The MIAPBC office will be CLOSED from 12/20 through 1/1. The MIAPBC Board of Directors and Staff wish you all a very merry holiday season! |
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It’s hard to believe that this year is almost over. I hope you are all able to spend quality time with loved ones and get much-needed rest before we start a new year. Our 30th Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and toy drive was another successful event with thousands of toys collected and dozens of beautiful boats lighting up the waterway from North Palm Beach to Jupiter. We hope that if you were not able to join us this year, you make plans to join us for next year on Saturday, December 6. We could not have done it without the incredible support of our sponsors, community partners, boat participants, volunteers, and everyone who came to watch and donated toys. |
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I want to give a shout out to some of the organizations who hosted events last month. We attended Soiree for Seagrass at Manatee Lagoon to support Friends of Manatee Lagoon. We also attended the local Florida Inland Navigation District community outreach event at Sailfish Marina, and in addition to sponsoring we attended the amazing “Wish You Were Here” grand opening event at the PBC Historical Society. Part of the exhibit features the important history of the marine industry in Palm Beach County. It’s open now through next spring. Leadership Palm Beach County also had their annual Marine Industries Day for dozens of high school juniors throughout the county. I was honored to again be part of the planning committee for this day and spoke to the students about the importance of the marine industry when they made a stop at the historic West Palm Beach Fishing Club. I also urge all our members to nominate a person or business for our upcoming member awards next month! The deadline to nominate is Wednesday, December 18. Membership renewals for 2025 have begun. If you still need to renew let us know and we can send you a link or an invoice to pay. Thank you for your ongoing support to this association and the marine industry. I wish you all a joyous holiday season and a very happy and prosperous new year. |
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Boat Owner Warehouse, 16 years The Lacy Wealth Management Group Merrill Lynch, 9 years City of Rivera Beach, 3 years Charlie and Joe’s at Love Street, 2 years Dockside Petroleum Services, Inc., 3 years Corcoran Partners, 2 years Millenium Marine Services, 1 year |
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2024 PALM BEACH HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE WINNERS |
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BEST OF PARADE: NAILED IT |
| FAN FAVORITE: NAUTI KITTY |
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1st Place: WHO LET THE DOGS OUT |
| | 3rd Place: 4 GET ME KNOTT |
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MIAPBC will be recognizing members with 10, 20, and 30 years of membership on January 28, in addition to the awards below. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Please complete and return the nomination form below. Please write a few lines explaining why you feel this person or company deserves to be Member of the Year. Please cite specific achievements. MARINE ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR Presented to an individual, group, or organization whose work is recognized as supporting, promoting, and protecting the sound growth of the marine industry in Palm Beach County for the benefit and education of the boating public, and for the boating environment we enjoy. (Does not need to be MIAPBC member) MARINE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Awarded to the business that initiated, is responsible for, defended, promoted, or otherwise supported enhanced boating opportunities in Palm Beach County. (Must be MIAPBC member in good standing) Martin E. Murphy Sr. MIAPBC MEMBER OF THE YEAR Awarded to an association member who has been dedicated to the perpetuation of the highest ideals, trust, and professionalism for the industry. If the award is given posthumously, the recipient must have been a member prior to his or her demise. OTHER (If you have a person or organization that does not fit into the above award categories, but you feel they should still be considered for an award of excellence, please list them on the nomination form.) JUDGING The nominees will be reviewed and voted on by the MIAPBC Membership Committee. DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: December 18! We invite you to nominate your candidates of choice for the annual membership awards. Download the packet below and email it to assistant@marinepbc.org |
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30 Year Awards Palm Beach Yacht Club & Marina 20 Year Awards Albury Brothers Boats JH Sprague Consulting, LLC Wards Marine Electric 10 Year Awards Career Source of Palm Beach County International Yacht Brokers Association North Passage Yacht Club |
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JA HIGH SCHOOL CAREER EXPLORATION FAIR |
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We will be attending more JA Career Exploration Fairs starting 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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Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s By the Sea Lecture Series |
Presented by Bank of America Join us after hours for a lecture series featuring local scientists, conservationists, and photographers with brews! Duration - 1 Hour
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (*5:30 PM doors open for guests.)
