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Connecting Friends, Building Bridges, and Making Smooth Sailing Possible.

June 11, 2026 was a day that reminded me of the power of relationships, cooperation, and the simple act of connecting friends with friends to make things possible.

One of the greatest privileges in life is being able to bring people together, solve problems, and help create opportunities that benefit an entire community. Sometimes all it takes is a few conversations, a few phone calls, and a willingness to help.


Recently, the Romanian sail training ship N.S. Mircea needed a place to dock during its visit to the United States as part of the celebrations surrounding America's 250th Birthday. Originally, plans called for the vessel to be docked in Miami. However, a new location became necessary.


Fortunately, through the efforts of dedicated individuals and organizations, we were able to identify a suitable location in Broward County. After a few phone calls and coordination efforts, this magnificent vessel found a home at Port Everglades, docking at Berth 22 across from Terminal 25.


The Mircea is far more than a ship. Built in 1939 by Blohm+Voss in Hamburg, Germany, she is a symbol of maritime tradition, international friendship, leadership, and service. For generations, she has trained sailors and served as a floating ambassador for Romania.

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th Birthday, it is especially meaningful that such a historic vessel would visit our shores. Tall ships like the Mircea remind us of the courage, determination, and spirit of exploration that helped build nations and connect people across oceans.


I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Government of Romania, the officers and crew of the Mircea, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this visit possible. I would also like to thank the team at Port Everglades and Broward County whose efforts helped welcome this remarkable vessel to our community.

It is humbling to have the opportunity to connect people, build bridges between organizations, and help make things happen. Success is rarely achieved alone. It is often the result of good people working together toward a common goal.


The arrival of the Mircea on June 11, 2026, stands as a reminder that international friendship, cooperation, and goodwill remain powerful forces. Broward County was honored to host this magnificent vessel, and I am grateful to everyone who played a role in making it possible. Welcome to Broward County, Mircea. Thank you for helping us celebrate America's 250th Birthday and for strengthening the bonds of friendship between Romania and the United States.


On a personal note.  The last time that Dragos Sprinceana, a friend of mine, mentor, and adopted son, was on this ship was when he was 7 years old in his home town in Romania.  Dragos and Sergeant Abiud Montes, thank you for taking the lead on bringing this opportunity to Broward County.  Since Teresa and Celeste were both out of town, my plus one was my oral surgeon. I had been in the office for a follow up. Final arrangements were being made while I was in his dental chair.  


 
 
 

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