Businesses to show support of Coast Guard
This Saturday (Aug. 4) commemorates the founding of the United States Coast Guard, originally called the Revenue Marine. The Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and its members will show their support for the local Coast Guard Station on San Carlos Island in celebration of Coast Guard Day by displaying signs that recognize the day and the service the Coast Guard provides to the beach and surrounding communities.
In 1790, Congress, guided by then Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, authorized the building of a fleet of the first ten Revenue Service cutters. Their responsibility would be enforcement of the first tariff laws enacted by Congress under the U.S. Constitution.
Since its founding, the role of the Coast Guard has expanded as one of our nation’s five military services, which exist to defend and preserve the United States. They protect the personal safety and security of citizens; the marine transportation system and infrastructure; our natural and economic resources; and the territorial integrity of our nationfrom both internal and external threats, natural and man-made.
The Coast Guard is a multi-mission, maritime service offering a unique blend of military, law enforcement, humanitarian, regulatory, and diplomatic capabilities. These capabilities underpin three broad roles of maritime safety, maritime security, and maritime stewardship.
Small Boat Station Fort Myers Beach originally operated from a houseboat. In January 1980, it moved into its present building where servicemen and women work to protect our waters from the Everglades to Charlotte Harbor. They are called upon every day to assist distressed boaters, enforcing our nation’s laws and treaties while guarding our coastline.
“The Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is grateful for the work done by our local Coast Guard Station,” said Bud Nocera, president of the Beach Chamber. “All local businesses are being asked to help commemorate Coast Guard Day in recognition and appreciation to the local serviceman and women who help protect our shores.”
The Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce represents more than 400 local businesses, working to promote a positive business climate in the Fort Myers Beach area by providing networking opportunities, community events, and tourist information.
For more information about the Chamber, call 454-7500 or visit FortMyersBeachChamber.org.
-submitted by Beach Chamber