September 25, 2008
South Florida’s marine industry is fighting to save public access to waterways and prevent marinas, boatyards and other waterfront businesses from being assessed taxes based on their potential rather than actual use.
For example, a working marina or boatyard could be taxed as if its land was being used for high-rise condominiums.
This Save Our Waterfronts or Amendment 6 campaign was the call to action at Wednesday’s 10th Annual Marine Summit at the Palm Beach Convention Center. Voters will have the final say on the ballot Nov. 4.
“It’s shutting down the marine industry in the state,” State Rep. Dennis Ross said at the event hosted by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. “Mom and pops can’t afford these taxes.”
South Florida’s $13.6 billion marine industry is also struggling to find skilled workers, retain existing business and attract new customers in a challenging economic climate of higher taxes, shrinking waterfront space and unfriendly regulation.
Technical and trade-related jobs such as mechanics, carpenters and welders are in high demand.
“The best way to leverage resources is through collaboration and partnerships, said Frank Herhold, executive director of the Marine Industries Association in Fort Lauderdale.
To that end, new training programs have emerged to address some work force needs.
In August, a new Marine Diesel Systems course began at McFatter Technical Center in Davie with 26 students. Interest in the program is growing, course instructor Mark Corwin said.
In January, Broward College started an associate degree program in marine engineering management with a class of 17 students. Attendance is up to roughly 42 students and is expected to increase, said Jorge Guerra, dean of the marine program.