VENICE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), together with the Clean Boating Partnership, today recognized Venice Yacht Club as the 210th member of the Florida Clean Marina Program and the 5th in Sarasota County. The program, which recognizes marinas and boatyards for their commitment to the protection of Florida’s natural resources, now boasts 216 Clean Marinas, 31 Clean Boatyards and 10 Clean Marine Retailers statewide.

“Venice Yacht Club has taken the initiative to preserve the state’s natural resources and be a leader in the boating industry,” said Deborah Getzoff, Director of DEP’s Southwest District Office. “Facilities such as the Venice Yacht Club play a vital role in the protection of our waterways and marine resources.”

The Florida Clean Marina Program is a voluntary designation program with a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. To become designated as a Clean Marina, facilities must implement a set of environmental measures designed to protect Florida’s waterways. These measures address critical environmental issues such as sensitive habitat, waste management, stormwater control, spill prevention and emergency preparedness.

Founded in 1951, Venice Yacht Club remains one of the many proud sponsors of the Venice Youth Boating Association. Their mission emphasizes sportsmanship, seamanship and water safety, and always strives to reduce boating accidents while increasing boating enjoyment.

“The Venice Yacht Club is proud to participate in the Florida Clean Marina Program,” says David Yarzab, General Manager of Venice Yacht Club. “We have worked hard to receive this designation and will work harder to maintain this year after year, as we are committed to leading our neighbors in responsible stewardship of our environment.”

The Clean Boating Partnership is a consortium of industry leaders who contribute time and input to the Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard, Clean Marine Retailer and Clean Boater programs which DEP administers to protect Florida’s waterways. The partnership includes DEP, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

“The Clean Boating Partnership applauds the Venice Yacht Club for its commitment to Florida’s environment,” said the Partnership’s Chair Mark Leslie. “The dedication and hard work in becoming a Clean Marina is an accomplishment this facility can be proud of and we welcome it to our growing Clean Marina family.”

With more than one million registered motorized vessels in Florida, environmental education within marine industries is the first step toward safeguarding the state’s natural resources. By providing green education and alternatives the Florida Clean Marina Program helps ensure a sustainable future for the environment and a billion dollar marine industry. For more information about the Florida Clean Marina Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.

DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting the environment. The Florida Clean Marina Program, the Clean Vessel Act grant program and the Florida Green Lodging Program offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green.