The statewide boating and waterway management conference "From Stem to Stern" returns May 15-17 in Clearwater Beach after a six-year hiatus.
Florida ranks first nationwide in boat registrations, which generates a significant need for boating and waterway stakeholders from across the state to gather and discuss issues facing their counties and region, according to conference chair Betty Staugler of Charlotte County.
"Balancing economic growth and environmental protection is a challenge complicated by rapid population growth in the state's coastal zone, and an increase in recreational boating and other water-related activities," Staugler said.
From Stem to Stern II was postponed in 2009 after cutbacks in state spending and the Great Recession squeezed attendance, Staugler said.
This year nearly 200 people from the marine industry, government planning staffs, state agencies, engineering firms and state research institutions are expected to attend.
Guest speaker topics include funding solutions for waterway access improvements, updates on state legislation affecting navigation and working waterfront communities and the state anchoring and mooring program being tested in five pilot cities.
The conference is sponsored through a partnership of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the University of Florida and the Florida Sea Grant College Program. DEP Secretary Herschel Vinyard will deliver the conference keynote address.
Register at flseagrant.org/boating/StemtoStern/. Registrants before April 2 receive a $50 discount off the regular conference fee of $150.
The conference takes place at the Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key, 1201 Gulf Blvd. A discounted room rate of $93 per night is available to attendees.
