Newsletter February 2021

From the Captain's Chair: Tying Our Communities Together

When Henry Flagler first brought rail service to South Florida, he hardly could have imagined that his 1895 triumph of technology would still exist – in a similar format to the original – more than 125 years later. Yet Florida’s iconic railroad bridge, now in its third iteration, still cuts straight through the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale at an elevation of just four feet above the New River.

Long an impediment to boat traffic, both recreational and commercial, the bridge is once again the source of debate. While everyone agrees rail freight traffic is inconvenient, the industry and community have adapted to this necessary shared use. However, with the impending return of Brightline service and proposed commuter trains on the horizon, waterway navigation is poised to be impeded beyond reasonable limits.

Whether you’re on Team Bridge or Team Tunnel (and there are arguments for and against each option), one thing universally agreed on is that Broward County must find a solution that both respects local industries and positions the region for future growth. As the sixth largest metro area in the United States, we cannot ignore the need for a strong infrastructure that supports continued growth, recognizes South Florida’s marine industry as an asset-class investment, and simultaneously converts our disparate communities into a regional powerhouse.

Tying Our Communities Together

When Flagler built his railway, he was concerned with the transport of goods to the region. While modern South Florida still depends on a robust rail system to receive goods, the need to provide a convenient and strategic commuter transportation network has become of paramount importance. This demand for additional rail travel must be thoughtfully implemented to fully benefit the city and those who will use the service.

One such solution is the creation of a Joint Government Center on the north side of Broward Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Creating a mixed-use hub, home to public and private businesses, retail and dining close to an integrated Brightline system, would benefit all interested parties and create a lively destination hub in the center of Fort Lauderdale.

COVID Times - Pivoting in Action

This month’s Anchor meeting was joined by Matt Caldwell, President/CEO of the Florida Panthers Hockey Club. Matt shared how his industry is addressing the COVID-19 precautions, and continuing to bring live audiences to sporting events.

Having served as a VIP judge for Best in Show at last fall’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Matt saw first-hand how our industry pivoted and was able to produce a live show in the face of the pandemic. He took those observations, applied them to his own team, and the Panthers are now one of the few teams in the league playing before live audiences (at reduced capacity).

In other Fort Lauderdale-related Panther news, the partnership with the city at Holiday Park continues to move forward. When completed, the War Memorial will be a 4,000-seat concert venue with an adjacent area dedicated to two ice rinks, one a Panther’s practice rink and a second for public skating and other uses.

Good Stewardship Is Key

While plans for strategic growth are critical to the region’s future success, no community can achieve true greatness unless they also steward their natural resources. The Marine Industries Association of South Florida is proud to announce the 44th Annual Broward County Waterway Cleanup Project kicks off on March 6th.

To address the unique needs of life during a pandemic, this year’s event will look a little different than in years past. Rather than a single-day event, this year’s cleanup runs the entire month of March. Through a partnership with Ocean Conservancy, event participants can clean up Broward’s waterways and track their efforts via the Clean Swell app on their smartphone. In this way, everyone can be involved in a way that is safe and most comfortable for them. More details can be found at www.waterwaycleanup.org.  

While grand plans for change are often breathtaking in their scope and complexity, smaller steps that make a big impact are equally important. The Waterway Cleanup is one such activity. We encourage everyone to get out in March and help keep Broward County beautiful.

Phil Purcell

CEO/President, Marine Industries Association of South Florida

Advocacy Report

A leadership change in government is always followed by policy changes and new interpretations of regulations. This year was no exception. The first presidential order to impact the marine industry, or more correctly the crew rotation on a large vessel, was the expansion of the travel ban to include additional countries including England and South Africa. Department heads were given 14 days to submit their proposals on how their agency would address implementation. With fingers crossed and a few crew refused boarding, we waited… The good news is a B1 visa is still included in the exemption from the travel ban to the US. Crew are only permitted to travel to the US to meet their boat and are not permitted to transit through which does pose a few problems for boats based in the Caribbean and the Bahamas as direct flights are not currently available.

The CDC has released OSHA COVID-19 Workplace Safety Guidelines. You can find the document on the MIASF homepage and click on the COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE.

