The City of Clearwater's Marine Advisory Board convened on December 13, 2023, to address several pressing issues concerning the local marina and its operations. The meeting began with a discussion on parking challenges, particularly the anticipated construction of a parking garage that could further limit available spaces for marina users. Board members emphasized the urgency of addressing parking needs, noting that the garage's completion timeline remains uncertain.

Steve Hunsucker, a local business owner, expressed concerns about being relocated to a different slip at the marina. He highlighted that he had purchased his business based on its prime location and questioned the rationale behind the proposed move. The board acknowledged that the city had engaged Moffett Nichols to design the marina layout, which aims to group similar types of vessels together for operational efficiency. However, Hunsucker and others voiced their dissatisfaction with this approach, arguing it undermines the unique character of the working waterfront.

The conversation shifted to the design of kiosks within the marina, with members suggesting that their placement and orientation could be improved to enhance accessibility for visitors. Concerns were raised about the current design not facilitating interaction between businesses and customers, which is vital for a vibrant marina atmosphere.

As the meeting progressed, members discussed the need for operators to collaborate and present a unified set of recommendations to the city council before their upcoming discussions in March or April. The urgency of this collaboration was underscored, as many felt that changes needed to be implemented sooner rather than later to ensure the marina's operational viability.

In a separate segment, Michael Foley presented a manatee protection sign he wished to donate to the board. He shared a personal anecdote about encountering manatees in the area and advocated for increased awareness and signage to protect these animals. The board expressed appreciation for the sign but noted regulatory challenges regarding its placement.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions among marina operators to address ongoing concerns and to prepare for the upcoming city council meeting. The board remains committed to ensuring that the marina serves both the community and its businesses effectively while preserving its unique character as a working waterfront.