Interview with the GM of Suntex Marina at St. Petersburg, John Purinton

What is your first memory of being on a boat?

Rowing out to sail on my grandfather's Pearson Commander around Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

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What is something you've always wanted to try?

Kiteboarding I see a lesson in my future!

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Name someone who taught you that anything is possible.

My grandfather - he was known as the Father of a thousand Sailors. He made sure that every child in town had a chance to get out on the water safely.

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What is the best safety tip you can give a new boater?

With over 20 years teaching both power and sail, I would say make sure to take a boating course through an accredited program. There are some great schools that cover all aspects of boating, from the beginning stages to the more advanced courses.

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If you could change your career, what would you change it to?

A bartender.

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Are you a native Floridian? If not, where were you born?

I was born in San Francisco, but my family eventually moved to my mom's hometown of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Let's go Packers!

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What is the biggest fear boaters have that they eventually overcome?

Being in the proximity of other boats is a big one. Having uncertainty with other boats around is very common with new boaters.

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What is the last movie you saw in a theater?

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

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Name something that you hate to do on your day off?

Errands also known as those pesky things that get in the way of boating.

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What is something you do to be greener and earth friendly at the marina?

Plastic is a pet peeve of mine. Every day at the marina we clear the water and general property of any trash or debris. Suntex Marina at St. Petersburg is a Florida Clean Marina, and we are also switching over to LED lighting throughout.