Fort Lauderdale Around Town
 A visit to Fort Lauderdale is, of course, a visit to the water. However, it is not simply a walk on the beach or fishing off the pier. It is not even a simple jaunt in the water taxi from here to there. With all the canals and waterways in Fort Lauderdale, this city is often-called "Venice of America." Nevertheless, because of the number of watercraft based in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, it has also earned the title of "Yachting Capital of the World."
The Marine Industries Association of South Florida has indicated that Fort Lauderdale is often visited by mega yachts on an annual basis and that there are over 30,000 boats cruising on the Intracoastal Waterway throughout the year. This is a sure demonstration of the importance of the marine industry and the boating way of life to the Fort Lauderdale area. It is estimated that the marine industry brings more than 109,000 jobs in the manufacture, maintenance, and servicing of boats, ships, and yachts to the area, which represent approximately $3 billion dollars in wages and earnings. This also represents close to $9 billion in total economic impact as well.
 Around 2.5 million passengers travel through the port on 30 or more port-based cruise ships annually, with close to 6,000 vessel calls each year. With this type of popularity, there are more than one-hundred yacht brokerages in the area, as well as fifty charter boat companies, and dozens of marine supply businesses in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. Yachts are used in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area for private cruising and for racing. You will find them on the New River and in any of the navigable natural and artificial waterways in the area that support larger marine craft. You will also see them float Lake Okeechobee. The city's large boats and yachts are very popular with the retired citizens of the area.
Port Everglades is also quite famous as a liberty port for both American and allied navy personnel. Over one-hundred ships call at the port per year. The Port has received multiple awards for its location, its cruise facilities, and the diverse activities available for luxury cruise passengers.
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