Safety Harbor outlines July 7 start for pier and marina reconstruction; boat slip renters press for more time

City staff told the Safety Harbor City Commission on June 16 that reconstruction of the city pier and marina will begin with contractor mobilization on July 7, 2025, and is expected to finish Dec. 29, 2026, and that marina slips and the boat ramp will be inaccessible when construction fencing is installed.

The reconstruction contract with Shoreline Foundations Inc. was approved by the commission on May 19, 2025, staff said; permits for the pier and marina were received in June 2024, construction bid documents were posted March 28, 2025, and bids were received May 2, 2025. City staff and the contractor agreed at a June 5 preconstruction meeting on a July 7 start to allow time for vessel removal and avoid conflicts with July 4 activities.

The work plan calls for the contractor to work on the pier and the marina simultaneously, which staff said is intended to shorten the schedule and preserve eligibility for FEMA and other grant reimbursements. Public Works Director Renee Cooper said the larger work zone is needed to move a large crane and barges, and that leaving boats in the marina or staging events in Veterans Memorial Lane would hinder the contractor and could produce delay claims.

Slip renters were notified by email on…