Locals Protest Boat Show Relocation
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MIAMI (CBSMiami)--- More than a dozen people were out protesting Miami International Boat Show's relocation.
The show is relocating to Virginia Key's Miami Marine Stadium.
Protestors rallied outside of the stadium on Saturday morning, calling on city and county leaders to move the boat show away from Virginia Key which houses a sensitive ecosystem.
Related: Commission Votes To Hold Boat Show At Marine Stadium
According to the event organizers, the rally comes just weeks after hundreds of feet of protected mangroves to pave way for its relocation.
In response to this action the National Marine Manufacturer's Association, the organizers of the boat show, released the following statement.
"The Miami International Boat Show has a record of protecting and respecting the environment that surrounds its events, and we intend to uphold this track record. We have been working with all relevant environmental regulatory agencies to ensure that any sea life in the area is not harmed and we comply with all requirements, while ensuring the boat show can continue it's $600 million in economic impact and 74-year legacy of celebrating the community's boating pastime."
Cathy Rick-Joule, Director of the Miami International Boat Show
The boat show is scheduled for February 11 - 15, 2016.
