The Issue: Water Quality and Habitat Around the State: Reef Projects on the Rise a Tribute to Karl Wickstrom

THE PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO CONSERVING AND PROTECTING FLORIDA’S MARINE RESOURCES SUMMER 2018

The Issue: Water Quality and Habitat

Around the State: Reef Projects on the Rise

A Tribute to Karl Wickstrom

SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 1 2 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SUMMER 2018

features

The Latest on Water Quality and Habitat | 6

A Look Around the State | 10

Honoring Karl Wickstrom | 26

departments top comments...... 4 advocacy news...... 5 around the state...... 10 STAR news...... 20 habitat horizon...... 28 meet the artist...... 34 picture it...... 42 FWC...... 46 CCA banquet schedule...... 48

PEFC – Program for the Endorsements of Forest Certification Recycled 10%. FSC Certified. The Forest Stewardship Council.

THE PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO CONSERVING AND PROTECTING FLORIDA’S MARINE RESOURCES

contentsSea Watch is published three times a Managing Editor CCA FLORIDA Ted Forsgren Jeffrey Dobbertien year by CCA Florida, a nonprofit state Teresa Donaldson STAFF Special Advisor Regional Director Advocacy affiliate of the Coastal Conservation Association. Editor Brian Gorski Miriam Askin Ted Forsgren Executive Director Adam Miller Administrative Director Editorial/business inquiries and Senior Regional Director Creative Director Dan Askin Mark Hoffman information requests: Dan Askin,P.O. Debbie Dewell Chief Operating Officer Nick Pectol Accounting Manager Box 568886, Orlando, Florida, 32856-8886 Great Minds, Inc. Regional Director 407-854-7002 850-386-7401 Trip Aukeman Leiza Fitzgerald Director of Advocacy Zack Batley STAR Director POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Regional Director Printer CCA Florida, P.O. Box 568886, Orlando, Durraprint, Frank Gidus Andrea Gillespie Tallahassee Director of Habitat & Amy Kuehnert STAR Assistant Director Florida, 32856-8886 Environmental Restoration Regional Director 407-854-7002 • ccaflorida.org Teresa Donaldson Amanda Krpan Director of Regional Director Cover by Eric Estrada Communications 2 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 3 Brian Gorski Executive Director CCA Florida Around the State Ron Crowder Chairman

As an organization, we are nearing 20,000 members statewide, and we couldn’t be more excited. Your passion starting point continues to drive our efforts, and I am amazed by the number and quality of projects and events you’ve helped to lead this season to share CCA’s conservation and advocacy messages. A Stronger Voice With greater membership comes a stronger voice to address some of our state’s most pressing issues, including water This summer has been one of incred- quality and habitat. ible highs and lows and unbelievably busy We are expanding our habitat initiatives throughout the for CCA Florida from our staff to our vol- state, and members from every chapter are leading our ef- unteer leadership and members. While I’m forts to bring positive and meaningful change to our state’s thrilled with the successes we’ve seen as a resources. From waterway clean-ups to offshore and near- result of our collective efforts, we all have shore reef development, we are doing more than ever. been horrified by the damaging effects of In this edition of Sea Watch, you’ll find a new section, water quality issues and red tide. Around The State, which offers a glimpse into the work being led by our members with the support of our staff. Thank you With so many issues plaguing our state, for stepping up. It’s making a difference. And I can’t wait to specifically related to water quality, we are see what you do next. working diligently to do all that we can to help. This includes increasing our leadership of projects that help enhance water quality from the bottom up, such as oyster reef restorations, vegetation plantings, coastal Looking For clean-ups and much more.

And while our hands are busy doing A Guide? what we can in the water, our voice is even stronger and it’s powerful. Each of us indi- Log on to vidually, as well as a collective CCA membership, must keep the pressure on our ccaflorida.org elected leadership. We must keep them focused and dedicated to addressing these and choose issues by accelerating authorization and funding of the projects that will help with from our recovery. regionalized

In this edition of Sea Watch, you’ll find directory of Florida guides more on what CCA Florida is doing to help, and how you can make a difference. who support CCA’s conservation initiatives. advocacy news advocacy

4 top comments SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 U.S. House Passes 2018 Water Resources Development Act With projects as large as Everglades restora- Engineers still has to approve a Post- Authorization tion the devil really is in the details. Congress took Change for the reservoir. The proposed reservoir one critical step in the process on June 6, when the is but one of many projects that should help pro- House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed vide relief to the northern estuaries and the Ever- the 2018 Water Resources and Development Act glades system. We encourage you to reach out to (WRDA). The vote was 408 to 2. This legislation your Congressmen and Senators and voice your is important for Florida since it includes authoriza- strong support for getting this critical legislation tion for a large water storage reservoir south of passed in to law. Lake Okeechobee on state-owned lands. Florida had previously passed its own legislation authoriz- ing the reservoir during its 2017 legislative session. Water Resource legislation is usually tackled by Congress every couple of years, although the pattern of recent water bills has been somewhat irregular. These legislative acts typically authorize multiple Army Corps of Engineer infrastructure projects around the country, and also serve additional purposes for maintenance, upgrades, and improvements for existing water-related assets. The U.S. Senate now has to consider its own WRDA legislation, which is currently moving through appropriate Senate committees. Should the Senate pass its bill, the next step would be for the House and Senate to conference to work out any differences between each body’s version of the legislation. Should an acceptable bill emerge from the conference committee, the House and Senate would vote again on the final legislation and, if approved by both, it would then go to the President for signature. Authorization in these legislative actions is one important step. The final require- FISHERIES NEWS ment would be for Congress to appropriate funds We’re pleased that an Atlantic Red for the projects contained in WRDA. Parallel ap- Snapper season for 2018 was announced propriation steps are on-going at this time in the back in July, as were anglers along the east House and Senate. coast. Over two three-day weekends, Au- Lastly, since the original intended use of the gust 10-12 and August 17-19, recreational state lands in question (as prescribed in the Com- prehensive Everglades Restoration Plan) was for a anglers hit the water to ejoy the fishery. different type of water storage, the Army Corps of advocacy news advocacy

4 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 5 ccaflorida.org

ISSUE: WATER QUALITY AND HABITAT

The current state of water quality on 3 CCA Florida supports other Central Everglades Planning Pro- Florida’s coasts and in several estuaries is cess (CEPP) projects, including additional bridging of Tamiami disturbing. Trail (now under construction), and curtain wall construction in South Miami-Dade County. Water quality is a high priority for CCA Florida, and we are doing everything we CCA Florida also supports currently planned storage and can to help through our advocacy efforts 4 treatment facilities north of Lake Okeechobee, to help insure as well as habitat restoration. water flowing into the Lake from the north is no longer con- taminated with damaging nutrients. Join us in the fight to save our state’s resources. Contact your elected leadership and tell them to prioritize the CCA Florida supported the passage of the Water Resources authorization and funding of projects that 5 Development Acts of 2016 and 2018, which authorize several will help with recovery. key South Florida water infrastructure projects.

Here’s a comprehensive and timely review CCA Florida supports the C-111 projects in South Miami- of those projects and our efforts. 6 Dade.

1 CCA Florida supports the funding and completion of all Com- CCA Florida was one of few groups who supported South prehensive Everglades Restoration Project (CERP) Foundation 7 Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) efforts to in- projects, such as Kissimmee River restoration and the recon- crease water flows into Taylor Slough. This series of projects, struction and improvements of the Herbert Hoover Dike, now completed, will provide benefits to portions of Florida which are necessary elements for systemic Everglades water Bay. This involved building connections to existing canals, improvement. building canal plugs, the reconstruction of a C-31 West canal levee, and other component projects.

2 CCA Florida supports authorization and funding of projects in- volving water storage, treatment, and conveyance south, east, CCA Florida continues to encourage and promote better and west of Lake Okeechobee. This includes the Indian River 8 communication between the SFWMD and officials and manag- Lagoon South C-44 Reservoir Project, the Caloosahatchee ers of Everglades National Park. C-43 Reservoir Project, the completion of the Lake Hicpochee Project, the implementation of the Water Quality Treatment and Demonstration Project on the BOMA property, and the reser- CCA Florida strongly encourages Everglades National Park voir and associated facilities now planned for land south of Lake 9 officials to use existing structures to facilitate the flow of -ad Okeechobee on state-owned parcels A-1, A-2, and near-by lands ditional fresh water into Florida Bay. (which is a result of the passage of SB10, which CCA Florida publicly supported during the 2017 Legislative Session).

6 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 ISSUE: WATER QUALITY AND HABITAT

CCA Florida opposes management measures designed for 15 CCA continues to endeavor to solve the fresh water deficits 10 single-species management, to the detriment of Florida’s water in the Apalachicola River, and in Apalachicola Bay. quality and marine ecosystems. In addition to creating even more detrimental problems to the Everglades hydrology, these approaches may endanger human life and property. CCA sup- CCA Florida was actively involved in the blocking of further ports the Endangered Species Act, but suggests there are bet- 16 development of the Oslo Boat Ramp in Indian River County, ter management practices which will produce better systemic preserving critical seagrass habitat and spawning areas for mul- results for Florida’s Everglades. tiple species of saltwater fish.

