PROPELLER CLUB NEWS
Scroll down to read about our past luncheons and events!
The guest speaker at the March Luncheon was Wayne Justice, RADM, USCG (Ret), Vice Chairman of the Port Commission. He provided an update on port operations, capital projects and talked about the job of being a port commissioner. Justice highlighted the resurgence of the Cruise industry and the record-breaking revenues and amount of passengers coming through the port. He mentioned the construction of new parking garage facilities, new cargo berths and the purchase of a new mobile cargo crane. Other topics covered during Q&A from the attendees included possible future berths for Space Industry vessels and construction of a new SR 401 bridge and the widening of SR 528. Diane Luensmann, the port’s Vice President of Government & Strategic Communications gave an update on the status of these road projects with FDOT.
FEBRUARY HAPPY HOUR
We had a great turnout for our first networking Happy Hour of the Year held at Rising Tide Tap & Table! This was our member Appreciation/Welcome New Members/Recruit New Members event. Thank you to all who came out and “Welcome Aboard” to our newest members!
FEBRUARY LUNCHEON
Capt. Janet Espino-Young, USCG Commander Sector Jacksonville and Captain of the Port, was the guest speaker at the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral February Luncheon. The Sector Jacksonville Area of Responsibility covers 40,000 square miles of ocean and inland waterways. Capt. Espino-Young highlighted the critical missions the Coast Guard carries out including Search & Rescue, Marine Transportation System management, and Maritime Homeland Security. She highlighted some of the statistics from last year and provided details of some of the SAR missions carried out. She noted the increased demand on the Coast Guard’s limited resources which is resulting in the consolidation of some Coast Guard units and prioritization of the most critical missions. Capt. Espino-Young thanked the Port Authority and Port stakeholders for the cooperation and collaboration on many missions including SAR, Space launch security, and hurricane preparations and response. She pointed out the importance of cyber security and how this has become a big part of the Coast Guard mission in protecting marine terminals, facilities and vessels.
JANUARY LUNCHEON
We had a great kick off to the year with our January Luncheon. Incoming President Theresa Clifton talked about the club’s mission and the importance of the maritime industry to the economy and national security. She encouraged all to help increase our membership to follow the challenge by International Propeller Club President Marie Conatser to increase membership and the number of clubs as we approach the milestone of 100 years of IPC in 2027. The club’s Partners were recognized and many of the companies and organizations took the opportunity to say a few words about their operations.
HOLIDAY PARTY
Our last event of 2023 was the annual Holiday Party held this year at the Hampton Inn & Suites / Home2 Cape Canaveral Cruise Port with catering by Two Chicks and a Pot. It was a great close to another successful year. The Board for 2024 was sworn in and we had Nancy Pierce Sims, former Administrator of the Propeller Club – Port of Tampa, as our guest of honor. She was recognized for her many years of support, mentoring and friendship to our club. Remarks were give by our outgoing President Kevin Jobes, incoming President Theresa Clifton, Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray; and Port Commissioner, and 2023 International Propeller Club Maritime Person of the Year, Radm Wayne Justice, USCG (Ret.). We look forward to another busy and productive year in 2024.
RADM BOB MERRILEES, USCGR (RET.)
July 25, 1938 – November 18, 2023
Long time Board member of the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral, RADM Bob Merrilees, USCGR (Ret) passed away peacefully on Nov. 18. He was laid to rest on December 6 at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery following a Celebration of Life at the Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, Merritt Island, Florida. Bob was honored by the club, along with his wife Bev, as Maritime Persons of the Year in 2021. He had an amazing dual career as a civilian with NASA and in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve culminating with his serving as the Senior Coast Guard Reserve Officer before his retirement. RADM Merrilees rose through the ranks from Radioman Third Class to Flag Officer serving in both the Pacific Area and the Atlantic Area from 1990 to 1994. He commanded several major organizations and served as the Coast Guard member of the Reserve Forces Policy Board offering independent advice to the Secretary of Defense and Congress. RADM Merrilees has been awarded the Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Medal, two Legions of Merit for exemplary service, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, among others. He served in national and community organizations before and after retiring. He served as National President of the Reserve Officer’s Association and on numerous Boards including as President of the Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation.
