Politics & Government
What's Next for the Gulfport Marina?
Where do you see the marina in 10 years? From a marina marketing plan to renovating the ship store, city leaders are weighing ideas. Help officials sculpt the future of the marina by sharing your thoughts, concerns and questions Thursday at Gulfport Cit
For the past 30 years, the Gulfport Municipal Marina has been welcoming visitors from Tampa Bay and beyond. Harbormaster Denis Fran has been doing the same; including helping the marina grow over the years. Now, Fran says the city needs to move forward with marina improvements to help lure boaters to Gulfport and keep up with current trends.
What do you think, do you want to see more wet and dry storage? What about allowing liveaboards? Do you want to see a restaurant at the marina, a larger ship store?
Share your thoughts Thursday, Feb. 21, at the Marina Master Planning charrette at Gulfport City Hall at 6 p.m. City leaders want your input.
Find out what's happening in Gulfportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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.)
Fran told councilors that planning is critical to the marina's success. This year's goals include increasing fuel sales and occupancy in wet and dry storage. However, he needs guidance to help plan out improvements in the next 10 years.
Find out what's happening in Gulfportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Trends are changing as we speak," he said. Fran told city leaders that the boating public is demanding more amenities, "they're looking for boat lifts, they're looking for dry storage, on-site restaurants, pool, laundry, dayroom, liveaboard accommodations, outdoor cooking area where they can gather are also increasing."
Perhaps in order to lure more boaters to the Gulfport Municipal Marina, the city needs to add amenities. Fran told councilors that the marina had a two-year waiting list in 2007. "That's not the case now," he said.
"Almost every marina in Pinellas County now have more slips to offer and they also have more amenities to provide."
"They want the marina experience. They might not want to go out, they want to sit on the boat, or go to the restaurant or just enjoy a nice dinner," he said.
City leaders need your help to determine what citizens want to see at the Gulfport Municipal Marina.
For more information please call Gulfport Municipal Marina Harbormaster Denis Frain at (727) 893- 1104.
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