Dear Commissioner & Chairman Micah Loyd, hope this letter finds you well. | am writing to you with the utmost urgency to address critical matters concerning Cape Marina, a longstanding and invaluable entity within the Port Canaveral community. We regret not having the opportunity to meet you or a representative from your office during the recent State of the Port presentation. As attendees, we definitely felt the absence of discussion on the ‘marina district, particularly the oversight of Cape Marina and its counterparts during the “We are Port Canaveral” video. With nearly 50 years of dedicated service to the port, Cape Marina stands as one of the earliest and largest leaseholders, playing a pivotal role in supporting the local community. ‘As we extend our gratitude for the time you invest in matters of public concern, we understand the length of this letter may be extensive. However, we believe that a comprehensive exploration of the challenges we face and the rich history of Cape Marina is essential for a complete understanding of our situation, The impending expiration of Cape Marina's 50-year lease, with a mere two years remaining, has raised legitimate concerns within our family. Particularly distressing is the indication that the port may entertain offers from larger corporate entities without extending us the courtesy of first consideration—a disconcerting revelation given our five-decade commitment to the port's growth and prosperity. Cape Marina is not just a business; it encapsulates the dream of my father and founder, Jerry Seaman. Starting from humble beginnings on a Long Island potato farm, Jerry's journey epitomizes the American dream of hard work and determination leading to success. His story, from earning a master’s degree in the Navy through the Gl Bill to becoming an engineer for General Electric Co., is woven into the very fabric of Cape Marina's existence. During a period when the Canaveral Port Authority was actively seeking leaseholders due to low demand, Jerry seized a unique opportunity that would define the course of his life. Stationed in Port Canaveral while working for General Electric, Jerry's love for fishing, cultivated during his childhood in Jupiter, Florida, eventually led him to identify an unmet need for boat storage in the area. His decision to pursue a degree in business management, along with his thesis on building a marina, set the stage for negotiating a 50-year lease with the Port Authority, marking the inception of Cape Marina. Initially comprising a few parcels, the marina expanded over the years to encompass approximately 10 acres, a testament to Jerry's vision and determination. This journey was significantly influenced by his time in Port Canaveral, working for General Electric, where he found both a professional calling and the spiration to establish Cape Marina. Cape Marina's journey mirrors the economic ebbs and flows, yet it not only survived but thrived. The potential dismantling of this lifelong accomplishment, with the potential expiration of our lease, is not just a business concern—it holds deep personal significance for Jerry's family, including his daughter and grandson, who have dedicated their lives to Cape Marina's success.Beyond its familial ties, Cape Marina is a significant employer, supporting approximately 20 individuals who have become an integral part of our extended family, The marina is home to a substantial commercial fishing fleet and charter boat vessels, utilizing our facility for dockage and maintenance services provided in our boatyard. A key feature of Cape Marina is our working Do-It-Yourself yard, equipped with two straddle cranes capable of hauling boats up to 65 feet. This facility serves as a hub for licensed and insured vendors, offering comprehensive services. It stands as a rare gem, providing a space for customers to work on their vessels themselves—a unique offering not easily found in the region, Cape Marina's impact extends beyond the local community, serving boaters from all over the state of Florida and beyond. We have the privilege of providing services to various agencies, including the Florida Sherriff Marine Division, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Service, the Port Canaveral Pilot vessels, the Cape Canaveral Fire Department, the military, and even the lifeboats for cruise ships. ‘Our inside dry rack storage for boats up to 35 feet, moved via our two forklifts, complements our ‘outside racks preferred by customers for their accessibility during business hours. Additionally, our ships’ store is a comprehensive hub, offering bait and tackle, an extensive selection of paint and supplies for boat repairs, and a beautiful boutique section featuring coastal and nautical-themed décor, fashion, and fine jewelry. Cape Marina has been a proud participant in the Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard & Clean Retailer program. We were the first in our district and the fifth in the entire state of Florida to receive these ‘commendations. Our commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in our proactive measures, including Jerry's innovative water recycling system and the introduction of tarps beneath vessels, which have become industry standards. ‘Our commitment to financial responsibility is unwavering. Cape Marina has consistently paid lease payments and property taxes on time and in full, even during challenging times when property taxes were contested. With 50 years of history, Cape Marina is positioned to become a historic landmark, a designation that would be a source of pride for Brevard County and the State of Florida, ‘We recognize the premium nature of property in Port Canaveral and are committed to working collaboratively with the port to meet its objectives while preserving the unique character of Cape Canaveral. While we acknowledge the importance of the cruise ship industry and the revenue it generates, we also believe in preserving the hometown flair that businesses like Cape Marina bring to the port. The current state of Port Canaveral’ infrastructure reveals a significant gap in its capacity to manage the increasing cruise ship traffic effectively, indicative of a scenario where the "cart is being put before the horse.” The rapid expansion of the cruise industry has outpaced the development of essential port facilities and services. This mismatch raises concerns about the potential negative impacts on the local ‘community, particularly the marinas, commercial fishermen, and Brevard residents, who should rightfully come first in the prioritization of resources. As cruise ship traffic intensifies, the strain onexisting infrastructure has led to logistical challenges, traffic congestion, and environmental concerns that directly impact the livelihoods of local marinas and commercial fishermen. ‘Additionally, Brevard residents face disruptions to their daily lives, affecting the overall appeal and sustainability of the community. To strike a harmonious balance between economic development and community well-being, a proactive approach to enhancing Port Canaveral's infrastructure is essential before further amplifying the demands imposed by the cruise industry, ensuring that the needs of marinas, commercial fishermen, and residents take precedence. Businesses that have been fixtures in the port for 10, 20, 30, 40, and now 50 years face an uncertain future. These tenants have been integral in building the port to what itis today. The threat to their existence is a call for attention and support from community leaders like yourself. Commissioner Loyd, we are reaching out to you with an urgent plea for support. The backing of the community, including our loyal customer base, employees, commercial fishermen, charter boat captains, local vendors, law enforcement, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Service, the Port Canaveral Pilot vessels, and even the cruise ships, speaks to the significant role Cape Marina plays in the ecosystem of Port Canaveral. We request your active support in ensuring the renewal of Cape Marina's lease with the port. Our desire is to continue serving the community and contributing to the economic and recreational vibrancy of Port Canaveral. Your influence and advocacy can make a crucial difference in securing the future of Cape Marina. If you have not had the opportunity to experience Cape Marina firsthand, we extend a heartfelt invitation to visit at your convenience. A personal tour would afford us the opportunity to showcase iscuss our services in detail, and explore potential synergies with the port’s development Please feel free to contact me at any time to schedule an appointment. Additional information about Cape Marina is available on our website at www.capemarina.com. In closing, we sincerely thank you for your time and consideration. We eagerly await your support and collaboration in securing the future of Cape Marina within the vibrant landscape of Port Canaveral. Respectfully Submitted & Warm Regards, Karen Seaman Burk 321-783-8410 Ext. 1001 karen@capemarina.com