11 CCA Florida actively supports septic tank eradication and CCA is working with the St. John’s Riverkeeper and other sewer conversion throughout the state, and especially in ar- 17 groups in an attempt to prohibit dumping of biosolids in the St. eas bordering estuaries, watersheds, and Florida’s many fresh John’s River basin. Biosolids is a fancy term to describe mas- water springs. sive amounts of human waste and other chemicals and toxins, which are being deposited in sensitive river basins from South Florida Counties, which are leaching into our estuaries. 12 CCA Florida continues to promote Best Management Prac- tices for all commercial and residential property owners. CCA continues to expand its robust habitat restoration pro- 18 grams throughout the state. CCA continues to partner with CCA Florida continues to promote the use of Amendment 1 other groups to deploy artificial reefs offshore, to install oyster 13 funds for everglades restoration and other legally-mandated pur- restorations projects, to participate in and fund seagrass and poses. CCA Florida actively supported the passage of Legacy mangrove plantings, and is helping finance shoreline restora- Florida legislation. tion projects in the Mosquito Lagoon and other areas.

CCA Florida continues to monitor and, to the extent possible, CCA Florida continues to partner with Tampa Bay Watch and 14 participate in local initiatives that can possibly help our estuaries, 19 other groups which have helped lead to recovery of seagrasses such as the Indian River Lagoon Summit, and Brevard County’s throughout the Bay. One such example is the Fantasy Island actions to fund various IRL restoration projects through a dedi- restoration project, which is now complete. cated and citizen-approved ten-year sales tax. CCA continues to partner with other advocacy groups and coalitions to improve water conditions in the IRL.

For more information, please contact CCA at [email protected].

6 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 7 U.S. House of Representatives Passes Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Bill

Landmark Fisheries fisheries allocations and improving recreational data collection. The bill aims to benefit fishing ac- Reform Takes Major Step cess and conservation by incorporating modern Toward Becoming Law management approaches, science and technology to guide decision-making. The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. “The recreational fishing industry is grateful 200, a bipartisan bill that includes the Moderniz- that H.R. 200, which includes the provisions of the ing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2017 Modern Fish Act, has now passed the U.S. House of (Modern Fish Act). This historic vote marks the first Representatives,” said Glenn Hughes, president of time the priorities of the recreational fishing sector the American Sportfishing Association. “The Mod- are included in the reauthorization of our nation’s ern Fish Act represents the collective priorities of primary marine fisheries law, the Magnuson-Stevens the recreational fishing community for improving Fishery Conservation and Management Act. federal marine fisheries management. There are The provisions of the Modern Fish Act (H.R. 11 million saltwater anglers in the U.S. who have 2023) were included in H.R. 200 by the House a $63 billion economic impact annually and gener- Committee on Natural Resources on December 13, ate 440,000 jobs. This legislation will help ensure 2017. H.R. 200 is sponsored by Representative Don that the economic, conservation and social values Young (R-Alaska) and cosponsored by Reps. Garret of saltwater recreational fishing will continue well Graves (R-La.); Brian Babin (R-Texas); Clay Higgins into the future.” (R-La.); Gene Green (D-Texas); Robert Wittman “We applaud the U.S. House of Representatives (R-Va.); Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.); Glenn Grothman (R- for passing commonsense legislation modernizing Wis.); Steve King (R-Iowa); Marc Veasey (D-Texas); the federal fisheries management system, which will Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), and Austin Scott (R-Ga.). provide America’s recreational anglers and boaters “Marine recreational fishing is not a partisan is- reasonable and responsible access to public ma- sue, which was illustrated by the support H.R. 200 rine resources,” said Thom Dammrich, president received from both parties today in the House,” of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sport- “The recreational boating industry calls on the U.S. fishing Policy. “We owe great thanks to Chairman Senate to pick up the baton, and immediately take Rob Bishop, Congressmen Don Young, Garret up and pass S.1520, the Modernizing Recreational Graves, Gene Green and Marc Veasey for working Fisheries Management Act of 2017 (Modern Fish together to properly recognize recreational fishing Act). Millions of Americans are counting on it.” within the Magnuson-Stevens Act. These bipartisan “We are grateful to our champions from both leaders have made the difference for anglers from sides of the aisle in the House for recognizing the coast to coast.” needs of recreational anglers and advancing this im- In 2014, the priorities of the recreational fishing portant fisheries management reform,” said Patrick and boating community were identified and pre- Murray, president of Coastal Conservation Associa- sented to federal policy makers by the Commission tion. “This is truly a watershed moment for anglers on Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Management in in our never-ending quest to ensure the health and a report “A Vision for Managing America’s Saltwater conservation of our marine resources and anglers’ Recreational Fisheries.” This group is also referred access to them.” to as the Morris-Deal Commission, named for co- “We thank the House Leadership, Congressman chairs Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Young and the leaders of the House Congressional Shops, and Scott Deal, president of Maverick Boat Sportsmen’s Caucus for their leadership in finding Group. bipartisan solutions to move the bill forward,” said Many of the recommendations of the Morris- Jeff Crane, president of the Congressional Sports- Deal Commission are addressed by the Modern men’s Foundation. “The provisions of the Modern Fish Act and included in H.R. 200. This legislation Fish Act contained in H.R. 200 are a top priority addresses many of the challenges faced by recre- for saltwater anglers across the United States and ational anglers, including allowing alternative man- charts a clear course for effective recreational fish- agement tools for recreational fishing, reexamining eries management while ensuring abundant, sus- advocacy news advocacy

8 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 tainable fisheries for future generations.” “We will continue to work with our sportfishing partners “We are on our way to pragmatic Magnuson-Stevens Act to engage with senators and see to it that the Modern Fish reform that will allow better access to rebuilt fish stocks Act becomes law—it is critical if we hope to see saltwater while ensuring long-term sustainability,” said Jim Donofrio, anglers benefit from the advances in fisheries science, data president of the Recreational Fishing Alliance. collection, and management at the heart of this important “Passing these provisions of the Modern Fish Act means legislation.” taking the next important step in recognizing the cultural Following the vote, the coalition encourages the Sen- value of recreational fishing and conservation contribu- ate to quickly pass S. 1520. Marine recreational anglers and tions of American anglers,” said Whit Fosburgh, president boaters are eager to see these landmark reforms signed into and CEO of Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. law.

angler’s voice

OUR SEAT AT the recreational fishing and THE TABLE boating community were Recognizing that saltwater identified and presented to recreational fishing is a major federal policy makers by the Commission on Saltwater component of coastal tour- Act are not looking to weaken of the Modern Fish Act. Recreational Fisheries Man- ism throughout the country, conservation laws but rather The Modern Fish Act adds to agement. This group is also including attracting customers add tools to the fisheries the suite of tools fisheries man- referred to as the Morris-Deal for the restaurant industry, management toolbox. agers can use to more appro- Commission, named for co- anglers are naturally puzzled Unfortunately, some com- priately manage the recreational chairs Johnny Morris, founder why some chefs oppose im- mercial fishermen and chefs are sector with accurate data and and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, proving federal management of being used by the powerful envi- science-based annual catch limits. and Scott Deal, president of recreational fishing. ronmental lobby who prefer the The recreational fishing commu- Maverick Boat Group. In 2014, The Magnuson-Stevens Fish- status quo and seek to eliminate nity relies on healthy fish stocks the Morris-Deal Commission ery Conservation and Manage- recreational opportunities on the for a vibrant future. Every user released “a vision for managing ment Act (MSA) is our nation’s water for millions of American group wants healthy stocks. america’s saltwater recreation- primary law governing saltwater families. These commercial fisher- America’s saltwater rec- al fisheries,” which included six fishing in federal waters. It was men and chefs fail to acknowl- reational anglers catch only key policy changes to expand written in 1976 to end overfish- edge that recreational fisheries 2 percent of the finfish taken saltwater recreational fishing’s ing and last reauthorized in 2007, management can be improved from our oceans each year social, economic and conser- but MSA has never taken into without harming the U.S. seafood and yet account for billions of vation benefits to the nation. account the fundamental differ- industry, as is the case with the dollars of economic impact on Many recommendations of the ences between recreational and Modern Fish Act. In claiming – that 2 percent. With the prop- Morris-Deal Commission are commercial fishing practices. inaccurately – that the Modern er management tools, there addressed by the Modernizing For years, recreational Fish Act somehow threatens the can be a place at the table for Recreational Fisheries Manage- anglers and the recreational U.S. seafood supply, they also fail anglers, as well as commercial ment Act of 2017 (included in fishing industry have been to point out that 90 percent of harvesters and chefs. H.R. 200/S. 1520). asking Congress for a course all seafood consumed in the U.S. This bipartisan legislation, correction. Healthy fish stocks is imported anyway. Read more at sportfishingpolicy. more commonly known as benefit all Americans. Yet, as While the angling public com. Jeff Angers is president of the Modern Fish Act, is being fisheries have rebounded enjoys catching a few fish for the Center for Sportfishing Policy, considered in both chambers over the years, anglers have themselves each year, we are a nonpartisan organization fo- of Congress. seen unnecessarily restric- still friends, neighbors and cused on maximizing opportunity The Modern Fish Act tive regulations because the customers of the commercial for America’s saltwater recre- is Supported By A Broad Co- system was never designed to seafood industry and seafood ational anglers. alition of recreational fishing manage 11 million saltwater restaurants. Instead of alienat- and boating organizations, recreational anglers. ing a good portion of the pub- conservation groups and Through years of de- lic, we encourage chefs to read industry stakeholders. liberation, the priorities of the commonsense provisions Supporters of the Modern Fish

8 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 9 South Walton Kids Fishing Tournament This summer’s South Walton Kids Fishing Tournament welcomed 200 kids in Grayton Beach in the Panhandle for a perfect day of beach fishing. With their rod and reel combo, rigs, t-shirt and swag in hand, participants caught pompano, catfish, blue fish and even pin fish. Education stations were set up by our partners including Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, Grayton Beach State Park and FWC. Kids were able to take home information about fishing and conservation, giveaways and enjoy lunch on the beach before wrapping up the successful day. Special thanks to our sponsors including Fish Florida, Yel- lowfin Ocean Sports, Ferguson Water Works, Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican, Dewberry Preble-rish!, O’Connell and Associ- ates and Mainsail Realty. around the state around

10 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 NW

More Local Involvement Local Girl Scout Troop 2066 joined with STAR to clean up the coast before World Oceans Day. Volunteers helped spread the CCA message at the Emerald Coast Boat and Life- style Show in early April. Bay Baits in Santa Rosa Beach held their inaugural Bay Baits Classic Fishing Tourna- ment. CCA Florida was the tournament beneficiary. We are working with MarineMax and Friends of Shell Island to bring eye catching signs to Panama City area boat ramps to bring awareness to seagrass scars and how they can hurt our coastal environment.

