TowBoatUS St. Marks is entering a new chapter with an expanded ownership team, as U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain Kevin Lankowicz joins longtime operator Daimin Barth to help lead the port’s on-water assistance services.
Lankowicz, who recently stepped into a co-owner role, now oversees day-to-day operations while Barth remains actively involved, providing continuity and support for the region’s boating community. The transition marks a natural evolution for the operation, which serves recreational boaters throughout the St. Marks and Apalachee Bay area.
For Lankowicz, the move into ownership follows a path that began unexpectedly. A trip to Florida to run a half-marathon ultimately led to time on the water, where he gained experience assisting boaters in the Tampa Bay area. That hands-on work helped shape his approach to marine assistance and reinforced his commitment to supporting fellow boaters.
“TowBoatUS St. Marks gives me an opportunity to do what I love most, being on the river and helping fellow boaters when they need it most,” said Lankowicz. “My goal is to help boaters get back to land safely and offer peace of mind that professional on-water assistance is just a phone call away.”
Operating out of Lynn Brothers Marina, TowBoatUS St. Marks deploys a 25-foot Parker response vessel to assist boaters navigating the region’s coastal waters. The port provides a range of services designed to address common issues encountered on the water, including towing, battery jumps, fuel delivery, and soft ungroundings. In addition to routine assistance, the operation also handles salvage and other specialized services when needed.
As part of its ongoing engagement with the local boating community, TowBoatUS St. Marks plans to host a summer barbecue at the St. Marks Sandbar. The event is intended as a show of appreciation for area boaters, with additional details expected in the coming months.
TowBoatUS operates under the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), which offers on-water towing memberships similar to an auto club for recreational boaters. Memberships are available for both freshwater and saltwater use and include a range of additional benefits, from a subscription to BoatUS Magazine to free DSC-VHF radio registration.
Boaters in need of assistance can contact the BoatUS 24-hour Dispatch Center at 800-391-4869, use the BoatUS mobile app to connect with the nearest captain, call TowBoatUS St. Marks directly, or hail assistance on VHF Channel 16.
