By Robert Burns, The Observer | View Source

Until this week, the smooth, white bulkheads of New Smyrna Beach’s Water Taxi were only that, unadorned surfaces. Starting now however, those blank surfaces will not only support the taxi’s pilot house, they’ll provide an advertising venue – and yet one more way of reaching self-sustainability.

“The water taxi,” said Mayor Sally Mackay, “is one of the best treats our city has to offer.” What the folks from the Marine Discovery Center, who oversee the water taxi hope, is businesses leap at the opportunity to be a part of this asset. Marine Discovery Center Board member, Paul Mayer said, “Advertisers will have the options of either a 6-month or 1-year contract. They can choose a vertical ad or a horizontal ad, subject to space available.”

Hanging on the bulkhead, the first pre-paid advertiser, is a display ad for The Grille & Riverview. The Grille is also a Water Taxi stop for Flagler Avenue. The Marine Discovery team is also pitching to stores along Canal and Riverside streets and avenues. Beachside advertisers, storefronts along Flagler to the ocean, and potential Ponce Inlet advertisers are also encouraged to secure available spaces.

Marine Discovery Center Director Fielding Cooley and Board Chairwoman Diane Yeaton were on hand with the mayor to kick off the campaign.

“We really appreciate the support from our community’s businesses,” said Ms. Yeaton.

“There are only so many places for advertising on these boats,” said Mr. Cooley, “we believe they’ll go fast.”

Mr. Mayer spent the campaign’s first day pitching the NSB Water Taxi in Daytona Beach.

“I just returned from with seven additional snap frames, ready to install aboard the taxi,” said the Taxi proponent.

“This is a step in the right direction,” said Mayor Mackay. “It will go a long way to making the water taxi sustainable in the future. It also promotes area business. This is wonderful, it’s a win-win situation!”

To find out more, contact Brenda Litt at the Marine Discovery Center regarding prices and sizes. She can be reached at (386) 428-4828.