Denison family honored for legacy

Frank and Gertrude Denison, founders of Broward Marine, were posthumously honored Saturday night with the Golden Anchor Award from the Marine Industries Association of South Florida for their role in creating South Florida’s marine industry.

While on their honeymoon in 1947, the Denisons bought the property that is now Lauderdale Marine Center. By the 1990s, Broward had the largest order book in the world and more than half of the U.S. large yacht market.

“Their life-long partnership and the risks they took helped give birth to an industry that continues to thrive to this day,” the association noted in honoring the Denisons.

The association also welcomed a new executive board, with Chairman David Reed of The Triton becoming immediate past chairman, Jim Naugle of Lauderdale Boat Yard becoming the new chairman, Doug West of Lauderdale Marine Center becoming the new vice chairman, and Jimmie Harrison of Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller becoming the new secretary/treasurer.

Former immediate past president Danielle Butler has retired from the 13-member board, and Graeme Lord of Fairport Yacht Support has joined the board.

The Project of Excellence award was given to Seahaven Superyacht Marina, the newest marina to be built in the area.

Three Award of Excellence recipients include:

• Fraser COO Mike Busacca, now of Fraser Yachts. “I am humbled and honoured to receive this Award,” he said in a statement after the event. “I am grateful to the marine industry for the incredible opportunities it has given me. When I started, I never realized how far-reaching our impact was. Thank you MIASF.” Busacca’s tenure in the yachting industry began in 1983 at Broward Marine where he worked as a skilled tradesman.
• John Fiore, who has spent 35 years advocating for Broward County’s waterways.
• Jim Payne of Broward County Schools

The association honored three Marine Industry Advocate Award recipients:

• Florida Rep. Holly Raschein for her help getting the Marine Research Hub funded;
• Florida Sen. Lauren Book, also for her help with the Marine Research Hub; and
• Teye Reeves for her work to advance the association’s goals in the state legislature.

The Community Project of the Year was the Habitat for Humanity Home Build and the seven member companies who financially supported it: Boat Owners Warehouse, Ward’s Marine Electric, Advanced Mechanical Enterprises, High Seas Yacht Service, Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller, Neptune Boat Lifts, and Centennial Bank.