With Fort Lauderdale known as “the Venice of America,” it seems West Marine’s corporate move has landed another ‘mega-yacht’ on the waterways. Once a year grants are awarded to outstanding non-profits, community-based organizations connecting future generations to the water through youth recreation and educational initiatives. The thought behind the pro division is to “help the boater,” says Frank.Īnother initiative she is passionate about is the West Marine Foundation, BlueFuture, dedicated to youth waterlife recreation and education by promoting healthy and vibrant marine habitats and sustainable fisheries. This is to support the local marine economy and is specific to the region. There’s even a West Marine Pro section dedicated to wholesale pricing for businesses in the marine industry. During the traditional start of summer, West Marine distributes safety tips for new boaters along with complete “how to” information for many of their products. The company has a strong safe boating education component normally promoted in May. In Broward, West Marine locations include Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach.Īlong with the increased corporate presence, comes several other initiatives that will assist boaters in South Florida. Petersburg, Key Largo and West Palm Beach. This 55,000 square foot facility has an expansive line of boating products as well as a large selection of apparel.Ĭonsumers responded favorably to this larger store and West Marine now has three more flagship locations in the state: St. In 2011, it built the largest boating store in the country at State Road 84 and Andrews Avenue. The economic impact will be the creation of 225 jobs, according to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance.įlorida has been on the company’s radar for a while. We want to be where the boaters are, not only to support the existing community, but to welcome newcomers to the industry,” said West Marine CEO Eric Kufel in a press release. Areas (also known as the Key Largo and Looe Key National Marine Sanctuaries). “Our relocation to Fort Lauderdale means we can better serve the sailing and boating communities. Acts means the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act. That customer is becoming younger and now includes more women active in boating, fishing and water sports. Consumer trends have changed, especially during the pandemic, and the company is following the need to service its customers, she said. Marketing Manager Lorene Frank said the move to Fort Lauderdale was made to follow consumer needs. From salespeople to top-level management, our associates are intimately familiar with the boating needs of our customers,” says Repass. A not-for-profit 501(c)3 marine mammal education and research facility. “We were, and continue to be, a company of boaters helping fellow boaters. Repass continued to grow the company by adding basic boat supplies. The first West Coast Ropes store opened in Palo Alto in 1975. Started in founder and chairman Randy Repass’s garage in Sunnyvale, California, the emphasis was on ropes and sailing. Snorkelers and scuba divers can join the restoration work for a day, helping outplant corals at one of CRF’s nurseries.A nautical icon has been added to the downtown Fort Lauderdale skyline. The visitors center has a wealth of information and can arrange presentations with advance notice. Since 2007, CRF has planted more than 170,000 corals (primarily endangered elkhorn and staghorn) onto the Florida Reef Tract. Visitors can learn more about how critical coral reefs are at the Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF), the world’s largest coral restoration organization. ( Scientists are trying to save coral reefs. Key Largo’s Rainbow Reef Dive Center has knowledgeable staff and is a great place to start, especially for those new to diving. The Blue Star program, established by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, recognizes responsible operators committed to education. When booking a dive guide, look for Blue Star-certified operators. (Tip: The farther into the park you travel, the thinner the crowds.) How to visit responsibly West Marine can be contacted via phone at (305) 453-9050 for pricing, hours and directions. Wandering a few of the trails, such as the 0.3-mile Wild Tamarind Trail-a forest path canopied by mahogany, gumbo-limbo, do-not-touch poisonwood, and tamarind-offers another perspective on the area. West Marine is located at 103400 Overseas Hwy 124 in Key Largo, Florida 33037. From there, snorkel trips, scuba diving tours, glass-bottom boat rides, and kayak rentals are available. The visitors center is a good place to begin, with a list of recent wildlife observations and exhibits on the environment and the park’s history.
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