News – Propeller Club Port of Canaveral

PROPELLER CLUB NEWS
Scroll down to read about our past luncheons and events!

ROCKLEDGE HIGH SCHOOL HELM PROGRAM FALL FIELD TRIPS

Students from the RHS HELM (Helping Educate Leaders in Maritime) Program visited Port Canaveral on Field Trips this week. The Field Trips had been postponed three times due to the active storm season! Second year students visited the Port Canaveral Shipboard Fire-Fighting Simulator and had a Boat Operations experience with the Port Canaveral Fire Boat, Sheriff’s Patrol Boat, and International Towing’s work/towboat Chalmette! Maritime 1 students had a Harbor Tour aboard Space Coast River Tour’s Blue Dolphin and visited Cruise Terminal 3. Maritime 3/4 students visited one of the Port’s Mobile Harbor Cranes and joined in on the Terminal and Harbor Tours. Highlights included seeing a submarine and an oil tanker maneuvering in the Port, a Falcon 9 rocket on the SpaceX drone ship at the dock after returning to Port, and a visit from dolphins while touring the harbor! Thank you to Field Trip Partners, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Florida (Official), Canaveral Fire Rescue, Canaveral Pilots Association, Canaveral Port Authority, International Towing & Salvage, and Space Coast Harbor Tours for taking time out of your extremely busy schedules to provide these experiences for the students!

BREVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS CTE VISIT

The Propeller Club of Port Canaveral and the Canaveral Port Authority recently hosted the Brevard Public Schools Career & Tech Ed (CTE) Annual Meeting for school administrators at Port Canaveral. The purpose of this annual event is to introduce District Curriculum Administrators to local Brevard Industries that CTE has a relationship with for student education and training. CTE fosters these industry relationships to help the CTE Programs with curriculum, student job placement and general exposure of students for gainful employment into Brevard’s local workforce. The visit to Port Canaveral highlighted the HELM Maritime Studies Program at Rockledge High School. After an initial briefing at the Maritime Center with participation from CTE, Propeller Club, HELM, and the Canaveral Port Authority, a Harbor Tour of the Port was held aboard Space Coast River Tour’s Blue Dolphin with Port Commissioner RADM Wayne Justice, USCG (Ret) serving as the tour guide. A delicious lunch at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill was followed by the group visiting Coast Station Port Canaveral which included tours of Coast Guard vessels, and a visit to the Port Canaveral Shipboard Fire-Fighting Simulator. Thank you to the Coast Guard and Canaveral Fire Rescue for providing these opportunities!

NOVEMBER ANNUAL MEETING AND VETERANS LUNCHEON

The Propeller Club of Port Canaveral held its Annual Meeting and Veterans Luncheon recently at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill. The slate for the club’s 2025 Officers and Board of Governors was presented and voted on. Veterans were recognized with the annual tradition of the playing of an expanded Armed Forces Medley including the Space Force Hymn, Coast Guard Hymn and Merchant Marine Hymn. Thank you to the musicians, the dynamic duo of Steve Kirsner & Dennis Thompson! Guest speaker for the luncheon was Dave Lieberman, Deputy Chief, Waterways Management for the Seventh Coast Guard District. He talked about the functions and missions of Waterways Management and highlighted the Port Access Route Study (PARS) for Port Canaveral which includes the establishment of safe transit zones for vessels during rocket launches.

INTERNATIONAL PROPELLER CLUB CONVENTION
The Propeller Club of Port Canaveral had one of the largest contingents of all the Clubs attending the International Propeller Club Convention hosted by the Propeller Club – Port of Tampa from October 23 -26. Thank you to the organizers for an outstanding job of providing great industry speakers and panelists and providing a taste of the beautiful city of Tampa!

1ST ANNUAL GOLF SCRAMBLE
The Propeller Club’s 1st Annual Golf Scramble was a big success and a lot of fun. The event was held at the Savannah’s Golf Course on Merritt Island on October 18. Thank you to all of our sponsors and golfers who came out and supported this event to benefit our scholarship fund!

BRETT BAILEY OF GLOBAL CLEAN DIESEL SPEAKS AT OCTOBER LUNCHEON
The Guest Speaker for the October Luncheon was Brett Bailey, President and CEO of Global Clean Diesel (GCD). Bailey gave a very informative presentation on the company’s Cool Particulate Regeneration technology, an emissions solution which results in emissions with zero particulate matter, making the exhaust cleaner than the air going in. He noted how particulate matter, even at the very low percentages found in our air, are very harmful to our health including being a known carcinogen. He stated that the smaller the particulate matter the more harmful it is. The company has collaborated with West Virginia University (WVU). WVU conducted emissions testing of GCD’s CPR system fitted to its Volkswagen Jetta demonstration vehicle. Bailey has worked in India with Cummins and Mahindra and Mahindra introducing the technology to provide a possible solution to the widespread air quality issues in that country. Bailey would like to bring the technology to marine engines. In response to questions about LNG and hydrogen as marine fuels, he stated that LNG is a fossil fuel which will not assist the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in attaining its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction goals and that hydrogen is simply a means of storing energy. Liquified biogas or hydrogen from renewable resources is a viable solution but takes away valuable cargo space and adds weight due to the requirement of large heavily insulated pressurized tanks for the liquid to remain cryogenic. Additionally he mentioned that the International Council for Clean Transportation, ICCT, has conducted significant methane slip emissions field testing showing over 6% slip that will be a significant GHG issue whether biogas or LNG is utilized. In his view, the ultimate method of attaining the IMO’s goal of net zero GHG by 2050 will be the bio-crude created from algae grown in Florida and elsewhere in the world. Learn more at www.globalcleandiesel.com.

