Clearwater Marine Advisory Board Meeting – June 10, 2026

The Clearwater Marine Advisory Board met on June 10, 2026, at 8:00 AM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered updates on the Beach Marina reconstruction, Seminole Boat Ramp repairs and wave attenuator projects, kayak launch sites, a director's report on manatee zone designations, marina rate increases, and police/fire dock replacement. Public comments addressed enforcement at the Seminole Boat Ramp, and board members discussed parking improvements.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the March 18, 2026 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Marion Capusta, operator of Clearwater Basin Marina adjacent to the Seminole Boat Ramp, expressed concern over lack of enforcement of commercial use permits at the ramp. She stated that permitted businesses follow rules but unpermitted operators create safety issues and liability. She described jet ski rentals and unlicensed charters operating, causing congestion and confusion for customers. She also noted that the no-wake zone ends too early, allowing wakes to affect her marina, and that her marina provides temporary fuel due to the Beach Marina fuel dock being unavailable. The board and staff acknowledged the issue and noted ongoing enforcement efforts by the police marine unit and plans to rehire a part-time security position.

Discussion Items

Beach Marina Commercial Tenant Outreach Group Update

• Trish (tenant group representative) reported that the outreach group is solidifying, with improved communication evidenced by a 67% email open rate (up from 20%). They are working with the city to define signage on white kiosks with approval expected within weeks. The group is ordering dock boxes with a 20% discount for tenants under city-approved sizes. For the city's 250th anniversary and July 4th, tenants will coordinate a mini parade and fireworks viewing due to limited budgets. A holiday lights campaign is also in planning.

Beach Marina Reconstruction Project Update

• Kelly Petrich, Engineering Division Manager, reported the project is 82% billed. Upland utility work progresses; water, fire, and stormwater are complete; electrical is 50% complete. Sidewalk paving and shade structure foundations begin within two weeks. A and B dock installation is underway; B dock main section and support pilings complete, with mooring piles being installed and B dock completion expected the last week of June. Approximately 250 degrees of dock main sections installed; dock completion expected mid-July. The floating fuel building (capable of rising 17 feet above BFE) construction begins July 6. Substantial completion anticipated in August. The fuel dock opening will be one of the final activities; temporary fuel is not being pursued; tenants arrange fuel delivery.

Seminole Boat Ramp and Wave Attenuator Updates

• Kelly Petrich presented: Phase 1 (upland) of the Seminole Boat Ramp is complete. Phase 2 (water side) will fill a void using precast or cast-in-place slab. Plans are complete; the bid package is going to procurement for a 90-day process. Construction window is January–February 2027. The city is evaluating keeping half the ramp open versus full closure to reduce costs and duration. The original plan for wave attenuation barriers and restrooms was deprioritized in favor of ramp replacement.
• South Side Wave Attenuator Repairs: Contractor Kelly Brothers is under contract. Precast attenuator production will be the longest lead time; construction expected spring 2027, taking less than a month. The project is FEMA-funded for Hurricane Ian damage. Additional repairs include transition plates and HDPE sleeves.
• North Side Wave Attenuator Repairs: Damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton will replace five wave attenuators, a collapsed gangway, and all tension cables (replaced with stainless steel). FDEP and building permits are being submitted; a 90-day bid process will follow. Construction duration will likely be under one month once precast units are ready. This is also FEMA-funded.

Kayak Launch Sites

• Mike McDonnell, Marine and Aviation Director, reported on two kayak launch sites planned by Matt Anderson of Parson Wreck: one at Cooper's Bayou and one at the old Shuffleboard Club on Stevenson's Creek, both seeking grant funding. A site at the Seminole Boat Ramp was deemed unsafe due to boat traffic.

Director's Report

Stevenson's Creek Manatee Zone

• Mike McDonnell updated: The draft application and ordinance were submitted to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). FWC supports making the creek a manatee zone from Edgewater to Overbrook Bridge, with slow speed from Fairmont to Betty Lane. FWC requested language changes and map updates, which staff is completing. Next steps: finalize draft, obtain city council approval of ordinance, then apply for the manatee zone permit with FWC.

Marina Rate Increases

• Council approved Phase 2 rate increases for recreational tenants at Beach, Harbor, and Island Estates marinas, bringing rates to market levels based on the Walter Duke rate study. Effective October 1, 2026: Beach/Harbor marinas $23 per foot for residents, $25.30 for non-residents; Island Estates $20 resident, $22 non-resident. Commercial tenant rates will not increase until after substantial completion of the Beach Marina project, when a new rate study will be conducted.

Kiosk Rates

• The city set a kiosk rate of $350 per month for the first eight years to cover cost, after which a land fee will apply. The city retains ownership and maintenance responsibility.

Police/Fire Dock Replacement

• The dock at the police/fire department, damaged by Hurricane Helene, will be replaced with a more resilient design. Estimated cost of replacement is $431,000 versus $485,000 for repair; replacement is preferred. The design includes three aluminum lifts, wider piers, float-through decking, removable electrical pedestals (breakaway design), raised deck level, cross bracing, and a storm restraint system. FEMA initially estimated the dock at $70,000; staff is working to reconcile estimates.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Unanimous.
• Beach Marina: Substantial completion expected by August 2026; fuel dock opening later.
• Seminole Boat Ramp: Phase 2 construction to go to bid; construction window Jan–Feb 2027. Wave attenuator repairs scheduled over the next year.
• Manatee Zone: FWC supportive; staff to finalize language and map for city council ordinance.
• Rate Increases: Phase 2 recreational rates approved by council, effective Oct 1. Commercial rates deferred.
• Kiosk Rate: $350/month for 8 years, then land fee; city maintains.
• Police/Fire Dock: Replacement chosen; design to incorporate resilience features; working with FEMA.
• Kayak Launches: Two sites moving forward; Seminole site rejected as unsafe.
• Enforcement: Staff acknowledged need for better enforcement at Seminole Boat Ramp; police marine unit has written citations; part-time security position to be rehired.
• Parking: A board member suggested restriping the parking lot at Seminole ramp for short trailers and jet skis; to be passed to the parking department.
• Board Vacancy: A board member who is a city council candidate will seek guidance on continued service.