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And just like that, it’s already July and we are getting ready to celebrate the 250th birthday of the USA. I am not sure what happened to June. My family and I enjoyed an epic vacation to Vancouver and Alaska…another check on the bucket list. I hope your summer travels have been good, or maybe you are looking forward to a trip this month.
While I was away, MIAPBC hosted a sip and paint night for members at Stormhouse Brewing to celebrate World Oceans Day. We also sponsored the Sailfish Marina-hosted Big Dog Fat Cat KDW again and awarded $1,000 to Boater Member, Carl Torrenson. Congratulations to all the paddlers from Bimini to Lake Worth Beach participating in the Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis. We are looking forward to all the other MIAPBC-sponsored events happening this summer!
I am happy to inform members that the fuel tax legislation we reported on last month was officially approved by the Governor. And more good news! As you may have heard or seen already, our very own Paola Fecteau was highlighted in Women Making Waves for the June issue of Boating Industry magazine. You can find a link to the article in the newsletter below. We are so proud of her and this accomplishment!
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WORLD OCEANS DAY
PAINT NIGHT
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BIG DOG FAT CAT KDW
FISHING TOURNAMENT
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Another exciting thing that happened in June was that two of three episodes of Making Waves in the Palm Beaches was released. These episodes are hosted by yours truly, in partnership with the PBC Film Commission, and feature MIAPBC members, local nonprofits and events. The final episode will be released on July 5th. There is one weekly airing on the Waypoint TV Channel on Sundays @ 6pm EST (main airing). The Waypoint TV Channel is available on the Waypoint TV App, WaypointTV.com, Samsung TV Plus (Channel 2487), DirecTV (Channel 4175), LG (Channel 315), VIZIO (Channel 1330), XUMO (Channel 718), Tubi, TCLtv+, TCL Global, FuboTV, Amazon Prime, Amazon Fire TV Channel, Hisense, VIDAA, Local Now, Free Live Sports, Plex and SLING. I would love to hear what you think!
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EPISODE 1 WATERFRONT WONDERS
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EPISODE 2 WAVES OF CHANGE
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On another personal note, July begins my tenure as Board Chair for both Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast and CareerSource Palm Beach County. I am excited for the opportunity and look forward to furthering my commitment to both organizations that mean a lot to me and do a great deal to propel the marine industry workforce forward. If you would like to get involved or hear about opportunities with either of these organizations, please let me know!
Just like during Memorial Day weekend, MIAPBC will again have boating safety messaging on several local radio stations for the July 4th weekend. Please remember to never operate a vessel while intoxicated and be on the lookout for marine life and fellow humans in the water. I hope everyone has a fun, safe holiday weekend as we celebrate America 250!
God Bless the USA.
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Scarano Marine
Steve Scarano
info@scaranomarine.com
scaranomarine.com
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Seaweed Greens
Camilla Webster
hello@seaweedgreens.com
seaweedgreens.com
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U.S. Superyacht Association (USAA), 14 Years
CareerSource Palm Beach County,12 Years
Outrigger Yacht Products, 7 Years
JJ Marine and Propeller Services, 2 Years
The Bluffs Marina, 1 Year
MAADI Group, 1 Year
Summit Marine Fire and Safety, 1 Year
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World Oceans Day Paint Night
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Thank you to everyone who joined us at Stormhouse Brewing for our World Oceans Day Paint Night! Members and guests enjoyed an evening of creativity, networking, and celebrating our shared commitment to the waterways that make Palm Beach County so special. We appreciate everyone who attended and helped make it a memorable event.
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MIAPBC's Paola Fecteau Named a 2026 Women Making Waves Honoree
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Congratulations to our Marketing & Membership Manager, Paola Fecteau, on being recognized as one of Boating Industry's 2026 Women Making Waves! This annual recognition celebrates 25 women making a lasting impact across the recreational marine industry. We're proud to see Paola honored alongside so many inspiring leaders. Read the issue below to learn more.
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Celebrating An Incredible Ocean Crossing!
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Congratulations to all the paddlers who successfully crossed the ocean from the Bahamas to Lake Worth Beach, FL. This extraordinary achievement reflects remarkable determination, skill, and courage. Events like this, that empower individuals and families battling cystic fibrosis, remind us of the power of community and the strength that comes from perseverance. We are thrilled to celebrate this moment with you and honor the effort behind it.
If you haven't already, watch the video below to learn more about this amazing event and see the journey firsthand!
For more information about The Crossing, visit crossingforcysticfibrosis.com
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Operation Deep Valor and Pura Vida Divers are teaming up to host a special Veterans Appreciation event on Tuesday, July 7.
Meet fellow veterans, explore underwater on FREE guided dives and snorkel tours, and win incredible prizes, like a Shearwater Perdix 2 dive computer!
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Lake Worth KDW Fishing Tournament
Saturday, July 11
Over $10,000 in cash & prizes!
Since 2008, this 100% volunteer-run, non-profit event has been raising funds for local charities. Every dollar of entry fees goes to anglers’ awards, with sponsors covering all event costs. Proceeds from raffles and shirt sales benefit Chasen’ Tailz, Kiwanis Club of Hypoluxo-Lantana, and more!
MIAPBC is proud to sponsor this event!
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CALCUTTA
BECOME A BOATER MEMBER $50
FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN $1,000
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BENEFITS:
- 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 & boater interests.
