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Commission approves MacDill Air Force Base floating‑dock replacement permit
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a Port Tampa Bay standard work permit to replace MacDill AFB's finger‑pier marina with a floating dock system, adding two boat slips (32 → 34) and a tide‑elevating aluminum gangway; staff reported minimal submerged aquatic vegetation and limited mangrove trimming at ramp sites.
Planning Commission staff recommended, and the commission unanimously approved, a standard work permit for MacDill Air Force Base to replace an aging finger‑pier marina with a floating dock system and related gangways.
Diego Gue, planning staff presenting the Port Tampa Bay application, said the existing finger‑pier marina comprised approximately 32 slips and about 4,000 square feet of wooden structures. The proposed design would convert the facility to a floating dock system with a 5‑foot‑wide aluminum gangway that elevates with tides. "There are no proposed impacts to the mangroves on the site, except the locations where the ramps are going to be," the presenter said, adding that limited vertical trimming would be required at two ramp locations.
An environmental survey reported no submerged aquatic vegetation but observed red and black mangroves and oyster growth near pilings; Brazilian pepper (an invasive species) was also noted in the survey. Staff said the permit is consistent with future land use policies on clear zones and coastal hazard provisions and with marina guidelines that protect wetlands and surface waters.
Commissioners asked whether dock capacity would change; staff said the project increases capacity from 32 to 34 slips. With no public comment and no applicant appearance, the commission found the standard work permit consistent and approved it unanimously. The permit will proceed to required administrative or permitting next steps with Port Tampa Bay and the installation.
Why it matters: the project modernizes a military‑installation marina with limited vegetation impacts noted in the environmental survey and will require coordination with environmental regulators for mangrove trimming and shoreline impacts.