We are currently monitoring The Pro Act which was refiled last week in the house and had originally passed in February 2020, but did not clear the senate. This year there is a strong possibility that some, if not the whole, bill could pass and be enacted. The bill will dramatically alter federal labor law. Probably the most impacting to the marine industry would be codifying California’s ABC test which imposes stricter requirements for employers to classify a worker as an independent contractor versus an employee.

The State legislative session was in the bill filing process through February 26th. This year’s 60-day session begins on March 2nd. There are several bills we are currently monitoring. FWC has a bill with a wide variety of changes that could affect boating. There are several education bills which we are supporting as they are structured to aid industry specific programs and specifically, our apprentice program.

The MIASF has been approached to join the steering committee of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary – Water Quality Protection Program. It is great that they are looking for input from the industry before making decisions which could alter how boaters can enjoy the Keys. We have also been included in the DEP’s Coral Reef Conservation Program, stakeholders committee as they work to find a balance between users and protection of the reef, one of our most valuable assets.

Business Highlight: Playboy Marine

Good things stand the test of time, and Playboy Marine Center is proof. For more than 30 years, this DIY boat yard has been the place to go for boat owners who prefer to roll up their shirt sleeves and get the job done themselves.

Conveniently located on the Dania Cutoff Canal just south of Port Everglades, you’ll find them on the north side of the canal about one mile west of the Intracoastal Waterway, offering bridge-free access. The address is 760 Taylor Lane, Dania Beach.

Playboy offers everything you need to work on sail and power boats from 27 – 80 feet in length (maximum beam of 21 feet). Offering both an 18-ton hydraulic crane and 88-ton travel lift, Playboy’s experienced staff will haul out your boat, pressure wash the hull below the waterline and professionally block it.

With parking available next to your vessel and power/water at each work area, all you have to do is drive up and get to work. There’s also a fully stocked marine supply store, restrooms, showers, ice and vending machines, and free WiFi on site. Playboy also rents vacuum sanding units.

Don’t want to tackle the work yourself? Playboy maintains an extensive contractor directory for all the services you need, from bottom painting and refrigeration to canvas and fiberglass repairs and everything in between. The marine center also offers short hauls for surveys.

To learn more about Playboy Marine Center, please visit their website at www.playboymarine.com or call them at (954) 920 0533. Their offices are open seven days a week.

Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program Report

Apprentices in the Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program (YSTAP) had a productive January session of classes.  Our class of 2021 is currently learning DC / AC electrical troubleshooting. Topics covered include Multimeters, Switches, Relays, Solenoids, and Reversible Motors.  Once these fundamentals are in place, the class will be prepared for the next module - Yacht Pumps, Plumbing & Pipe Fitting.  January marked the beginning of classes for MIASF’s class of 2022!!  The new class of 2022 (17 apprentices) spent the first three weeks getting their OSHA 10 Shipyard certification.  Big thanks to safety expert and OSHA instructor Pat Kelly and Lauderdale Marine Center for donating time and resources toward this project.   Upcoming class topics for the new 2022 class are all safety related.  Neil from Fire Ranger is scheduled this upcoming month to close out the fire related section. After Fire the next topic covers Scaffolding Safety. YSTAP classes begin every January and all classes are taught at award-winning Atlantic Technical College in Coconut Creek.  For more information on how to become a participating employer or an apprentice, please contact instructor Jon Lowell at jonathananthony.lowell@browardschools.com.

Faces in the Industry: Tyler Chappell

Tell us where you are from, what brought you to Florida, and how long you’ve lived here.

I am a Broward General baby born and raised in Fort Lauderdale and second-generation Floridian.  I have lived here all my life and am not going anywhere anytime soon as why would you go anywhere else.

Where do you work, what is your job title, and what does your job entail?

I am Vice President of The Chappell Group, Inc., an environmental consulting firm my wife Sarah and I started in 2005.  Our main segment in the industry is the marine/coastal segment representing public and private clients with projects ranging from small such as a single-family dock to large such as marinas/ports/airports/beach renourishment projects and everything in between.  We also provide wetland permitting, mitigation design, endangered species permitting and relocation, and tree surveys/appraisals as we are certified arborists too.  We are a very diverse firm which provides us the opportunity to work on many exciting projects in the State of Florida.

