It's Champagne and Roses for Florida's Latest Marina Now Open to The Public

The Loggerhead Club & Marina marina group, with nine Florida marinas and more than 2,500 slips open to the public, provides a club atmosphere, service, marina amenities and reciprocal usage of all marinas without an extra charge to belong. New South Lantana, Florida marina now open with slips available.

JUPITER, FL (PRWEB) February 17, 2006 -- Seven Kings Holdings, Inc., the premier South Florida marina development and holdings company, announces the first Loggerhead Club & Marina members at the new Loggerhead Club & Marina, South Lantana, at 401 Moorings Drive, Lantana, FL. The Loggerhead Club & Marina marina group, with nine Florida marinas and over 2,500 slips open to the public, provides a club atmosphere, service, marina amenities and reciprocal usage of all marinas without extra charges to belong.

“Loggerhead Club & Marina, South Lantana is a New Year’s gift to Florida’s boaters a brand new public access marina, never before opened. Many owners of waterfront marina properties have stopped renting slips to the public, only offering slips to condo owners, or those who can afford expensive yacht club memberships,” says Ray Graziotto, co-owner of the Loggerhead Club & Marina brand. “Loggerhead Club & Marina properties are open to everyone.”

At the recent opening launch and ribbon cutting ceremony, staff welcomed newest members, Bob and Cathy Barrett to the club. With champagne flowing and balloons waving on waterfront breezes, the honored guests gathered on the deck of their 40 foot SeaRay, the Atlantique.

"We'd like people to know that this marina is open to the public," says Raymond Graziotto, co-owner of the marina brand. "Don't be fooled by the fact that this marina sits on the waterway of one of the finest new condominiums in the South Florida area. We've got slips and we're here for everyone's boating enjoyment."

The launch party included a ribbon cutting ceremony and welcome gifts including a Welcome Aboard Loggerhead Club & Marina gift pack with benefits kit, branded club merchandise, keychain, hat, visor, insulated beverage holders, and a Loggerhead Club & Marina burgee, a special flag denoting club membership.

“We are bowled away with this spectacular brand new marina and the nicest people in the industry,” says member Bob Barrett. “We love the newness of the marina. This is truly the boating life that belongs with the Florida lifestyle – we stroll out and find our boat ready for us, assisted by smiling staff who know us by name.”

The Barrett’s have lived in Florida for 55 years, and consider themselves Floridians. With former executive careers in real estate and the hotel resort industries, the Barrett’s now enjoy Florida as their primary focus. Enjoying Intracoastal cruises with friends, exploring surrounding areas, stopping to picnic or at one of the many restaurants along the way – all are considered key activities.

“We enjoy welcoming those who lease at our marinas and giving all the benefits of a club without club prices and exclusions,” says Graziotto. “Our branded marinas are open to the public and are founded upon the highest level of service in the industry. We want to be known for friendly, attentive service, and to cement our philosophy, we’re training our people with the Dale Carnegie Institute methods based upon the famous book, How to Win Friends and Influence People.”

This is the ninth marina under the Loggerhead Club & Marina brand. With 70 wet slips, this new property brings the total to more than 2,000 slips from Miami north to Vero Beach open to the public under the brand. Loggerhead Club & Marina, South Lantana is a deepwater marina located directly on the Intracoastal Waterway. Amenities at the marina include 70 wet slips, a Harbor Master’s Office, fully stocked Ships Store, luxury restrooms with saunas, pool, clubhouse with social room including wet bar, big screen TV, pool table and card tables. An exercise and weight room is also available.

Photos available - Newest Member, Cathy Barrett, Cutting the Ribbon at Loggerhead Club & Marina, South Lantana; marina photos of area and amenities.

The marinas provide outstanding service within a club atmosphere and branded amenities accessed simply by leasing at the marinas. The marina can be reached by phone or fax to reserve immediate space. Phone: 561-721-3888 Fax: 561-721-3988.

Loggerhead Club & Marina, South Lantana features:

A brand New 70 wet slip marina, open to the public.
Full Marina Service seven days a week, staffed by well-trained uniformed employees.
A completely stocked Ship’s Store with a wide variety of quality marine supplies, soft goods such as sweat shirts, hats and jackets, cold drinks, ice and snacks.
Luxury pool and clubhouse with social room including wet bar, big screen TV, pool table and card tables. Weight room also available.
Harbor Master’s Office and Virtual Office including message center, high-speed internet access, email services, print, copies and meeting space.
Complete resource / referral center for all marine related Repairs, Refurbishing and Maintenance offered by fully accredited, licensed and insured marine service contractors.
Vessel care including regular upkeep, wash, engine flush, wax and service check.
Luxury Rest Facilities complete with air conditioning and saunas.

