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After more than 10 years at the same location, MIAPBC will officially be moving offices this month! The move will take us from North Palm Beach to Palm Beach Gardens, where we will be more centrally located and closer to 95 and the Turnpike. Please give us a little bit of grace as we get everything moved over. We do not anticipate much interruption, but as you all know things happen and there could be a small delay in communication. We hope the transition will be completed by the end of this month and ready to welcome our members and friends for a visit by the beginning of next month. In the meantime, we hope that you will all update your records to reflect our new address: 8645 N Military Trl suite 511 512, West Palm Beach, FL 33410
Thank you to everyone who joined us last month for Oysters & Champagne. Make sure you check out the video and photos from the evening, and plan to join us for the next event happening this month on September 30 for an exclusive TGL golf experience at the SoFi Center! Bring your colleagues, employees, and even your friends! All are welcome.
Congratulations to Summer Warren on another successful Chase’N Tailz KDW! MIAPBC is proud to be a major sponsor. Congratulations also goes to Boater Member Eric Morales for receiving the $1,000 prize for the MIAPBC Boater Member with the heaviest fish on the leaderboard!
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MARINE INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA 2026 FALL CONFERENCE
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Last week Paola and I joined our fellow marine industry colleagues in St. Pete for a MIA Florida conference to discuss statewide and association issues, plus align ourselves for the upcoming legislative session in Tallahassee. If any members are interested in attending a future conference, let me know.
Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast kicked off the school year with an event and is getting ready to engage with thousands of students at career exploration fairs all over Palm Beach and Martin Counties. If you are interested in participating let me know and I will connect you.
Happy Labor Day!
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E.J. Schrader Mattress Company, Inc., 23 years
Atlantic Marine Limited, 18 years
Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, 18 years
Town of Palm Beach Marina, 18 years
Castaways Sailing, Inc., 16 years
Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Resort & Spa, 15 years
Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A., 15 years
Cummins Cederberg - Coastal & Marine Engineering, 13 years
Aqua Adventure Tours, Inc., 9 years
Freedom Boat Club of the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast, 6 years
Port 32 Marinas, 3 years
HMY Yacht Sales, Inc., 2 years
PINMAR USA, Inc., 2 years
AA Video Services, 1 year
Coastal Yacht Sales, 1 year
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It Pays To Be a Boater Member
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Congratulations to our Boater Member Eric Morales on catching the heaviest fish out of all of our Boater Members at the Chase'NTailz KDW Fishing Tournament!
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Oysters & Champagne Marine Mingle
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Oysters & Champagne Workshop in partnership with the West Palm Beach Fishing Club!
It was a wonderful evening of connecting with fellow members, enjoying fresh oysters and champagne, and learning about the important role oyster vertical gardens play in supporting healthier local waterways.
We’re especially grateful to the West Palm Beach Fishing Club for sharing their knowledge and giving our members the opportunity to get hands-on with oyster restoration.
Thank you for making another MIAPBC gathering a memorable one!
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International Coastal Cleanup 2026
Help keep Palm Beach County beautiful while making a real impact in our community by joining us for International Coastal Clean Up. 🐚
📍 TBA
📅 September 19
⏰ 8am-10am
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CLOSEST TO THE PIN CONTEST WINS TWO PBIBS VIP WINWARD TICKETS
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⛳ PUT YOUR BRAND IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Want to make a bigger impact at our Fall Fairway Marine Mingle?
Golf-inspired sponsorship opportunities are available, including:
🏆 FAIRWAY SPONSOR, $3,000 - Available
The premier partner of Fall Fairway Marine Mingle
🍸 19TH HOLE SPONSOR, $2,000 - Available
The exclusive open bar experience
🍽️ CLUBHOUSE SPONSOR, $1,500 - Coastal Group Marinas
The exclusive Italian buffet experience
🎥 REPLAY SPONSOR, $1,000 - Available
The exclusive event video experience
🏌️ CADDIE SPONSOR, $500 - Multiple Available
- Brothers' Construction
- Veteran Marine Consulting
Support the event + get your brand in front of attendees
From cocktails and food to golf experiences, videography, and event branding, there's an opportunity to put your company front and center with Palm Beach County's marine and business community.
