Clearwater Marine Advisory Board Special Meeting - March 18, 2026

The Clearwater Marine Advisory Board held a special meeting on March 18, 2026, at 8:00 AM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The board addressed several key items including a letter on the Stevenson Creek Manatee Protection Zone, rate increases for the marina, updates on harbor and beach marina construction projects, and the election of officers for 2026.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the December 10, 2025 regular meeting and the January 28, 2026 special meeting.

Discussion Items

• Stevenson Creek Advocacy Group Update: Sherry Day, president of the Stevenson Creek Advocacy Group, presented a draft letter urging the City Council to take action on a Manatee Protection Zone in Stevenson Creek. The board discussed the letter's content, noting the date needed correction, and voted to approve and sign the letter as presented, which will be included in a larger package to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Sherry Day also highlighted media coverage of loopholes in permitting for docks in the aquatic preserve. The board acknowledged the issue is outside its purview but expressed support for the group's efforts.
• Marina Rate Increases: Bill Hodson, Division Manager of Marine Aviation, recommended increasing recreational slip rates to 100% effective October 1, 2026 (to $23/foot resident, $25.30/foot non-resident), while keeping commercial rates at the 50% increase that took effect February 1 until the Beach Marina reconstruction is complete, after which a market rate study will be conducted. The board asked questions about demand and slip pricing but took no formal vote on the recommendation.
• Harbor Marina Update: Kelly Petrich, Engineering Division Manager, reported that the south end of Harbor Marina has been awarded to Kelly Brothers, with construction expected to start in May 2026 and completion by end of 2026 or early 2027. The north end is at 90% construction drawings, with bids expected by June and a target council date of September 16, 2026, aiming for completion before the 2027 storm season.
• Beach Marina Reconstruction Project Update: Kelly Petrich reported that Phase II demolition of buildings, docks, and removal of timber/concrete piles is 90% complete. Sheet pile wall is largely completed, and concrete work is progressing. A pre-dredge survey was completed, and dredging will begin upon approval. Upland work, including sidewalk demo and utility re-piping, is underway. The project remains on schedule and under budget, with completion targeted for summer 2026.
• Seminal Boat Ramp Kayak Launch: During the Director's Report, a board member asked about creating kayak/paddleboard launch areas at the sandy area west of the fish cleaning station at the Seminal ramp and near the shuffleboard court on Stevenson Creek. Bill Hodson responded that Parks and Recreation is already exploring these options, which would require ADA compliance.
• Election of 2026 Chair and Vice Chair: The board unanimously reelected the current chair and vice chair to serve another term.
• Board Member Comments: A board member raised the issue of filling two open seats on the board, suggesting potential candidates Trish Rodriguez and Courtney Ross. The board discussed the application process and encouraged members to recommend interested individuals.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the December 10, 2025 and January 28, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Approved and signed a letter to the City Council supporting a Manatee Protection Zone in Stevenson Creek.
• Reelected the current chair and vice chair for the 2026 term.
• Received updates on rate increase recommendations and construction projects, with no formal votes taken on those items.