MAY 2025

School is out at the end of this month, and it’ll officially be the start of summer in South Florida!

May is always very special to me because it marks my anniversary month for a lot of things such as moving to Florida and starting my career with MIAPBC and marrying my husband Jeff (16 years!). Thank you for the great honor of serving you and your business for the past 17 years! I am excited to see what is in store for the next 17.



We had a lot of fun in April starting with a double turtle release at Loggerhead Marinelife Center where there were record crowds on the beach. Many of you know the MIAPBC has supported the efforts of LMC for many years. Adding to the fun was our annual volunteer appreciation sunset cruise, one way for us to give back and recognize all the time and effort our members and volunteers provide throughout the year during the month of April, which is Volunteer Appreciation Month. I also had the opportunity to record a podcast as a guest with Women Offshore, which we will share when it airs later this summer. 

So, what do we have coming up? Please join us on Saturday, May 10 for our member picnic at Sailfish Marina! You should have already received details in a separate email, but we also have the info located below in the newsletter. We encourage our members to bring friends, family and staff. All are welcome to attend this fun, family-friendly event.

On May 21, the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Business Before Hours breakfast about the impact of the marine industry that I am excited to be moderating. I hope some of our members can attend: You can find more information and tickets HERE.

May 24 is World Boating Day (and also Memorial Day Weekend)! Does your business have anything planned to celebrate? We have some collateral to share with you for ideas.

LMC Turtle Release

Volunteer Appreciation Cruise

There is still a lot of activity happening in Tallahassee, but to give you a brief update on where we are at with some of the bills we have been following:



• No budget-waiting for details on a Special Session
• The seaport bill is dead
• HB 481 passed with 1.5 million population and 300 feet mooring buffer. Requires 30 day anchoring limitation within six months. The bill is enrolled.
• Boater Safety: kept January 1, 1988 for required education. Most of the amendment is a listing of criminal code. There is language requiring boater education if a person commits an infraction and the $500 fine, plus increased penalties if they cause damages. Requires boat rentals to have boater education.
• Vessel Accountability passed SB 164. The bill is enrolled.
• FWC restructuring bill passed
• BUI/DUI bill passed
• Clean Manufacturing bill passed
• Boater Freedom Bill is enrolled. 

Happy May! And for all the moms, I wish you all a very happy Mother’s Day. Remember to stay safe out on the water this upcoming Memorial Day weekend and let’s not forget the sacrifices of so many that allow us the freedoms we have today. 

Alyssa

WORLD BOATING DAY

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.

Recap: Volunteer Appreciation Sunset Cruise

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible volunteers for joining us on another unforgettable Sunset Cruise with Visit Palm Beach! Your energy and support make these moments so special.

📸 Extra thanks to Susan Speaks McGirt for capturing the magic – your photos help us relive the joy! Here’s to more sunsets, smiles, and time together on the water.

Invitation: Business Roundtable

On behalf of Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, I’d like to extend an invitation to an upcoming Business Roundtable focused on enhancing Florida’s global competitiveness in trade and logistics.

The Roundtable will take place Friday, May 9, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Community Partners located at 2001 W. Blue Heron Blvd. 2nd Floor Meeting Room Riviera Beach, FL 33404. This off-the-record discussion will bring together local business leaders and stakeholders to examine the impact of current U.S. trade policies, particularly in light of recent tariff changes and global market shifts.

As the Congresswoman continues to advocate for policies that protect South Florida’s small businesses and support economic growth, this session will help inform future legislative efforts and promote collaborative solutions to support our region’s economic resilience.

Please RSVP by Tuesday, May 6 at 5:00 PM using this form. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office at (954) 733-2800 or reach out to Charisma Adams, Director for Economic Development, at charisma.adams@mail.house.gov.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Seminar Addresses Non-American Crew

A seminar with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Palm Beach International Boat Show has led to widespread speculation and misunderstanding regarding non-American crew working aboard yachts in drydock in U.S. shipyards. Members of the U.S. Superyacht Association, including Advocacy Co-Chair Joe Dargavage, and yachting-industry partners met with CBP officials this month to clarify. CBP's Assistant Director for Border Security in the Miami and Tampa Field Offices has provided the following statement.

CBP assess each applicant for admission on a case-by-case basis. A foreign national with a valid unexpired passport and B1 non-immigrant visa (unless otherwise exempt) who maintains a foreign residence may be admitted to the U.S. to serve as a private vessel crewmember (see 9 FAM 402.2-5(C)(5)), providing:

• The individual has a contract to work on a private vessel.
• The crewmember maintains a foreign residence they do not intend to abandon.
• The crewmember will perform “traditional” crew duties necessary for the normal ongoing operations of the vessel.
• The crewmember’s movement onboard the vessel is connected to the vessel’s international arrival, departure, or both. For example, the crewmember is serving or joining a private vessel which is arriving from foreign or departing foreign during their period of admission to the U.S.



Non-immigrant crewmembers may not perform any major repair, refits, or shipyard work while their vessel is undergoing dry dock maintenance at a U.S. shipyard unless otherwise permitted. While a private vessel is in dry dock, crewmembers may perform the routine repairs and maintenance to the vessel they would normally undertake in the course of their duties when the vessel is not in a shipyard.

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

FWC enhances boater safety with interactive waterway app campaign

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.

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

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. 

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 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.

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  

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