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Dunedin staff report steady progress on marina bulkhead, set master‑plan workshop for winter
Summary
City staff told the commission the peninsula, docks A and B stabilization, and new shore power are back in service; bulkhead driving resumed after steel delays and a broken 6‑inch fire main was replaced to protect construction. Staff plans a master‑plan workshop in January/February with dock design and Army Corps permitting to follow.
City staff updated the Dunedin City Commission on Nov. 20 on recovery work at the marina, saying recent steps have returned public access while larger reconstruction continues. Clayton Watkins of engineering reported crews have reopened the peninsula, completed stabilization of Docks A and B, and installed new shore‑power pedestals, with the Clearwater ferry returning to service in October and strong ridership reported.
Watkins said the bulkhead design contract was approved earlier in 2025 and work was bid in June. Construction started Oct. 13 after a steel delivery delay. Crews uncovered old ductile‑iron water/fire mains during pile driving; to avoid a construction failure the city’s crews replaced a problematic 6‑inch fire line with PVC. "If that blows during construction, we're gonna have a hot mess," Watkins said, describing the decision to replace the line.
Staff described other typical construction challenges: a hard rock layer near 20 feet that is slowing pile driving and segmented demolition and replacement sequences for the wall. The fishing pier design was awarded earlier in the year; demolition and reconstruction were advertised with a bid closing Dec. 2 and a goal to present an award at the first January meeting. The city plans the rebuilt pier to be similar in size to the previous structure with upgrades including ADA fishing spaces and a concrete floating dock.
On the marina master plan, staff said it will return to the commission in a January or February workshop to finalize locations for Docks A and B and to present recommendations on floating‑dock types and permitting. Watkins estimated design and permitting for docks could take 12–24 months; some design options would require U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting, which staff said may add time but estimated about six months for the Corps review on the pier in the current location.
Commissioners pressed staff on sequencing, temporary visual impacts to adjacent businesses during demolition and whether boat‑club work would impede the city’s schedule; staff said the crane and heavy equipment are expected back on site and does not foresee long‑term conflicts. The city manager said staff will coordinate scheduling and public communications to limit disruption.
The commission did not take legislative action on the marina update; staff will return with the master‑plan workshop and procurement recommendations.
