http://www.uscgauxclearwater.com/

USCG Auxiliary, Flotilla 11-1, Clearwater, FL, 510 North Ft. Harrison Avenue, Clearwater, FL (2026)

08/30/2026

🎉⚓ August 29 – Discovery Academy of Science STEM Extravaganza | Clearwater

Flotilla 11-1 members had a great time at the 1st Annual Discovery Academy of Science (DAS) STEM Extravaganza in Clearwater! With more than 400 families in attendance, the event offered an excellent opportunity to share public outreach and boating safety information while introducing families to the Coast Guard Auxiliary and what we do.

Members staffed a public outreach table, spoke with students and parents about boating safety, and handed out coloring books and fun freebies to children! 🐥⚓

🦺 The Life Vest Challenge was a big hit with the kids! Participants pretended they were aboard a sinking boat and had to quickly find a properly fitting life jacket, put it on, and fasten it correctly. Those who completed the challenge were rewarded with Life Savers gummies—a fitting prize for learning an important boating safety lesson! 😄

Many families stopped by to ask questions about the Coast Guard Auxiliary, our missions, boating safety classes, and ways to get involved.

👏 Thank you to Steve Bushnell-Fowler, Nicole Hall, Deb Mallory, Karen Miller, Jeff Otto, and Lisa Repetto for representing our flotilla and making boating safety education fun for children and their families.

As an inaugural event, the STEM Extravaganza also provided an opportunity to begin building a long-term partnership with Discovery Academy of Science for future STEM programs that benefit our community and support our recreational boating safety mission.

Another great day of public outreach!

🌊⚓BRAVO ZULU! 🇺🇸

. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates

08/26/2026

National Training Event - 2026!
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

What a weekend! 🌟 When the scheduled photographer fell ill, our very own Flotilla Staff Officer-Publications (FSO-PB) and page publisher, Lisa Repetto, stepped up to serve as the acting Official Photographer for this year's National Training Event (NTE), held in Orlando, Fla. 📸 We are happy to report that the original photographer is now feeling much better!

Lisa did an amazing job capturing the event on short notice—here is a sample of her work behind the lens! A huge shoutout to Lisa Repetto for representing us so well on the national stage!

NTE is a weeklong event featuring training sessions, presentations, business meetings, and staff recognition events. National leadership elections also took place. 🗳️ The highlight of the elections was the selection of CG Auxiliary top leadership. A huge congratulations to Patrick Feighery, Vice National Commodore, on being elected our new National Commodore! 🇺🇸 His term of office will officially begin on November 1, 2026.

Thank you to outgoing Commodore Mary Kirkwood for her outstanding, dedicated leadership and excellent service to the Auxiliary! 🤝

Semper Paratus!

. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates

08/22/2026

⚓🇺🇸 A Look Back at Our August Flotilla Meeting

Our August 19 meeting gathered 23 members and guests for an evening of updates, recognition, and fellowship.

Betsy Scott, Flotilla Commander, and Michelle Evans, Flotilla Vice Commander, led the meeting, with discussions covering recent and upcoming public outreach events and opportunities for greater member participation. Betsy, who is also an RN, presented the evening’s “Medical Minute,” focusing on hurricane preparedness.

🏅 Recognition was also part of the evening! Several members received Meritorious Team Commendation awards for their participation in 2025 National Safe Boating Week. Steve Bushnell-Fowler and Betsy Scott were also recognized with the Auxiliary Operations Program ribbon for completing the Telecommunications Operator course.

🎂 And we couldn’t let the evening pass without celebrating Anita Freudenthal and 95½ years of life! Members marked the occasion with cupcakes and ice cream. Happy Birthday, Anita!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to participate in our flotilla's many activities and missions.

BRAVO ZULU and Semper Paratus! ⚓🇺🇸

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. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates

08/18/2026

⚓ August 15 – Division 11 Meeting at Flotilla 11-1 Headquarters

Flotilla 11-1 hosted Division 11's bimonthly meeting on August 15, with 19 Auxiliarists from across Division 11 in attendance. Matthew Copeland, Division Commander, and Thomas Maloof, Division Vice Commander, led the meeting, which featured updates from Flotilla Commanders and Division Staff Officers.

Karen Miller, DCAPT-West, provided important updates on Auxiliary policies, resources, and other matters affecting and benefiting flotillas and members, as well as Coast Guard missions that need Auxiliary assistance. She also encouraged members to attend the upcoming Southeast District Training Event (D-TRAIN) and to take advantage of the many available training opportunities and courses.

Eight members of Flotilla 11-1 attended:

⚓ Steve Bushnell-Fowler
⚓ Michelle Evans
⚓ Karen Miller
⚓ Jeff Otto
⚓ Peter Palmieri
⚓ Lisa Repetto
⚓ Betsy Scott
⚓ Frank Toal

Thank you to everyone who attended and continues to support Division 11's work and the Coast Guard Auxiliary mission!

BRAVO ZULU! ⚓🇺🇸

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. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates

08/17/2026

⚓🇺🇸 Curious About the Coast Guard Auxiliary? Come Meet Us!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to serve your community as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary? Our August 19 flotilla meeting is a great opportunity to find out!

Come meet our members, learn about the many ways you can get involved—from boating safety and public education to vessel examinations, operations, communications, and more—and see firsthand what our flotilla is all about.

There’s no obligation—just bring your questions and join us for the evening. Guests and prospective members are always welcome!

📅 Wednesday, August 19 at 7:00 PM
📍 Flotilla 11-1 Headquarters
510 N. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater

Already a member? Bring a friend who might be interested in joining!

Come see how you can make a difference in your community while supporting the missions of the U.S. Coast Guard. ⚓🇺🇸

We’d love to meet you!