NOVEMBER VETERANS LUNCHEON & ANNUAL MEETING
The Propeller Club’s November Veterans Luncheon and Annual Meeting was held at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, Port Canaveral this week. The Board for 2024 was voted in and a Salute to Veterans featuring the Armed Forces medley performed by Steve Kirsner and Dennis Thompson was held. Our guest speaker was Dean Schaaf, President of the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center. He gave a presentation highlighting some of the museum displays, monuments, park amenities and plans for an amphitheater!
OCTOBER LUNCHEON FEATURED REPORT ON THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
Club President Kevin Jobes gave a report on the International Propeller Club of the United States Annual Convention at the October Luncheon held at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill at Port Canaveral. He highlighted the important networking, communication, and sharing of ideas between the different clubs as well as the industry speakers and panelists covering the latest maritime trends. He stated that the Propeller Club Port of Charleston did a great job hosting the event and knocked the social events out of the park including dinner on the USS Yorktown! Kevin was followed by Past President and incoming Education Committee Chairman Rocky Johnson who reiterated the Club’s congratulations to RADM Wayne Justice, USCG (Ret) on his recognition by the IPC as Maritime Person of the Year and he talked about the great work being done by our club in support of the Rockledge High School HELM Program. 
CONGRESSMAN POSEY SPEAKS AT SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON
Congressman Bill Posey was the Guest Speaker at the September Propeller Club Luncheon held at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill in Port Canaveral. Posey discussed some of the important issues facing Congress, especially the upcoming debt ceiling debate. He highlighted legislative successes and challenges including making sure that all Space Industry workers were included in the CARES Act rather than only “essential workers”. Posey stated that he has pushed back against the proposed NOAA Right Whale regulations which he considers an unnecessary overreach that would greatly expand reduced speed zones and the amount of vessels impacted.
HELM DIRECTOR & TEACHER RECOGNIZED
Sarah Hardy, HELM Maritime Program Director and Teacher, was recognized at the Propeller Club May luncheon for her seven years leading the program! Thank you for an incredible job and all the hard work and dedication that has made the program the huge success that it is today!
STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AT MAY LUNCHEON
At the Propeller Club May Luncheon held at Fishlips in Port Canaveral, graduating Seniors from the Rockledge High School HELM Maritime Program and our Scholarship award winners from around the county were recognized. Congratulations to all and best of luck in the future. Thank you to School Board Chairman Matt Susin for being the luncheon guest speaker and his support for Career and Technical education. Special recognition was given to HELM Director and Teacher Sarah Hardy for all of her dedication and commitment to the program over the last seven years! We were also pleased to have the Propeller Club Southeast Region Vice-President Liz Miller join us for the luncheon!
The club’s annual fundraiser, ShrimpFeast was held on April 14 at Cruise Terminal 5, Port Canaveral. The event was a big success raising funds for scholarships and programs including the HELM Maritime program at Rockledge High School. Two Chicks and a Pot provided an outstanding buffet, Wild Ocean Seafood did an amazing appetizer station and Mango Brothers Band played great music. Sheriff Wayne Ivey conducted a live auction which was a big part of the successful fundraising. The club named the 2023 Maritime Person of the Year, Radm Wayne Justice, USCG (Ret), and Member of the Year, Dennis Thompson. A huge thank you to all of the sponsors, donors, volunteers, and all who attended and supported the event!
MARCH LUNCHEON
The club’s March Luncheon was held on Wednesday, March 1 at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, Port Canaveral. The guest speaker was Port Commission Chairman Kevin Markey who gave some background on his life and career as a Brevard native and provided an update on operations and capital improvements at the Port. Port CEO Capt. John Murray joined him for a wide ranging question and answer period where parking improvements and future planning were among the topics discussed. The next club event will be a networking Happy Hour on Wednesday, March 22 at Gator’s Dockside in Port Canaveral.
FEBRUARY HAPPY HOUR
The club’s first Happy Hour of the year was held on Wednesday, Feb 22 at Rising Tide Tap & Table in Port Canaveral. This was our Member Appreciation, Welcome New Members, and Recruit New Members event. A special thank you to event sponsor Loyd Contracting Company, Inc. We had a great turn out!
SEAFARER’S COOKOUT
Thank you to the Navy League Cape Canaveral Council and Propeller Club of Port Canaveral Volunteers who provided a cook-out lunch for the Seafarers visiting the Canaveral Port Ministry on Saturday, Feb 18. There were five cruise ships in port that day and about 480 visitors to the Ministry’s facility!