Seven Kings Holdings, Inc., Raymond Graziotto, and JC Solomon II, owner and developer of marinas, master planned communities, marina development and resort properties, including Loggerhead Club & Marina, Riviera Beach, FL, Loggerhead Club & Marina, Vero Beach, FL, Loggerhead Club & Marina, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Loggerhead Club & Marina, Lantana, FL, Loggerhead Club & Marina,South Lantana, FL, Loggerhead Club & Marina, Hollywood, FL, Loggerhead Club & Marina, Aventura, FL, Loggerhead Club & Marina, North Miami Beach, FL, and Loggerhead Club & Marina, Miami, FL.
www.loggerheadclubandmarina.com; http://www.skholdings.com

Loggerhead Club & Marina brand is owned by Seven Kings, Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Jupiter, Florida, a premier development and holdings company of independently owned and operated luxury marinas and related properties. www.skholdings.com

Leslie McKerns, BA, BS, Lic ID, AIA Allied, McKerns Development, specializes in strategic marketing, press and media relations primarily for those in the built environmentDevelopers, Architects, Builders and Engineers. www.freewebs.com/mckernsdevelopment/

Chris Cantwell, Mainstreet Marketing, is a full- service marketing firm with offices located in Jupiter, and Orlando, FL. www.mainstreetmkt.com

The Marine Mammal Center Announces the Leave Seals Be Campaign

The Center asks California beachgoers to call its response hotlines to report ill or stranded harbor or elephnat seal pups.

Sausalito, CA (PRWEB) February 23, 2006 -- The Marine Mammal Center is launching an awareness campaign directed at beachgoers not to disturb or pick up harbor or elephant seal pups now that pupping season has begun. The campaign – Leave Seals Be – consists of public service announcements and web outreach strongly encouraging people to leave seal pups alone. In 2005, The Center rescued nearly 50 percent as many harbor seal pups as compared to 2004. The Center has attributed many of those rescues to human interactions and illegal handling. The public can take action if they spot an ill or stranded pup on a beach by reporting it immediately to The Center’s 24-hour hotline at (415) 289-SEAL (7325).

During the months of March and April, these seemingly vulnerable pups may be spotted alone on a beach, but it is likely that their mothers are close by, foraging for food, and will return shortly. “If you see an ill pup, please call and report it to The Center,” urges Shelbi Stoudt, Stranding Manager at The Center. “We may monitor the pup for 24 hours or longer depending on the situation. This usually gives the mother enough time to return for the pup. If she doesn’t return, trained volunteers and staff will then safely rescue it.”

The interaction or handling of harbor seal pups frequently results in maternal separation, decreasing their chances of survival. It is illegal to pick up, handle or disturb marine mammals. To do so, is punishable by law under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and could result in heavy monetary fines and potential jail time.

If you come across a harbor seal pup or any marine mammal that appears to be in distress, please call The Center’s 24-hour hotline at (415) 289-SEAL. In the Monterey or Santa Cruz areas, you can call (831) 633-6298. In the Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo areas, you can call (805) 771-8300.

What to do if you come across a harbor or elephant seal pup on a beach:
* Stay at least 50 feet from it. Its mother may be just around the corner.
* Keep other people and dogs away.
* Call The Marine Mammal Center’s 24-hour hotline at (415) 289-SEAL.

The Marine Mammal Center is a nonprofit hospital headquartered in Sausalito, California. Staff and volunteers are dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of ill and injured marine mammals, to research about their diseases and to public education about them and ocean health. Since 1975, more than 11,000 California sea lions, elephant seals, porpoises, and other marine life have been treated, rescued along 600 miles of coastline from Mendocino County to San Luis Obispo County. Staff and volunteers uniquely combine rehabilitation with scientific discovery and education programs to advance the understanding of marine mammal health, ocean health and conservation.

On the Web: www.marinemammalcenter.org

Project AWARE Foundation™ Recognizes California Dive Center with Prestigious Environmental Achievement Award for 2005

The first Dive Center to receive three Consecutive Environmental Achievement Awards.

SAN BRUNO, Calif. (PRWEB) March 1, 2006 -- California Dive Center™ today announced that the Project AWARE Foundation – the renowned international environmental agency focused on the plights of our world’s oceans – has awarded California Dive Center the prestigious 2005 Environmental Achievement Award for its work on raising the awareness of ecological tourism. Worldwide, a total of twenty-one dive centers and resorts were selected for this award. This is the third year in a row that California Dive Center was selected to receive the Environmental Achievement Award –the first dive center to do so.

“The Environmental Achievement Award is about rewarding vision, excellence and pursuit of conservation”, stated Dr. Drew Richardson, chairman, Project AWARE Foundation. “Project AWARE Foundation is proud to award California Dive Center for their environmental achievements for three consecutive years. This level of commitment demonstrates their ongoing dedication to conservation in their local community.“

“The staff and Instructors of California Dive Center are proud to receive this honor again”, said Bill Oakes, president, California Dive Center. “Our team infuses environmental activism to our student divers, creating yet more ambassadors for saving our ocean for future generations. Receiving the Environmental Achievement Award is a definite reward for the continued efforts of our staff.”

