Marina Should Expand Ship Store, Restrooms, Boaters Say

Dozens of Gulfport residents and area boaters came together Thursday at the Marina Master Planning charrette at Gulfport City Hall. Harbormaster Denis Fran and city officials called for the planning session to get a better idea of what boaters and residents want to see at the Gulfport Municipal Marina in the next 10 to 20 years.

From an increase in amenities to allowing liveaboards, the open forum lead to several suggestions that Harbormaster Denis Fran and the Community Development Officer Fred Metcalf will bring forward to city council. Below are a few of the ideas shared at the charrette.

More Amenities:

Al Davis said the Gulfport Municipal Marina has a lot of potential due to its location in the bay and location from the Gulf of Mexico. Davis shared a list of amenities and services that the Regatta Pointe Marina in Palmetto has and said city officials could learn more about how to improve our marina by visiting area marinas as well. For similar costs, Regatta Pointe offers boater lounges, a health club, a personal trainer, a heated pool and hot tub, a restaurant, daily trash pick up and airport shuttles available, Davis said.

"I think the potential here is a lot greater,” Davis said.

Family Restrooms:

Mike Flood asked for family restrooms, similar to what is built in a home - a room with a toilet, sink or vanity and mirror. He cited concerns about having a men's room and women's room and said for those needing assistance, a non-designated; handicap accessible bathroom would be much appreciated.

Larger Ship Store:

Larry Shepherd said the ship store needs to be expanded. Shepherd said he's learned first hand from working in the store that it's not enough room.

“You can’t store enough food for one day to serve the public. You can use double the amount of refrigeration area,” Shepherd said “Renovation is an absolute must.”

Several others agreed with suggestions to expand the ship store, which is currently only 500 square feet. It was built in 1983 and has remained untouched for 30 years. Al Davis suggested building up, adding a second story and having the Harbormaster's office up there.

Multi-Use Facility:

Other suggestions included constructing a mulit-use facility. Shepherd suggested renovating or building something new where the Coast Guard Auxiliary building is located at Osgood Point.

“An elevated building can be secured up with fencing and be excellent for that purpose, the upper level can be a circular building – still allow for the coast guard auxiliary meetings or other meetings – like private industry conferences" Shepherd said.

Residents also brought up concerns and questions about the proposed mooring field to be built between the Williams Pier and Casino Pier. The city is working on getting the permit for 25 sailboats.

"I would like to know, how is the marina going to provide any services to people on moorings," Margo Rose said.

Gulfport residents expressed concerns about where people from the mooring field and possible liveaboards - if the city decides to allow them - could dock and use facilities. Currently, there is only one public restroom at the marina and that's with 192 wet slips and 28 dry slips. There are also two charter boats that operate out of the marina, Scuba Cat Charters and Tropical Island Getaway.

Others suggested working with the local yacht clubs and Gulfport Lions Club to help beautify the entire area.

Plan to Include Surrounding Properties:

Pat Dunham said the visioning plan has to include surrounding properties.

“That we start thinking about it today, what’s going to happen 7 years from now when the Lions Club comes up for renewal,” Dunham said.

Dunham and a handful of other residents expressed concern about the city's lease agreement with the Gulfport Lions Club, stating that it wasn't fair that the club only pay $1 a year to sit on city property.

“They’re getting it for a dollar and they’re renting it out . . . they’re not even improving the building, it looks bad, it looks horrible inside,” Dunham said. "We (need to) start thinking about it today, what’s gonna happen 7 years from now when the Lions Club comes up for renewal.” she added.

Dunham called for a long-term plan that includes the Boca Ciega Yacht Club, Gulfport Yacht Club and Gulfport Lions Club.

Other ideas included adding a restaurant, creating a picnic area with barbeque pits and speed bumps on nearby streets.

Floating Docks:

Bob Worthington, Gulfport mayoral candidate, suggested installing floating docks to avoid flooding storage lockers and electrical outlets during high tide. He added that the marina needs a generator above the flood plane with the capability to run the fuel pumps and the Harbormaster's building.

Create a Marina District:

Others asked the city to officially create a "Marina District" and add more signage on Gulfport Blvd. and 22nd Ave S. One resident said people don't even know there is a Marina District in Gulfport.

For more information:

In January, Harbormaster Denis Fran provided a presentation about the marina's needs, future goals and possible expansion ideas to city councilors. (We've attached that presentation on this article.)

If you would like to contact Fran, call the Gulfport Municipal Marina at (727) 893- 1104.

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