SEPTEMBER NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR
The September Networking Happy Hour was held at Rising Tide Tap & Table! Thank you for the delicious food and awesome service! A huge Thank you to Loyd Contracting Company Inc. for sponsoring!

TRANSIT DIRECTOR PRESENTER AT SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON
Terry Jordan, Transit Director, Space Coast Area Transit, was the Guest Speaker at the Propeller Club’s September Luncheon held at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill. Jordan highlighted Space Coast Area Transit’s impact on the community by connecting workers with jobs, students with universities, and residents to hundreds of locations throughout Brevard County. Space Coast Area Transit serves 23 routes with 72 buses at 1108 stops. In addition to the regular routes, Jordan noted that the organization’s services include commuter and agency van pools, specialized services to meet the needs of individuals who are unable to use fixed route service including the Volunteers in Motion program, and contracted routes. Jordan stated that technology and innovation are driving the local transit system and gave examples including hybrid vehicles, technology to watch the bus travel in real time, contactless mobile tickets, and onboard Wi-Fi! For more information on Space Coast Area Transit visit 321transit.com

NOTU CO IS GUEST SPEAKER AT AUGUST LUNCHEON
Capt. Jason J. Schneider, Commanding Officer of the Naval Ordnance Test Unit (NOTU), was the Guest Speaker at the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral August Luncheon. Capt. Schneider gave an overview of NOTU missions, operations, and future plans and projects. He stated that NOTU missions are the testing, evaluation, and research and development of the Navy’s sea-based Strategic Weapons Systems and the operation of the Navy Port at Port Canaveral. He emphasized the importance of Strategic Deterrence and the key role that NOTU plays in supporting this DoD top priority. He discussed the upgrading of the Trident D5LE2 ballistic missile system and the construction of a new Engineering Test Facility to support this program. The project will be a 250 million dollar investment in a 130,000 sq. ft. lab and production facility. In addition to the new facility, additional projects will be underway at NOTU’s 126 acre footprint on the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for modernization and recapitalization. He mentioned the new Columbia class SSBN submarines currently under development which will eventually replace the Ohio class. Capt. Schneider highlighted the outstanding service of the 1300 person strong NOTU workforce including uniformed military, civilians and contractors.

JULY FIREWORKS DINNER
Good Times were had by all who attended the Propeller Club’s VIP Fireworks Dinner held at Gators Portside, Port Canaveral. Great Fireworks show this year! Thanks to the Cove Merchants, and the Canaveral Port Authority for a very patriotic and fun event!

SHERIFF ADDRESSES PROPELLER CLUB AT JUNE LUNCHEON
Sheriff Wayne Ivey was the guest speaker at the Propeller Club’s June Luncheon. Sheriff Ivey complimented Commander Byron Keck and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Florida (Official) team at the Canaveral Precinct on their great job of policing the very busy, challenging, and unique port and he talked about the great partnership between the Sheriff’s Department, the Canaveral Port Authority, and the other port stakeholders. By far the hit of his presentation which focused on the Sheriff Department’s canine unit was bloodhound puppy Scooby. The Sheriff stated that BCSO has the largest canine unit in the State of Florida which includes Bloodhounds, Shepherds, Labs, and Malinois. Bloodhounds are used for tracking and search and rescue while the other breeds are used for explosives detection, patrol, narcotics work and tracking. The BCSO has their own breeding program and some of the bloodhounds work in schools. The Sheriff mentioned that the five schools with dogs have the highest attendance record and that the dogs also visit other schools to offer emotional support after tragic incidents. The Sheriff thanked the community for the great support shown to the BCSO and noted that the kind of support shown in Brevard County is not found in many jurisdictions. He thanked his hard-working Sheriff deputies and highlighted the decrease in crime in Brevard County.

MARITIME DAY
The Port Canaveral Maritime Day commemoration was held on Saturday, May 25 at Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar. Mrs. Branden Leay Villalona, Director South Atlantic Gateway Region Office, Maritime Administration joined us for this event and read the President’s Proclamation. A ceremony was held on the Rusty’s deck and was followed by a Harbor Tour aboard the Blue Dolphin which included a laying of memorial wreaths on the waters of the harbor. Lunch at Rusty’s closed out the event. Thank you to all who attended and to the Navy League, Cape Canaveral Council, the Space Coast Chapter of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and the Canaveral Pilots Association for organizing and participating in this event with the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral.