10 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 11 CCA FLORIDA MAKES A SPLASH AT ICAST In June, and in partnership with CCA National and Building Conservation Trust, CCA Florida participated in ICAST, the industry’s largest trade show event. Our thoughtfully designed and interactive booth was on display in a high-traffic area of the show and demonstrated our oyster reef restoration work, offshore and nearshore reef projects, our fundraising opportunities and boat partners and much more. We were excited to have exposed CCA Florida to thousands of people at the event – from old friends to those who may have heard of us in passing, and others who weren’t familiar with the organization. We met with several industry leaders, corporate groups and potential business partners to strengthen existing relationships and cultivate new ones. Overall it was a tremendous opportunity to grow the CCA Florida brand and membership and advance our efforts in conservation and advocacy. For more information and photos, visit our Facebook page.

12 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 CENTRAL ABC Saltwater Slam We were honored to work with ABC Fine Wine & Spirits for the first-ever ABC Salt- water Slam Tournament in May, which was a huge success! It was a great event and the beginning of an amazing new partnership. The event was hosted by ABC and included 20 teams, where over $100,000 was raised to benefit CCA Florida’s efforts. Thank you ABC!

Tampa Trash A Focus on Youth Anglers This summer, CCA Florida hosted several events for kids and Tournament youth anglers in the region. These events included the St. Pete West In July, Swamp Head Marine Kids Learn to Fish event, the Southeastern Tackle Youth Fishing Brewery and CCA Flor- Clinic and more. A second Southeastern Tackle Youth Fishing Clinic is ida teamed up again for taking place in October. the Florida Trash Tour, Clinic topics will include how to throw a cast net, freshwater and where members from the region gathered at E.G. saltwater fishing and more. Participants must register online at fish- Simmons Park to take part in a waterway clean-up. southeastern.com/youthclinic. Throughout the remainder of 2018, we’ll be visiting our favorite fishing spots and cleaning up Florida’s waterways. Come out for a beer, food and free goodies! Each Tour stop will be run tournament-style, with tons of prizes from our amazing sponsors! Visit trashtourfl.com for more information.

12 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 13 NE

placed alongside the Lady Philomena is scheduled for August and includes Volusia County’s during the deployment. The vessels are 1,500+ tons of concrete materials to be Newest Artificial intact and upright on the seabed in very deployed on Floyds Folly Reef. Reef - New Reef close proximity to one another and will make excellent fishing and diving sites. For more on this and other reef proj- the Result of The Lady Philomena was forfeited to ects, visit our website or join the conversa- Several the U.S. Customs in Miami, after having tion on Facebook. Or if you’re looking to get Partnerships been seized with contraband. The vessel involved, email Frank Gidus, our Director of was deployed in an established artificial Habitat and Environmental Restoration at In June, the 150-foot Lady Philom- reef system consisting of clean concrete [email protected] ena was deployed in 80 feet of water at culverts, structures and large concrete artificial reef site 12, roughly nine miles bridge components. The deployment of offshore the Ponce de Leon Inlet. the Lady Philomena will enhance this This project was made possible underwater community, attracting ma- through the funding partnerships of rine life such as fish, shrimp and crabs. Volusia County, CCA Florida and CCA’s

around the state around Artificial reefs also boost local -econo National Habitat Program, Building Con- mies through an increase in sport fish- servation Trust (BCT). BCT received a ing, tourism and patronage in small busi- grant from the FishAmerica Foundation, nesses. The Volusia County artificial reef the conservation funding arm of the system is visited by an estimated 50,000 American Sportfishing Association, and vessels annually and experiences high the Brunswick Public Foundation, which visitation by recreational anglers and helped ensure the project’s success. divers. “Meaningful partnerships are the The reef started generating local ex- reason we are able to do great marine citement last fall, when Volusia County habitat work in Florida and throughout hosted a two-day viewing party that the United States,” said John Carlson, enabled visitors the opportunity to tour chairman of the Building Conservation the ship. Trust. “The dedication of like-minded organizations demonstrates the power of coming together to benefit marine Starship Reef Work in life and the local community.” Jacksonville The 90-foot Tug Everglades was also Fully funded by BCT, the deployment

14 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 ARTIFICIAL REEFS

14 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 15 Naples Oyster Restoration This summer, our Naples Chapter worked with the City of Naples to bag 25+ tons SW of oyster shell for future deployments. CCA Florida provided five tons of shell from the Clermont Oyster Bar and Lake County. Thanks to our partnerships, this will all go back into the water to create new habitat! Larry Borden Reef (Manatee County) On July 28, 2018, 575 tons of large limestone boulders were deployed on the Larry Borden Reef in Manatee County. CCA Florida donated $25,000 and these funds were combined with a $60,000 Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission grant to make the project a reality.

Phoenix Reef (Charlotte County) around the state around Tentatively scheduled to deploy in August, the reef includes 150 tons of donated, high-quality concrete materials and is funded by the CCA Charlotte County Chapter.

For more on this and other reef projects, visit our website or join the conversation on Facebook. Or if Ft. Myers Funament you’re looking to get involved, email Members and anglers came together for a great time and had a great showing at the Frank Gidus, our Director of Habitat CCA Ft. Myers Fishing Fun-A-Ment this summer. Thanks to our members and partners and Environmental Restoration at for making it a success! [email protected].

16 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SE Tortuga Music Festival For the first time ever, CCA Florida participated in the Tortuga Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale. This summer, the 3-day beach-front music festival welcomed over 35,000 attendees and CCA Florida was among 34 other conservation groups including IGFA and Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, among others. Event attendees, which were primarily 18-40 years old, learned about CCA Florida initiatives, took part in interactive displays and activities and walked away with unique marketing pieces which were shared among all festival attendees. The opportunity allowed CCA Florida to interact with a new market and share our message of conservation and advocacy and generated a tremendous amount of social media engagement over the course of the three days, and after.

area just offshore of Fort Lauderdale between Oakland Park Blvd and Glasrud Reef Birch State Park. The initial deployment consists of over one million (St. Lucie County) pounds of concrete at two locations -on the sand in approximately 70 With a $10,000 donation from CCA feet of water as an underwater park for scuba divers and will feature Florida, the depolyment of a 100’ tug- a memorial structure with a plaque boat is tentatively scheduled for late for Johnny, and a second location in August approximately 7.6 miles offshore approximately 130 feet directly east from the St. Lucie Inlet. of the memorial reef site to serve as an artificial reef for fishermen. Both reefs will be formally named in honor of John Michael Baker and will appear as such on future charts on GPS sys- John Michael Baker Memorial tems. Special thanks to the John Mi- Reef (Broward County) chael Baker Foundation, St. Lucie County, U.S. Concrete, McCul- Two new artificial reef deployments are planned for the Broward ley Marine, Broward County and Robert Carmichael of Brownie’s County area in the summer of 2018 in memorial of John Michael Marine Group. Baker, a member, avid diver and angler who passed away in a tragic For more on this and other reef projects, visit our website or join the boating accident in 2015. conversation on Facebook. Or if you’re looking to get involved, email Frank The projects are being led by members of the Broward Chapter, Gidus, our Director of Habitat and Environmental Restoration at fgidus@ who have secured a five-year permit from Broward County for an ccaflorida.org.

16 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 17 Anglers Urged To Conserve Inshore Species Through New Campaign

CCA Florida launched the #ReleaseThemForTomorrow campaign, aimed at conserving one of Florida’s most iconic fish – the redfish – this year, but has expanded CCA has followed the redfish issue closely and, in working the campaign to focus on additional with the FWC, has confirmed that the decline is primarily due to a low recruitment of redfish during the spawning seasons species as well. from 2011 to 2015, meaning fewer redfish are making it from egg form to a juvenile fish. According to the FWC, long periods Like many of our members, CCA Florida hopes to see the of red tide, water quality issues and other factors on the west population of inshore species grow in the state, and is encour- coast, along with water quality issues and habitat loss on the aging anglers to help by releasing their catch. This summer, east coast, have been the primary problems. CCA launched the ‘Release Them For Tomorrow’ campaign Anglers are encouraged to share the message by tagging as a way to support the redfish population’s growth, through their social media photos, comments and messages with #Re- catch and release. And now, the organization is encouraging leaseThemForTomorrow to show their support. CCA Florida anglers to release redfish, along with snook and trout, following will also plan other initiatives targeting the conservation of a season plagued with severe water quality conditions, red tide these inshore species. and other issues affecting fish populations. Learn more and check out the latest about the catch and “We’ve had members voicing concern for the lack of red- release movement from Releasense, a joint effort to advance fish and other species across the state and it’s our dutyto the traditional role of anglers as leaders in fisheries conserva- address the issue,” said Brian Gorski, CCA Florida Executive tion. Anglers can become engaged by joining CCA Florida at Director. “We need to work together to conserve these fisher- JoinCCA.org or visiting releasense.org. ies for the next generation.”