.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates

08/16/2026

⚓🇺🇸 August 14 – Celebrating 20 Years of Coast Guard Service

On August 14, we had the honor of attending the retirement ceremony for Chief Petty Officer Jesse Gutierrez, marking the completion of 20 years of dedicated service to our country in the United States Coast Guard.

Originally from Miami, Jesse began his Coast Guard career at Sector Miami, completing four tours before transferring to Coast Guard Station Sand Key in Clearwater, where he served for the past four years. As the station’s Coast Guard Auxiliary Liaison, he worked closely with our flotilla and flotillas throughout Division 11, serving as our primary point of contact at the station. He was always a pleasure to work with and will certainly be missed.

Division 11 was well represented at the ceremony:

Flotilla 11-1, Clearwater: Scott Kostreba, Dan Lipman, Karen Miller, Debra O’Regan, and Lisa Repetto

Flotilla 11-6, New Port Richey: Raymond Cantwell

Flotilla 11-9, Tarpon Springs: Thomas Maloof

Flotilla 11-10, Dunedin: David McGee and Harvey Prior

Congratulations, Chief Gutierrez, on an outstanding Coast Guard career. Thank you for your service, your support of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the many years you dedicated to safeguarding our waters and serving our nation.

Fair winds and following seas as you begin your next chapter! ⚓🇺🇸

Photos: USCG Auxiliary

. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates

08/13/2026

⚾🇺🇸 August 8 – Flotilla 11-1 Members Participate in Clearwater Threshers Veterans & Military Appreciation Night

It was a memorable evening at BayCare Ballpark as baseball and patriotism came together to honor veterans and active-duty service members. U.S. Air Force recruits took their oath on the field, while veterans from all branches of the military were recognized as the American Legion Color Guard presented the colors during the National Anthem. Our own Michael Howard participated as a member of the American Legion Color Guard.

Flotilla members were also on deck with a safe boating information booth, engaging with fans throughout the evening. Several attendees signed up for boating safety classes and Vessel Safety Checks, while others expressed interest in joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

A big thank you to Nicole Hall, Deb Mallory, Karen Miller, Peter Palmieri, and Lisa Repetto for serving as safe boating ambassadors and helping us share our mission with the community, and to Michael Howard for representing our flotilla as part of the Color Guard.

A great night of baseball, service, and patriotism! ⚾⚓🇺🇸

BRAVO ZULU!!

Photos: Lisa Repetto

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. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates

08/11/2026

⚓ August 8 – Vessel Safety Check Blitz at Seminole Boat Ramp

It was a beautiful morning to meet local boaters at the Seminole Boat Ramp in Clearwater! Ramp activity was lighter than usual due to the halt of scallop season over bacteria concerns, but our Vessel Examiners still had an opportunity to promote safe boating.

Christian Daigle, Michael Howard, Betsy Scott, and Somsai Thongsavanh conducted five Vessel Safety Checks (VSCs) and spoke with several boaters throughout the morning. Two boaters were awarded VSC decals after successfully completing their vessel examinations. 🚤✅

👏 Thank you to Christian, Michael, Betsy, and Somsai for volunteering their time and continuing to promote recreational boating safety in our community.

Remember, Vessel Safety Checks are FREE and are a great way to make sure you have the required safety equipment aboard before heading out on the water.

Safe boating starts before you leave the dock! ⚓

Did you know a Vessel Safety Check is completely FREE? A VSC can help identify potential safety issues, ensure your vessel meets Federal and State requirements, and give you greater confidence before heading out on the water.

Learn more or request a Vessel Safety Check:
https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-11-01

📸 Photos by Lisa Repetto

Support our efforts by giving this post a ❤️ or 👍, sharing it with fellow boaters, and leaving a positive comment below!

. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates

08/10/2026

🇺🇸 August 5 – Celebrating Coast Guard Day at Station Sand Key⚓

Members of our flotilla, along with Coast Guard Auxiliarists from throughout Division 11, were honored to celebrate with active-duty Coast Guard personnel at Coast Guard Station Sand Key in Clearwater in recognition of Coast Guard Day, officially observed on August 4.

Despite the rain moving the celebration indoors, everyone enjoyed a great time of fellowship and camaraderie. We are always grateful to Station Sand Key for including the Auxiliary in its events and for the opportunity to serve alongside the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard.

We are proud to support Coast Guard missions and deeply appreciate the dedication of our active-duty personnel to saving lives and safeguarding our waters and nation. 🇺🇸

Thank you to the following CG Auxiliarists who attended:

Flotilla 11-1, Clearwater: Michelle Evans, Karen Miller, Debra O'Regan, and Lisa Repetto

Flotilla 11-6, New Port Richey: Raymond Cantwell, Christine Lakits, and Thomas Mann

Flotilla 11-9, Tarpon Springs: Steve Denhof, Thomas Maloof, and Dimitris Savalas

Flotilla 11-10, Dunedin: Harvey Prior and Gary Walkup

Happy Coast Guard Day, and Semper Paratus! ⚓🇺🇸

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. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates

08/04/2026

Free Vessel Safety Checks for Boaters -
SAT AUGUST 8 AT SEMINOLE BOAT RAMP

Is your boat ready for the water? The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free, voluntary Vessel Safety Checks to help boaters identify potential safety issues before they become problems.
During the examination, a trained Vessel Examiner checks items such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, navigation lights, registration, sound-producing devices, and other required safety equipment. It's not a law enforcement inspection, and no citations or fines are issued—it's an educational service designed to help keep you, your passengers, and everyone on the water safe.

A boat that meets all federal and state safety requirements receives a Vessel Safety Check decal to display proudly. Schedule your free inspection today and enjoy greater peace of mind on the water!

. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates

USCG Auxiliary, Flotilla 11-1, Clearwater, FL

08/30/2026

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