USCG Auxiliary, Flotilla 11-1, Clearwater, FL

06/23/2026

06/22/2026

📣 Division 11 Meeting at Flotilla 11-1 Headquarters

On June 20, Flotilla 11-1 hosted the Division 11 bi-monthly meeting, with 23 Auxiliarists in attendance. Matthew Copeland, Division Commander, and Thomas Maloof, Division Vice Commander, led the meeting, which included updates from Flotilla Commanders and Division Staff Officers.

Karen Miller, DCAPT-West, provided an informative overview of Everbridge, including why the Coast Guard developed the system and how it is used. She also encouraged members to attend S-TRAIN and leadership development courses and shared district updates, uniform inspection requirements, and recent changes to Auxiliary online systems.

A highlight of the meeting was the swearing-in of Daniel Williamson as Division Staff Officer for Finance (SO-FN). Congratulations, Daniel!

⚓ Flotilla 11-1 was represented by:

Michael Bronson
Michelle Evans
Mark Kopula
Karen Miller
Peter Palmieri
Lisa Repetto
Betsy Scott
Frank Toal
Daniel Williamson

👏 Thank you to everyone who attended and continues to support Division 11!

BRAVO ZULU!

Photo credit: Lisa Repetto

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. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates

06/18/2026

🎉 Highlights from Our June 17 Flotilla Meeting 🎉

We were pleased to welcome 22 members and 1 guest, representing an impressive 39% attendance! 👏

Special congratulations go out to Michelle Evans, who was elected Flotilla Vice Commander and immediately stepped into the role for the remainder of the meeting. We also congratulate Daniel Williamson on his appointment as Assistant Flotilla Staff Officer for Member Training. Well deserved! 🇺🇸⚓

📱 Karen Miller, Immediate Past Flotilla Commander, delivered an informative presentation on Everbridge, explaining its purpose, activation process, and how severe weather events have shaped its use within the Coast Guard and CG Auxiliary.

🚨 Betsy Scott, Flotilla Commander, provided updates on upcoming events and flotilla announcements and shared important information on mosquito-borne illnesses during the evening's "Medical Minute." Karen Miller and Michelle Evans also highlighted upcoming public affairs and fellowship opportunities.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to another productive, informative, and engaging evening. Your dedication continues to make our flotilla stronger!

BRAVO ZULU! ⚓🛟🇺🇸

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Photo credit: Lisa Repetto

. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates

06/16/2026

Congratulations to our members, Christian Daigle and Steve Bushnell-Fowler, who are currently featured on the USCG Auxiliary - Southeast District home page!

The photo was taken during our National Safe Boating Week (NSBW) outreach event at West Marine in Clearwater on May 24, 2025. While Christian and Steve are pictured, they were joined by several other Flotilla 11-1 members who volunteered their time to promote safe boating and share boating safety information with the public.

Bravo Zulu! ⚓🚤

Photo: Lisa Repetto

06/14/2026

⚓ June 13 – Vessel Safety Check Blitz at Seminole Boat Ramp ⚓

It was a beautiful morning to connect with local boaters at the Seminole Boat Ramp in Clearwater! Vessel Examiners Michael Howard and Betsy Scott stayed busy, completing six Vessel Safety Checks (VSCs), with each conducting three examinations while sharing important boating safety information with vessel owners. 🛥️

Following the VSC blitz, Michael, also a Program Visitor, conducted four Partner Visits to help ensure local marine businesses have a robust supply of safe boating pamphlets and educational materials available for their customers.

👏 Thank you to Michael Howard and Betsy Scott for their continued dedication to recreational boating safety.

Did you know a Vessel Safety Check is completely FREE? A VSC can help identify potential safety issues, ensure your vessel meets Federal and State requirements, and give you greater confidence before heading out on the water.

Learn more or request a Vessel Safety Check:
https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-11-01

Safe boating starts before you leave the dock! ⚓

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06/11/2026

🇺🇸 Honoring Our Veterans – 57th Honor Flight Welcome Home 🇺🇸

On June 9, members of Flotilla 11-1 were honored to join the community at St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport to welcome home 74 veterans returning from their Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Representing Flotilla 11-1 were Michelle Evans, Steve Bushnell-Fowler, Karen Miller, Lisa Repetto, Betsy Scott, and Daniel Williamson. Michael Howard participated as a member of the American Legion Honor Guard, while Peter Palmieri attended in his role with the Knights of Columbus. We were also pleased to see members from Flotilla 11-10 and several Auxiliarists from Division 7 in attendance.

Coast Guard active-duty personnel, including Captains Sergent and McCown, were also on hand to welcome the veterans home and join the community in honoring our nation's heroes.

A special moment for our flotilla was seeing Michelle Evans welcome home her father, Chaplain Rafael J. Quiles, LCDR, CHC, USN (Ret.), a Desert Storm-era Navy veteran and Vietnam-era Air Force veteran.

Following their day visiting our nation’s memorials, the veterans returned to a heartfelt reception filled with patriotic pride. Hundreds of supporters, including military personnel, law enforcement officers, veterans organizations, and community members, gathered to express their gratitude and appreciation.

It was a truly moving evening and a fitting tribute to the 74 veterans who participated in this unforgettable Honor Flight.

🇺🇸 Welcome home, and thank you for your service! 🇺🇸

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https://www.facebook.com/Honor.Flight.WCF
. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates

06/08/2026

🚤⚓ Ready to boost your boating knowledge and confidence on the water?

Join us June 27 and 28 for our upcoming Boat America boating safety course at U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-1 Headquarters, located at 510 N. Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater.

✅ Cost: $50 (includes all course materials)
✅ Earn your Florida Boating Safety ID Card upon successful completion
✅ Learn from experienced boating professionals
✅ Get answers to your boating questions from knowledgeable instructors

Whether you're a new boater or have years of experience, Boat America is one of the most comprehensive boating safety courses available. You'll gain valuable knowledge that can help keep you, your passengers, and others safe on the water.

📢 Space is limited! Register as soon as possible to ensure you receive your course materials before class begins.

Registration options: Use the QR code, call 727-469-8895, or email Karen Miller at [email protected].

www.clwboatingsafety.com

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. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates