It’s boat show month! Who else is getting just as excited as me for the 5-day Palm Beach International Boat Show? We are excited for our business members to join us for the annual PBIBS Kickoff Celebration and invite everyone to join us for the Business Leadership Luncheon featuring guest speaker Carl Allen on Friday, March 21. Team MIAPBC was out in full force in the community last month. I was honored to present to the Palm Beach North Chamber’s Education Committee and PBIBS was also the presenting sponsor of their Business After Hours event last week at the Amrit Ocean Resort. I was also honored to be on the panel for the Chamber of the Palm Beaches February breakfast about the economic impact of events and attractions in the Palm Beaches. Paola and I went on a site visit to MacArthur Beach State Park, one of the PBIBS Gives Back grant recipients this year. If you have not been to the ONLY state park in Palm Beach County, or if it’s been a while, you must go check it out! It is such a local treasure and one of the most beautiful natural areas in our county. |
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Tour of McAurther Beach State Park |
| Chamber of the Palm Beaches February breakfast |
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Legislative session is beginning and MIAPBC has been working very closely with our lobbyists in Tallahassee to monitor and comment on all boating-related bills. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. I will be traveling to Tallahassee the first week of April to meet with our lobbyists, other marine associations in Florida, and members of both the Florida House and Senate. Members and sponsors will be receiving their comp boat show tickets by next week, so be on the lookout in your email and if you have not received them by the end of next week reach out to the MIAPBC office so we can assist you. If you want credentials for all five days of the show, then consider volunteering in the MIAPBC booth! Available shifts will be posted below. See you at the show! |
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REFER NEW BUSINESS MEMBERS FOR EXTRA TICKETS Refer a NEW business member and you both will receive four (4) additional Palm Beach International Boat Show tickets! Please email assistant@marinepbc.org when your referral joins us. |
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Sailfish Marina, 39 Atlantic Filter Corporation, 24 JH Sprague Consulting, LLC, 21 Ward's Marine Electric, 21 Viking Yachts Service Center. 20 Glasgow Equipment Service, Inc., 18 American Yacht Restoration, Inc., 18 Lagoonkeepers.org, 18 Murrelle Marine, 18 Offshore Connection Marine Electronics, Inc, 18 Safe Harbor North Palm Beach Marina, 18 Voda Marine Services, 18 C & L Insurance, Inc., 18 C 2 Shore, 18 Safe Harbor Old Port Cove, 18 Seminole Marine Maintenance, 18 Marine Electronic Solutions and Service, 16 Palmdale Oil Company, 15 Horizon Yachts, Inc., 15 Gateway Marina, 6 Piper's Angels Foundation - Crossing For A Cure, 6 Harbourside Place, 6 ANGARI Foundation, 6 Soverel Harbour Marina. 6 RAB Designs, Inc, 6 Arnold Coastal Solutions, 4 United Special Patrol, 3 Maz Ocean, 3 JAMCO, Inc, 2 Aqua View Media, 2 Yachtsafun, 2 First Citizens Bank, 1 Miltz Maritime, 1 Sandy Lin Charters LLC., 1 Sentinel Laser Services, 1 Flying Lady Boat Tours, 1 |
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The Palm Beach International Boat Show is paperless, members and sponsors, you will be receiving a separate email from vendorsupport@eventpass.com with a link to your complimentary tickets. Please make sure to check your junk/spam folder. There will be no physical tickets at the MIAPBC office or at the show itself. The Show will be held March 19-23 along West Palm Beach's beautiful Flagler Drive. This is just one way that we can say 'thank you' and provide you with a tangible benefit to your membership/sponsorship. Come visit us at the MIAPBC booth located at the intersection of Datura and Flagler (Booth 916) where we will have several giveaways! |
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We are in need of volunteers! Please email assistant@marinepbc.org if you're available to work a shift below. Volunteers will receive credentials to attend the show all five days, plus a shirt. Drinks and snacks are provided. Parking is not included. |
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Shifts are: Wednesday, March 19 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. FULL
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 20 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. FULL
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 21 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. FULL
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday, March 22 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 23 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. |