FEBRUARY LUNCHEON
The February Luncheon was held on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Our guest speaker was Capt. Tina Peña, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Coast Guard Seventh District. Capt. Peña’s career has been as a Coast Guard aviator and aeronautical engineer. She provided an overview of the many missions of the District and highlighted the mission diversity and innovation found at Port Canaveral to include being the second busiest cruise ship port in the world, hosting the first LNG bunkering operations in North America, and support of the Space Industry. Capt. Peña stated how impressed she was with the teamwork of all of the stakeholders at Port Canaveral in dealing with opportunities and challenges such as the response to the Hurricanes last year.
Our first luncheon of the year was held on Wednesday, January 11 at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill. Incoming President Kevin Jobes talked about the club with a look at who we are and what we are all about. He highlighted all of the events, networking, and giving back to the community and emphasized that we are about family. His calls for more involvement this year were heeded the following Saturday with a great turnout for the first KBB Clean Up day of the year! (Separate post on that coming!) Many of our Partners took the opportunity at the luncheon to say a few words about their companies, and several new members introduced themselves. Winter interns from Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Florida Tech working at Port Canaveral and an intern working with the Canaveral Pilots from Texas A&M Maritime Academy were introduced. 
The November Annual Meeting and Luncheon was held on Wednesday, November 30 after having been postponed from the beginning of the month due to Hurricane Nicole. The luncheon immediately followed the “State of the Port” address given by Port CEO Capt. John Murray at Port Canaveral’s Cruise terminal 3. The Propeller Club Officers and Board for 2023 were voted in at the meeting. The guest speaker for the luncheon was Dean Schaaf, President of the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center. He gave an update on the programs and initiatives at the Center including new museum offerings, support for many Veterans organizations, use of the facility by community groups such as the Sea Scouts, and camp-outs for Boy and Girl Scout troops, the Center’s library, and availability of the facility for rental for special events. He highlighted the new amphitheater construction project currently getting underway for the site! Dean recounted many of the efforts in building the Center with the help of many community leaders and organizations including many Propeller Club members and Partners who were in attendance at the luncheon. The Brevard Veterans Memorial Center is an amazing facility with a world class museum. It is a must see/visit for residents and visitors to Brevard County alike. Congratulations to Dean and the team at the Center for their outstanding efforts and leadership.
The Propeller Club of Port Canaveral awarded five scholarships this year, four to graduating Brevard High School seniors and one to a college student who is transferring to a maritime academy. Congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients and thank you to all of the supporters who make it happen! Thank you to our partners at the Brevard Schools Foundation for supporting our scholarship program!
A Networking Happy Hour was held on March 18 at Gator’s Dockside and hosted jointly by the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral and the Space Coast Chapter of the USMMA Alumni Association. Attendees ranged from cadets currently serving on a U.S. flag ship berthed at Port Canaveral to legendary 96 year old retired MSC Captain Ed Lanni and every generation in between! Thank you to all who came out for the event!
SHRIMPFEAST 2021
Our annual fundraiser, ShrimpFeast, was held on Friday, October 15 at the Exploration Tower, Port Canaveral. The weather could not have been more beautiful for this event which was held outdoors this year. The event was cancelled in 2020 and was postponed in 2021 from our traditional April time frame. Thank you to all of our members, partners, sponsors, and community family, friends, and neighbors, who helped make this a big success. The funds raised support the club’s community outreach programs, especially our support of the Rockledge High School HELM Maritime Studies program and our scholarship program for graduating High School seniors going on to post secondary education or technical training in a maritime related field. Big Thank Yous to Fishlips and Wild Ocean Seafood for the outstanding food, Keep Brevard Beautiful for the clean up crew, Naval Sea Cadets, Courageous Division Color Guard for the Presentation of Colors, Sheriff Wayne Ivey for serving as our guest speaker, all of sponsors, especially Platinum sponsors the Canaveral Port Authority and Pediatric Care Group Orlando, and all of our volunteers who helped make it all happen!
Seafarers’ House honored Long-Time Supporter Cliff Berry II at 25th Annual 2021 International Golden Compass Gala
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – For more than 20 years, Cliff Berry II has dedicated his time and passion to Seafarers’ House. This year, the native Floridian and life-long Fort Lauderdale resident was honored with the non-profit organization’s prestigious International Golden Compass Award. Berry is President and CEO of Cliff Berry Inc., a Fort Lauderdale company founded in 1958 that offers environmental services. He has been on Seafarers’ House Board of Directors since 1999. He currently serves as the board’s vice president.