How did you initially become interested in the marine industry?

I initially was introduced to the industry by the late Frank Herhold in our efforts in establishing the manatee protection plan and slip allocation for Broward County and collaboration on assisting marinas in Broward to achieving additional slips and permitting.  I have been active in the industry since 2005 and our company has been an avid supporter of the Waterway Cleanup every year.

What is your favorite or most valuable benefit of membership in MIASF?

Hands down the people and relationships I have had over the years with the leaders of this amazing industry and the value and commitment it provides to our community and the businesses.

Describe any other community organizations or events with which you are involved?

I am an active member on many boards including the Friends of Birch State Park (our central park of Fort Lauderdale), the County appointee for Hillsboro Inlet District, and board member of the Port Everglades Association. 

Tell us about your hobbies and the kinds of things you do for fun.

I spend my free time with family which means traveling, fishing, or anything on the water.  And “sometimes” I play golf.

Claim Your Future Showcase

This month, MIASF participated in the Claim Your Future Showcase, hosted by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and Broward Schools. This year, the event was virtual, rather than being held at the BB&T Center, but there were still almost 1,000 students who took part in the event. Megan Piggott, Director of Marketing & Workforce Development, hosted a marine industry virtual table and was able to promote the more than 149,000 job opportunities in the South Florida Marine Industry. It was a great opportunity to share with the students all of the different pathways into our industry as most of the kids who participated in the event are juniors and seniors beginning to make plans upon graduating. 

SFBJ Power Leaders 250

Congratulations to MIASF’s CEO/President, Phil Purcell, for being recognized as one of South Florida Business Journal’s Power Leaders! The SFBJ’s annual Power Leaders 250 honors the “executives to know” in their industry along with other pillars of the business community in South Florida.

4th Annual Elevator Pitch Competition - Round 1

The 4th Annual Marine Industry Elevator Pitch is underway! Students in the Marine Magnet Program at South Broward High School have completed the first round of competition in front of industry judges. Special thank you to all of our judges who volunteered in round one of the competition:

·         Lillian Bentley – United Way of Broward

·         Christie Harrison – Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller

·         Kathy Macchiarelli – Concord Marine Electronics

·         Justin Montes – DeAngelo Marine Exhaust, Inc.

·         David Rose – Bennett Marine

·         Lisa Samuels – T. Spencer Samuels Insurance & Financial Services

·         Serge Treygor – Broward Schools

·         Laura N. Wilson – Broward Schools

 

The top students will now move on to the semifinals round of competition. The overall winner of the Elevator Pitch Competition will receive a $500 scholarship.

New Benefit for Members: Group Health Insurance

MIASF is always looking for ways to benefit the membership. Last year we were approached by a member, John Galt Insurance Agency, that suggested a custom medical insurance solution (group insurance) to address much of the membership needs. The plan focuses on flexibility and economics. Other member insurance companies were then offered the opportunity to also submit proposals, which were reviewed as well.

MIASF will be moving forward with the agency that designed the program and will be marketing it. The plan is now active at The John Galt Insurance Agency. Members are encouraged to see if the program is a good fit for your organization by contacting Jim Hopgood, the lead agent for the program.

Jim Hopgood CLU, ChfC, RHU

The John Galt Insurance Agency

3303 W Commercial Blvd. Suite 200

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

Phone - 954-440-2853

Jamesh@John-galt.com 

Membership Dues Renewal 2021-2022

Membership dues renewal invoices were emailed to Bundle Administrators on February 1st and are due on April 1st. If you did not receive an invoice, please send an email to nicole@miasf.org. Dues can be paid online via the Member Portal or you can mail a check to our office at 221 SW 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. As an industry, we know we are stronger together in promoting and protecting our 149,000 regional marine industry jobs and continuing to grow and expand our $12.5 billion regional economic impact. MIASF is looking forward to another active year with exciting opportunities that will continue to move the industry forward.

