The City of Clearwater Marine Advisory Board convened on September 13, 2023, to address several pressing issues concerning the local marina and its operations. A significant focus of the meeting was the proposed increase in marina slip rates, which has implications for both commercial and recreational boaters in the area.

During the meeting, it was reported that the harbor fared well during recent storms, with floating docks effectively managing high water levels. However, one incident involved a sailboat that was not part of the marina sinking after rubbing against the dock. The board is currently coordinating with Progressive Insurance to remove the sunken vessel.

The discussion then shifted to the proposed slip rate increases. Over the past five years, the board has implemented various rate adjustments, including a freeze during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current proposal suggests a 10% increase for harbor recreational and Island Way tenants, while beach commercial and recreational rates would remain unchanged for the upcoming fiscal year. This increase would raise the residential slip rate from $10.32 to $11.36 per foot, translating to an additional $0.08 per foot.

The board emphasized that even with these proposed increases, the rates would still be competitive compared to neighboring marinas. For instance, a 40-foot boat at the Harbor Marina would see a monthly increase of approximately $30, still below the market average in the region.

The board is seeking recommendations to present to the city council for approval of these increases, which are set to take effect on October 1, 2023. The decision to maintain current rates for beach tenants is linked to ongoing construction projects, with expectations that tenants will need to vacate by early next year.

As the board moves forward, the discussions highlight the ongoing challenges of managing marina operations while balancing the needs of the boating community and the financial sustainability of the marina. The outcome of the proposed rate increases will be closely watched by local boaters and stakeholders.