Candidates & Organizations Supporting Us

Cat Uden is the only candidate for Hollywood City Commissioner in District 1 that has helped educate people about stand up paddling safety and snorkeler safety when artificial reefs were deployed. She is also the only candidate for district 1 that has posted on social media repeatedly her opposition to bringing boats closer to people.

Caryl Shuham is currently the Hollywood City Commissioner for District 1. She voted against bringing boats closer to shore. Currently she’s running for Broward County Commission District 6.

Adam Roberti for City Commissioner District 5

Adam Roberti is running for Hollywood City Commission District 5. He has spoken out against the City’s plan to allow boats to come closer to shore. He has stated that this would allow boats to speed directly over areas where snorkelers and divers are which would put lives at risk.

The Carter Viss Foundation, based in Palm Beach County is dedicated to making our oceans a safer place by promoting safe boating and diving practices.

The Urban Paradise Guild based in Miami Dade, is working to establish a clear boundary that lets swimmers, snorkelers, and divers use the shallow reef safely, while boaters moor just outside and reach the park by snorkel, dive, or paddle.

June 3 2026 Kellie MelindaWilliams was snorkeling with a dive flag when a boat hit her and killed her.

Supporters Comments

“The neighboring cities would need to to increase their distance and/or a well designed gradual transition, as they have similar set-ups.”

Miki Crespo

Hollywood,

FL,

United States

33020

June 25, 2026

“I don’t agree with having the boaters close to shore it’s not safe”

Doreen Decrescito

Hallandale,

FL,

United States

33021

June 11, 2026

“I am a diver and snorkeler here in South Florida and have watched boats go right over me! We need to share the water and be safe! Flags alone are not enough. Please do something to protect everyone!”

Kathi Pereira

Wellington,

FL,

United States

33414

June 10, 2026

“The reef is a main attraction for everyone to enjoy. Locals and visitors. Keeping this natural attraction alive with less disturbance is in the best interest of the boating tourism industry, community safety, and local lifestyle.”

Aida Sundarsingh

FL,

United States

June 10, 2026

“Boats are my biggest fear when snorkeling or diving by FAR. Please protect our ocean users!”

Melissa Sathe

Fort Lauderdale,

FL,

United States

33325

June 9, 2026

“This didn’t need to happen.”

Heather Bossowski

Tampa,

FL,

United States

33626

June 9, 2026

“Our waters need to be protected especially the reefs !!!”

Savannah Quinones

Dunnellon,

FL,

United States

34433

April 26, 2026

“I’m a regular snorkeler in Hollywood, Dania, and fort Lauderdale. I’ve experienced a couple close encounters with boaters despite having a proper diver flag.”

Juan Gomez

Hollywood,

FL,

United States

33019

April 17, 2026

“My father is from Plantation. I am from Davie. We grew up boating and I grew up shore diving with a divers flag and my father’s fins from the 70s. Allowing this will endanger people at a time when boaters are getting increasingly reckless. Also, the anchors will absolutely destroy reefs and limestone formations. There is no reason for this change. It brings no benefit other than helping boaters to get closer to swimmers when they should be boating safely away from people who are not associated with the boaters.”

Rachael Reitano

Wrightstown,

NJ,

United States

8562

April 16, 2026

“Boaters have the entire ocean to play in and many reefs to visit. Swimmer safety inshore should be protected. It will increase tourism and reduce accidents.”

Margaret O’Brien

Miami Beach,

FL,

United States

33139

April 16, 2026

“Having the reef accessible to swimmers and snorkelers by the beach makes it more user-friendly especially for lower income people and families. Keeping boats further away from snorkelers will help keep them safe while enjoying the natural beauty of Hollywood.”

Kimberly Platt

Miami,

FL,

United States

33138

April 14, 2026

“Stop ruining the ecosystem in Florida.”

Noah Rimac

Weston,

FL,

United States

33326

April 14, 2026