To qualify for this prestigious award, dive center and resort operators were evaluated on award criteria in the following six areas: 1) Environmental Events, 2) Environmental Education, 3) Responsible Business Practices, 4) Project AWARE Program Support, 5) Public Awareness, 6) Responsible Diving Practices.

Project AWARE honors award winners with printed recognition in industry publications, an official plaque and window decal to recognize their dedication to sustainable business practices and the environment.

About California Dive Center
California Dive Center is where the family learns to dive. California Dive Center is a PADI 5-Star Dive Center, 5-Star Instructor Development Center, and National Geographic Dive Center, training divers to become responsible visitors to the other 70% of the planet Earth. Named as one of the top dive centers by the dive industry, California Dive Center provides dive equipment and instruction from beginner to professional, a children’s scuba program, travel, kayak and swim accessories, as well as a revolutionary way to learn to dive. California Dive Center is based in San Bruno, California, and can be reached at (877)5-CALDIVE, (650)588-4998, or http://www.cadive.com.

About the Project AWARE Foundation
The Project AWARE Foundation, established by PADI in 1992, is a non-profit organization committed to conserving and preserving the aquatic environment and its resources. Project AWARE teaches the world about the importance and responsibility of preserving the aquatic environment. Further information about Project AWARE is available at http://www.projectaware.org.

About PADI
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world's largest recreational diving membership organization. The membership includes dive businesses, resort facilities, academic institutions, instructor trainers, dive educators, divers, snorkelers and other watersports enthusiasts. Professional PADI Members (dive centers, resorts, educational facilities, instructors, assistant instructors and divemasters) teach the vast majority of the world's recreational divers, issuing over 1,000,000 certifications each year. PADI Professionals make underwater exploration and adventure accessible to the public while maintaining the highest industry standards for dive training, safety and customer service. Further information about PADI can be found at http://www.padi.com.

Girls4Sport Team Riders Compete at Second Annual Women's Pipeline Contest

Santa Cruz, CA (PRWEB) March 5, 2006 -- Girls4Sport team riders Jamilah Star, Tara Parsons, and Monica Dell’Amore will be among the 110 female surfers and bodyboarders charging the waves at the second annual T & C Women's Pipeline Contest. The contest will be held at Hawaii’s legendary North Shore surf break renown for its epic waves and barreling tube rides. The waiting period for the contest runs March 1-14, 2006, during which contest organizers will track the forecasts and select the best two or three days to hold the heats. Girls4Sport is proud to sponsor this prestigious event, which is the only all-female contest at Pipeline.

“Women have been surfing Pipeline for years, but the T & C Women’s Pipeline Contest represents a unique opportunity to showcase the power and grace of women’s surfing and inspire other female athletes to dive in,” said Kim Ruby, president of Girls4Sport. “Girls4Sport is thrilled to be a part of the event and be providing support to female athletes, including our team riders.”

Jamilah Star
Big wave rider Jamilah Star is certain to raise the level of competition and delight the crowds with her spirited flair and daring maneuvers. The Santa Cruz, California native has been surfing since she was five. She was featured on the cover of Surf Life for Women charging a 25-foot wave and has racked up numerous awards, including the 2004/2005 Billabong XXL Big Wave Award in which she was the first female recipient. Star, who is the newest addition to the Girls4Sport team rider line-up, will be competing in the both the shortboard and longboard divisions of the T & C Women’s Pipeline Contest.

Tara Parsons and Monica Dell’Amore
Top-ranked bodyboarders Tara Parsons and Monica Dell’Amore will be returning to the T & C Women’s Pipeline Contest for their second year in a row. Parsons, 28, of San Clemente, California, has her sights set on reaching the finals. She has been bodyboarding for 13 years and placed 6th last year in the World Championships of Women's Bodyboarding. Brazilian-born Dell'Amore, 31, from Dana Point,

Women’s Pipeline
California, dropped into the biggest wave of last year’s contest and is anxious for the opportunity to catch more giant waves. Dell’Amore has been bodyboarding for 12 years and placed 9th last year in the World Championships of Women's Bodyboarding.

About Girls4Sport
Girls4Sport is dedicated to creating performance clothing with the female body in mind. Girls4Sport's water wear line includes rash guard sets and wetsuits designed for women by women. Girls4Sport products feature built-in shelf bras, super comfy, SPF-65 rated fabrics, great styles, out-of-the ordinary prints, and flattering fits. In addition to its products, Girls4Sport has established the Girls4Sport Foundation, a charitable arm of Girls4Sport to support organizations that work to create events and real contributions for both learning and inspiration for girls of all ages to lead active, confident lives. Girls4Sport products are available through a variety of retail outlets and online. For more information about Girls4Sport products and team riders, please visit www.girls4sport.com or call 831-423-8755.

About T & C Women's Pipeline Contest
For more information about the second annual T & C Women’s Pipeline Contest, please visit www.bonzaibetty.com or call the Surf News Network at 808-596-SURF (7873) for daily updates. The contest will be broadcast live via the Internet at www.surfinglive.com.