FEBRUARY 2026

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January marked a VERY busy month for us at MIAPBC!

We kicked off the month with a career exploration fair at Suncoast High School sponsored by Junior Achievement, then we headed to the South Florida Fair and our annual tradition of MIAPBC sponsoring a float in the parade on opening night.

In between all that Paola and I headed to Tallahassee for the annual Marine Industries Association of Florida legislative conference. I had the opportunity to present to my colleagues on marine workforce initiatives and what we are doing in Palm Beach County to grow the marine workforce. We also met with many state legislators while there and enjoyed seeing a lot of local folks because happening at the same time was PBC Day at the Capitol.

Speaking of Tallahassee, our latest report from our lobbying team at Timmins Consulting gives us some insight into what has been happening since the start of legislative session and what may be to come:

The second week of the 2026 Legislative Session was a little busier, but still the energy is different this year. As we head into the third week, budgets are the talk in the hallways. The House and Senate should be working to get their respective budgets positioned to start rolling them out soon. Members are working hard to get their priorities to budget chairs as they are beginning to craft their respective budgets in the House and the Senate. On the policy front, MIAPBC is closely watching and working bills relating to boating including boater safety, mooring and anchoring, derelict vessels, boating restricted areas, and budget. The Senate Boating Safety bill was temporarily postponed this week by its first committee. Rumors abound about very few bills passing this year, numerous special sessions, and budget reductions. We are hopeful, but realistic that we are facing a difficult few months ahead. We will keep you posted on the progress of numerous bills and all budget items as they become public. This year so far seems a little less hectic than the 2025 Legislative Session, but there is still plenty of time on the clock for things to change.

MIAPBC also hosted two events in January. The Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back grant reception was held to honor the 35 local non-profits receiving a total of $500,000 in funding this year. The following week we honored members celebrating milestone anniversaries and handed out other awards in various categories. See below for photos and a list of all our nominees and winners. Thank you again to MarineMax for being our presenting sponsor, as well as our other sponsors who helped make the evening very special. I hope you will all be able to join us this month for a Marine Mingle at Valhalla!

The Palm Beach International Boat Show is right around the corner and there will be a lot of information in this newsletter about ways to get involved. Members will also receive a separate email with opportunities. Now is a great time to upgrade your business membership to an Admiral membership if you’ve been thinking about it! In addition to many other perks, it comes with a pair of VIP tickets to PBIBS. Reach out to anyone on the team if you have any questions about it.

Stay warm!

Alyssa

Admirals Cove Marina

Jake Marinucci

jmarinucci@admiralscove.net

Admiralscove.net

JC Boats and Motors Inc

JC Gonzalez

jcboatservices561@gmail.com

OCD Roofing

Jeff Eagle

Jeffocdroofing@gmail.com

ocdroofing.com

Raymond James

Ryan Kistenfeger

Ryan.kistenfeger@raymondjames.com

raymondjames.com/westpalmbeach-branch

Dear Members,

We’d like to thank you for your support last year! Your involvement in the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County is incredibly important to the strength and success of our industry.

After several years without any changes, MIAPBC business membership dues will see a modest $50 increase this year.

We know you’re busy, so here are a few key reminders:

• Renew by MONDAY February 9, 2026 to ensure your business is included in the Boater’s Directory publication.
• All members receive a FREE directory listing, so don’t forget to log in to our website to update your company description — otherwise, your listing will be left blank.
• Need help logging in or a copy of your invoice? Contact Stephanie at assistant@marinepbc.org or (561) 863-0012.

We’re also excited to announce our new Admiral Membership—a premium option designed for businesses looking to maximize their MIAPBC engagement. At $2,000 per year, Admiral Members enjoy exclusive perks like VIP PBIBS tickets, increased visibility, and added promotional opportunities throughout the year. See below for more info.



Thank you again for being a vital part of the MIAPBC community. We look forward to continuing to serve you and growing together in 2026!

Click here to login and renew your membership online!

Join us as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary in style at an unforgettable Marine Mingle Presented by Valhalla Yacht Sales!

