Bahia Honda State Park, the other recipient in today s ceremony, is no stranger to recognition. It was selected as America s Best Beach in 1992 by coastal geologist and renowned beach expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman. The requirements for the designation include measures to protect the valuable ecosystems of the Florida Keys such as recycling and stormwater runoff protection systems, staff training, spill-response equipment and plans, hurricane contingency plans, signs and education for visitors. There are nearly 2,000 marinas operating in Florida today and hundreds of thousands of boater s use Florida s waters every day. The effects of year-round boating activities contribute to constant and growing pressure on the state s fragile aquatic and marine ecosystems.
Clean water is essential to the industry and the keys.
In addition, it provides boaters the opportunity to look for a marina displaying the clean marina flag and patronize that marina. By doing so, boaters are helping to conserve Florida s aquatic environment.