MAY ANNUAL EDUCATION LUNCHEON
Dr. Mark Rendell, Superintendent Brevard Public Schools, was the guest speaker at the May Propeller Club Annual Education Luncheon. He gave an update on Brevard Schools highlighting the many college prep programs such as AP, Dual Enrollment, Cambridge and International Baccalaureate, as well as the many Career & Tech Ed programs available across the county. He mentioned that Brevard Public Schools continues to be an academically high achieving school district and that decision making at the highest level is driven by the impact on teachers and students in the classroom. Dr. Rendell noted that he often gets questions as to what happened to vocational programs and he replies that they never went away, the name has been changed to Career & Technical Education. He highlighted some of the unique programs available including the Rockledge High School HELM Maritime Studies program.

Propeller Club of Port Canaveral Scholarship winners and graduating Seniors from the HELM Maritime Studies Program at Rockledge High School were recognized at the May Luncheon. Superintendent Rendell helped recognize the students. The Propeller Club awarded six scholarships this year to students from High Schools throughout Brevard County who are going into a maritime related field of study including maritime academies, engineering, marine sciences, business, emergency management and law enforcement. Total scholarships awarded amount to $9,000 with an additional $5,000 to previous winners of the Club’s recurring scholarship that total $2500 per year for four years. Graduating Seniors from the RHS HELM program shared some of their future plans including two students planning to attend maritime academies. Other college majors include Construction Management and Biology.

SHRIMPFEAST 2024!
Thank You to everyone who came out and supported our annual ShrimpFeast fundraiser! Proceeds go towards our scholarship program, support for the Rockledge High School HELM Program, and support for other community organizations and events! We raised over $17,000 for the scholarship fund. Thank you to Sheriff Wayne Ivy for the outstanding live auction and donating three SWAT Team experiences to help us break our fundraising record. Thank you to our Sponsors, auction and door prize donors, Victory Casino for providing the bar, Two Chicks and a Pot Caterers for the delicious food, Mango Brothers Band for the great tunes and all of the volunteers and committee members who worked hard to make this year’s event another big success! Check out photos here: ShrimpFeast 2024

MARCH LUNCHEON

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!

SHRIMPFEAST 2023

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 HAPPY HOUR

The March Networking Happy Hour was held at Gator’s Dockside, Port Canaveral on March 22. This event was held along with the Space Coast Chapter of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Club President Kevin Jobes provided an update on upcoming events including the KBB Trash bash and ShrimpFeast, the club’s annual fundraiser.

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.

JANUARY LUNCHEON

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.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY

The Annual Holiday Party was held on December 7 at Zarrella’s Italian Restaurant in Cape Canaveral. The Officers and Board for 2023 were sworn in. Outgoing President Liz Alward thanked the membership for their support over the past year and incoming President Kevin Jobes looked forward to a great year ahead in 2023.

NOVEMBER ANNUAL MEETING & VETERANS LUNCHEON

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.

ROCKLEDGE HIGH SCHOOL HELM MARITIME PROGRAM FIELD TRIPS TO PORT CANAVERAL

RHS HELM Maritime students participated in Field Trips to Port Canaveral on October 4 and 5, and learned about many of the terminals, port operations and especially about the career opportunities available in the maritime industry.

On Tuesday the Maritime 2 students learned about boat operations with BCSO, Canaveral Fire Rescue, Canaveral Pilots, and the USCG and some had the opportunity to take the wheel of the boats and drive! They followed that with a tour of an active marine construction site with Jacobs Engineering and Rush Marine where they got to see crane operations, pile driving and more at the NCP 3 project! Our Maritime 3/4 students had a visit to the ASI facilities at the port where they observed the active cargo operations of a ship being unloaded and toured the warehouse facilities. They followed that with the group splitting between visits to the American Cruise Aid Free Trade Zone facility and the Avalon Wheeler Freight Services warehouse. These opportunities will fit in perfectly as they begin course work towards Certified Logistics Associate. Now they can apply their real world experience to what they will learn in the classroom.

On Wednesday our Maritime 1 students visited Coast Guard Station Canaveral where they learned about the many Coast Guard missions, toured vessels and participated in activities such as line handling and operating pumps. Coast Guard recruiters were on hand to highlight career opportunities! They also took a Harbor Tour aboard the Blue Dolphin where they learned about the channels, basins, docks, and the different operations at the port including careers such as harbor pilots, tugboats, longshoreman, marine construction, terminal operations, port security, and more! As a bonus, they were treated to the Crew 5 rocket launch while at lunch at the CG Station pavilion and had a close up visit by dolphins while on the boat tour! It was a great two days for the students!

SIEGRID DIXON RECOGNIZED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Siegrid Dixon, a two-term Past President of the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral and long time Board Member, was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the October Luncheon. Siegrid contributed to growing the club membership in the early years and recruited many area maritime and community leaders to join the Board. She worked in the Maritime Industry with Premier Cruise Lines and at the Canaveral Port Authority. She was a strong advocate for the creation of the HELM Maritime studies program and the Scholarship program. Congratulations to Siegrid on her many years of dedication to the club!