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World Boating Day is an international open day, set on 24 May 2025, where companies within the leisure boating sectors open their doors in a variety of formats to provide global access into their world with a focus on the people behind the scenes and the lifestyle that boating, and yachting provides. It is free to join the campaign, being listed alongside amazing events, feeding the curiosity of audiences and crafting new stories. At MIAPBC, we encourage industry-wide involvement and are inviting you to organize your own local event. Join by registering your interest on www.worldboatingday.com, or email info@worldboatingday.com to get access to the digital assets. Registration is now open for all leisure boating companies, and events from 19-25 May are included in the campaign! Follow @WorldBoatingDay on Instagram. |
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JA CAREER EXPLORATION FAIRS |
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We have been attending JA Career Exploration fairs in 2025. The more opportunities we have for young people in our community the higher success we will have for our workforce needs in the future! If you would like to drop off brochures or some marketing material that we can share with the students you can do so by bringing them to our office. Please let Stephanie know when you will coming by to ensure someone is here to receive it. Also please send us info if you do (or would) offer internships or job shadowing opportunities. Please email assistant@marinepbc.org. Feel free to elaborate if there is a certain timeframe, age requirement, or any other requirements. |
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Join in the fun filled day of joy and inclusivity at the Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10 AM - 3 PM at Spanish River Park in Boca Raton! Enjoy free boat rides, beach activities, exhibits, food, train rides, and more! They need boaters, sponsors, exhibitors, and volunteers to help make this event a success! Whether you have a pontoon, tritoon, deck boat, or any vessel—your participation can create unforgettable experiences for people with disabilities. Be part of something truly special. Get involved today! Contact Lori Weber at bocabeachbash23@gmail.com (616-334-5436) or John Muir at johnbmuir@gmail.com (786-339-4113). |
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On March 29th the North Passage Yacht Club will be having their 10th Annual Bahamas Bash POOLSIDE at the North Passage Yacht Club. 8710 SE Riverfront Terrace Tequesta. There will be a Bahamian Buffet , including Conch, 11 Piece JUNKANOO BAND, Live Music , Dancing, Bartender serving Goombay Smash as well as Pink Sands Spirits, plus a Silent Auction and Raffle prizes. A portion of the proceeds goes to Bahamian Schools as well as to those less fortunate. To view a list of past donations click here. Resort Reps. will be present to answer any questions and give out information about the Bahamas. Tickets are $80pp including a raffle ticket and can be purchased by contacting Cmdr. John Buckman 561-596-1565 bornwicked2@gmail.com |
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Remembering Chris McGinley |
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We have received word that Chris McGinley passed away on January 27, 2025. There is a public Facebook group created to honor him. This will also serve as a place to provide updates on upcoming services and gatherings in Chris’s honor. |
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Drawbridge Operation Regulation Okeechobee Waterway, Stuart, FL WHAT? The Coast Guard is reinstating the temporarily modified operating schedule that governs the Florida East Coast (FEC) Railroad Bridge, across the Okeechobee Waterway (OWW), mile 7.41, at Stuart, FL. This action allows for continuity for drawbridge operations while the Coast Guard evaluates documentation received for a request to permanently change the operating regulation. This temporary interim rule will be in place until May 31, 2025. WHEN? This temporary interim rule is effective without actual notice from February 7, 2025 through 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2025. For purposes of enforcement, this temporary interim rule will be enforced with actual notice from January 29, 2025, until February 7, 2025. Comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or before March 10, 2025. |
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HOW? The USCG reviews the comments according to the relevance of the person making the comment to the operation of the bridge, and personal comments are considered over “form letters”. Please use the below listed talking points to write your comment and submit using the link (above) before March 10th. Bridge Not Always Maintained in the Open Position - The FEC Railroad Bridge must remain UP unless a train is in the circuit. However, long DOWN periods occur without passing rail traffic, violating the regulation's intent.
Insufficient Signage at the Bridge - Bridge signage is hard to see, especially for larger vessels. Signs should be placed outside surrounding bridges
Inconsistent Bridge Schedule in the Bridge Schedule App - The bridge schedule app is unreliable, causing difficulty for commercial and recreational vessels in timing openings.
Reduction in Bridge Operating Hours - Reducing the bridge's operational hours from 16 to 14 is inadequate for marine traffic.
Lack of Transparency Regarding the Waterway Study - A USCG-conducted study on the bridge’s impact has not been made public, despite its growing importance for marine service facilities.
