Image: palmbeachflorida.com
Riviera Beach is looking to expand its waterfront’s stature both locally and globally by hiring more people, increasing production of a robotic submarine and dredging the Intracoastal entrance to its facility.
Perhaps the lesser-known region in Palm Beach County, Riviera Beach has its sights on more recognition and greater growth. The city has selected Viking Developers as the official developer for a $25 million public marina project. Rybovich has also invested $45 million for a super yacht servicing facility in the waterfront hoping to bring more business to the area.
Tony Brown, Riviera Beach CRA Director, said, “If the marine industry is important to Palm Beach County, Riviera Beach is the capital.” Adding nearly $2 billion to the county’s economy each year, Riviera Beach is at the heart of the industry and the planned improvements are intended to help make the county as a whole an important international player in the marine industry.
The new super yacht servicing facility could bring in another $2 million each year and 40 new jobs, according to David Roach, executive director of the Florida Inland Navigation District.
“The value, the economics, just goes up exponentially with what’s done with these boats,” Roach said.
Currently only around 10% of the business for the 2,000 super yachts worldwide is actually done in the US commercial ports because most go to special facilities in Barcelona or the south of France. According to Roach, it only makes sense to have a US location where they can spend their money and put people to work at.
Much of the planned construction is already underway and Viking Developers Vice President Mike Clark said work is going well so far at the marina.
“Our partners are adamant that it needs to be a very authentic redevelopment and be able to represent the community that host us, Riviera Beach,” Clark said. “It will also provide jobs and opportunities.”
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