BREVARD ZOO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SPEAKER AT OCTOBER LUNCHEON

Brevard Zoo Executive Director Keith Winsten was the speaker at the Propeller Club October Luncheon. Keith highlighted the Zoo’s Aquarium project which will be built on Port Canaveral property. Just over a year ago, the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners approved the project which will be built on 14 acres on the shore of the Banana River. The Zoo recently reached the halfway point of the fundraising goal of $100,000,000. The Aquarium will feature a Conservation Center, rehabilitation services and immersive experiences for guests including canoe and kayak excursions and hands on experiences. The Aquarium will have a strong education mission to include research and helping with the restoration of the Indian River Lagoon. The number of guests projected to visit the aquarium annually is 525,000 with an economic impact of $85,000,000 per year providing 937 jobs.

KEEP BREVARD BEAUTIFUL DIRECTOR PROVIDES UPDATE AT THE SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON

The guest speaker at the luncheon held on Sept. 7 at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill was Keep Brevard Beautiful Executive Director Bryan Bobbitt. Bryan gave an update on the latest programs and initiatives being implemented and planned by KBB. He noted that KBB has a contract with Port Canaveral for pepper tree removal, trash collection at the parks and trash collection by boat on the waters of the port. KBB also has a contract providing garbage collection along the beach for Cocoa Beach. Bobbitt talked about KBB volunteer programs including the Adopt-a-beach, park, and road teams who collect trash at designated locations throughout the county. He stated that there are over 200 teams in the program. KBB has programs in the schools for 4th and 5th graders teaching about anti-littering, conservation, landfills, and recycling and he said that a new Youth Council is being established with students from the High Schools. Bobbitt noted that KBB was a first responder for the county during the fish kills due to algae blooms in the Indian River Lagoon in 2016 and 2018 and recounted that over 100,000 pounds of dead fish were collected in five days. KBB recently won an award from Keep America Beautiful for Innovative Partnerships in recognition of a recent beautification project at the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse in collaboration with the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation, the Space Force, and the Coast Guard. Bobbitt explained that a new initiative for community composting is now underway with one location in the city of West Melbourne and plans to add five additional locations in the county. Another new initiative being planned is a KBB podcast which will highlight activities throughout the county such as ongoing efforts to clean the Indian River Lagoon. The Propeller Club of Port Canaveral has a longstanding relationship with Keep Brevard Beautiful including fielding a clean up team for many years and participating in many clean ups such as the annual Summer Series, International Coastal Clean Up and Battle of the Causeways. Bobbitt previously served on the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral Board and is a Past President. Congratulations to Bryan and the entire KBB team for all they do for our communities!

AUGUST LUNCHEON GUEST SPEAKER BREVARD BOATING & WATERWAYS PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Matt Culver, Brevard County Boating & Waterways Program Coordinator was the guest speaker at the August Luncheon held on August 3 at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill. Culver highlighted three major issues the program manages; derelict boat removal, the dredging of muck in Indian River Lagoon, and the management of an offshore artificial reef. Culver noted that although the Florida Legislature has passed recent legislation to give local governments more tools in facilitating the removal of derelict boats, challenges remain in accomplishing removals in a timely manner. Perhaps the biggest challenge is funding since the county has no budgeted funds for removals. Culver seeks out grants to cover the costs. Florida Fish & Wildlife is one of the biggest sources of grant funding. Muck dredging in the Indian River Lagoon is ongoing as part of larger efforts to combat pollution and restore the lagoon. The state provided $10,000,000 for dredging. Culver stated that one of the biggest concerns of residents is potential odor from dredged materials but he said that the material does not smell once removed from the lagoon. Culver ended his presentation by highlighting the county’s artifical reef located about 15 miles east of Port Canaveral. In 2015 the county deployed 24 man-made artificial reef modules in partnership with the Florida Sportfishing Association. Additional modules were recently added. Culver presented photos of some of the abundant marine life found at the site.

JULY FIREWORKS DINNER

A great time was had by all attending the Fireworks Over the Harbor dinner held this year at Wild Ocean Seafood at Port Canaveral. Thanks once again for the great venue and to the caterers, Two Chicks & A Pot, for the great spread!

FPL’S BERT GAETJENS ADDRESSES JUNE LUNCHEON

The guest speaker for the Propeller Club’s June Luncheon was Bart Gaetjens, External Affairs Manager with Florida Power & Light. His presentation highlighted some of the latest news and initiatives from FPL. The company is the largest generator of solar energy in Florida and one of their first experimental solar facilities was right here on north Merritt Island. Another solar facility is located at KSC. FPL is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc., the world’s largest producer of wind and solar energy with operations across the U.S. FPL recently expanded into the Florida panhandle by acquiring Gulf Power. Mr. Gaetjens finished his presentation by talking about hurricane season preparedness and safety, fitting for an event held on the first day of hurricane season. He asked all present to be “ambassadors” to help spread the word on generator safety, making early preparations for hurricanes, and making evacuation route plans!