44th Annual Broward County Waterway Cleanup

This year, in an effort to keep volunteers as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be hosting the 44th Annual Broward County Waterway Cleanup every weekend in March! Volunteers are encouraged to go out on any weekend in March and clean up our local waterways whether on foot or on a vessel. By expanding the event for the entire month, we hope to prevent any one site from becoming too crowded. Volunteers are strongly encouraged to wear a mask and maintain at least six feet away from others while cleaning the waterways. There will be no site coordinators on site this year, so you must register online in advance at http://waterwaycleanup.org/find-a-site/; registration will remain open all month long and you must register prior to the day you volunteer to clean up. All volunteers are asked to download and use the Clean Swell app (developed by Ocean Conservancy) to record the trash and debris that they collect so we can continue to monitor and record how much trash is collected. Community service hours are still available, but the student must be registered to participate online in advance for verification purposes. Check out our PSA videos to “Know Before You Go” for this year’s event.

Member News: Suntex Marinas

Suntex Marina Investors, LLC (Suntex) announced this month it has acquired Prime Marina Miami. Located in the heart of Coconut Grove, adjacent to city hall and local businesses, the property serves a strong and affluent boating market south of downtown Miami. Effective immediately, Suntex will return the site to its previous name, Bayshore Landing.

The purchase of the property's recently renewed 70-year lease from Prime Marina Group includes 111 slips able to accommodate vessels up to 130-feet. In addition to the full-service marina, the purchase includes 30,000 square feet of retail space and 15,000 square feet of restaurant space that is 100% occupied. Tenants include famous Monty's Raw Bar and Restaurant, Sushi Maki and Starbucks as well as a number of marine-related business including yachts, brokerage firms and charter companies. The fully secured and patrolled property offers pump out and fuel services, 24/7 access, lighted parking and a valet service.

As part of Suntex's continuing commitment to making significant operational and financial investments in properties throughout South Florida, initial plans for the site include conversion to year-round fuel operations, an enhanced waterfront experience, expanded menu options and greatly improved customer service.

Member News: Lauderdale Marine Center and Boatyard

Lauderdale Marine Center launches new app with Boatyard. Boatyard recently announced a new partnership with Lauderdale Marine Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL to create the LMC Customer Experience app. Through the App, LMC customers can now request a reservation for in-water slips or dry dock, order services for their yacht, manage reservation requests, connect with client services, and much more. The most significant benefit to LMC’s customers is enhanced communication. The app allows LMC’s yacht owners and crew to connect with client services anytime whether their yacht is in South Florida or the Mediterranean.

To experience the LMCx today, download the app by visiting www.boatyardapp.com/lmc. 

Member News: Denison Yachting

On February 9th, Denison Yachting welcomed Thom Conboy and Chris Collins to its superyacht sales team. Thom and Chris will continue their work as yacht brokers based out of Fort Lauderdale.

Thom’s career in the yachting industry spans over 35 years as a yacht broker, captain, project manager, yacht builder, and shipyard owner. Thom joins Denison most recently from Ocean Independence where he was the Managing Director of North America. Thom will also continue his representation of Heesen Yachts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, and the Caribbean. Thom is a trusted advisor to clients and colleagues with comprehensive knowledge of yacht construction, sales, management, and operations.

Chris joins Denison from Ocean Independence and offers over 20 years of experience in different areas of the industry. Chris began his career working in positions on both private and charter yachts. He became a yacht captain in 2005, sailing extensively throughout the U.S., Bahamas, Europe, and the Caribbean. In 2007, Chris transitioned ashore and held roles as a yacht manager, yacht charter manager, and yacht broker.

Member News: NMMA

NMMA has announced it will host a state of the industry and awards presentation webinar on Thursday, March 4 at 11 a.m. ET.

The webinar will also include an update from Washington, D.C. with a special guest speaker, an update from RBFF's Stephanie Vatalaro, and presentation of the Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Awards and the Alan J. Freedman Award. 

Click here to register for the March 4th webinar.