Twenty years ago, Berry’s father, Cliff Berry, Sr., was the recipient of the Golden Compass Award, which recognizes those who have achieved distinction in the maritime industry, those whose vocation or avocation has been the sea, or those who have ministered to or otherwise assisted seafarers. “My father founded our company six decades ago and grew it into a nationally recognized powerhouse that I now have the privilege to lead. He dedicated his life to Port Everglade’s maritime community. It is such a privilege and honor to be able to follow in his footsteps in receiving this award,” said Berry.
Cliff Berry Inc. and the family generously gave a lead gift to the Place of Welcome Campaign to build the new Seafarers’ House in Port Everglades. They provide in-kind, volunteer and financial support year-round to ensure the organization’s ability to offer practical and spiritual care to as many as 150,000 seafarers who come to Port Everglades annually. The company also has supported Seafarers’ House as a Gold Sponsor of the Golden Compass Awards Gala, as well as sponsoring the annual South Florida Business Leaders Luncheon. The company and its employees also have been long-time supporters of Seafarers’ House annual Shoebox Christmas, donating and wrapping items for mariners who come to Port Everglades during the holiday season.
“The Berry family’s support of Seafarers’ House has been instrumental in our ability to serve Port Everglades maritime community, especially during these most difficult times,” said Seafarers’ House Executive Director Jennifer Stewart. “We are grateful for the family’s decades-long generosity, which has had such a positive impact on the lives of our seafaring community.”
Berry also is a board member of the Port Everglades Association, the Broward Marine Advisory Committee and the Fort Lauderdale Marine Advisory Board, and past board member of the Broward County Fire Rescue Board, the Spill Control Association of America, among many other local and national boards.
August 4, 2021
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December 2, 2020
November 12, 2020
October 9, 2020
An update on the efforts underway to restore the water quality and ecosystem of the Indian River Lagoon was the topic of the presentation given at the Propeller Club Luncheon held on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, Port Canaveral. The featured speakers were Virginia Barker, Director Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department, and Dr. Duane De Freese, Executive Director, Indian River Lagoon Council and Indian River Lagoon Estuary Program. Barker highlighted the projects underway and planned by Brevard County’s Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program. This program is the result of the 1/2 cent sales tax voted for by Brevard County residents in 2016 to address lagoon pollution caused by excessive nitrogen and phosphorus. The tax is projected to provide over 400 million dollars over a 10 year period to fund projects administered by the County which include waste water treatment and sewage system upgrades; storm water drainage; septic system removals, upgrades and connection of more homes to sewer systems; muck removal; and oyster bed installations. De Freese noted the work at the federal level of the IRL Estuary Program and commended the Florida legislative delegations, especially Sen. Marco Rubio, for their work to significantly increase federal funding to be included in the next Water Resource Development Act which has strong bipartisan support and is expected to pass this year. He commended the efforts of Brevard County stating that no other county bordering the lagoon is doing near as much as Brevard. Both speakers encouraged members and guests attending both in person and virtually, not to be discouraged by the brown algae bloom that has recently occurred in the lagoon after a period of cleaner water. They pointed to other successful clean ups of bays and estuaries, including Tampa Bay, as evidence that these efforts will be successful with time and the right amount of investment. They urged everyone living on or near the lagoon to take their own individual actions regarding runoff from their homes, lawns and septic systems emphasizing that this is a process in which we can all make an impact.
PORT COMMISSION CANDIDATE FORUM HELD AT SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON
September 8, 2020
The two candidates running for the District 4 open seat on the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners attended the Candidate Forum hosted by the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral at the luncheon held on September 2nd. Democrat Paul Kellem and Republican Kevin Markey introduced themselves to attendees at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill as well as to those attending by virtual meeting. Each candidate highlighted their ties to Brevard County and their reasons for running for the seat. Kellem is a lifelong resident of Merritt Island, and currently serves as the Financial Secretary for the International Longshoreman’s Association Locals 1359 and 1860 and has worked at the port for 17 years. He stated that his knowledge of port operations and the maritime industry make him well suited for the position. Markey is also a lifelong resident of Brevard County and is an attorney who is General Counsel for Eastern Florida State College and previously served as Assistant City Attorney for Cape Canaveral and General Counsel for the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority. He believes this experience makes him well qualified for the Port Commission. Both candidates highlighted their extensive community service over the years especially with youth sports. The candidates hold similar positions on the issues and challenges facing Port Canaveral. The biggest challenge is the loss of revenue due to the shutdown of the cruise industry from the Covid-19 pandemic and both candidates support cost-cutting measures and pursuit of government grants and programs to help the port weather the storm until the cruise industry comes back. 