CAPT. ED LANNI RECEIVES CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL FOR WWII MERCHANT MARINERS

At the Memorial Day commemoration held at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island, Congressman Bill Posey presented Capt. Ed Lanni with the Congressional Gold Medal for World War II Merchant Mariners. About 250,000 civilian Merchant Mariners served delivering supplies and troops during WWII and over 9500 lost their lives, a higher proportion than those killed in any military branch during the war. Capt. Lanni served aboard ships on the Murmansk run delivering supplies to Arctic Russian ports while running a gauntlet of German submarines and floating mines. The actual Gold Medal will be displayed at the American Merchant Marine Museum in Kings Point New York at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Bronze replicas are being presented to surviving WWII Merchant Mariners. Capt. Ed Lanni just turned 97 years old on May 11. He had a long and storied career in the Merchant Marine achieving the rank of Capt. and held command of several ships at Port Canaveral supporting the Space program and the military. In retirement, he has been active in the community serving as an Ambassador for Port Canaveral, volunteering with the City of Cocoa, supporting numerous non-profits and community initiatives, inspiring students in the Rockledge High School HELM Maritime Studies program, and being active with the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral and Rotary International. Congratulations Capt. Ed Lanni!

NATIONAL MARITIME DAY EVENT

The Port Canaveral National Maritime Day Observance was held on Saturday, May 28 at Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar in Port Canaveral. Maritime Day is commemorated each year on May 22 to recognize the U.S. Merchant Marine and Maritime Industry and the vital role they play in the nations’ economy and National Security! Although our event was held later than the 22nd due to port congestion related to the Thunder on the Beach event, it is fitting to hold it during Memorial Day Weekend as we remember family and friends no longer with us who dedicated their lives to the Merchant Marine and Maritime Industry. Thank you to all who came out and supported this observance. Special thanks to Rusty’s, Grills, and Space Coast River Tours for the support! This event was organized by the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral, Navy League Cape Canaveral Council, and the Space Coast Chapter of the the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association.

2022 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
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!

MAY EDUCATION LUNCHEON FEATURES BREVARD SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR

The Propeller Club May Luncheon held at Fishlips on May 4 was the Annual Education Luncheon which highlighted the Rockledge High School HELM Maritime Studies Program, awarded scholarships to students going on to post-secondary education in a maritime related field, and featured guest speaker Brevard School Board Chair Misty Belford. In her remarks Ms. Belford stated that although many students fell behind during the pandemic, recent metrics show that the gap is being closed and students are getting back to where they should be. She spoke about the robust offerings of Career and Technical Education programs available throughout Brevard High Schools including the maritime program. Ms. Belford stated that in her interaction with students throughout Brevard Schools she finds the students are engaged and that the future is in good hands contrary to some public opinion! RHS HELM Maritime Director and Teacher Sarah Hardy gave an overview of the past year of the program highlighting Field Trips, Career Shadow opportunities, and the Desktop Ship Navigation Simulators in the classroom.

SHRIMPFEAST APRIL 2022

The Propeller Club’s annual SHRIMPFEAST fundraiser was held on Friday, April 8 at Cruise Terminal 5 in Port Canaveral. A huge thank you to everyone who came out and/or supported this event! It was a big success towards the club’s fundraising efforts to benefit our scholarship funds, the Rockledge High School HELM Maritime Program and the other community events, initiatives, and organizations that we support! Special Thank Yous to Sheriff Wayne Ivey, the Canaveral Port Authority, all of our sponsors and auction/door prize donors. Thank you to all of the volunteers who worked hard to put it all together. Thank You Fishlips for the great food and to the Beach Bums for awesome music! Thank you to all who purchased tickets to attend and to all who participated in the Live & Silent Auctions!

MARCH NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR
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!

PORT CEO IS MARCH LUNCHEON SPEAKER

Port CEO Capt. John Murray was the guest speaker at the Propeller Club Luncheon held on Wednesday, March 2 at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, Port Canaveral. Capt. Murray gave an update on cruise and cargo operations and capital projects currently underway at the port.

USCG 7TH DISTRICT CHIEF OF STAFF ADDRESSES FEBRUARY LUNCHEON

The Propeller Club’s February Luncheon was held on Wednesday, February 2 and featured Capt. Jeffrey Randall, USCG, Chief of Staff of the Seventh Coast Guard District as guest speaker. Capt. Randall highlighted the operational priorities of the District and discussed the many Coast Guard missions including drug interdiction, dealing with immigrant rescue and human trafficking, illegal fishing, search and rescue, navigational aids and supporting the ports within the District. He commented on the unique mission at Port Canaveral of supporting space operations which was in the spotlight with the recent incursion of a cruise ship into the launch safety zone.