Upcoming Event: Broward County Waterway Cleanup

The 44th Annual Broward County Waterway Cleanup will take place every weekend in March this year! Volunteers are encouraged to go out on any weekend in March and clean up our local waterways whether on foot or on a vessel. By expanding the event for the entire month, we hope to prevent any one site from becoming too crowded. Volunteers are strongly encouraged to wear a mask and maintain at least six feet away from others while cleaning the waterways. Volunteers must register online in advance at http://waterwaycleanup.org/find-a-site/; registration will remain open all month long and you must register prior to the day you volunteer to clean up. All volunteers are asked to download and use the Clean Swell app (developed by Ocean Conservancy) to record the trash and debris that they collect so we can continue to monitor and record how much trash is collected. Community service hours are still available, but the student must be registered to participate online in advance for verification purposes. Check out our PSA videos to “Know Before You Go” for this year’s event.

Upcoming Event: Palm Beach International Boat Show

The 35th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show, March 25th-28th. Located along the waterfront and Flagler Drive in Downtown West Palm Beach, FL. The show will feature more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories, including hundreds of boats ranging from 8-foot inflatables to super yachts nearly 200 feet in length.

Guests are also invited to come by boat and may tie up to free docks located south of the in-water displays. Visit https://www.pbboatshow.com for show information and to purchase tickets.

Did You Know?

Membership dues renewal are due on April 1st.

Salty Jobs

In this episode of Salty Jobs, we’re breaking all kinds of records! For the first time in the history of the series, hosts, David Chew and Megan Piggott, work with TWO companies in one episode! Watch the latest episode to see as David works with Compass Marine & Logistics on the planning, logistics, and scheduling of receiving all of the pieces for the boat lift from Italy. Then, David hands the package over to Megan at Derecktor Ft. Pierce, as she helps their team offload and stage all of the pieces so they’re ready to be put together. Another record? Did we mention this World’s LARGEST boat lift? Without giving to much away, this wasn’t something that could be delivered in 2 days by Amazon! Click here to watch it now.

 

Interested in featuring a job at your company in an episode of Salty Jobs!? Email Megan Piggott at Megan@miasf.org to learn how your business could be in an episode!

Featured Job

Office Coordinator

Office Coordinator position opening in a Busy South Florida Boat Yard. Fast paced environment. Responsibilities include Politely answering telephones and taking proper notes, scheduling survey haul outs, driving for various parts, posting to ongoing work orders for billing purposes, placing orders online & calling into vendors for various parts & stock items…etc. Friendly customer service required, multi-tasking abilities required, Ability to work as a team required, Proficient knowledge on the computer, emailing, and working with word. Position is available as soon as possible. Monday-Friday 8 AM – 5 PM. Apply in person @ 1st Performance Marina 1900 SE 15th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.

***MUST HAVE MARINE INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE***

Marine Detailer

Busy established South Florida Boat Yard in need of a full time Experienced Marine detailer, Fiberglass & Paint, Bottom Painter, various other tasks will be required. Need to be able to work outdoors year-round. Need to be familiar with a high-speed buffer. Pay is based on tools & experience. Position is available immediately. Looking for a hard-working individual who is ready to be part of our team!

Hours are from 8 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday. Full Time. 1st Performance Marina 1900 SE 15th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Please Apply in person.

PAY IS BASED ON EXPERIENCE

Welcome Aboard New Members!

REGULAR MEMBERS:

Anchor Petroleum

Ted Linné

Email: anchorpetroleum@gmail.com

Website: www.anchorpetroleum.com

PO Box 100519

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310

Phone: (954) 764-2407

Company Description: Whether your vessel is located at a residence or marina, we come to you! We provide clean, professional fueling service for your vessel. High Quality Diesel and Rec90 gasoline.

Business Category: Fuel/Oil Suppliers

 

Knoll Marine Services

Matthew Knoll

Email: mknoll@hullsurvey.net

Website: knollmarine.com

8314 SE Woodmere St

Hobe Sound, FL 33455

Phone: (504) 595-9417

Company Description: Providing marine surveying, appraisals, damage assessment, and project management services.

Business Category: Marine Consultants, Surveyors