- Monthly Newsletter
- Custom MIAPBC flag and other swag.
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2025 MIAPBC
Boater Member Winner
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2024 MIAPBC
Boater Member Winner
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2023 MIAPBC
Boater Member Winner
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Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs) For The 2026 Hurricane Season
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Port Commissioners Break Deadlock, Agree to Fill Vacant Seat
Joel Engelhardt, Stet News Palm Beach County
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Port of Palm Beach Commission at the June 18 meeting, from left, Wayne Richards, Deandre Poole, Blair Ciklin and Varisa Dass. (Photo: Joel Engelhardt/Stet)
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How can a divided four-member board find common ground to agree on appointing a fifth member?
The question has vexed Port of Palm Beach commissioners for nearly a year, after the Oct. 24 resignation of longtime Commissioner Jean Enright.
Why it matters: Port commissioners oversee a $27 million budget, providing critical industrial and trade connection with the Caribbean. It also is home to the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, which cruises to the Bahamas.
Catch up quick: Even though 12 people applied by a Feb. 19 deadline, commissioners never discussed their merits. Instead, they deadlocked over how to vote, with Chair Blair Ciklin and Deandre Poole on one side and Commissioners Varisa Dass and Wayne Richards on the other.
The compromise: Dass and Richards supported Ciklin’s proposal to allow new applicants to apply through July 1. Ciklin agreed to Richards’ proposal that the four commissioners select their top two candidates — from the 12 original applicants and any new ones — and vote on the top two or more finalists at the July 16 commission meeting.
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Port 32 Marinas' Palm Beach Project Continues
David Conway, Sounding Trade Only
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Photo Courtesy Ryan Troy Photography
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Port 32 Marinas marked the completion of all three buildings at its Port 32 Palm Beach Gardens project in Florida with a topping-out ceremony June 4.
“The topping-out ceremony is a significant milestone that represents the culmination of exceptional teamwork, craftsmanship and dedication from our entire construction team,” CEO Austin Schell said in a statement.
Port 32 Palm Beach Gardens, at 2385 PGA Blvd., will feature 471 total slips: 451 enclosed dry slips accommodating boats to 60 feet, and 20 wet slips for boats from 50 to 100 feet. The company said the facility will have the largest marina forklifts in the United States, with a 75,000-pound lifting capacity, and that it is the only Category 5 hurricane-rated marina in Palm Beach County. The property includes approximately 31,296 square feet of commercial space dedicated to marine services and boat sales.
The marina is expected to open in December.
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FWC issues executive order to close recreational harvest of gag grouper in Atlantic state waters starting August 2
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At its May meeting in Ft. Myers, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued an executive order to close the recreational harvest of gag grouper in state waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including all state waters off Monroe County. The 2026 recreational season will close at 12:01 a.m. on August 2. This closure date is consistent with recently announced regulations for adjacent federal waters.
Consistent state and federal recreational seasons for Atlantic gag grouper will help end overfishing and rebuild the fishery, while also helping to ensure future harvest opportunities.
To learn more about gag grouper regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Saltwater and select “Recreational Regulations”, followed by “Reef Fish” and then “Grouper.” This page will be updated with the new season dates.
For more information about Commission Meetings, including the May 2026 Commission meeting presentation, visit MyFWC.com/ Commission and select “Commission Meetings.”
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Maritime Educational Opportunity
Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) and Chapman School of Seamanship have partnered to develop the Perry J. Cohen Boating Safety & Ocean Stewardship Course, generously supported by the Perry J. Cohen Foundation, a free educational boating safety program designed for teens and young adults. This series of two-day courses will be offered throughout the year at Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Chapman School of Seamanship, with courses planned throughout 2026. The course begins with an introduction to marine life of South Florida and ocean stewardship, followed by instruction on boating safety equipment, vessel operations, navigation, and more. Following classroom instruction, participants will apply their skills on the water at the Chapman School of Seamanship. Upon completion, participants will meet the requirements to obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card, which is required to operate all powerboats in Florida.
Loggerhead Scholarship
Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) is proud to offer full-tuition course scholarships for individuals interested in maritime careers and/or a high-quality, hands-on learning experience with leaders in ocean conservation and recreational boating.
Eligibility
Scholarships are available for young adults and youth ages 14-25* residing in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Glades, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Up to 20 scholarships per course will be awarded. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate a strong desire to learn safe boating skills for the benefit of themselves, others and marine life.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. Please note that awards are not guaranteed; applicants will receive notification if awarded a scholarship within one month of the desired course date(s) via email provided.
*Applicants beyond 25 years of age will be considered should additional scholarship funding be available
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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
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Position: Sales Associate
Job Location: 2230 Broadway, Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Job Type: Full-Time/Part-Time
Company Overview: Lewis Marine Supply & 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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- Boat Builder/Carpenters
- Marine Electricians
- Mechanics
- Painters/Varnishers
Additional Info:
Job Type : Full-Time
Experience Level : Entry Level, Mid to Senior Level
Education Level : Not Applicable
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
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- 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.
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Alyssa Freeman
Executive Director
Paola Pineros
Marketing & Membership Manager
Stephanie Button
Administrative Manager
Rena Blades
PBIBS Director Community and Government Affairs
Shanique Collins
Intern
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