Representatives in our membership area. Please personalize any correspondence you send but you are welcome to use any of our wording that you wish.

SMA Okeechobee letter

Manatee Down-listing – Public Comment Needed

SWFMIAPRHeader

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced plans to downlist the West Indian manatee from endangered to a less-serious status of threatened under the Endangered Species Act.  This is primarily a result of a steady increase in the manatee population in recent years.

It is not anticipated that this would mean any short-term changes in speed zones or other protections currently in place.  In the longer term, it could ease some restrictions on dock permitting and dredging and may lessen the chance for further speed zone restrictions.

The Marine Industries Association of Florida actively supports responsible boating practices and stewardship of all natural resources.  We continue to advocate for sound decisions, based on science, in managing the manatee.  It is our belief that this is a responsible move on the part of the service and indicative of the success of the Endangered Species Act in bringing the manatee population back to sustainable levels.

The Service is now asking for public comment, a key step in the downlisting process.  We encourage every boater, fisherman, and outdoorsman to participate in this process.  Comments from actual waterway users has far more impact than any other single source.

Please link to the comment site at:
http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FWS-R4-ES-2015-0178-0001.

Be respectful, be factual, and point out that you actually live in Florida or make use of Florida waters. Below is a sample response, but please use your own words and personal experience in crafting your reply. The more individual each response is without it looking like a form letter the more likely it will be read and considered.

“Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed down-listing of the manatee from ‘endangered’ to ‘threatened’. As a Florida resident and a boater, I have personally seen the growth of the population, and the expansion of their range. Given this growth over the past decades, “endangered’ status is not applicable. I encourage wildlife managers to develop a long term program to sustain the population in balance with other critical resources important for our estuaries. As with other species, we should study carrying capacity, food resources, and possible threats from an over-abundance of animals in certain locations.  Those efforts cannot be undertaken with a species listed as “endangered’.  This step is long over-due, and I applaud the Service for its action and more importantly it’s success in recovering the manatee.”

Finally, mark your calendar for February 20th. There will be a public forum at the Buena Vista Palace in Orlando.   It is critical that concerned residents attend and testify in person. The meeting runs from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.

-end-

SWFMIA PRESS RELEASE – Jopie Helsen named “Member of the Year”

FORT MYERS, FL — Jopie Helsen, owner of the Sailor’s Wharf in St. Petersburg, FL was named “Member of the Year” by the Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association at its recent annual dinner.

“Jopie has been an outstanding advocate of the marine industry for many years and has played a huge role in the growth of our association in the Tampa Bay Region,” said SWFMIA President Hans Wilson. “In particular, his role in protecting the interests of recreational boating in the development of St. Petersburg’s Master Plan for their downtown waterfront is a classic example of what drive and determination can achieve. The marine industry is very fortunate to have someone as dedicated as Jopie is to the boating lifestyle.”

The inscription on the award reads:
“Lead Me, Follow Me, or Get Out of My Way”, General George S. Patton
(Or, was it Jopie Helsen?) Many people have great ideas and good intentions, but few have the focus and drive it takes to carry through. Fortunately for the Marine Industry, Jopie Helsen is one of those few. His success as a world-class racing sailor, a boat manufacturer, and since 1978, owner of St. Petersburg’s The Sailor’s Wharf Yacht Yard is well known. Jopie’s leadership and energy has been the catalyst in the growth of the Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association in the Tampa Bay Area. He has worked tirelessly to educate business and government leaders on the economic impact of recreational boating, the need to responsibly manage Southwest Florida’s magnificent waterfront, and the importance of promoting the boating lifestyle to residents and visitors. Husband, Father, Business Owner, Marine Industry Veteran, and Friend.

Thanks Jopie for all you do.

JHELSEN-AT-PODIUM