Destin man appointed to Florida Boating Advisory Council

DESTIN, Fla. — A Destin businessman has been appointed to the Florida Boating Advisory Council (FBAC).

John Stephens, the owner of Luther’s Pontoon, WaveRunner, and Kayak Rentals, is among the five Floridians appointed to the council by Governor Ron DeSantis on Friday.

The others appointed to the FBAC are Larry DeHays of Fort Meyers Beach, James Suber of Jacksonville, Christopher Wagoner of Gainesville, and James Zurbrick of Steinhatchee.

The Florida Boating Advisory Council (BAC) makes recommendations to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Commission) and the Department of Economic Opportunity regarding issues affecting the boating community, according to the FWC.

Eleven of the 18 members of the BAC are appointed by the governor. The executive director of the Commission nominates individuals for the governor’s consideration.

Gubernatorial appointments to the BAC serve staggered three-year terms. They are not compensated but are entitled to payment for expenses.

Here are the five appointed to the Florida Boating Advisory Council:

John Stephens
John Stephens, of Destin, is the owner of Luther’s Pontoon, WaveRunner, and Kayak Rentals. He is a member of the Okaloosa County Watersports Operators Coalition, Okaloosa County Waterway Rental Safety Committee, and serves on multiple committees for the City of Destin. Stephens earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of West Florida.

Larry DeHays
Larry DeHays, of Fort Myers Beach, is a boat captain for Adventures in Paradise and Shell Point Retirement. He is a veteran of the United State Navy and a current member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. DeHays earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland.

James Suber
James Suber, of Jacksonville, is the president of Suber Marine Services Inc. He is a current member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Jacksonville Commodors League, and a board member for the Safe Harbor Maritime Academy. Suber was named Jacksonville’s Sail and Power Squadron Member of the Year in 2021. He earned his associate degree from Florida State College of Jacksonville.

Christopher Wagoner
Christopher Wagoner, of Gainesville, is a retired police academy commander for Santa Fe College. He is a veteran of the United States Army. Wagoner earned an associate degree in criminal justice technology from Santa Fe College.

James Zurbrick 
James Zurbrick, of Steinhatchee, is the owner and operator of Jolly Rogers II Fisheries LLC and Tides Up Fisheries LLC. He is currently the Director of Southeastern Fisheries Association and a member of the Gulf of Mexico Shareholders Alliance, Seafood Harvesters of America, and Steinhatchee River Chamber of Commerce. Zurbrick earned his associate degree from St. Petersburg College.