• Mingle with fellow marine professionals
• Explore the stunning Valhalla Showroom
• Enjoy delicious lite bites
• Sip from the open bar
• Drop your business card for your LAST CHANCE to win PBIBS Winward VIP Tickets.

 Let’s celebrate 40 incredible years—and toast to a bright year ahead.

Sponsorships Opportunities:

Presenting Sponsor: $3,000 - VALHALLA YACHT SALES

Cocktail Sponsor: $2,000 - Available

Video Sponsor: $1,000 - Available

Call or email Paola Pineros for more information: 

561-863-0012

paola@marinepbc.org

Thank You for Celebrating With Us!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Annual Member Awards Presented by MarineMax—what a fantastic evening celebrating our marine community and this year’s outstanding honorees. Relive the night and view the video and photo album below.

Congratulations 2025 Award Recipients!

Lifetime Achievement Award

John Sprague

Marine Advocate of the Year Award

Stephen Spencer

Palm Beach State College

Enviornmental Steward of the Year Award

Greg Reynolds

LagoonKeepers.org

Martin E. Murphy Sr. Member of the Year Award

MacKenzie McGuckin

Logerhead Marina PBG

Outgoing Board Member

Tino Garcia

Ferreira Construction

Marine Business of the Year Award

Blue Heron Fleet

Advertisement Examples:

Advertisement Example:

FOR SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Rena Blades

Director, Community and Government Affairs Palm Beach International Boat Show (561) 313-9381 • rblades.marinepbc@protonmail.com

JA HIGH SCHOOL CAREER EXPLORATION FAIR

We will be attending more JA Career Exploration Fairs this year. 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. 

ABYC Sets Date for Annual Marine Service Technician Week

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced the fifth annual International Marine Service Technician Week, scheduled for April 20-24, 2026. The week recognizes the skill, professionalism and commitment of marine service technicians across the boating industry.

“Marine technicians are the pros who keep boats running, families making memories and safety top of mind. This week is about saying thank you, highlighting outstanding techs and sharing stories from across the industry,” said Shannon Aronson, ABYC senior director of marketing and communications.

Throughout the week, ABYC will spotlight technicians and organizations on social media with daily themes and designated hashtags, offer technical challenges with prizes, and provide online educational opportunities. 

2026 Jupiter Inlet Sand Trap Dredging and Beach Nourishment Project

Jupiter Inlet District’s 2026 Jupiter Inlet Sand Trap Dredging and Beach Nourishment Project began Saturday, January 17. Dredging operations and beach renourishment will take place at the Jupiter Inlet, with sand placed along the shoreline from the inlet south to Ocean Trails Condominiums.

This project will improve navigation through the inlet while helping restore and protect Jupiter’s beaches. Work will occur 24 hours a day and is expected to last approximately one month.

Florida Boaters Can Now Take Free 

State-Approved Boating Safety Course  

At-home learning helps Florida boaters prepare for the water easily and conveniently  

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has launched the only free interactive boating safety course for Florida recreational boaters.



The course, which is approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets state boating safety education requirements, can be taken at the student’s own pace. After passing the exam, they can print their own certificate of completion for immediate use and will receive a lifetime card from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  

The course provides video demonstrations and sample common boating situations for students to interact with to better understand how to evaluate real-world instances. The learning experience includes storylines where the student “boats” to various places and includes interactive learning tools like flashcards and drag-and-drop features to enhance learning and retention. Course-takers will be able to design and name the virtual boat that takes them through the course and map how far they’ve “traveled” within it. 

In the state of Florida, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass an approved boating safety course and have in his/her possession photographic identification and proof of boating safety education completion issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

The online BoatUS Foundation boating safety course and exam are approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard as exceeding the minimum requirements for the National Recreational Boating Safety Program. 

“NASBLA approval of our Florida Boating Safety Course is a meaningful investment in boater safety, said Lynne O’Hearn, Program Manager at BoatUS Foundation. “Boater education is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents, and this course gives Florida boaters the opportunity to build their skills to better enjoy Florida waterways safely.”  

To take the course, visit BoatUS.org/Florida. For more information about Florida boating safety education, visit myfwc.com/boating/safety-education. 