2021

HOLIDAY PARTY

The Propeller Club’s final event of the year was our Holiday Party held on December 1 at the Hampton Inn & Home2 Suites, Cape Canaveral. Good cheer was shared by our members and guests along with excellent food prepared by Fishlips and great music from Dennis and friends! The Board for 2022 was duly sworn in! Thank you to all who brought donations for the Canaveral Port Ministry. Enjoy the Blessings of the Season to all in our Propeller Club and Port Canaveral Community!

NOVEMBER ANNUAL MEETING & VETERANS LUNCHEON

The Propeller Club of Port Canaveral Annual Meeting and Veterans Luncheon was held immediately following the Canaveral Port Authority State of the Port event with Port CEO Capt. John Murray. The club elected the Officers and Board of Governors for 2022 and they will be sworn in on December 1 at the annual Holiday Party. Capt. Earl McMillin, retired State Harbor Pilot with the Canaveral Pilots Association was recognized as the club’s Member of the Year. RADM Bob USCG (Ret.) & Bev Merrilees were recognized as Maritime Persons of the Year. RADM Wayne Justice, USCG (Ret.), Chairman of the Port Board of Commissioners gave remarks on the history and meaning of Veterans Day. Musicians Steve Kirschner and Dennis Thompson played the Armed Forces Medley to honor all Veterans and Active Duty present. Their rendition included the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine hymns as well as Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. Rosemary Reder, President of the American Flag Society, gave a presentation on the American Flag.

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 25^th 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.

MARITIME INDUSTRY VETERAN LAUREN BRAND SPEAKER AT SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON

September 1, 2021

The guest speaker at the September Luncheon was Lauren Brand, President of the National Waterfront Employers Association and and Executive Director of the National Maritime Safety Association. She previously worked at the Maritime Administration including serving for five years as Associate Administrator for Ports & Waterways. Ms. Brand also spent many years at the Canaveral Port Authority as Senior Director, Business Development. In her remarks she detailed how she was privileged to be involved in influencing maritime policy in Washington D.C. during a time of great change for how the maritime industry was perceived by government and received funding. In the past, the industry was not looked at as being integrated into the broader transportation and infrastructure networks and was considered as stopping at the port gate. Today, the industry has been integrated into the land transportation network of highways and rail and that includes competing for funding with these networks. She noted that at one time most maritime industry funding came through earmarks and that when that mechanism was shut down by congress, the industry had a huge learning curve in pursuing funding avenues that land based transportation has used for decades. Although she still works in DC advocating for the industry, Port Canaveral has always been her home port. She noted that Port Canaveral is home to all eight of the different types of marine terminals including cruise, all the different types of cargo, and commercial fishing. Brand detailed many of the different funding bills impacting the industry, including the Coronavirus Relief for Transportation Services program, the American Rescue Plan Act which included funding for seaports for Covid relief, and longer standing programs such as Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE Grants formerly known as TIGER Grants). She stated that the $3.5 Trillion infrastructure bill currently pending in the House is being closely watched in DC by maritime industry advocates and stakeholders.

SCHOLARSHIP FUND DONATION

At the August Propeller Club Luncheon a donation was made by Lauren & Malcolm Brand to the Propeller Club Scholarship Endowment Fund. This donation was made in memory of and to honor Lauren’s Mother, Laura Auad Kotas, who was inspired by opportunities for learning throughout her life and believed that learning new things kept her young. Both Lauren and Malcolm have had careers in the maritime industry. Lauren currently serves as President of the National Association of Waterfront Employers. On hand at the luncheon to help receive the donation was the Propeller Club’s 2020 Scholarship winner, Devon Krajewski, a graduate of the RHS HELM Maritime Studies program who is starting his sophomore year at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy! Photo (L to R): Propeller Club President Steven Hovan, Lauren Brand, Devon Krajewski.

SENATOR TOM WRIGHT SPEAKS AT PROPELLER CLUB AUGUST LUNCHEON
August 4, 2021

Florida State Senator Tom Wright, R – District 14, was the guest speaker at the August 4th Propeller Club luncheon held at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill in Port Canaveral. Senator Wright supports the port and the district by serving on several key committees including serving as Vice Chair of the Commerce and Tourism Committee. He also serves as Chair of the Florida Defense Support Task Force, whose mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance Florida’s military installations. Senator Wright highlighted the accomplishments of this year’s legislative session and the legislation and appropriations he supported that directly impacted the district and Port Canaveral He supported the distribution of $250 million in federal funds to Florida’s seaports from the American Rescue Plan Act, with $72 million going to Port Canaveral. He noted significant appropriations to the Brevard Zoo and the Brevard Achievements Center which he recently presented in person to these organizations. Wright also mentioned his advocacy and support for Veteran employment and training and first responder initiatives and legislation.