Impact on Navigation and the Marine Community - Waterway navigation must remain the priority, and railroad impacts on stakeholders remain unaddressed.
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Below Deck Med star Captain Sandy launches innovative specialty plate designed to feature the spirit of the marine industry Celebrate Florida’s vibrant maritime culture with the new Boating Capital of the World license plate, now available for pre-sale through Captain Sandy Charities. Created by Below Deck Mediterranean star Captain Sandy Yawn, this limited edition plate is more than just a way to show your love for boating – it’s a way to give back. Every purchase helps support Captain Sandy’s mission to expand marine employment opportunities and fund critical job training and education programs throughout Florida. Whether you’re a boating enthusiast or searching for the perfect gift, this plate is the ideal way to contribute to Florida’s maritime workforce while proudly showcasing the state’s boating legacy. Captain Sandy is excited to see this initiative take off and hopes to spot the new plates on the road soon. “Anyone with a passion for the marine industry will love this plate,” she says. “It’s a powerful way to support a cause that impacts so many lives.” Don’t miss out! Pre-register today and join the movement to strengthen Florida’s maritime industry. Pre-register now at: boatingplate.com |
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FWC Commissioners approve new rule establishing boating restricted area in Jupiter Narrows |
At its February meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a final rule establishing a boating restricted area for a portion of the Intracoastal Waterway known as Jupiter Narrows in Palm Beach County. This decision aims to mitigate public safety hazards caused by high vessel traffic and congestion and the narrow width of the waterway in that area. A vessel traffic study was conducted to assess waterway usage and vessel traffic within Jupiter Narrows. The study, which took place from May 23 to June 5, 2024, used shore-based stationary and drone video analysis over 14 consecutive days. Following the study, FWC Boating and Waterways staff held one in-person public meeting on Nov. 19, in Tequesta and another virtual public meeting on Dec. 17, to discuss the proposed rule change (68D-24.017) establishing the boating restricted area. The study found that Jupiter Narrows experiences significant vessel congestion, with a mix of users including paddleboarders, kayakers, personal watercraft, motorized vessels of various sizes and swimmers from Coral Cove Park. At low tide, the already narrow waterway becomes even more constricted, forcing all users into closer proximity with high-speed motorized traffic. “Slowing down traffic in this high-risk area is essential to improving vessel operators’ reaction time and preventing collisions,” said Maj. Bill Holcomb, FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “Our top priority is the safety of everyone on Florida’s waterways, and the study confirms that a slow speed minimum wake zone is crucial to achieving that in Jupiter Narrows.” The new rule establishes a year-round slow speed minimum wake zone extending approximately 2,225 feet north from Cato’s Bridge. After the rule goes into effect, the FWC will mark the new zones with signage. FWC officers patrolling the area will take an educational approach with boaters during the initial stages of the new zone. |
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FWC enhances boater safety with interactive waterway app campaign |
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For years, waterway users in Florida have had to juggle multiple sources of information to plan, prepare and navigate safely to enjoy their time on the water. Understanding weather forecasts, finding local boat facilities, official warnings and notices, waterway zones, and safety equipment requirements often required using several apps, websites and publications, leading to uncertainty about where and when to go, what to do and how to fully enjoy a range of water activities safely. In an exciting development for the boating community, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced a new initiative in collaboration with the National Safe Boating Council to pilot interactive safety content through a free mobile app called DECKEE. The app is designed to keep boaters safe and informed. Whether you’re navigating the coastline in a powerboat or sailing yacht, paddling in Key West in a kayak, or heading out for a day of fishing with friends, content delivered through the DECKEE app unifies everything Florida’s water enthusiasts need for their next day on the water. Over 1 million boat owners in Florida now have access to the following benefits and safety features in the free DECKEE app: - Plan your next adventure on the water with detailed maps, facility information, official warnings, aids to navigation and community insights.
- Access personalized equipment checklists, boating forecasts, regulations and resources from the FWC to ensure you are always ready for the ideal weather window.
- Automatically log your activities while on the water and share your live location to give friends and family peace of mind.