Partnerships at Work

around the state around CCA Florida is proud to partner with Free Sunshields and offer an exclusive CCA design, available online for $7.99 plus free S&H!

What we’re even more proud of, is that 25 percent of the pro- ceeds from these CCA Sunshields come back to CCA Florida to support our habitat and advocacy initiatives.

Learn about the 1-for-1 Initiative and get yours online. Visit freesun- shields.com and click 1-for-1. 18 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 Inter- Chapter Challenge

Statewide Chapters Represented IN 15TH Annual Inter-Chapter Challenge In June, CCA Florida hosted the 15th- Rufus Wakeman Offshore Offshore Division Annual Inter-Chapter Challenge (ICC), a Grand Champion: family-friendly statewide competition cre- Ocala Chapter (a sailfish release and 26.5” Individual: Dolphin – Jay Etzler, Broward ated in 2004 to bring members from across dolphin) County Chapter (31”) the state together to share ideas, compare chapter initiatives and enjoy a day on the Individual: Sailfish – Bill Camp, North Palm water. The all-release event and tournament Inshore Division Beach Chapter (1 release) includes inshore and offshore divisions and Individual: Snook – Mike Napier, Naples Ladies Offshore: Sailfish – Julie Crispin, welcomed 140 anglers representing 17 Chapter (35”) chapters at the River Palm Cottages in Jen- Martin County Chapter (2 releases) sen Beach, Florida. Chapters in attendance Individual: Redfish – Jeff Ball, Naples Team: Dolphin – Treasure Coast Chapter included Broward County, Dade County, Chapter (24.5”) (49.5” total of catches) Jacksonville, Lake County, Manatee County, Individual: Trout – Andy Steinbergs, Martin County, Mid-Coast, Naples, North Team: Sailfish – Martin County Chapter Treasure Coast Chapter (25.25”) Palm Beach, Ocala, Orlando, Polk County, (4 releases) Sarasota, South Palm Beach, Space Coast, Ladies: Jan Crabill Largest Snook Award – Tampa and Treasure Coast. Arvilla Stokes, Polk County Chapter (22”) Ladies: Trout – Harley Graham, Orlando Check out the full listing Chapter (19.25”) of all winners: Team: Snook – Naples Chapter (three largest snook, 35”, 28.5, 27”) Alex Jernigan Inshore Grand Team: Redfish – Naples Chapter (three Champion: 1stPlace – Naples Chapter (35” snook, largest redfish, 24.5”, 19”, 19”) 24.5” redfish, 20” trout) Team: Trout – Treasure Coast Chapter 2ndPlace – Martin County Chapter (29” (three largest trout, 25.25”, 17”, 15”) snook, 19” redfish, 25” trout) (continued on page 44)

18 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 19 You Could Be Next!

CCA Florida STAR has anglers across since 2015 and fished STAR for the last the state in hot pursuit of those valuable three years. “I knew I could not go fishing pink tags! Since the event’s launch on Me- this year without renewing my membership morial Day weekend, 22 of the 2018 STAR and registering for STAR, if I caught one CCA Florida STAR, presented tagged redfish have been and wasn’t registered, by Yamaha, is the largest recaptured, with only two I would end up regret- family-friendly saltwater fishing of those anglers current ting it for the rest of my competition in Florida and CCA Florida members and life” stated Brown. “This registered for STAR. was my first fishing trip kicked-off on Saturday, May 26th. The winning anglers, of the summer and my Unlike traditional fishing Alex Hensley from Fort best.” Brown selected tournaments, STAR focuses Walton Beach and An- the Contender 22 Sport drew Brown of Pensacola, with 200 HP Yamaha on conservation and offers up will each walk away with Outboards motor sitting to $500,000 in prizes and a $65,000+ prize pack- on a Rolls Axle trailer. scholarships. Recognized as a age from Maverick Boat Remaining prizes in ‘catch, photo and release’ Group, Contender Boats the event’s signature and Yamaha Outboards at division, as of mid-July competition, STAR’s smart phone the STAR Awards Banquet include a new GMC Si- app eliminates the requirement on October 20th at Rock erra Pickup from Conley for anglers to harvest or capture Crusher Canyon in Crys- Buick GMC in Braden- and transport fish. “Our state’s tal River, Florida. Hensley ton or one of several was the 5th angler during Yamaha-powered boat natural resources and fisheries are the competition to catch packages including a here for our enjoyment, and we a STAR tagged redfish, and Hewes Redfisher 16, a understand that smart fishing will 1st to be registered and Carolina Skiff 21 Ultra eligible to win. Brown was and a Cottonmouth Alu- preserve these resources for the the 15th angler to catch a minum Bay/Flats boat. future,” said Brian Gorski, CCA STAR tagged redfish and “It really can happen, Florida Executive Director. the 2nd eligible winner. you just need to be a Hensley caught a 22” member and registered Duke Energy reared STAR for STAR when you go There are 17 divisions and 11 tagged redfish (tag FL 484) on June 12th fishing” said Leiza Fitzgerald, STAR Director. species included in the event, and near Rocky Creek in Okaloosa County. A Both the east and west coast of Florida most winners are determined by a CCA Florida member since May 2017, Alex have had their share of STAR tagged redfish drawing of catch entries made by immediately notified the organization, per recaptured by unregistered anglers. Brevard event regulations. “I knew the rules and County had the 1st and 2nd tagged fish anglers of all ages and skill levels. followed them, then the excitement set caught. Duval had the 3rd fish, Bay County Registration is $40 for current in,” stated Hensley. “I’m still in shock and had the 4th fish caught and Okaloosa had CCA Florida members or $75 for incredibly blessed to be the first registered the 5th and winning fish. Since the recapture angler.” Of the event’s major prizes, Hensley of the 1st winning fish we have had ten other non-members, which includes chose the Pathfinder 2200 TRS with 150 HP STAR tagged redfish fish caught by unregis- CCA Florida membership. Yamaha Outboards motor, Humminbird So- tered anglers in Lee (2), Bay, Dixie, Charlotte lix electronics and Minn Kota Terova trolling (2), Citrus, Okaloosa (2) and Bay Counties. motor. The 15th and 2nd winning fish came from Brown caught a 22” Duke Energy reared Okaloosa County and there has been six STAR tagged redfish (tag FL 522) on July other fish caught - in Palm Beach and Levy 7th near Santa Rosa Sound in Santa Rosa County, then Pasco, Volusia, Pinellas, Hillsbor- County. Brown had been a CCA member ough and Manatee.

20 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 There are on average four STAR tagged redfish released per Florida’s coastal counties with Brevard, Citrus and Charlotte Counties being Destination Counties each having a total of eight STAR tagged fish released in their waters. Hint - you may want to plan your next fishing weekend in one of our Destination Counties. There are still opportunities and plenty of time for other anglers to catch a winning fish but they must be registered and become a CCA member or it will just be another very sad fishing story. If catching a STAR tagged redfish is something you just don’t think you will ever do, STAR still has some great opportunities for to win other terrific prizes just by catching a non-tagged redfish, snook, trout, tarpon, grouper, kingfish, dolphin (mahi-mahi) and submitting them in the Open, Ladies, Kayak, Fly or Conservation Divisions. If fishing is not your thing, the Costa Kick Plas- tic Division allows STAR registered CCA members the ability to collect plastic and trash from the coastal waters and shoreline and submit a photo of every full five-gallon bucket they collect. Just include the 2018 STAR measuring device in the photo and earn a shot at $1,500 in cash from Sunsect, Body Glove SUP, Costa Sunglasses or a $250 gift certificate from Academy Sports + Outdoors. Making it a family day of fishing is easy when kids and parents know that the Youth Scholarship Division presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors offers over $100,000 in scholarships and winners are chosen by drawing, not determined by the largest fish. Youth anglers (ages 6-17) can register for free with their current ($10) CCA Flori- da youth membership and are eligible for prizes in both tagged fish divisions as well as the Youth Scholarship Division. Prizes for the first two youth anglers in the Tagged Redfish Division include a Carolina Skiff 16JVX CC boat, powered with a Yamaha Outboards 40 HP motor and trailer, and the first registered angler who catches one of 20 tagged dolphin (mahi mahi) is eligible to win a $10,000 scholarship. With time left in the competition and so many ways to win amazing prizes, now is the time to get registered and make the rest of your summer fishing more reward- ing. Visit ccaflstar.com or call 844-387-7827.