Interested in sponsoring?
Click on the sponsors above for more info or contact MIAPBC.
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SAVE THE DATE🎄
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Get excited for our 32nd Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade! We are 13 weeks away from the brightest night of the year.
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Follow us on social media to stay up to date on exciting announcements!
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⚓ SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Presenting Sponsor
$20,000 🟢 ONLY 1 AVAILABLE
ADMIRAL SPONSOR
$10,000 | 🟢 MULTIPLE AVAILABLE
JUDGING SPONSOR
$5,000 | 🟢 ONLY 1 AVAILABLE
AWARDS SPONSOR
$5,000 | 🟢 ONLY 1 AVAILABLE
FIREWORKS DESTINATION SPONSOR
$5,000 | 🟢 MULTIPLE AVAILABLE
CAPTAIN SPONSOR
$2,500 | 🟢 MULTIPLE AVAILABLE
FIRST MATE SPONSOR
$1,000 | 🟢 MULTIPLE AVAILABLE
BOSUN SPONSOR
$600 | 🟢 MULTIPLE AVAILABLE
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ALREADY ON BOARD 🚤
Admirals Sponsors
VIP Viewing Party Hospitality Sponsor
Kickoff In-Kind Sponsor
Captains Meeting In-Kind Sponsor
VIP Viewing In-Kind Sponsor
Awards In-Kind Sponsor
Sleigh Sponsor
Shirts Sponsor
Media In-Kind Sponsor
Valet Sponsor
Photo Booth Sponsor
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MAKE YOUR BUSINESS PART OF THE PARADE
Explore sponsorship opportunities and put your brand in the spotlight.
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The Honours is heading to Palm Beach!
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Palm Beach International Boat Show is proud to partner with Superyacht Life Foundation to host The Honours in 2027.
The Honours is a global recognition platform that celebrates individuals who have used the superyacht community as a catalyst for wider good. It is a moment to pause, to look closely, and to recognise those whose leadership has created meaningful outcomes beyond the community itself.
Before we get to Palm Beach, there is someone we want you to think about.
Who have you worked alongside, met or heard about whose contribution deserves wider recognition?
It could be someone you know well, someone whose work you have followed, or someone whose actions made you stop and think. Someone who has challenged convention, opened new possibilities or used their position to make a difference beyond their immediate role.
Who deserves recognition?
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Join Will Peterson for a Maintenance course designed to ensure your boat is always prepared for your adventures and compliant factory warranties!
Whether you're a season boater or new to the water, this course covers essential maintenance practices. Discover the importance of regular checks, fluid changes and troubleshooting techniques to maintain your vessels in top condition throughout the year.
Don't miss this special opportunity to expand your boating knowledge and ensure peace of mind!
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Full Moon Wahoo Series
Saturday, September 26
The West Palm Beach Fishing Club’s Full Moon Wahoo Series is centered around the three full moons of late summer, 7/25, 8/29, and 9/26.
This year, they’re celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the series in a BIG way with over $10,000 in cash & prizes!
You must be a WPBFC member to register, but non-members can participate as team members.
We’ll see you at the scales!
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North Palm Beach Rowing Club seeking community help after storm damages boats
By Jade Jarvis – Anchor/Reporter, WPBF News
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NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. —The North Palm Beach Rowing Club is suffering a major setback after several of its boats were damaged during last weekend’s storms.
Now, the nonprofit is asking the community for help to get its expensive equipment the protection it needs.
Strong storms Sunday blew through the North Palm Beach Rowing Club in Juno Beach, taking out thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment.
“When I come here, first time I saw the damage, and in the beginning, I think it's a sabotage or something because that was a disaster,” Emre Cikinci, head coach with NPBRC, said.
Cikinci took a video documenting the damage when he arrived at the rowing club’s headquarters at Bert Winters Park Monday morning.