MAC MCLOUTH NAMED 2020 MARITIME PERSON OF THE YEAR
September 2, 2020
At the September 2nd Propeller Club luncheon held at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral recognized Malcolm “Mac” McLouth as this year’s Maritime Person of the Year. This award recognizes and honors Mac’s long history of dedication and service to Port Canaveral, including more than three decades as a port commissioner, plus eight years as a port executive. Mac served as a CPA Commissioner from 1967 to 1996, and again from 2009 to 2010. Mac also was the port’s Deputy Executive Director of Business Development from 1996 to 2000. He then was the port’s Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer from 2000 to 2004. The fishing pier at Jetty Park is named for McLouth, who also was a professional engineer. In Dec. 2018, Mac McLouth was honored and named as Port Ambassador Emeritus by the Port Commissioners. McLouth has years of dedicated service to the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral having served as a founding member, board member and is a Past President.
PROPELLER CLUB OF PORT CANAVERAL ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
June 9, 2020
The Propeller Club of Port Canaveral announces the four High School recipients of the 2020 Propeller Club Scholarship
Award. The members of the Class of 2020 have earned scholarships to pursue further education in the Maritime
industry and help cover tuition and educational expenses at their chosen collegiate institutions. This prestigious
group of young leaders, shares a unified goal of making a positive impact in the greater community and world.
Lori Robinson, Propeller Club President, says, “As we continue the Scholarship program, we are increasingly
assured that our future is in exceptional hands. The high-level of accomplishment is evidenced in each and
every one of our Scholars and is inspiring and truly humbling.”
The 2020 Propeller Club Scholars are:
- Mikayla Atkins, graduated from Rockledge High School and will be attending Massachusetts Maritime
Academy, majoring in Marine Transportation - Edward (Teddy) Brunger, graduated from MCC and will be attending US Merchant Marine Academy,
majoring in Marine Engineering. - Devon Krajewski, graduated from Rockledge High School and will be attending Massachusetts Maritime
Academy, majoring in Marine Transportation. - Noah Ogburn, graduated from West Shore and will be attending the US Merchant Marine Academy,
majoring in Engineering.
Richard Grimison, Chairman of the Propeller Club Education Committee said “Every year we are amazed with the
incredible Maritime passion from our applicants. These young leaders exhibit a high-level of integrity and
maturity and demonstrate a positive engagement in community services. They exhibit strong leadership
qualities, are active in extracurricular activities and show strength in academics.” The Propeller Club joins these
Scholars families, friends and teachers in congratulating each of them on their achievement of earning the Propeller Club Scholarship Award.
CONGRATULATIONS RHS CLASS OF 2020
Congratulations to the Rockledge High School HELM Maritime Studies graduating Seniors Class of 2020! This talented and dedicated group of students includes the first three students to complete four years in the program, and several students who were awarded Propeller Club Scholarships and are attending maritime academies. All of these distinguished graduates have bright futures ahead! Take a look at this video compilation of the activities from this past school year!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p0PJz4n6Qo&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3meay16R-Uv4DrvtMZsJXQ02TrOjMiT4psd-eaFU-V8N5HZ7x5Je13utI
PROPELLER CLUB OF PORT CANAVERAL CONTRIBUTES TO COVID-19 RELIEF SUPPORT
May 19, 2020
PROPELLER CLUB – Amid these challenging times during the COVID-19 pandemic, your local
chapter of the International Propeller Club of the United States contributed funds to local community
partners to assist with relief efforts. Donations of $1,000 each was made to the Canaveral Port
Ministry, Community Foundation for Brevard and Brevard Schools Foundation. “From the moment
that COVID-19 began to threaten our way of life, we wanted to give back to our Community. Our
Club wanted to provide a way to support those on the front lines that can best serve those in need”
said Lori Robinson, President of the Propeller Club. The Club knows that COVID-19 is impacting
everyone in different ways, the donation aims to help stretch the increased demand for services.