Native Son Wins Derby, Celebrating the 89th Annual Tournament

The venerable West Palm Beach Fishing Club (WPBFC) hosted the ‘World's Oldest Sailfish Tournament’ in early January 2026. The tournament fleet was limited to 50 boats and sold out once again. Everything from large sportfish to smaller center console boats were represented on the water, all rigged to catch and release Atlantic sailfish. The four-line tournament had teams vying for some of sailfishing’s most coveted awards.

Started in 1935, this patriarch of billfish tournaments played an important role by attracting people from across the country to the Palm Beaches as a way to stimulate tourism and business at a time when the region needed it most, the years following the Great Depression.

Today the tournament continues to draw some of the finest captains, anglers and crews to compete during sailfish season. Native Son & Captain Art Sapp took Top Boat honors in the 2026 Derby as the 60’ Hatteras finished with a total of 8 sailfish releases. This was Captain Art Sapp’s 3rd time winning the historic Derby at the helm. It’s hard to make it all come together during the two days of tournament fishing. With a fleet full of several well equipped and experienced fishing operations, it is quite the accomplishment to have multiple Derby wins under his belt. Many crew members on the Native Son have fished with Art for all three tournament victories.

Get Certified in the New Year!

Courses are now posted through May 2026

Start your new year off right! Register for the Marine Standards Certification Course, starting on January 20, 2026. This course equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills to apply ABYC standards effectively in their work, ensuring safety, compliance, and industry excellence.

Not sure if you're ready? Take a quick pre-test to preview the question style and difficulty! No score is needed to enroll. It’s just a smart way to check your readiness.

Below Deck Mediterranean 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

The boating industry has extraordinary stories to tell and World Boating Day by the Superyacht Life Foundation is designed to bring those stories to the public.

Registrations for this global campaign are now open and invite companies to open their doors and allow the public to discover the skills, innovation and people behind the world of leisure boating.

As an official partner of World Boating Day, MIAPBC encourages you to shape the international celebration by hosting an activity and securing your place on the World Boating Day global map.

Ready to join?

PORT OF PALM BEACH

Executive / Finance & Accounting / Administration

In general, the Accounting Manager is responsible for producing a monthly trial balance to the Controller according to GAAP and Governmental Accounting Standards. In this process the Accounting Manager will work with and coordinate the accounting staff towards this end.

MARINE HVAC Technician/Installer

The 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.

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. 

MICHAEL RYBOVICH & SONS BOAT WORKS

NOW HIRING:

·   Boat Builder/Carpenters

·   Marine Electricians

·   Mechanics

·   Painters/Varnishers

Parts Department Associate

Must be bilingual

Must have a strong attention to detail, computer experience, clean driving record, excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities:

• Data entry required (efficiency and accuracy a must)
• Drive company truck for parts pickup
• Have a clean driving record.
• Maintain a clean and organized parts area
• Receiving parts
• Able to work in an open-air parts room.
• No smoking or vaping on property 

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Come join our family-owned and operated custom sportfishing operation in Palm Beach Gardens. Work with some of the best craftsmen in the business!

Call Monday-Friday for additional information: (561) 627-9168

 and/or send your resume to: info@michaelrybovichandsons.com

CrossCurrents Newsletter is published by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. in an effort to provide its members with information that will educate, while enabling members to increase networking with other marine industry businesses.

Board of Directors

Austin Burkett, President

E.J. Schrader Mattress Company, Inc.

Tamra Fitzgerald, Vice President 

Venue Marketing Group

Raymond Graziotto, Secretary

Seven Kings Holding 

Janet Zimmerman, Treasurer

Florida Inland Navigation District  

Ryan Daniello

Barnacle Busters

Mallory Doremus

Palmdale Oil Company

Tino Garcia

Ferreira Construction Company, Inc.

George Gentile

2GHO, Inc.

Rick Kozell

Law Office of Rick Kozell



Martin Murphy, Jr.

JAMCO, Inc.

Doug West

Westwind Marine Advisors

Staff

Alyssa Freeman 

Executive Director

Paola Pineros

Marketing & Membership Manager

Stephanie Button

Administrative Manager

Rena Blades

PBIBS Director of Community Relations and Government Affairs