20 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 21 CCA Florida and representatives from Realtree Fishing

Super STAR Partners Conservation-minded companies join STAR to advance CCA Florida efforts. The conservation message could not be shared, the collection of garbage would not be rewarded and youth anglers would not have the opportunity to win scholarships in the STAR competition without the support of all of our corporate partners and sponsors. For the last several years, STAR has had loyal support from amazing STAR partners including:

Yamaha Outboards And other companies who Sunsect Sunscreen and Insect Another great company joining Contender Boats have supported the event Repellant is offering $1,500 as part STAR this year is a subsidiary of Maverick Boat Group and cause, including: of the first-place prize in the Costa TH MARINE, Atlas Jack Plate, as Conley Buick GMC in Bradenton Tito’s Handmade Vodka Kick Plastic Trash Division. the presenting sponsor of the NEW Carolina Skiff Papa’s Pilar Body Glove is providing the Non-Tagged Redfish Division, which Textron Off Road Road King Trailers second-place prize of an inflatable offers a Salt Marsh Skiff as the first- Stumpnocker (Salty Boats) Ocean Tamer Bean Bags fishing SUP in the Trash Division place prize. Salt Marsh Skiff Continental Trailers and a Stand-Up Paddleboard for the For those targeting Tagged Redfish, Bossman Boats Navionics Live auction at the STAR Awards the Punta Gorda Englewood West Marine Howler Brothers Banquet. Beach Visitors & Convention Costa Sunglasses Anisa Stewart Jewelry Bureau came aboard as the South Engel Coolers Luna Sea New For 2018 West Destination County and will Discover Crystal River Calusa Cast Net have two more tagged redfish than Visit Space Coast Jessica Ann Art Other outside companies have seen the value in the conservation any other west coast county except Power Pole Throw Raft for Citrus County. LIVETARGET Lures Knotty Tails Apparel message, collecting data, gather- Rolls Axle Trailer Reel Animals ing garbage and introducing youth We have also added Fissot Sports Florida Sportsman Magazine Florida Insider Fishing Report anglers to fishing, and are joining us with a motorized kayak as the LIVE Water Sports Addictive Fishing for the 2018 STAR event. first-place prize in the Power Pole Roundabout Watercraft Cottonmouth Boats is donating an Conservation Division and Kaku Ocean Grip aluminum Bay/Flats skiff with a 115 Kayaks as the first-place prize in Stepping Up the Kayak Division. PowerTech Propellers This year, many long-time sponsors Yamaha Outboard and custom trailer. Sunsect have seen the value that comes with Realtree Fishing has come on For the Youth Scholarship Division, Bull Bay Tackle STAR partnership and have increased board as the Official Camo pattern Pasco County Office of Tourism is Florida Fishing Products their participation in the event. of STAR and CCA and will provide sponsoring a $5,000 scholarship and Big Rock Sports and Clenzoil Maverick Boat Group has stepped two $25,000 youth scholarships, Our Youth Scholarship one for 2018 and one for 2019. Marine Lubricant have both do- up in a big way by providing addi- nated $500 towards scholarships. sponsors including: Johnson Outdoors has joined the Academy Sports + Outdoors tional boats and bringing the Hewes STAR constellation of partners with Beall’s Reel Legends Performance line to the Tagged Redfish Division. 2018 STAR will offer new divisions, the Humminbird, MinnKota, Cannon Clothing Power Pole is the new Conserva- new prizes and more ways to win, and Talon companies. thanks to all of our partners and South Eastern Environmental tion Division Sponsor. Humminbird is the presenting sponsors. Support companies who Solutions Engel Coolers is supporting the support conservation and join us in Talk of the Town Restaurant Group Freebie Friday Early Registration sponsor of the New Tarpon Divi- thanking these companies who make drawings. sion, which offers a $10,000 prize all the winning possible. package including a Humminbird Solix 10 and a MinnKota Terrova trolling motor.

22 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018

1782-18A CCA Florida_Fishing.indd 1 4/4/18 2:07 PM For: CCA Florida Due: 4/4/18 Upload: Email to - [email protected] *Email me any comments or Corrections* 22 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 23

1782-18A CCA Florida_Fishing.indd 1 4/4/18 2:07 PM For: CCA Florida Due: 4/4/18 Upload: Email to - [email protected] *Email me any comments or Corrections* 24 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 Lady Angler Extraordinaire

Our very own Leiza Fitzgerald, STAR Director, has been named one of the Most Influential Female Anglers in North America by Wildlife Enthusiast Magazine, and we couldn’t agree more. A self-proclaimed “top hooker,” Leiza Fitzgerald eats, sleeps, and dreams about fishing. She is obsessed with angling of all types—in freshwater or saltwater, with a fly, baitcasing, or spinning rod, and even with a bow or spear. Leiza is very active on the tournament trail and has won numerous “top 10” fishing titles at events such as the ESPN Redfish Cup and FLW Redfish Tour, as well as numerous regional and local events. She is a professional guide and STAR Director for CCA Florida. Leiza and her gal pals give back every chance they get. Their fishing team, “Screaming Reels & High Heels,” benefits two important charities: Hooked on Hope and Children’s Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Read the article and her feature on wildlifeenthusiast.com.

24 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 25 “Karl will go down in the history books as one of the best fighters and advocates for marine fisheries conservation and saltwater recreational fishing.”

—Ted Forsgren, CCA Florida

26 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 A Tribute to Karl Wickstrom Honoring His Legacy Compasses on recreational fishing boats were spinning this agement issues with Karl than CCA’s Ted Forsgren. Ted said he still summer. Magnetic North is hard to discern, as are just about any considers Karl “one of the top conservationists and advocates for heading on the ‘rose.’ The recreational fishing community, and all fisheries and recreational fishing in the world.” Added Ted: “His Floridians for that matter, lost a good friend, Karl Wickstrom, this energy and enthusiasm for fisheries conservation has kept fisheries summer. He was an angler’s North, South, East, and West. issues in the forefront for many years. He gave an incredible amount Karl has left a wonderful legacy for recreational anglers, and for of energy to CCA Florida, and myself, and is owed a big debt of anyone who appreciates Florida’s vast marine resources. He was gratitude that can never really be repaid.” a pioneer, a leader, and a critical voice for just about every fishery Working with Ted and many others, Karl helped attain gamefish issue which surfaced over the last five decades. That’s a long time, status for redfish in Florida, among his many accomplishments, which and there were loads of challenges, but Karl’s dedication and pas- continues to be one of the state’s key recreational fisheries. His sig- sion were at work daily, throughout his life. He never shied away nature achievement, by far, was his successful effort to ban destructive from the fight, and had the scars to prove it. He was, as few are, a gill nets in Florida waters, which culminated in the passing of a con- difference maker. stitutional amendment in 1994. To this day, one cannot mention nor CCA Florida co-founder and past CCA Florida Chairman, Cur- think of the net ban without attaching Karl’s name along with it. Karl tis Bostick, had this to say about his long-time friend: “Karl’s sup- helped unleash and lead an army of CCA volunteers, and others, to port over the years has enabled Florida Conservation Association, gather signatures and take other necessary steps to get the amend- now Coastal Conservation Association Florida, to accomplish some ment on the ballot. In recent years, Karl brought his passion to bear amazing things. From Karl we got financial support, printed opinions, when he turned his attention to Florida’s water quality problems. His lengthy telephone conversations, fishing advice and a great friendship.” tireless efforts, no doubt, will some day pay off. Anglers everywhere should appreciate Karl’s many accomplish- “Anna and I cherish the active and financial support Karl gave ments and impacts. Karl’s life-long love affair with Florida began FCA and CCA over the years and will greatly miss him and his to manifest itself when he founded Florida Sportsman magazine in input,” added another former CCA Florida co-founder and former 1969. Karl was an active contributor to the publication his entire Chairman, Alex Jernigan. life, authoring his award-winning “Openers” column for every edi- Pioneering. Tenacious. Visionary. Advocate. Champion. These tion. It was a must-read. words have all been used to describe Karl. All true, and accurate, Over the years, no one worked more closely on fisheries man- they were well-earned.

26 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 27 habitat hero

HABITAT HERO CCA Florida began regularly featuring a often ask other boaters and fishermen for While at Vero Beach High School, he got Habitat Hero in each edition of Sea Watch tips and tricks on how to fish the area. As involved in the Boy Scouts Sea Explorers Magazine just over two years ago, and the a child, he and his friends would ride their program, and was active in the program for impressive list of heroes continues to grow. bikes to Sebastian Inlet to fish (prior to three years and spent a lot of time camping In this edition, we are excited to recognize when the bridge was built over the inlet). on the Spoil Islands north and south of Vero Captain Paul Fafeita, President of the CCA They would predominantly fish for bluefish Beach in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). Lat- Treasure Coast Chapter. because they were the most accessible. er, Paul’s Sea Explorer group would be part Paul is married and the of the honor guard for the father of four daughters opening the Sebastian Inlet with five grandchildren Bridge. and one great-grandson. Paul graduated from He grew up in Vero Beach Vero Beach High School and began fishing with his and went to college for a grandfather at 10 years few years before joining old. He caught a tagged the U.S. Marine Corps. He sheepshead at that age un- spent three years in the der a local tagging program Marines in Vietnam before funded by a Schlitz Brew- volunteering for a second ing Company distributor tour. After this, Paul was in Fort Pierce. A few weeks hired by the Indian River later, Paul was fishing off a County Sheriff’s Office dock with fishing gear that where he spent the next his grandfather had given 30 years of his career. He him, and he jumped a mas- achieved the highest rank- sive tarpon. This got his ings with the sheriff’s office blood pumping and forever and also served as acting instilled him in saltwater undersheriff for approxi- fishing. mately six months, as well Sparked by his en- as a captain with the sher- counter with the massive iff’s office for the last sev- tarpon, Paul spent a lot of eral years of his employ- time on the water with ment. During his tenure as his friends and they would a captain, he was in charge

