The South Florida Coast Guard Association

February 2, 2011

February 2, 2000 -- Miami , F.L.,The South Florida Coast Guard Association has launched its new Drupal-based website, at http://www.thesfcga.com . The dramatically redesigned site, created by the Associations in-house digital team, embodies the associations forward–thinking vision and commitment to the growing needs of its patrons.

• Rich content provided by members from across South Florida


• Photos and Videos from SFCGA events


• Streamlined searching and more intuitive navigation


• Interactive exhibitions using multimedia and technology like Google mapping software

The site’s homepage welcomes visitors with bold new colors, a clean uncluttered design, and moving images with featured content centered on the Library’s mission to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities. A “With changing information needs, the expansion of SFCGA events during 2011, and the availability of new web technology, it was time for a comprehensive restructuring of the online window to our services,” said Board Member HS1 Colleen Coburn. “The new www.thesfcga.com is easier to use, reflects a diverse range of member voices, and provides increased flexibility for future growth. It will greatly improve the experience of South Florida Coast Guard Association member as we move ahead into new realms of digital service. We are immensely proud of it.”

Member Voices and Serendipity
Current Members have been insistant on generating content such as blog posts and photo uploads and with tagging relevant information from South Florida for use throughout the website that will help visitors fully understand the mission and goals of the South Florida Coast Guard Association.

New Underlying Technology
A major aspect of the new site is the use of Drupal, an open source software platform. Drupal eliminates the dependency on commercial software vendors that provide rigid frameworks with little room for customization. Switching to an open source platform allows the digital team to write code for the Associations specific needs as well as share and benefit from innovations across the Drupal community. “Until now the Association's web site has gone through a cycle of major re-designs,” said Petty Officer Coburn. “This launch lays the groundwork for a philosophy of ongoing evolution and expansion of thesfcga.com with new features and improvements being made continually. We look forward to feedback from our members and exciting new developments to come.”

Contact: Colleen B. Coburn colleen.b.coburn@uscg.mil