Welcome Summer! I hope everyone is staying cool out there and enjoying time on the water. My family went out on our boat on Saturday, May 24 for World Boating Day.
May 10 was our Gone Fishing Member Picnic hosted by Sailfish Marina and we had a great time, especially since we partnered with the West Palm Beach Fishing Club to be presenting sponsor for their first ever Palm Beach Tuna Tournament. It was fun to see all the tuna coming into the marina in the afternoon. We also had an incredible display of exhibitors, many of them PBI Boat Show Gives back grant recipients. Susan Speaks McGirt captured so many special moments on camera from the all the games to the giant waterslide and enjoying a cold beverage or Italian ice under the shade. Scroll down for a full gallery of photos and plan to join us next year! This is the only daytime weekend event that’s fun for the whole family. Congratulations to Guy Bartels for winning the extra $1,000 prize as the Boater Member with the heaviest tuna on the leaderboard.
Our last event before taking a break until end of August will be on June 10 at Topside in Jupiter. See below for more details and join us for this popular networking event with the BEST views and open bar.
In other news, CareerSource Palm Beach County has a new website specifically for posting internships and I highly encourage any of our members with internship opportunities to email them to paola@marinepbc.org.
On a more personal, I want to thank the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce because last month I was named Young Professional of the Year at their annual event. I also want to thank everyone (there are many) who has played a part in my 17-year career here at MIAPBC. The Chamber also invited me to moderate a marine industry panel at their Breakfast Before Hours last month. It’s always great to share info about our industry with other business leaders in our community.
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
PALM BEACH NORTH CHAMBER
BREAKFAST BEFORE HOURS
PALM BEACH NORTH CHAMBER
Last but not least, I want to provide another legislative update from Tallahassee.
MIAPBC lobbyists are hopeful the House and Senate will reach an agreement on budget framework and allocations and can start negotiations.
These are some of the bills we were engaged in this Legislative Session.
Boating Safety Bill
CS/CS/CS/HB 289 are named “Lucy’s Law” passed. The bill is waiting to be sent to the Governor. The bill was the last bill to pass on May 2nd.
Anchoring Bills with Port Provision
SB 594 by Rodriguez and HB 795 by LaMarca were known as the seaport anchoring bills. The bills were amended but ultimately did not pass this legislative Session. We anticipate a local bill to be filed in Palm Beach next year on this issue. Huge thanks to everyone who rallied behind opposing this bill this year. The bills would have impacted Palm Beach, Panama City, Tampa and Fort Pierce.
Vessel Accountability
SB 164 by Rodriguez and Basabe passed this Legislative Session. MIAPBC supported this legislation and waived in support of the bills. The bill has not been sent to the Governor.
Driving and Boating Under the Influence -Trenton’s Law
HB 687 by Kendall passed this Session. This bill enhances penalties for BUI manslaughter and vessel homicide. The bill is enrolled and has not been sent to the Governor yet for his approval.
Anchoring
CS/CS/HB 481 regarding Anchoring Limitation Areas passed the House and Senate. The bill allows local governments with 1.5 million population or more to allow the county and municipalities to create anchoring limitation areas that would restrict vessels from anchoring more than thirty days within any six-month period. The bill was signed by the Governor and is now law.
Boater Freedom
CS/SB 1388 relating to Boater Freedom passed the Senate and the House and was signed as a bill signing ceremony in Panama City, Florida. The bill prevents boats from being checked without probable cause and directs FWC to develop a 5-year safety decal. MIAPBC supported this bill in committees.
Water Access Facilities
HB 735 relating to Water Access Facilities passed and has been signed by the Governor. The bill provides a Clean Marine Manufacturer designation and adds parking for boat ramps to competitive grant programs. This bill was supported by NMMA.
To all the dads, I wish you a Happy Father’s Day!
Alyssa
Riviera Beach Marina, 17 Years
North Palm Beach Rowing Club, 13 Years
Port of Palm Beach District, 13 Years
Ice Marine, Inc., 13 Years
Spencer Yachts Brokerage, 12 Years
Blue Heron Fleet LLC, 8 Years
Road N Race Automotive, 6 Years
Three Palms Reality,3 Years
Lake Worth Water Keeper, 2 Years
Real Boating Adventures LLC, 2 Years
The Reef Institute, 2 Years
Denison Yachting, 2 Years
City of Delray Beach, 1 Year
Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast, 1 Year
A heartfelt thank you to all our members, exhibitors, vendors, and volunteers who helped make this year’s Member Picnic an unforgettable event! Your energy and support brought the day to life.
Special thanks to our generous sponsor, Sailfish Marina Resort, for making it all possible.
Photos captured by the talented Susan Speaks McGirt
Celebrate World Ocean Day with an evening of coastal connection—and an open bar that’s as endless as the sea!
Join us at Topside for a night of ocean-inspired celebration, featuring unlimited drinks, delicious lite bites, and great company. Reconnect with fellow ocean advocates and make new waves of friendship, all set against the iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
Cheers to the sea that connects us all—we can’t wait to see you there!
1 complimentary Palm Beach International Boat Show ticket.
Entered for additional $1,000 for select local fishing tournaments.
Free boat entry to Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and additional $1,000 prize.
Represented by MIAPBC-paid lobbyists to protect marine business and boater interests.
Monthly Newsletter
Custom MIAPBC flag and other swag.
FWC: Reel in the fun on two
license-free fishing weekends!
Save the dates for two upcoming license-free fishing weekends hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a perfect opportunity to try fishing with your friends and family!
This summer's license-free fishing weekends are on June 7-8 for saltwater and June 14-15 for freshwater. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the many recreational fishing opportunities Florida has to offer, whether you like to fish from the shore or your boat, there are so many options across the state.
People of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to take advantage of these special weekends, which allow them to reel in their favorite fish species without the need for a fishing license.
All other rules, such as seasons, bag and size limits apply. To renew or purchase a fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Visit the FWC’s fishing basics web page for tips and information on how to start fishing or refresh your knowledge.
Visit MyFWC.com and learn where to go freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, or how to find a boat ramp or pier near you.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
June 2025
Photos captured by the talented Susan Speaks McGirt
