On February 15, 2024, Vice Mayor Maria Marino joined Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the United States Coast Guard, Palm Beach Environmental Resources Management, Riviera Beach City Officials, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office to share an update on the derelict vessel issue in Palm Beach County. Derelict vessels pose significant navigational hazard and environmental impacts due to obstruction of waterways, leaking fuels, and the destruction to seagrass.

FWC has adaptively worked to address this issue in Palm Beach County and throughout the state by offering grants to cover 100% of the removal costs, hiring additional staff dedicated to FWC derelict vessel related work, and by providing training to local law enforcement agencies. These steps have empowered local municipalities to remove derelict vessels. County staff and FWC officers will continue to work together to process, authorize and remove derelict vessels as quickly as legally allowed to ensure the continued health of our sensitive marine environments.