28 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 of the marine, aviation and agricultural units for some time. Their marine unit had In line with CCA’s objective to conserve, promote and enhance the present a presence on the waters six days a week and future availability of those coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment for at least eight hours a day, patrolling for water safety violations as well as fisheries of the general public, habitat restoration continues to be a major focus around and security issues. During his time with the the state. Over the last several years, hundreds of CCA members have volun- sheriff’s office, Paul also served as a hunter’s teered countless hours on habitat restoration projects and on helping acquire education instructor for Florida Fish and the funding for those projects. Without these volunteers and the increasingly Wildlife Conservation Commission. During the early to mid-1970s before important habitat restoration efforts, both our habitat and our fisheries would Paul got married, he and his roommate had suffer greatly. Based on this, CCA regularly recognizes in Sea Watch some of an oyster lease north of the Sebastian Inlet. the people that have gone above and beyond to help protect and restore our He spent a lot of time working these oyster leases as well as working with clams, and ac- fragile coastal resources. For more information or to recommend a CCA mem- cording to Paul, “their abundance was unbe- ber as a Habitat Hero, please contact Frank Gidus at [email protected]. lievable.” About 20 years ago while working for the sheriff’s office, Paul became involved ing to Paul. He attended a meeting at the was active in the local rotary club, power with CCA, initially through local fundraising Indian River Shores Town Hall around this squadron and the RISSA program (Rotary banquets. He got involved because he was time, which was attended by several politi- Initiative for Submerged Seagrass Aware- seeing a decline in the seagrasses and oys- cal and fishing dignitaries from the area. The ness) as well as starting oyster mat restora- ters, as well as the quantity of fish that they discussions at that meeting, along with ob- tion in Vero Beach. Paul Fafeita then brought were catching. Paul said the numbers of fish servations Paul was making on the water, in the local CCA Treasure Coast Chapter they were catching, compared to what they ignited his desire to get further involved to form a partnership that is still strong and would catch as kids, was significantly drop- with the IRL. “However, at that time no- thriving today. ping. At that time, other than the annual body else in the area was doing anything,” Paul’s interest in becoming a licensed banquets, there wasn’t much going on with Paul said. He then got involved with his life- captain was sparked by his cousin who the CCA Treasure Coast Chapter, accord- long friend, Captain Paul Dritenbas, who (continued on page 38)

28 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 29 Shell Reveals Starship Initiative Results at Finale Event Rolling Lab on Wheels Hauled Habitat Materials across the Country

On Tuesday, June 5, 2018, employees of Shell, Shell Lubricants customers, national

habitat horizon media outlets, Coastal Conservation As- sociation Florida (CCA Florida) and CCA’s National Habitat Program, the Building Conservation Trust (BCT), gathered at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center in Jacksonville, Florida to learn the results of the Starship cross-country drive. “Through this road trip, we were able to test the Starship truck along with a number of technologies available today and provide insight into what trucking fleets and owner/ operators could consider adopting to help reduce fuel use and emissions as they haul heavy loads,” said Carlos Maurer, president, North American Council for Freight Ef- nity for many years to come. Shell Oil Com- Shell Lubricants Americas. “We were for- ficiency (NACFE), Roechling Automotive, pany provided funding for this deployment, tunate that our relationship with Building Penske Truck Leasing, Shell Technology, which is a partnership with CCA Florida Conservation Trust and CCA Florida made Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations and and BCT. the perfect load available – reef material – Airflow Truck Company. “This has been the most innovative that helped us complete our cross-country As reported on by Mike Roeth, execu- project that BCT and CCA Florida have drive and create a new oasis for ocean life tive director of NACFE, Starship’s overall ever been involved in,” said John Carlson, off the Florida coast.” performance was verified and was based on chairman of the Building Conservation Starship is a hyper-aerodynamic, fuel- freight ton efficiency, as well as miles trav- Trust. “We are always so grateful for Shell efficient class 8 concept truck, utilizing a eled, fuel consumed and freight carried. Two Oil Company’s generous support, and we variety of fuel-efficient technologies, all of independent telematics devices and a data- are thrilled to be a part of a project that which are available today, but are not yet logger were used, and measurements were will make a huge impact on the community in common use. These include advanced verified along the route. It was determined of Jacksonville.” aerodynamic features, solar panels, an espe- that the data found was within 2 percent of The materials carried by Starship are an- cially efficient Cummins 15 liter engine, low each other. Other data such as wind speed ticipated to deploy in summer 2018. rolling resistance tires and of course, low and direction, elevation change and idle time were also taken into account. Accord- friction lubricants from Shell within each The Building Conservation Trust (BCT) was ing to Shell, the end results confirmed the driveline component. Its creation is the founded in 2013 as the national marine habi- Starship truck attained 178.4 ton-miles per result of a partnership between Shell and tat program of Coastal Conservation Associa- gallon for freight ton efficiency – a nearly Airflow Truck Company. The truck started tion. BCT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization 248 percent improvement over the North its journey in San Diego, California on May exclusively dedicated to providing funding for America average freight ton efficiency of 72 18, 2018. Transporting artificial reef mate- local, state and national fisheries, habitat con- ton-miles per gallon for trucks. rials, Starship made pit stops in Gila Bend, servation and restoration projects. BCT has cre- The truck’s payload consisted of nearly Arizona; Comfort, Texas; Houston, Texas; ated a model for the successful collaboration of 40,000 pounds of limestone rock to be de- and Biloxi, Mississippi. Starship finished its business, non-profit organizations and govern- ployed as an artificial reef in the St. John’s cross-country tour in Jacksonville on May ment agencies to revitalize critical habitat and River out of Jacksonville. This project will 24. establish a vibrant foundation for the marine create new marine habitat, and it will con- The Starship Initiative Finale Event in- ecosystem. cluded speakers from Shell Lubricants, the tinue to grow and serve the local commu-

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32 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 32 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 33 34 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 South Florida native, Eric Estrada, is a fly fishing artist, who comes from a family of artists. His passion for fishing stems from regular childhood trips to The Florida Keys, where he was captivated by the ocean. Combining his love for art, music and fishing, Eric found an outlet in acrylic and canvas art. Eric’s artwork has been displayed throughout the Tampa Bay area, Miami and The Florida Keys. His artwork has also been exhibited in Art Basel and the Dante Fascell Gallery in Biscayne National Park. Additionally, by combining his love for art, music and fishing, Eric has also found an outlet in film making. Through his art, Eric directly supports Coastal Conservation Association and other marine life conservation organizations such as Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, the Biscayne Na- tional Parks and the Herman Lucerne Memorial Foundation.

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36 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 36 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 37 Habitat Hero continued from page 29

worked for Harbor Branch Oceanograph- 2018, he was recognized for his outstand- Like Cole Foundation, Earman Island adop- ic Institute. At the time, his cousin was in ing service and involvement in the following tion, and the Indian River Lagoon Sympo- charge of providing educational programs projects, partnerships and initiatives: Oslo sium. He also participated in The Informed and she approached Paul about doing eco- boat ramp juvenile fish species protec- Angler, a video series produced by CCA in tours in the lagoon. He already owned a tion, Bethel Creek water quality, Dr. Grant partnership with Maverick Boat Group, as large pontoon boat and she encouraged Gilmore’s spotted seatrout study, Spoonbill the CCA Treasure Coast spokesman along him to get his captain’s license, which he did Marsh, Ocean Research & Conservation with Scott Deal. in 2004. Paul began marketing his business, Association (ORCA) coalition, kids fishing Paul is currently working on partner- Just Bumminit Guide Service, doing eco-tours, event with the Vero Beach Power Squad- ships with the Indian River Lagoon Land fishing, sightseeing and sunset trips, and is ron, Indian River County sewage discharges Trust and ORCA on a number of programs still going strong 14 years later. into the lagoon, Round Island Park oyster in the Vero Beach area. These restoration Paul was recently honored by the Pelican project, Treasure Coast waterway cleanup, programs include living shoreline restora- Island Audubon Society with the 2018 Envi- Indian River Neighborhood Association tions and oyster reef restoration projects. ronmental Citizenship award, along with fel- collaboration, Pebble Bay oyster pilot proj- Paul feels that through the vibrant CCA low CCA member Mary Yanno. Paul is also ect, First Annual Indian River Garbage Clas- Treasure Coast Chapter members and the recipient of the first ever “CCA Florida sic river clean-up, Treasure Coast Party in their environmental leadership in this area, Capt. Paul Dritenbas Volunteer of the Year the Park at Ft. Pierce Inlet, Greenfield Re- we could have more enthusiasm from all Award” for his outstanding volunteer work sources Technology for cleaning the lagoon CCA members along the entire IRL. Paul in the IRL. During the award presentation waters, Vero Beach Power Squadron and also sees the need and importance of get- at the Treasure Coast Banquet on April 19, Rotary Club Oyster donation to UCF, Live ting the younger generation involved in

38 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 habitat restoration, water quality and fisheries issues in the IRL. He has discussed this with Dr. Grant Gilmore and the idea on the table is to initiate a real-time fish tagging study where various species of fish can be tracked by local school-aged anglers, which would also get their parents involved. He believes this will generate much interest in the IRL from both children and their parents. In addition to his volunteering, Paul has attended an unknown number of public meetings concerning the IRL and finds time to serve on CCA’s Habitat and Water Quality Committees, as well as serving on the East-Central Florida Estuarine Resto- ration Team. He still finds time to continue his childhood passion of fishing and his favorite fish to catch is, without a doubt, the redfish. “The power, shoulder strength and strength of the fight from the redfish is just a ton of fun,” Paul said. And we couldn’t agree more!