SPACE FLORIDA VP DALE KETCHAM SPEAKER AT JUNE LUNCHEON
June 2, 2021

Space Florida VP of Government and External Relations Dale Ketcham was the guest speaker at the Propeller Club’s luncheon held on June 2 at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill. Ketcham provided an overview and update on Space Florida’s mission and activities. Space Florida is an independent special district established by the legislature in 2006 to foster the growth and development and promote the space industry in Florida. Ketcham explained ways in which the agency carries out this mission by receiving facilities transferred from NASA for commercial space use, developing and upgrading infrastructure to support commercial space, coordinating and integrating across all transportation modes, and helping companies connect with capital to support innovation and progress. He noted Port Canaveral’s major role in SpaceX and future Blue Origin operations stating that the port is “fundamentally in the critical path” for these operations. He stated that one of the goals of Space Florida is to make sure the space industry is sufficiently diversified with commercial space operations to avoid the economic downturns that have occurred in Brevard County following the end of past government space programs such as the Shuttle program. Ketcham sees the Space Coast as the primary port of departure and entry on this planet for future space travel stating this as a primary reason to provide the infrastructure to get people and goods to the spaceport. He warned of formidable competition for this spaceport capability especially from China.

NATIONAL MARITIME DAY EVENT HELD ON MAY 22

The Propeller Club of Port Canaveral joined the Navy League, Cape Canaveral Council, the Space Coast Chapter of the USMMA Alumni Foundation, Merchant Mariners active and retired, and maritime industry workers for a Maritime Day ceremony and wreath-laying on the waters of the harbor at Port Canaveral. On this day each year we recognize and celebrate all those who work in the maritime industry ashore and at sea supporting our nation’s economic and national security. We also remember all those who have gone on to eternal rest, especially our family and friends in our Port Canaveral and local communities.

HELM UPDATE AND REMARKS FROM THE CAREER & TECH ED DIRECTOR FEATURED AT THE MAY LUNCHEON
May 5, 2021

The Propeller Club May Luncheon featured an update on the Rockledge High School HELM Maritime Studies Program from RHS Principal Burt Clark and remarks from guest speaker Rachel Rutledge, Director of Career & Technical Education, Brevard Public Schools. Mr. Clark highlighted all of the activities that the students were able to do despite the pandemic including virtual field trips, guest speaker videos, virtual mock job interviews, building submersible ROVs in the Sea Perch program and operating them in the pool, building models of historic ships, and using the classroom desktop ship bridge simulators. Mr. Clark read a thank you letter from one of last year’s Propeller Club scholarship award winners who is now attending the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Ms. Rutledge highlighted the BPS Career and Tech Ed offerings throughout the district and emphasized how students in the programs graduate ready for the work force or for continued education. She stated that they are working towards an internship program for next school year to help students obtain work experience in their field of interest. Both thanked the Propeller Club for the support of the HELM program. The Propeller Club announced a donation of $3500 to the HELM program at the luncheon.

MEMBER & PARTNER APPRECIATION EVENT HELD AT THE FIELD MANOR

On April 15 the Propeller Club hosted a Member & Partner Appreciation, New Member Introduction, and Networking event at the historic Field Manor on Merritt Island. Although the skies were cloudy at the beginning of the afternoon/evening event, the sun managed to peek out for a beautiful sunset.

APRIL PROPELLER CLUB LUNCHEON FEATURES DIRECTOR OF THE SPACE COAST TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION
April 7, 2021

Georganna Gillette, Executive Director of the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization was the guest speaker at the Propeller Club luncheon held on April 7, 2021 at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, Port Canaveral. Gillette provided an overview of the many projects and initiatives that the SCTPO is currently working on. She noted that the three top priorities are the NASA Causeway Indian River Bridge Replacement and improvements to connectors to the Space Port; SR 528 widening and new bridges; and the Ellis Road widening. She noted that Florida Department of Transportation has been asked to lengthen the SR 528 Beachline bridge over the Banana River which is currently in the design phase, to allow for future causeway removal which would improve water flow in the lagoon. She discussed the SR 401 bridge replacement which is a critical access point for Port Canaveral and the Canaveral Space Force Station and said this would involve replacing the existing bascule bridge with an elevated bridge.

Gillette highlighted many of the other important initiatives underway such as quality of life improvements for bikes and pedestrian traffic and safety improvements; Intelligent Transportation System improvements which are laying the foundation for autonomous vehicles; and the Transportation Resiliency Master Plan to identify vulnerable corridors and develop strategies. She expressed concern over inadequate federal funding to keep up with needed new projects as well as replacement of aging infrastructure. As soon as Gillette ended her presentation, the attendees filed out to the seawall to watch the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This provided a dramatic finish to her infrastructure presentation.

