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Press Release | May 15, 2024

Media Advisory: Coast Guard, partner agencies join forces for National Safe Boating Week on Suncoast

Public Affairs Detachment Tampa Bay - 305-607-6347

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg and Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 9th Division crews are teaming up with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Sarasota County for multiple events throughout National Safe Boating Week.

Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach open house

Editor’s Note: Coast Guard interview opportunities for the open house are noted within the ‘Media Availability’ section. Media is asked to RSVP for interviews by emailing padettampabay@gmail.com.

The Coast Guard is holding an open house to showcase Coast Guard missions, assets and careers for the public, May 17-20, at Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach.

WHO: Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach, Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 9th Division, Coast Guard Recruiting Office Tampa, Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater and partner agencies.

WHAT: Coast Guard crews will showcase a response boat and helicopter static display, offer free vessel safety exams and offer on-site recruiters to speak with.  

WHEN: May 17-20, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

WHERE: Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach, 719 San Carlos Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33931

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Friday, May 17, 10 - 10:30 a.m., Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 9th Division crews will demonstrate a Vessel Safety Check aboard an Auxiliary vessel and discuss safe boating. Additional interview opportunities may be requested on May 17, but are voluntary for crews and must be approved through the on-site Coast Guard Public Affairs Officer.

Sarasota County boat, water, beach safety press conference

Editors Note: Media is asked to RSVP by emailing news@scgov.net.

The Coast Guard is joining Sarasota County for a press conference, Monday, May 20, at Nora Patterson Bay Island Park.

WHO: Tim Dorsey, assistant chief, Sarasota County Fire Department 

Chief Petty Officer Derek Waters, officer in charge, Coast Guard Station Cortez 

Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 9th Division

WHAT: This press conference will address National Safe Boating Week, water safety and beach safety ahead of Memorial Day Weekend along with department operations.

WHEN: Monday, May 20, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

WHERE: Nora Patterson Bay Island Park, 946 Siesta Dr, Sarasota.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY:  Monday, May 20, 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 9th Division crews will demonstrate a vessel safety check aboard an Auxiliary vessel and discuss safe boating after the press conference.

FWC National Safe Boating Week press conference

Editors Note: Media is asked to RSVP by emailing Southwestpio@myfwc.com.

The Coast Guard is joining the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for a press conference, Thursday, May 23, at Gandy Boat Ramp.

WHO: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, National Safe Boating Council, Tampa Police Department, Tampa Fire Rescue, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, St. Petersburg Police Department, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 9th Division

WHAT: This press conference will address National Safe Boating Week and boating safety. Participating agencies will provide a guided ride-along for the media to showcase their operation.

WHEN: Thursday, May 23, 8 - 9 a.m.

WHERE: Gandy Boat Ramp, 5108 W. Gandy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611

ADDITIONAL MEDIA AVAILABILITY:  Thursday, May 23, 8:30 - 9 a.m., Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 9th Division crews will demonstrate a Vessel Safety Check aboard an Auxiliary vessel and discuss safe boating after the press conference.

Media Kit resources:

National Safe Boating Week Statistics

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg Auxiliary

Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Safety Checks

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