Boats were scratched, broken with holes in them, and tossed across the grounds.
“That was a heartbreaking moment because some of the boats were brand new. You just use once, and then you see the boats, like $60,000 worth of boat, on the ground with the hole. It's very heartbreaking,” Cikinci said.
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New National Survey Reveals Impact of Access Challenges on Boaters
General Government Relations
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) today released new national survey findings from 2,000 active U.S. recreational boaters, offering a clear picture of how access challenges are shaping Americans’ on the water experience. The results show that congestion at ramps and marinas, limited storage availability, and waterway maintenance issues are widespread and already impacting how often Americans boat.
According to the survey, 80 percent of boat owners experience congestion at their primary access point, and 83 percent say that congestion limits their ability to go boating at least sometimes. These pressures are affecting behavior: 71 percent of owners have already changed their behavior because of access challenges, reporting that they boat less often, travel farther to launch, or spend less on boating overall.
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In July, the NMMA launched the Waterways Access Initiative, a new campaign that will advance policies that protect public water access, modernize recreation infrastructure, support conservation, and strengthen the made-in-America recreational boating industry.
As Congress returns from August recess, it has less than 20 legislative days left before the November Election. Some of our key access priorities are still pending before this Congress, and over the next four weeks, we are asking you to join us in letting your member of Congress know they need to act on these priorities now!
For more than 75 years, the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund has supported boating access, fisheries conservation, infrastructure, and recreational boating safety in all 50 states. It is a proven user-pay, public-benefit program funded primarily through excise taxes paid by boaters, anglers, and manufacturers—not general taxpayer dollars.
Since 2021 alone, the Trust Fund has generated more than $3.5 billion, helping maintain more than 9,000 boating and fishing access points, restore healthy fisheries, improve boating infrastructure, and support Coast Guard safety programs.
But the Trust Fund’s authorization expires September 30. Bipartisan legislation in both the House and Senate would renew it through 2031. Congress must now finish the job and ensure that the dollars paid by boaters, anglers, and manufacturers continue flowing back into the waters and communities they support.
Write your member of Congress and urge them to pass the surface transportation legislation that reauthorizes the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund before September 30.
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ABYC Foundation Opens Scholarship Applications for Spring 2027
Students pursuing marine industry education and technical training can apply through Oct. 31
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The American Boat & Yacht Council Foundation has opened scholarship applications for students enrolling in post-secondary marine service technology, marine trades and related technical education programs for spring 2027. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 31.
The ABYC Foundation advances safe boating by supporting students pursuing marine industry education and technical training. Through scholarships and workforce development programs, the foundation helps reduce financial barriers and strengthen the pipeline of skilled marine professionals.
“Having spent much of my career in marine trades education, I’ve seen firsthand how access to training can open doors,” said Lisa Van Gruisen, ABYC accreditation coordinator. “These scholarships help students turn an interest in the marine industry into a real career path while helping our industry develop the skilled workforce it needs.”
Beginning with the spring 2027 cycle, the ABYC Foundation will offer two scholarship application periods each year.
The spring 2027 scholarship timeline is:
- Application deadline: Oct. 31, 2026
- Award notification: Early December 2026
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Safe Harbor To Acquire MarineMax
By Gary Reich, Soundings Trade Only
MarineMax announced today that it agreed to be acquired by Safe Harbor Marinas, a Blackstone Infrastructure portfolio company, in an all-cash deal valuing the company at approximately $1.5 billion.
Under the terms of the agreement, MarineMax shareholders will receive $53 per share in cash — a 96% premium over the company’s closing stock price of $27.03 on Jan. 30, the day before news broke of an unsolicited buyout offer. The price also represents a 110% premium to MarineMax’s 90-day, volume-weighted average price through that same date.
According to a statement, the deal is the outcome of a competitive strategic review conducted by the MarineMax board with the help of independent financial and legal advisors. The board approved the transaction unanimously and is recommending that shareholders vote in favor of it at a special meeting to be scheduled later this year.