PORT COMMISSION CHAIRMAN ADDRESSES PROPELLER CLUB

March 3, 2021

RADM Wayne Justice, USCG (Ret.), Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners, was the guest speaker at the March 3rd Propeller Club Luncheon held at Fishlips Waterfront Bar and Grill at Port Canaveral. Justice gave an update on Port Canaveral, focusing on the challenges in dealing with the economic impacts of the Covid 19 pandemic over the past year as well as the recent milestones achieved in ongoing projects and preparations for the return of the cruise industry. He highlighted measures taken to adjust the Port’s budget to reflect the loss of revenues including the hard decisions in laying off some staff, and recent projects such as the completion of Cruise Terminal 3, the renovations to Cruise Terminals 8 and 10, the arrival of the LNG bunker barge, and the new Port Authority Fire Boat. He pointed to the commercial space industry as a sector that continues to grow tremendously at the port and said the port is well prepared for the future both from the response to the economic challenges as well as the foundations laid for future success. Justice gave credit to the Port Authority staff, and port partners including construction project contractors, the U.S. Coast Guard, NOTU, the Army Corps of Engineers, commercial space contractors, legislative representatives at the federal, state and local levels, and many others for all the hard work and dedication that has contributed to making Port Canaveral a dynamic and innovative local, regional and national asset, well positioned for the future.

COAST GUARD SECTOR COMMANDER SPEAKS TO PROPELLER CLUB

February 3, 2021

Capt. Mark Vlaun, USCG, Sector Commander and Captain of the Port for the area that includes Jacksonville and Port Canaveral, was the guest speaker at the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral luncheon on February 3, 2021 at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill. Capt. Vlaun provided an update on the Coast Guard missions being carried out in the Sector which include being on the cutting edge and leading the way in the Coast Guard for missions related to Space Operations, LNG as a ship fuel, and support of high value strategic National Defense operations. The increased activity at Port Canaveral in these missions as well as continued support of missions such as search & rescue, incident management, marine safety, and marine fisheries enforcement, has resulted in the need for the Coast Guard to expand their footprint at the port. A $30 million construction project for Station Port Canaveral and the Marine Safety Detachment will be getting underway and the number of personnel stationed at Port Canaveral will be increased. Capt. Vlaun congratulated Port Canaveral on being named the winner of the Coast Guard’s 2020 RADM Richard Bennis Award for maritime security excellence and he thanked all of the Port Canaveral partners and stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment.

2021 PROPELLER CLUB OFFICERS & BOARD SWORN IN
December 2, 2020

Congratulations to the Officers and Board Members for 2021 who were sworn in at the Annual Holiday Party held Wednesday, December 2 at the Hampton Inn/Home2 Suites, in Cape Canaveral. Outgoing President Lori Robinson, Business Liaison with CareerSource Brevard, turned over the gavel to incoming 2021 President Steve Hovan, Senior Security Consultant at Stanley Security. Lori steered the Propeller Club through a very challenging year due to the pandemic and economic impact on our port community. The club is in good hands with Steve taking over with what looks to be a difficult several months ahead, but with the light shining at the end of the tunnel. Moving up to the 1st VP position is Liz Alward, Assistant City Manager, Satellite Beach. Filling the position of 2nd VP is Kevin Jobes, Senior Project Manager, Terracon. Another new face to the Board for 2021 is Josh Hester, Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley, taking over the Treasurer position. Returning as the club Secretary is Bob Sielski, Naval Architect. For the complete list of Board Members for 2021 please visit our web site. Thank you to all of the Officers and Board Members for volunteering to take on these leadership positions, especially in these challenging times!

PROPELLER CLUB VETERANS LUNCHEON SPEAKERS
November 12, 2020

President of the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center Dean Schaaf, LCDR USN (Ret), and Chairman of the Brevard Veterans Council Donn Weaver former Capt. USA, were the guest speakers at the Propeller Club’s November Annual Meeting and Veterans Luncheon. Schaaf highlighted the continuing work of the Center and the programs they have been able to hold in 2020 despite the pandemic. He noted the continuing improvements being made, especially the upcoming installation of a periscope and a grant received for the construction of an amphitheater. Schaaf thanked Propeller Club members BRPH and Ivey’s Construction for all their help in projects for the Center. Weaver recounted how the Propeller Club was one of the first organizations the Center came to when their initial building plans were announced and thanked the club and the Canaveral Port Authority for all the support and connections to many club members who helped bring the project to fruition. He fondly recalled his first meeting with Propeller Club icon, the legendary retired Merchant Marine Captain Ed Lanni, and how that meeting and subsequent artifact donations from Capt. Lanni helped with the creation of a Merchant Marine section in the museum and recognition of the Merchant Marine at the Center and at the Memorial Day and Veterans Day events.

INDIAN RIVER LAGOON UPDATE GIVEN AT PROPELLER CLUB LUNCHEON
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.

PROPELLER CLUB NAMES MEMBER OF THE YEAR FOR 2020

October 7, 2020

The Propeller Club of Port Canaveral has named Tara Ruch as Member of the Year for 2020. Tara currently works as the Sales and Events Manager for Homewood Suites and the Hampton Inn & Suites in Cape Canaveral. She previously worked for the Canaveral Port Authority as Sales & Marketing Manager. Tara is being recognized by the club for her hard work and dedication over the years in serving on the club’s board and helping with the planning of club events. Congratulations to Tara on this well deserved award.

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.

Year in Review 2019 Newsletter