Weekly 5: Marina owner sentenced to jail for tax fraud

The BI Weekly 5 is a collection of tips, news and data affecting the boating industry this week. Be sure to look for the BI Weekly 5 every Tuesday on BoatingIndustry.com.

1. Marina owner sentenced to jail for tax fraud

The owner of a popular marina in the Florida Keys has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for tax fraud, the Ocala StarBanner reported.

Michael Alan Reckwerdt owns several businesses, including Robbie’s Marine Enterprises, and is the former mayor of Islamorada. He was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and more than $160,000 in restitution.

2. Easing of Cuba travel rules includes boating

Under new rules announced by the federal government Friday, it will now be easier to travel to Cuba. Along with a number of other changes, it is now legal for U.S vessels to dock in Cuba, although the overall tourism ban remains in place.

3. Webinar on credit card rule changes

For any business that takes credit cards, the shift this fall from magnetic strip cards to the new EMV (“chip”) cards could end up being a significant change (and expense). The Small Business Administration is hosting a webinar Tuesday on the change and shift in liability.

4. Connecticut governor signs boating safety law

Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy signed “Emily’s Law,” which changes regulations regarding training to obtain a safe boating certificate, on Friday, WABC-TV reported.

The law was named for teenager Emily Fedorko, who was killed in a boating accident last year. The law sets new standards for safe towing instruction prior to anyone getting a safe boating certificate.

5. Boating Ontario names new CEO

Janet Bauer has been named as the new president and CEO of Boating Ontario, Boating Business reported.  Long-time association Executive Director Al Donaldson will stay on until the end of 2015 to ensure a successful transition, the magazine reported.

 

 

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