"MarineMax is built on a foundation of bringing friends, family, and the community together. We are happy to give back to the community which has helped us grow into the business that we are today," stated Brett McGill, MarineMax President and Chief Operating Officer.

The MarineMax house was one of 12 homes on a block in Clearwater, Florida. This new development not only provided 12 more Pinellas County families the opportunity to live and thrive in their new homes, but also rejuvenated a part of town that was known for not being so safe and secure.

"The City of Clearwater appreciates being able to work with Habitat Pinellas to provide the 'American dream' for city residents," said George Cretekos, Mayor of Clearwater. "First at Steven's Creek and now in the North Marina District, new residents through this partnership will also help revitalize a neighborhood and provide stability as the city works to expand housing opportunities."

Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County has constructed 418 homes for struggling families in Pinellas County, using locally raised funds. Volunteers and the future homeowners construct the homes, which are sold at no profit and financed with a zero-interest loan. Habitat Pinellas homeowner candidates earn 30 to 80 percent of area median income. For Pinellas County, that translates to as little as $27,000 a year for a family of four. Candidates must also demonstrate need for adequate shelter; ability to pay back a zerointerest loan and willingness to partner with Habitat Pinellas to invest 250 to 350 sweat equity hours. Mortgage monies are used to build even more homes, making each donation to Habitat a perpetual legacy to the community. Habitat believes that home ownership contributes to family stability, leading in turn to community stability. Additionally, Habitat Pinellas raises funds through their ReStore, a home improvement outlet where donated household and building items are sold to the public.

"Habitat Pinellas has enjoyed a long relationship with the City of Clearwater," said Mike Sutton, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County. "This partnership has allowed our organization to collaborate with sponsors and the community to build over 100 homes in the City of Clearwater since our inception."

During the building of this house, MarineMax not only supported Habitat For Humanity financially but also many MarineMax team members spent their time on-site. Alongside the soon to be owners and under the supervision of the Habitat for Humanity crew, the MarineMax team went to work building this house doing everything from raising trusses and assembling walls to painting and laying sod.

Part of the MarineMax values is to always do what is right and this means providing for the community that has given so much to support our company. MarineMax will continue to work with charities in the local communities around the nation as we are all United by Water.

RITTEN BY SARAH YASI