Prices Adults Ages 21+ Seniors Ages 70+ About Each event registration includes one beer (or non-alcoholic drink) and access to our Center's Sky Deck after hours for a beer garden and engaging presentation. Doors and beer garden open at 5:30 PM for program registrants. An ASL Interpreter will be provided. Wednesday, December 18th LMC Debut Screening of TARPON with Film producer and Writer, Diana Odasso Topic: Special Screening of Telluride Film Festival Documentary TARPON with Q&A session afterwards with the film’s producer, Diana Odasso Film Description: Anglers and authors capture the essence of fly fishing in the aquatic wilderness of the Florida Keys. Colorful scenes of Key West from another era—with treasure hunters, smugglers, hippies, and eccentrics—are background to stunning cinematography and tarpon fishing at its finest. The film follows several important fishing guides—Gil Drake, Steve Huff, and Woody Sexton—pioneers and legends of a bygone era of Florida fishing. Also appearing the film are Page Brown, an early Keys angler and prominent fishing conservationist; Ray Donnersberger, an angler and saltwater fly tyer; and Bob Montgomery, an early Lower Keys guide who guided into the 1990s. Bio: Diana was raised between South Florida and Paris. During her twenties, she worked in documentary film production and for film festivals. Diana currently writes fiction and nonfiction and lives in South Florida with two wild sons and an even wilder Jack Russell puppy. She recently produced the 4K restoration of her father's film, Tarpon, which premiered at Telluride Film Festival. Register: Loggerhead Marinelife Center - Ocean & Sea Turtle Conservation in Juno Beach, FL Main Page under Featured Experiences Film Information and Watch Trailer: https://www.tarpon1973.com/ |
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NEW PRESIDENT NAMED AT HISTORIC WPB FISHING CLUB West Palm Beach, FL – One of America’s oldest fishing clubs has a new President. The board of directors of the West Palm Beach Fishing Club (WPBFC) has named Tom ‘Buzz’ Bzura, of North Palm Beach, as the organizations new President. Buzz has been working at the WPBFC for the past eight years, most recently serving as the organization’s Managing Director. In his new role as WPBFC President he will be responsible for producing all angling programs, the famous Silver Sailfish Derby & other tournaments, as well as managing the day to day operations at the nostalgic clubhouse in downtown West Palm Beach, built in 1940 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “Buzz already has an excellent track record. He has increased club membership and created new opportunities for people who are passionate about fishing to get involved,” said WPBFC Chairman Pete Schulz of Fishing Headquarters tackle shop in Jupiter. Buzz takes the helm from longtime WPBFC President Tom Twyford who has worked at the fishing club for the past 36 years. Twyford will transition to a new role within the organization serving as the Executive Director of the WPBFC’s charitable affiliate, the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation. “This is a healthy move for both the fishing club and its foundation. Buzz is bringing a lot of new energy and creativity to our programs and is doing a great job at connecting us to the next generation of anglers. The fishing club is in good hands. I look forward to shifting gears and focusing more of my time on our youth fishing programs and marine habitat initiatives,” said Twyford. |
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Many individuals have left their mark on the WPBFC over its nearly 90-year history. Past club presidents include none other than famous boat builder, conservationist and sportsman, John Rybovich. “It’s an honor to be named President of such a storied and venerable institution. The club is committed to continuing the its unique and valuable role in the community. We have incredible fishing off the Palm Beaches and a wonderful club here to facilitate angling programs and ensure there’s a healthy fishery for many years to come,” commented Bzura. The WPBFC was founded in 1934 and currently has over 1,600 members. Its mission, aligned with that of the PBCFF, is to preserve local sportfishing history, and to promote recreational fishing and the conservation of Palm Beach County’s saltwater resources through fishing related education that engages members, families & kids, and the community at large. |
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Do You Need More Capacity for Transient Boaters? Boating Infrastructure Grant Program pays for docks, amenities for visiting boaters: Start preparing now for next grant cycle |
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Boaters exploring by water need safe dockage that allows easy shoreside access, but it’s not always available. If your municipality or marina isn’t meeting the needs of transient boaters, the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program could provide matching funds for public and private projects that construct, renovate or maintain safe dockage for larger transient recreational boats – those over 26 feet in length and typically staying overnight. With the 2026 grant cycle funding to be announced in June 2025, now is the time to start working on a winning BIG application. Initiated by BoatUS more than two decades ago, BIG is administered today by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and state agencies, who serve as a pipeline for all incoming applications. “The sole purpose of the BIG program is to provide the safe, overnight dockage that visiting boaters need,” said BoatUS vice president of Public Affairs Scott Croft. “BIG not only opens greater opportunities to recreate on the water, but helps communities unlock access to vital services and amenities.” |
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Recreational Boating, Fishing Anchor the Nation’s Outdoor Recreation Economy New BEA data shows top economic contributions from boating and fishing activities |
