FORT MYERS, FL, OCT 2, 2018 -- As Florida’s water crisis rages on, Captains for Clean Water leans in on their mission to restore the flow of Lake Okeechobee water south into the Everglades and Florida Bay where its desperately needed. The organization has rallied the outdoor community to the frontlines of the state’s fight for clean water and gained support from some of the most notable businesses, not only in the marine industry, but in the nation.
Today, Captains for Clean Water is proud to announce the addition of three new board members; business leaders who bring diverse experience to the organization and a shared passion for conserving Florida’s natural resources. The organization welcomes Dr. Michael J Collins, MD, FACS, of Collins Vision, Wendi Peterson, Owner of Hell’s Bay Boatworks, and Chuck Yates, VP of Sales and one of four principal owners at SeaDek Marine Products, growing their esteemed Board of Directors from five to eight members.
"All three of our newest Board members embody the spirit of CFCW and bring talent, expertise and energy to the table. They all have a terrific understanding of the challenges our estuaries are facing and all have taken a personal interest in being part of the solution. We are very fortunate to have them by our side as we continue to strengthen our organization and grow our reach throughout Florida." said Reid McKinstry Board President
Dr. Collins' love of boating and fishing brought him to Florida in 2001. Collins recalls, "Although it has been an issue for decades, I can't get over the changes I have seen in our water quality since I first came to town. Something needs to happen, and it has to happen now before too much irreversible harm is done to our ecosystem. I am convinced after talking with the leaders at CFCW that they know what needs to be done and they are making true inroads to help come up with viable solutions. I couldn’t resist joining a group of such talented and passionate people that want the best for our environment and economy in Southwest Florida and all of South Florida."
Wendi Peterson, together with husband Chris Peterson, owns the Florida-based skiff manufacturer Hell's Bay Boatworks. "We have to do something to save our estuaries for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. Captains for Clean Water is leading the way and I am happy to help in any way I can. Daniel and Chris have done an amazing job in a short period of time, educating and raising awareness for clean water. I am honored to join the CFCW board."
Chuck Yates of SeaDek is a sixth-generation "Key West Conch" who now resides on Florida's east coast in Indialantic. "It is this generation’s responsibility to ensure future generations have clean and abundant waters to recreate," said Yates, "As a lifelong Floridian, avid outdoorsman and owner of a business that is dependent on boating, I could not stand by and watch what was happening to our waters."
In the immediate future, Captains for Clean Water will focus their attention on the authorization and funding of the EAA Reservoir, raising awareness at the local, state and federal levels and bringing forward solutions to save America’s Everglades.
Learn more about CFCW’s board members on the Captains for Clean Water website, https://captainsforcleanwater.org
