Zimmerman is a distinguished leader, bringing more than 25 years of experience in maritime policy, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure development. She has served in various capacities within the industry, including her recent role as assistant executive director of FIND, a position she has held since 2012. Zimmerman has demonstrated a relentless commitment to enhancing Florida’s waterway systems while prioritizing public access and agency partnerships. One of her outstanding achievements include receiving the prestigious Public Service Award by the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association (FSBPA) in 2023. This accolade recognized her exceptional dedication and contributions toward protecting Florida’s beaches, and promoting effective regional sand management strategies, which are essential for the state’s shoreline conservation and waterway sustainability.

“I am deeply honored to lead the Florida Inland Navigation District as its first female executive director,” said Zimmerman. “Florida’s waterways are an invaluable asset and I am committed to advancing our mission of maintaining and improving these vital resources for the benefit of all Floridians and our environment. Together, along with the talented team at FIND, we will continue to foster partnerships, pursue innovative solutions, and ensure our waterways remain a beacon of excellence.”

Under Zimmerman’s guidance, the Florida Inland Navigation District is poised to embark on a new chapter implementing innovative solutions for the state’s waterway challenges, always with an eye toward environmental stewardship and community benefit. Her vision for FIND focuses on enhancing the navigability, safety, and public access of Florida’s 500 miles of Atlantic inland waterways, which are crucial for the state’s economy, tourism, and coastal resilience.

“Janet embodies the leadership, passion, and expertise necessary to propel FIND forward. Her track record of success, highlighted by her recent Public Service Award, speaks volumes of her dedication and ability to make a significant impact,” said Spencer Crowley, chair of FIND’s board of commissioners. “We are eager to see her lead our efforts to new levels of achievement.”

Janet Zimmerman’s groundbreaking appointment marks a significant milestone in FIND’s history, reflecting the organization’s dedication to leveraging a wide range of perspectives and expertise in fulfilling its mission. Her leadership is expected to not only drive FIND to new successes, but also inspire future generations of maritime and environmental professionals.

A proposed regulation that would decimate recreational boating and devastate coastal economies along the East Coast is making its way through the federal rulemaking process, and we need your help to stop it. The rule could become law at any moment – we must act NOW.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has proposed expanding its North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule to limit the speed of recreational boats 35 ft. and greater to 10 knots (11 mph) in areas up to 90 miles offshore for a good portion of the year. This would severely limit access to the Atlantic Ocean in the fall, winter and spring, putting lives at risk, as small boats cannot safely travel at these slow speeds in the open ocean. The rule was developed without any input from the recreational boating industry, which supports 812,000 jobs and 36,000 small businesses. The rule ignores existing and emerging technologies that could be deployed to reduce vessel strike risk and save marine mammals.

Make your voice heard – tell your members of Congress to write the Biden administration and urge them to withdraw this harmful rule. Instead of a blanket speed restriction, NOAA must engage with the industry to develop and implement balanced, technology-focused solutions to protect both marine life and the boating economy.

Click here for more information- https://www.boatingunited.org/take-action/congress-protect-boaters-speed-restrictions/?eid=33450

Visitors to Lake Drummond will be able to access the Dismal Swamp via the South Mills Locks or the various boat ramps along the canal. Vessels transiting the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway must use the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal as an alternate route.