A new report from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reaffirms that recreational boating and fishing continue to drive the outdoor recreation economy, contributing more than any other conventional outdoor activity including RVing, hunting/shooting, motorcycling or equestrian activities. The “Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account: U.S. and States, 2023” report revealed that boating and fishing account for $36.8 billion in current-dollar value added, representing a significant portion of the $639.5 billion outdoor recreation economy in 2023. The data also highlighted the impact of the industry at the state level, with Florida ($4.2 billion), California ($3.1 billion), and Texas ($2.8 billion) leading as top contributors. “BoatUS is committed to ensuring that policymakers recognize and prioritize the needs of boaters and anglers,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “This may include ensuring boaters have sufficient and safe access to the water such as launch ramps, support for boating safety programs, and conservation efforts to support fish stocks.” The report also noted that outdoor recreation overall accounted for 2.3% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023. Boating and fishing were listed as the largest contributors to this sector in 34 states and the District of Columbia, demonstrating their widespread economic significance. The BEA report’s findings come as communities across the U.S. face decisions on how best to manage natural resources and recreation infrastructure. For more information on BEA’s findings and what they mean for recreational boating, visit https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/outdoor-recreation-satellite-account-us-and-states-2023. |
Florida Voters Approve Hunting and Fishing Rights Amendment POLITICOPRO By: Bruce Ritchie TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Voters statewide on Tuesday approved a ballot measure that will enshrine hunting and fishing rights in the Florida Constitution, the Associated Press projected. The details: The measure had 67 percent in support with an estimated 87 percent of the vote in. Amendments must receive 60 percent of voter approval statewide to put the language in the Constitution. The Legislature placed the measure on the ballot with unanimous approval by the House and a 38-1 vote in the Senate. The background: The measure pitted the Sierra Club and some environmental groups against other conservationists and sportsmen groups. |
In Case You Missed It: SFWMD Governing Board Approves Two New Projects to Expedite Progress to Send More Clean Water South |
Sending more clean water south remains a top priority for the South Florida Water Management District (District). Today, the District’s Governing Board unanimously approved two projects to expedite progress to send more clean water south. The District will take over construction of a critical feature of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) South at the request of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This feature is known as the S-355 West structure, and it paves the way for the Blue Shanty Flow way, which will help restore the balance of water flows between the Central Everglades, Everglades National Park and Florida Bay. The District will be able to begin construction of this project in 2025 and have the project completed earlier than currently planned. In addition, to mitigate for Everglades restoration delays associated with management of the critically endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow, the District is supporting an interagency effort to implement a conservation breeding program to help with the recovery of this species, while we continue to expedite Everglades restoration. |
Give The Gift of The Outdoors: FWC Offering License Discounts Through Jan. 3 Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed an executive order directing the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to provide substantial discounts on select resident hunting and fishing licenses through Jan. 3, 2025. Just in time for the holiday season, the executive order provides a 50% discount on the annual and five-year Gold Sportsman licenses, as well as Youth Lifetime Sportsman licenses (for ages 0-17). Additionally, the annual freshwater/saltwater fishing combination license is reduced to only $5, making it easier than ever for families to enjoy fishing in Florida’s diverse aquatic environments. “This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for Florida families to spend quality time outdoors and to connect with our state’s remarkable wildlife and ecosystems,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “We’re excited to open the door for more residents to explore hunting and fishing in Florida and hope that it inspires Floridians to support conservation efforts across the state.” Residents can purchase the discounted licenses online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, in person at their local tax collector’s office or through the Fish|Hunt FL App, available on Apple and Android devices. Additionally, the discounted one-year and five-year Gold Sportsman licenses can be purchased at any participating license agent, which can be found by going to GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, selecting “Purchase Recreational Licenses & Permits” and clicking on “Locate an Agent.” |
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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 HIRING |
RESPONSOBILITIES: - Enter stock withdrawals efficiently and accurately
- Driving a fork lift
- Driving company truck for parts pickup
- Maintain a clean and organized parts area
- Receiving parts
- Able to work in an open-air parts room.
- Bilingual preferred but not mandatory
- No smoking or vaping on property
Must have a strong attention to detail, computer experience, clean driving record, excellent communication skills. |
| Position Title: Executive Director
Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast Executive Director Professional Services Control of Work: The Executive Director shall have sole control of the manner and means of performing its services under this Agreement, with MIATC only being interested in the end performance. The results of any services performed must be to the satisfaction of the MIATC Board of Directors. |
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. |
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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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