Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts Grant Program Overview

 

The creation of the Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts Florida Forever grant program by the 2008 Florida Legislature acknowledges the importance of the traditional seafood harvesting and aquaculture industries in Florida. The program receives 2.5 percent of the total Florida Forever appropriation.

 

The Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts Florida Forever grant program was created by the 2008 Legislature and is administered by Florida Communities Trust. To fund the program, the Legislature provided 2.5 percent of the total Florida Forever program appropriation.

 

Grant funds will be used to acquire a parcel(s) of land directly used for the purposes of the commercial harvest of marine organisms or saltwater products by state-licensed commercial fishermen, aquaculturists, or business entities, including piers, wharves, docks, or other facilities operated to provide waterfront access to licensed commercial fishermen, aquaculturists, or business entities.

 

The funds may also be used for the acquisition of a parcel(s) of land used for exhibitions, demonstrations, educational venues, civic events, and other purposes that promote and educate the public about economic, cultural, and historic heritage of Florida's traditional working waterfronts, including the marketing of the seafood and aquaculture industries.

 

The acquisition of land used for recreational waterfront activities would not be considered within the Stan Mayfield Working Waterfronts Florida Forever grant program.

 

Florida's commercial fishing industry has faced a number of challenges in recent years, from hurricane damage to soaring fuel prices. Despite these challenges, Florida fishermen continue to persevere.