Emergency manager: yacht basin cleaned, 40 vessels remain at private marinas; removals slowed by ownership, permits and cost

Christie Matthews, the city's emergency manager, briefed the board on the derelict vessel program and described a multi‑step, permit‑heavy process that has allowed rapid removal where the city owns property but has been slower where ownership, submerged land issues and environmental protections complicate action.

"We did know today there was another boat that looked like it blew in. We'll touch base with the FWC to see where that is at... The Yacht Basin got cleaned up pretty quickly because it is city property," Matthews said, but she added private marinas such as Legacy and Old Bridge still have multiple vessels and that "there is somewhere between 40 in vessels still there." Matthews said identifying owners can be difficult when vessels are submerged or heavily damaged and that notice periods and permitting timelines are part of the delay.

Board members asked whether processes could be 'front loaded' for leased slips and prepared in advance of storms. Matthews and other members discussed lease changes, better documentation, and the expense of mobilizing barges and contractors—mobilization alone can cost thousands of dollars—and noted the limited availability of grant funding for removals.

Matthews said staff are working with marina owners, encouraging grant applications, and coordinating with FWC and state partners to reduce delays and to ensure any removals follow environmental protections and FEMA reimbursement rules.