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South Florida marine industry threatened by skilled labor shortage, housing costs
By Ashley Portero – Senior Reporter, South Florida Business Journal
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Alvaro Lopez, an instructor in Broward College’s Marine Engineering Management Program, works with his students.
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Alvaro Lopez, an instructor in Broward College’s Marine Engineering Management Program, works with his students.
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In South Florida’s booming marine industry, the demand for skilled workers is outpacing the supply.
That’s a problem for the $18.5 billion sector. Marine businesses – which span everything from manufacturing to servicing and yacht building – are struggling to find and retain qualified employees as the industry grows and older, experienced workers begin to retire. Companies are turning to recruiters, high school apprentices and second-chance hires to fill the gaps.
But even as training and outreach efforts grow, one problem looms larger than the others: Even if they find marine workers, where exactly will they live?
“Affordable housing might be the biggest issue affecting our industry right now,” said Phil Purcell, president and CEO of the Marine Industries of South Florida Association.
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Jupiter Inlet 2026 Bathymetric Surveys
*The below bathymetric survey indicates conditions at the time of the survey as noted . Depths are shown relate to MLLW (mean lower low water). Boaters must use caution when reviewing the survey and understand that conditions can and will change. The prudent mariner should rely on multiple sources of information to ensure safe passage.*
This survey was completed on August 17th. This map shows depths relative to MLLW (mean lower low water). The area of greater depths remains slightly south of the inlet’s south jetty, as seen in the below image.
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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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Restoration work brings new life to Lake Worth Lagoon near Palm Beach
Kristina Webb, Palm Beach Daily News
Crews filled a deep hole with sand in the Intracoastal Waterway on the North End to create a new habitat for seagrass to thrive.
A recently completed project aims to turn a patch of the Lake Worth Lagoon off Palm Beach into a paradise for seagrass.
The privately funded restoration work in the lagoon — part of the Intracoastal Waterway — took place in an area west of the Palm Beach Country Club off the North End. The work was part of mitigation work that followed a dredging project at the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, according to state records and town officials.
A critical element of the marine habitat, seagrass provides food and shelter for many species of wildlife, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Seagrass also provides a primary food source for some endangered marine animals, including manatees and sea turtles.
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You're Invited to MRAA's Dealer Week 2026
Dealer Week Conference & Expo is the marine industry's premier education and networking event created specifically for boat dealership professionals looking to grow and invest in their business operations.
This year's theme, The New Fundamentals, focuses on the trends shaping dealership success today, including AI adoption, evolving customer expectations, and operational efficiency. Attendees will gain practical, real-world strategies they can apply across every area of their business.
Event Details:
December 6–9, 2026 | Tampa Convention Center | Tampa, Florida
Why attend:
- World-class education across four pathways: Leadership, Sales & Marketing, Service & Parts, and Industry
- Practical strategies for AI technology, new customer experiences, and operational workforce efficiency
- Unmatched networking with peer roundtables and dealership experts across the marine industry
Register now during the Early Bird window (through September 30, 2026) to lock in the lowest rate of the year. MRAA members can save up to $750 compared to non-member onsite pricing.
MIAPBC MEMEBR DISCOUNT: MIAPBC50
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Seeking Experienced Forklift Operators for
Dealer Week
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The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) and AEX are seeking experienced forklift operators to temporarily support exhibitor move-in and move-out at Dealer Week 2026. Eight qualified forklift operators are needed to help safely transport and position boats throughout the event.
Position Details:
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Dates: Dec. 4-5 and 9-10, 2026
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Hours: Shifts can last 12 to 14 hours and include scheduled breaks.
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Compensation: $750 per day or $60 per hour
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Meetings: Approved drivers must attend two virtual pre-show meetings on process, expectations and event logistics.
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Application deadline: Aug. 30, 2026
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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 Fecteau
Marketing & Membership Manager
Stephanie Button
Administrative Manager
Rena Blades
PBIBS Director Community and Government Affairs
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