District 7, Division 9, Flotilla 93

Naples, Florida

About Us

HISTORY OF FLOTILLA 93

Flotilla 93, Naples, FL was chartered 12 August, 1952, with 16 members and 14 boats.  It was then known as Flotilla 3 of Division IX of the 7th Coast Guard District. In the early days of the flotilla, regular monthly meetings were held in the private homes of members and later in the Sunshine Kitchen of the Florida Power and Lights Co. Public instruction classes were held at Naples Jr. High School, but because of the large classes, these were later held in the new Naples High School.

In 1963 we built our own Coast Guard Auxiliary Station without the benefit of public funds. The money came from our membership and some gifts from friends of the Flotilla. One of our members, a local contractor, erected the building frame for his cost. Other members, including a licensed electrician contributed many hours of their time in finishing the entire interior of the Station. Another member, with an amateur radio license, was responsible far the radio room. It is fully equipped to handle search and rescue missions.

Construction on the original 1,860 square foot Station was completed in 1964. It included a complete radio room, meeting area, galley, dock and storage space. It was dedicated on 23 August, 1964. The Station, located at the east end of Broad Avenue South, on Naples Bay, was used regularly for free Vessel Safety Checks (known then as CME’s) and safe boating classes.

A new addition to the Station was completed in 1981, adding 2,750 square feet. This was also built and financed primarily by the membership. The Station now contains a large public education room, galley, radio room, eating area, Flotilla Commander's office, conference or "ready room," additional dock space and more storage. The entire building is constructed over the water of Naples Bay.

In March 1967 our Flotilla newsletter came into being. One our members had a printing press in his store and took on the job of Editor-Publisher of our first issue. He named it THE BILGEWATER BUGLE. This publication was one of the first, if not the first, flotilla publications in the Seventh District.

In April of 1967, the Marco Island Flotilla 95 was chartered thanks to the efforts of our Flotilla Commander.

In the "old days" we held many predicted log races. Some of these were with Flotilla 95, Marco Island and the local U.S. Power Squadrons.

In the '60s and ‘70s the Flotilla grew into prominence in Collier County. Public Education was conducted during the year with excellent attendance. The Naples Daily News and local radio and TV stations were very cooperative in pushing boating safety. Vessel Examinations were a very important part of the flotilla's activities as well.


Through the years Flotilla 93 has supported the local community by presenting boating safety literature and answering questions at boat shows, conducting safety patrols, patrolling at regattas, races, the 4th of July fireworks, teaching Public Education classes and conducting Free Vessel Safety Examinations. Today we have over 40 members and nine operational facilities. We can use more of both.

This history was provided by Mary Lipstate, a member of our Flotilla for over 40 years. If you would like to know more about our history, feel free to call her at (239) 455-5083.

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