In a recent meeting of the City of Clearwater's Marine Advisory Board, local business owners and stakeholders voiced their concerns about the ongoing marina redevelopment project. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as participants expressed frustration over a perceived lack of transparency and communication from city officials regarding the plans that will shape the future of the marina.

Suzanne Foster, owner of Gulfstream Fishing Vessels and a fixture in the community for over 50 years, articulated the sentiments of many when she lamented the limited opportunities for input from those directly affected by the changes. “We’ve pretty much been kept in the dark,” she said, highlighting the disconnect between city planners and local businesses. Foster's concerns echoed throughout the meeting, as other attendees shared similar feelings of confusion and helplessness regarding the redevelopment process.

The discussions revealed a deep-seated desire for more engagement from city officials. Participants noted that while they had attended meetings, they often felt their voices were not heard or considered in the planning stages. “Why did they not ask us?” Foster questioned, pointing out that the plans presented seemed to lack input from those who operate within the marina daily.

City officials acknowledged the challenges of communication, with one member suggesting that a work session could be organized to address operational concerns raised by marina tenants. This proposal was met with cautious optimism, as stakeholders expressed a willingness to collaborate on solutions that would ensure the marina remains functional during and after construction.

The meeting also touched on the complexities of Florida's sunshine laws, which restrict board members from discussing matters outside of public meetings. This legal framework has contributed to the frustrations felt by marina operators, who seek more direct lines of communication with city planners. “We want to make sure that we’re not just looking back and saying we should have done this or that,” one board member remarked, emphasizing the need for proactive engagement.

As the meeting concluded, there was a collective hope that the city would take steps to facilitate better communication and collaboration moving forward. With a presentation to the city council on the horizon, stakeholders are eager to ensure their concerns are addressed, hoping for a marina that not only meets aesthetic goals but also supports the livelihoods of those who depend on it. The next steps remain crucial, as the community awaits further developments in this significant project that holds the potential to reshape Clearwater's waterfront for years to come.