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Indiantown Marine Center is Hiring |
Title: Office and Marketing Administrator Duties: Customer Service, Compliance, Business Administration, Marketing and Events, Data Entry, Facility Maintenance. Job Description: Support daily organizational and general office tasks including greeting visitors and answering phones, providing information on Company Policies, and generating business related documents such as estimates, service tickets, and invoices. Promote a harmonious workplace by maintaining clear communication, handling correspondence, and interacting with customers and contractors. Plan and manage general marketing and promotional events in accordance with the Company Marketing Plan in order to heighten branding, generate sales inquiries, and increase revenue. The Office and Marketing Administrator works with the Office and Compliance Manager to support the administrative and marketing needs of the Company, which includes but is not limited to: - Address others with professional courtesy to develop positive relationships and encourage a friendly atmosphere for employees, customers, crew, and contractors.
- Provide Company operational information to customers, contractors, vendors, and others as relates to rates, policies, and general information and reinforce and maintain standard operating procedures.
- Prepare, distribute, receive, and file company business documents including estimates, statements, invoices, agreements, waivers, and other documentation and conduct company business in a professional and efficient manner; suggest strategies of increasing efficiency and streamlining company business practices.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute promotional activities by using the Company Marketing Plan including utilizing social media platforms, generating promotional materials, and managing boat show participation as well as development of other events centered around advertising and promotion of the Company.
- Provide availability for occasional weekend duty roster, and also for extended hours in the event of a hurricane threat to meet the increased demand for Company operations.
- Assist Management with general office operations including assistance with bookkeeping, general cleaning and tidiness of the office, special projects, human resources, or other office functions.
- Comply with the terms of employment in the Employee Handbook, including participating in training for safety and environmental issues and working to increase efficiency as best possible.
Supervisor: Office and Compliance Manager |
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MICHAEL RYBOVICH & SONS CUSTOM BOAT WORKS HIRING |
Now Hiring: Parts Department Associate Must have a strong attention to detail, computer experience, clean driving record, and excellent communication skills. Responsibilities include: - Enter stock withdrawals efficiently and accurately
- Driving company truck for parts pickup
- Maintain a clean and organized parts area
- Receiving parts
- Able to work in an open-air parts room
- Ability to lift up to 35 lbs
- Bilingual preferred, but not mandatory
- No smoking or vaping on the property
We offer a very comprehensive benefits package. Salary depends on experience $20-$25 per hour. For additional information, please call 561-627-9168, or email a resume to info@michaelrybovichandsons.com |
| Position Title: Project Manager Brief Position Description: The Project Manager position is responsible for developing initial project plans and managing the service projects for Willis Custom Yachts (“WCY”). Job activities will include working with WCY business development department, WCY trade shops, WCY authorized outside contractors and WCY billing department. This position is also responsible for regular project status communication with WCY customers. |
MARINE ELECTRONIC SOLUTIONS & SERVICE, LLC WEST PALM BEACH, FL Full Time - Monday to Friday Paid Holidays Paid education for OEM Brands This is a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy working with their hands and minds, have a strong attention to detail and thrive in a collaborative team environment. |
MARINE HVAC Technician/InstallerThe HVAC Technician/Installer will be responsible for performing routine maintenance and service repairs on heating, ventilating, air conditioning systems, and marine water maker units. This position will also be responsible for the installation according to specifications and established safety guidelines of new units or replacement parts for existing units. Candidate must be capable of working independently with high attention to detail, ability to troubleshoot and communicate equipment issues, have a plan of action, assess and order parts and supplies needed for each job to completion. |
Job Description: Sales Floor No. Of Positions Available: 3 Job Type: Full-time Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday and Sunday-Thursday 9:30am-6:00pm Company Overview: Boat Owners Warehouse is a fast-growing, high-volume 60+ year established Marine Distributor and Retailer located in sunny South Florida, with locations throughout the Southeastern US. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and high-quality products to our customers and community and strive to create a welcoming environment where customers can enjoy a seamless shopping experience. |
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| George Gentile 2GHO, Inc. Rick Kozell Law Office of Rick Kozell Martin Murphy, Jr. JAMCO, Inc. Doug West Westwind Marine Advisors |
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Alyssa Freeman Executive Director Paola Pineros Marketing & Membership Manager Stephanie Button Administrative Manager Rena Blades PBIBS Director of Community Relations and Government Affairs |
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March 2025
