Local Marine Businesses Sue FEC, Coast Guard, Army Corps

TCPalm.com: 13 marine businesses sue FEC, Coast Guard, Army Corps over Brightline, Stuart drawbridge


WPBF: Treasure Coast business owners sue Brightline, Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers


WPEC: Local businesses sue Coast Guard, Army Corps & FEC over Brightline drawbridge plans


WPTV: Martin County marine businesses sue FEC, Coast Guard, Army Corps over Brightline, St. Lucie River bridge

Are you being impacted by the bridge closure or another local marine-related issue? Please take a few moments to complete this survey.

Marine Industry and Boater Survey

A number of marine businesses in Martin County have filed a federal lawsuit saying they won’t be getting fair access to the water once high speed rail comes to town.


The lawsuit opposes the planned obstruction of free navigation on the Okeechobee Waterway resulting from the unauthorized revision to the long-standing operating schedule of the Florida East Coast Railroad.


MIATC is not a plaintiff in this lawsuit, but the association has been asked by several members to assist in providing awareness to the industry in the case being brought forth.

Sign up for Brightline construction updates, text “STL” to 888-384-0037

Public Notice: Local Bridge, Boat Ramp Repairs Happening in May


Waterway access will be constrained along the Treasure Coast in May. Boaters should understand the status of each project, as well as potential impacts to their cruising itineraries.


Indian River County


Riverside Park boat ramp is open, but there are no docks. Use at your own risk. >> Read more


St. Lucie County


Update: 2023 Fort Pierce Shore Protection Project >> Read more


North Causeway Park to temporarily close May 8 >> Read more


Martin County


CSX Indiantown Railroad Bridge closed for repairs >> Read more


FEC/Brightline Railroad Drawbridge closed for rehabilitation >> Read more


Sandsprit Park boat ramp construction starts >> Read more

2023 MIAF Legislative Days in Tallahassee


In April, members of the Marine Industries Association of Florida visited with legislators at the Florida State Capitol to discuss the potential impacts of marine-related bills up for vote during the 2023 Legislative Session.


Latest updates on proposed bills:

Interested in Joining the MIATC Board of Directors? Nominations Due May 28


Nominations to join the MIATC Board of Directors are now being accepted.


Nominees must be MIATC members in order to be considered. Duties include participation in monthly board meetings and at least one special committee, as well as advocating on behalf of the MIATC and member businesses as needed.


Nomination forms must also include signatures from 10 MIATC members. Completed nomination packets can be sent to jbeard@miatc.org.

Nomination Form

Annual Waterway Cleanup


Join the MIATC and Florida Inland Navigation District for the 16th Annual Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup!


This year's event takes place from Saturday, July 15 to Sunday, July 23.


Click here to volunteer


Each year, nearly 1,200 volunteers participate in this event by cleaning up the waterways of Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties.


Click here to become a sponsor


In 2022, the volunteers collected 3.45 tons of trash from approximately 125 miles of waterways.


Since 2008, this event has activated more than 13,441 volunteers who have helped remove nearly 100 tons of trash!


Click here for more information

SAVE THE DATE: Skilled Trades Bootcamp July 24 to 28

MIATC Officers

President: Tom Whittington, Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales

Vice President: Rob Mac Keen, Derecktor Ft. Pierce

Secretary: Bruce Grout, Sovereign Yacht Sales

Treasurer: Sean Ebersold, Ebersold Boatworks

Past President: Chris Dempsey, Pirate's Cove Resort & Marina

Senior Director: John Yudin, Guy Yudin & Foster LLP

Senior Director: Janet Zimmerman, Florida Inland Navigation District


MIATC Board Members

Jill Marasa, Ashley Capital

Thomas O'Brien, Chapman Marine Supply

Butch Olsen, Port Salerno Commercial Fishing Dock Authority

Dan Romence, Indiantown Marine Center

John Sprague, JH Sprague Consulting LLC

Do you have information you would like to share with the MIATC Member Network?


Send us an email to be included in a future edition of the Boatlines newsletter.

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Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast

Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC) is a nonprofit marine trade organization dedicated to promoting, protecting and growing marine-related business and recreational boating interests in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee counties.


Owner of the Stuart Boat Show, MIATC advocates for clean waterways, navigable passageways and ocean access, and policies supporting marine businesses and the boating public. MIATC members range from family-run businesses and specialized tradespeople to yacht brokers and megayacht shipyards, who collectively help drive a regional economic impact of more than $1.3 billion.


Established in 1974, MIATC promotes boating safety, supports workforce readiness in the marine industry and informs the public about important marine-related issues across the Treasure Coast and beyond. For more information about MIATC, contact Justin Beard, Executive Director, at jbeard@miatc.org or 772-692-7599.

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