Dunedin commission backs Boat Club LOI, adopts 10% marina fee increase and renews sheriff contract

The Dunedin City Commission on Sept. 4 approved a letter of intent to site a new Dunedin Boat Club and Sailing Center on the club's historic peninsula location, adopted a resolution raising marina user fees by 10% effective Oct. 1, 2025, and renewed the annual contract addendum with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for $6,134,860 for fiscal year 2026.

City staff told the commission the boat club facility would be a multiuse, city-owned building operated day-to-day by the boat club and partner organizations. "This facility will be a multiuse facility. It will be a city-owned building in the home of Dunedin Boat Club, Dunedin Youth Sailing Association, sailability, Greater Tampa Bay and other organizations," city staff said during the presentation, describing a fundraising model that would route donor dollars through the Pinellas Community Foundation and give the club three years to raise funds with a commission-approved one-year extension option.

Deputy City Manager Jorge Quintas and other staff said the planned agreement includes a city contribution of $100,000 to construct a public restroom on the peninsula and requires city review of final plans. After brief commissioner questioning about alternative sites, QA/QC review and fundraising timelines, the commission voted…