Rising majestically over the Hernando Beach coastline is the Blue Pelican Marina, situated on the fastest direct channel to the Gulf of Mexico. A longtime landmark in Hernando County, the marina is a sought after hub for boating enthusiasts.
The marina was acquired in September 2016 by AFLG Holdings, Inc., an investment company with headquarters located in Tampa.
“Marine tourism in Florida continues to grow and, overall, the US market remains very attractive,” said Anthony Russian, an AFLG business executive. “We are optimistic looking ahead and look forward to our ability to capture value and strategic vision with the support of the community, customers and suppliers to improve performance and growth.”
In conjunction with the announcement of new ownership, AFLG retained all of the marina’s 14 existing staff — under the leadership of Richard Wickenhauser, the General Manager.
Wickenhauser has been at the helm of the iconic Blue Pelican Marina for nearly 5 years and will continue to serve its customers with his considerable operations experience of the property and customers. Prior to managing the marina, Wickenhauser was the operations manager for a large home improvement retailer.
“I got tired of the corporate world and wanted to move to an industry I really appreciate and enjoy,” said Wickenhauser. “We all have our own boats here at Blue Pelican and we’re a true boating family,” he said.
Wickenhauser’s challenges as General Manager at Blue Pelican Marina include overseeing the marina’s day-to-day operations and to help guide the marina through its longterm future developmental projects.
“Richard brings with him an exceptional skill set and a wealth of experience in marina management and operation,” said Russian. “I am thrilled to have him on the team.”
Blue Pelican Marina has been a fixture in Hernando Beach for decades and can accommodate up to 180 boats outside and in the high and dry “barn.” It has one large marine forklift and is in the process of purchasing another. It’s a protected, private full service marina offering private docks, floating docks and wet slips. There’s easy access and lots of parking, all with 24 hour security.
Blue Pelican Marina’s primary mission is to provide an exceptional customer service experience for boaters and employs only certified technicians in Mercury and Yamaha products. Wickenhauser himself boasts certification in all marine boating products, including Sylvan, Suzuki and Honda Marine
“We are proud to have the fastest access to the Gulf and we take pride in our parts ordering and marine servicing so that waiting times for customers is as short as possible,” he said.
Working as point man in the reception area located in the Ships Store is James Howard.
Howard, who was happily retired, said he wanted to come back to work and “couldn’t have picked a better place.”
“I do a bit of everything,” he said. For starters, I take care of the phones, meet and greet customers, rent boats and sell merchandise here in the Ships Store.”
The Ships Store is outfitted for all boating and fishing needs. There’s charts, boat cleaning supplies, outboard oil and lubricants, marine hardware, basic maintenance supplies, fishing tackle, snacks and soft drinks, as well as Blue Pelican Marina logo tees and sportswear.
Howard, a novelist who lives in Aripeka, says he also helps out with boats on the water and starts work orders for servicing boats.
Concern for safety is high on Blue Pelican Marina’s customer service experience.
“We encourage all our new boaters to attend the Coast Guard Auxiliary boating classes,” said Wickenhauser. “We work closely with the Coast Guard and they carry out all our boat inspections.
Wickenhauser said he also goes out with new boaters to show them everything they need to know and understand from the time we take the boat off the trailer and until it’s in the water.
“I explain the markers, how to tackle shallow water and then, when they return to shore, how to load the boat, flush the engine and clean it,” he said.
Longterm plans for the marina include a new seasonal rental home. Overlooking a private dock, the property is nearing completion and has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in about 1400 sq. ft. The marina has also purchased additional property across Calienta Street all the way to the public ramp that will become their boat sales area.
“Our plans for the future will include building a second story over the Ships Store and open a bar-restaurant,” he said. “The view from that elevation will be amazing.”
Blue Pelican Marina embraces its social responsibilities and strives to create and foster a close relationship with the local community.
“Last weekend we had a benefit for Troop 71 of the Boy Scouts of America,” said Wickenhauser. “We held a fishing tournament and it was a real nice turnout with the proceeds going to Troop 71.
Prior to that, the marina raised approximately $3,000 in funds to help support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The donation will go to research and treatment for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
“The success we enjoy starts with our marina crew,” said Wickenhauser. “We are a team and we’re dedicated to delivering an honest and reliable boating experience.”