38 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 39 40 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 sponsor spotlight

Polish vs Wax Do you wax or polish your boat? There is surface is very hazy or chalky, use Star brite a huge difference. We all use the term “wax- Restorer Wax (also actually a polymer polish) ing” regardless of what we use, so, to para- to remove the oxidization. Call Star brite’s phrase a well-known politician, what differ- Tech Line (800-327-85893) if you’re not sure ence does it make? To be technically correct, which one to use. if you wax the boat, you are applying a carnau- The trick to great results from waxing or ba-based formula. If you polish the boat, you polishing is proper preparation. Start by us- are applying a polymer-based treatment and ing Star brite Instant Hull Cleaner to remove possibly removing swirl marks, oxidation or waterline stains, dirt, old polish or wax. Rinse hazing. First let’s look at wax. For decades a and allow the area to be treated to dry. Apply carnauba wax has been the choice of car and the polish either by hand or with a random boat enthusiasts seeking a barrier against dirt, orbital buffer, working in overlapping circular stains and weather. The good points of car- motions to ensure uniform and complete cov- nauba wax are that it creates a barrier coating erage. It will dry to a haze in 15 minutes or so, that repels water while delivering a glossy fin- after which it can be easily wiped off by hand ish. Additionally, wax such as Star brite Pre- or with the buffer. Softened Boat Wax can “fill in” tiny imperfec- Don’t forget the deck; while you should tions and cover up light oxidation, acting very never polish or wax a deck, Star brite makes it much like a coat of makeup for the boat. The easy to clean and protect textured decks. Star downsides are that it is softened by high heat brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner uses special and wear, meaning it needs to be re-applied chelating agents that break the bond between every 3 months. dirt and the deck without heavy scrubbing. A good-quality polymer polish such as Star Apply it to a damp deck, spread evenly and al- brite Premium Marine Polish has a service low it to work for 5-10 minutes before using life of 8 to 10 months because the polymers a soft deck brush to agitate the treated area. chemically bond to the surface, as opposed to Rinse thoroughly. The formula contains no a wax which just “sticks” to the treated sur- harsh bleaches or acids that can damage the face. A good quality polymer polish provides fiberglass or be harmful to the user; a durable barrier against stains and dirt while you can even use it on vinyl seats. helping to repel UV rays to some extent. The When the deck is dry, apply Star sealers also make the treated surface more brite Non-Skid Deck Wax (which “slippery” (which is why you never polish a is not a wax, despite the name) deck) making cleanup easier because dirt to add non-slippery stain-repel- won’t stick to a treated surface. Some pol- ling action and UV protection. Non-Skid ishes are sealants, with no ability to remove Deck Wax is great for restoring light oxidations, stains or hazing. Others, the appearance of older, chalky decks. called Cleaner Waxes (yet not containing any A polished boat looks good, but wax), contain just enough grit to remove light the real payoff is that it will be oxidation, hazing or scuff marks. Star brite’s easier to clean after a day on the Cleaner Wax does all this and leaves a protec- water. tive polymer coating. You can use these pol- ishes on all fiberglass (except textured decks) painted surfaces and polished metals. If the

40 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 41 picture it picture

STAR entries come in all shapes and sizes.

Ed Ellett and family

42 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 Check out these entries in this year’s STAR event.

42 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 43 Inter- Chapter Challenge continued from page 19 around the state around

Mystery Fish Inshore: Rupert McAndless, Broward County Chapter (blue fish) Offshore: Donna Divine, Ocala Chapter (bonita)

Trash Can Slam Inshore: Orlando Chapter Offshore: North Palm Beach Chapter

The 2019 event will again take place in Jensen Beach at River Palm, on June 21stand 22nd. For more information on the ICC, visit our website, ccaflorida. org.

44 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 44 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 45 FWC Law Enforcement Update All photos courtesy of FWC. Safe on the Water

Florida had 766 boating accidents in 2017, 52 2017 boating accident statistics more accidents than in 2016. However, there was no change in the number of fatalities. A total of 67 provide an opportunity for boating people lost their lives last year in boating accidents. The Florida Fish and Falls overboard have been the leading type of fatal ac- Wildlife Conservation safety reminders cident since 2003, with drowning as the leading cause Commission is of death. responsible for many With the release of the 2017 Boating Accident Sta- Eighty-one percent of these victims were not things in order to tistical Report, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conserva- wearing a life jacket. Today’s boaters can choose from achieve their stated tion Commission (FWC) encourages boaters to focus mission: “Managing fish several models of light and comfortable inflatable on simple, effective steps that make boating safer. and wildlife resources belt-pack or over-the-shoulder life jackets that can “For 2017, the leading contributor to boating ac- for their long-term be worn while fishing or enjoying the sun. Boating accidents was the operator’s inattention or failure to well-being and the cident statistics support an important message: “Life maintain a proper lookout. It is critical for operators benefit of people.” Jackets Save Lives.” to be diligent in observing and being aware of what The FWC is responsible for reviewing, analyzing Law enforcement is a is going on around them,” said Lt. Seth Wagner from and compiling boating accident data for the state. Its primary focus in that the FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section. statistical report details boating accidents and their mission. We all In 2017, 261 boating accidents involved collisions causes. The theme of accident-related messages from understand that and 38 percent of all collisions were due to inat- FWC staff is clear: Officers want to help keep Flori- without strong tention or the operator failing to maintain a proper da’s beautiful waterways a safe place to boat. enforcement, the lookout. rules and regulations For a copy of the 2017 Boating Accident Statis- “It’s important that while out relaxing and enjoy- we work so hard to tical Report, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and select ing Florida’s beautiful waters, boaters remember to pass do nothing. CCA “Safety & Education” and “Boating Accidents.” Florida is proud to be safe,” Wagner said. continue our regular feature in Sea Watch; The FWC Law Enforcement Update. Please remember you can do your part by reporting all fish and wildlife violations to the FWC at 888-404-FWCC (3922) Cellular phone users, call *FWC or #FWC.

Mind Your Monofilament Line

With summer in full swing and many anglers enjoying time on the water, FWC wants to remind you to take ad- vantage of the Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program (MRRP). Keep your used monofilament out of the environment by placing it in an outdoor PVC recycling bin or an indoor cardboard bin where it can be recycled through the FWC’s partnership with Berkley Fishing. Find a bin near you and learn more at mrrp.myfwc.com.

46 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 A Deep Dive Into Divers-Down Devices

If you are wholly or partially submerged under water and are using snorkeling gear or SCUBA equipment, you must use a divers-down flag warning device. To stay within the law, boaters must: • Stay at least 300 feet away from a divers-down device when in open waters such as bays, oceans and gulf. (300 feet = football field). • Stay at least 100 feet away from a divers-down device when in narrow waterways such as rivers or canals. • Travel at idle speed, fully settled in the water, if the boat must pass within the distances stated above.

This is the WRONG way to display a divers- down flag. Divers-down device displayed from a Over The Limit – Under Arrest boat must: • Be displayed from the highest point of the boat Enjoying Florida’s beautiful waterways this summer? Make sure so that their view is not obstructed in any direction. to designate a sober operator to make sure everyone gets home • Must be at least 20 inches by 24 inches. safely! Boating while impaired by alcohol or drugs is dangerous and • Flags must have a stiffener to keep it extended (visible) when illegal. FWC officers, along with the U.S. Coast Guard and other there is no wind. law enforcement agencies, will be on the water this providing heightened enforcement and awareness on the dangers of boating This is the correct way to display a divers-down under the influence as part of Operation Dry Water. Report dan- flag. Divers/Snorkelers must: gerous boaters or anyone abusing our natural resources by calling • Stay within 300 feet of a divers-down device 1-888-404-3922, texting/emailing [email protected] or online in open waters such as bays, oceans and gulf. at http://myfwc.com/contact/wildlife-alert/. • Stay within 100 feet of a divers-down device in narrow Learn more about Operation Dry Water: http://www.opera- waterways such as rivers or canals. tiondrywater.org/. • Only display divers-down devices while divers/snorkelers are in the water. SET YOUR BOAT Precision GPS Guided Trolling Motor ON AUTOPILOT Superior GPS Technology 4X More Accurate 36% More Efficient Outstanding Customer Support New Longer 72" Shaft for High Bow Boats

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46 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 47 Presented by banquet schedule

AUGUST Dade Banquet ited, so get your tickets now! banquet is quickly becom- Thursday, For additional information, ing one of our larger events. September 27 please contact Amanda Krpan Please be sure to reserve Pasco Banquet at (352) 278-2708. your tickets early if you plan Join us for the 33rd Annual Friday, August 24 on attending this year! For th CCA Dade Chapter Ban- The 26 Annual Pasco Ban- additional information, please quet & Auction presented by South Palm Beach quet kicks off our fall banquet contact Adam Miller at (407) Contender Boats! We will be Banquet season back at The Spartan 401-7674. Manor! Tickets are $80 per drawing the winner of the Thursday, October 11 person, $150 per couple, and 2018 28’ Contender Tourna- Join us for the 8th Annual ment Edition Center Console CCA South Palm Beach Ban- STAR Awards corporate sponsorships start Banquet at $1,000. For additional infor- at the banquet!!! Join us at the quet & Auction presented by mation, please contact Steve Coral Gables Country Club Eastern Metal Supply! We will Saturday, October 20 Bowler at (727) 919-6191. and be a part of this exciting be at the beautiful Seagate CCA Florida STAR presented event! Be sure to purchase Country Club this year, and by Yamaha will be celebrating your table early as we are you will not want to miss it! and awarding nearly $500,000 SEPTEMBER anticipating a huge event this Space is limited, so please re- in boats, motors, prizes and year. For additional informa- member to purchase your ta- scholarships at the 4thAnnual bles well in advance. The party STAR Banquet & Ceremony! Space Coast Banquet tion, please contact Kathleen starts at 6:00pm! Tickets are This year’s event will be held Thursday, September 6 Marrero (305) 371-3835. $140 per person or a 10-seat at Rock Crusher Canyon in Please make plans now to corporate table is $1,700. For Crystal River. If you live any- join us on September 6th for additional information, please where near this part of the the 27th Annual CCA Space OCTOBER contact Nick Pectol (407) state please come on out Coast Banquet and Auction 401-7677. for a great event! Tickets presented by Boniface-Hiers Orlando Banquet are just $55 per adult and Automotive Group! Tickets Thursday October 4 $25 for youth under 17 and are just $110 per person and The 32nd Annual CCA Or- Treasure Coast BBQ includes a great meal from $200 per couple. The party lando Banquet presented by Friday, October 12 our friends at Texas Cattle starts at 6 p.m. with an open Winter Park Construction is Come on out to the Treasure Co., a live performance from bar at the Melbourne Audi- sure to be bigger and better Coast BBQ at the Walking Cledus T. Judd, dinner, cock- torium! For additional infor- than ever! The black tie event Tree Brewery! There will be tails (open bar), silent & live mation, please contact Rob of the year with no black ties free beer and great BBQ! auction, kids fun zone and Beckner at (321) 863-3226 and a convenient downtown Tickets are just $50 and in- over 450 guests. This is one or Jeff Dobbertien at (904) Winter Park location! Tick- clude CCA membership! For of CCA’s most exciting ban- 982-4144. ets are $200 per person and additional information please quets. Please be sure to re- reserved tables and corpo- contact Paul Fafeita at (772) serve your tickets or table rate sponsorships begin at 473-8475 or Jeff Dobbertien Gainesville Banquet early if you plan on attending $2,500. For additional infor- at (904) 982-4144. Thursday, this year! For additional information, please contact Dan September 20 mation, please contact Andrea th Askin at (407) 401-7671. Peace River Banquet The 28 Annual Gainesville Gillespie or Leiza Fitzgerald at Thursday, October 18 Banquet presented by Merrill (844) 387-7827. Lynch will be at The Swamp’s Forgotten Coast Join CCA Florida in celebrat- Touchdown Terrace! Tickets Banquet ing the 6th Annual Peace River Thursday, October 11 Banquet! This year’s event will Sarasota Banquet are going for just $80 each Friday, October 26 and include a delicious din- The 2nd Annual Forgotten be held at the Turner Agri- This event has been sold out ner, CCA Membership, live Coast Banquet will be held Civic Center in Arcadia. If you the last six years in a row, auction, raffles, silent auc- at the Centennial Building live anywhere near this part please reserve your tickets tion, and so much more! Get in Port St. Joe. Forgotten of the state please come on early! Our 32nd Annual ban- your spot before we sell out! Coast - we’re coming at ya! out for a great event! Tickets quet is presented by Capstan For additional information, The evening’s dinner will be are just $85 per person and Financial Consulting Group please contact Amanda Krpan catered, and the drinks will include a great steak form our and will be held at the Hyatt at (352) 278-2708 or Mark be free! Tell your friends and friends at Texas Cattle Co. Regency Sarasota. Tickets are Hurm at (352) 378-9422. come support your Forgotten This is one of CCA Florida’s just $110 per person or $200 Coast Chapter. Seating is lim- newest chapters and their

48 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 per couple and include a two- as well as steak dinner and open hour open bar, catered dinner bar! Single tickets start at just and CCA membership. For ad- $90 and include CCA member- ditional information, please con- ship! For additional information, tact Adam Miller (407) 401-7674. please contact Pat Orman at (904) 728-8793 or Jeff Dobber- tien at (904) 982-4144. NOVEMBER Pensacola Banquet North Palm Beach Wednesday, Banquet November 14 Thursday, November 1 This year’s CCA Pensacola Ban- Join us for the 33rd Annual quet presented by Budlight is go- Searcy Denny Scarola Barnhart ing to be our best yet! Hurry, & Shipley CCA North Palm and save $100 on a Corporate Beach Chapter Banquet & Auc- Sponsor Table if you buy before tion presented by Grand Slam September 22nd. Tables seat 8 Tackle. Hosted at the beautiful and come with 8 CCA member- Palm Beach County Convention ships, open bar, dinner, table gifts, Center, this casually elegant affair framed art by our featured artist, is sure to be a great time! For a full-page program ad and prior- additional information, please ity seating. What are you waiting contact Nick Pectol at (407) for!? For additional information, 401-7677. please contact Amanda Krpan at (352) 278-2708 or Mimi Bass at Clermont Banquet and (850) 516-4966. Auction Thursday, November 8 Pinellas Banquet Please join us for this fourth time Thursday, November 15 event in the heart of Clermont. The Pinellas Banquet will be This year’s event will once again held at the Gulfport Casino Ball- be held at the Clermont City room! This historic event space Center across from city hall. The is something you will have to see fun starts at 6 PM with an open to believe! Tickets are $90 per bar followed by a catered din- person or $170 per couple. Cor- ner by our good friends at Texas porate and reserved tables begin Cattle Company. Tickets are only at $1,250 for a table of eight. For $85 and include open bar, steak additional information, please dinner, and a one-year CCA contact Jim Suomi (727) 244- membership. For additional in- 9474 or Christine Suomi (727) formation, please contact Adam 643-7375. Miller at (407) 401-7674.

Jacksonville Banquet Thursday, November 8 (continued on page 50) Don’t miss out on this year’s Jacksonville Banquet presented by Merrill Lynch at the beautiful, timeless Garden Club of Jack- sonville located downtown on the water’s edge! There will be great raffle, and auction items,

48 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 SEA WATCH • SUMMER 2018 49 Presented by banquet schedule

Key West Banquet Tickets are just $80 per person South Walton please contact David Bostick at and Auction or $150 per couple, corporate Banquet (407) 506-6924 or Jeff Dobber- Thursday, November tables are still available. For Thursday, December 6 tien at (904) 982-4144. Additional information, please 29 The South Walton Banquet contact Luke Kelleher at (910) Please join us for the 2nd An- will once again be held at the CCA Golf Challenge 619-2202 or Jeff Dobbertien at nual Key West Chapter Ban- beautiful Lake House in Water- at Black Diamond (904) 982-4144. quet and Auction presented by color. Tables of 8 begin at $900 Ranch our good friends at Papa’s Pilar and include an open bar for Monday, December 10 Rum. The Southernmost CCA the evening for you and your Yo u have always wanted to play Banquet will be held at the Key DECEMBER guests. This is a great opportu- Black Diamond and now you West Marriott Beachside Ho- nity for some holiday shopping. have a chance. After a terrific tel. Sponsors and early ticket Eagles Banquet We’ve sold out quickly the last 9th annual event CCA Florida is holders will be invited to a VIP Saturday, December 1 two years, so make sure you proud to announce our 10th An- pre-party the evening before The Eagles Banquet will once get your tickets early! For ad- nual Golf Tournament at Black at the Papa’s Pilar Rum Distill- again be held in the beauti- ditional information, please Diamond, Monday, December ery! Tickets are only $100 per ful Cohen Center Ballroom at contact Amanda Krpan at (352) 10, 2018. Foursomes are $1,000 person or $185 per couple Florida Gulf Coast University. 278-2708 or Andy McAlexan- and sponsorships begin at $200. and include open bar, dinner, Your ticket includes a one-year der at (850) 259-8283. All entry fees include everything and a one-year CCA member- CCA membership, catered you need for a great day on a ship. For additional information, dinner, and open bar! This is Lake Mary Banquet great course; range balls, cart, please contact Nick Pectol at a great opportunity to come Thursday, December 6 lunch and awards ceremony together with the local fish- dinner. For additional informa- (321) 271-7723. Mark your calendars for the ing community and party for a tion, please contact Adam Miller 2nd Annual Lake Mary Banquet cause. We’ve sold out quickly (407) 401-7674. St. Augustine Banquet and Auction. You don’t want to the last two years, so make sure Thursday, November 29 miss out on this great event at th you get your tickets early! For Mark your calendars for the 4 the best banquet venue in the additional information, please Annual St. Augustine Banquet state! Tickets are just $90 per contact Amy Kuehnert at (407) and Auction. If you missed this person or $150 per couple, 401-7680 or akuehnert@cca- great event last year then you corporate tables are still avail- florida.org. probably already know you able. For additional information, don’t want to miss out again!

Visit our Facebook page for the latest on our water quality and habitat restoration efforts.

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