For Madeira Beach and Tampa Bay residents and visitors who have long cherished the convenience of the dock at 650 150th Ave, nestled between McDonald’s and Publix, its absence has left a noticeable void. Once a unique spot for boaters to pull up, grab groceries, or stop for a quick meal, the dock is gone — and with no plans to replace it, its return appears unlikely.

The removal of the dock at the Madeira Shopping Center came down to an impasse between Publix and McDonald’s, which jointly enjoyed its benefits. The two companies couldn’t reach an agreement over who would cover the rising costs of liability insurance and maintenance. With no third-party mediator stepping in to resolve the issue, the dock was quietly dismantled, much to the disappointment of local boaters and shoppers.

Some community members believe that Madeira Beach or Pinellas County should have intervened to help with the liability and maintenance costs or mediate an agreement. Yet, the matter was ultimately left up to the businesses involved, and with neither willing to assume responsibility, the dock became a casualty of increasing insurance expenses and logistical challenges.

Resident Scott Pownall, who inquired about the situation, shared his experience speaking with a district manager from Publix. According to Pownall, the manager relayed that Publix’s real estate division had clarified that, while Publix owns and manages a dock behind the Treasure Island location, the Madeira Beach dock did not fall under its ownership or management.

Another commenter shed light on why the dock’s maintenance had become so costly. They noted that Publix has long covered repairs, maintenance, and insurance for the dock, but an uptick in incidents over recent years, including injury lawsuits, had driven liability costs to an unsustainable level. The dock reportedly attracted live-aboard boaters who would leave dinghies tied up for extended periods, charter captains using it for customer pickups and a noticeable increase in loitering and drug-related concerns. This created an atmosphere that was difficult to maintain safely, leading to the ultimate decision to remove the dock.

Additional voices echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that numerous personal injury lawsuits from accidents on the dock drove liability costs higher, making it a significant expense for Publix, which then offered to transfer responsibility to McDonald’s. The fast-food chain, however, declined.

The community impact of the dock’s removal has been palpable. One resident expressed nostalgia for the shared access it provided to patrons of Publix, Slyce, and McDonald’s, especially on bustling weekends. They lamented that a few individuals had spoiled the resource for everyone by misusing it, contributing to its unfortunate end.

The dock’s history is rich, extending back more than 40 years to a time when it was reportedly the only McDonald’s location accessible by boat in the United States. For many, its presence was more than just practical — it was a part of the community’s charm and a unique asset to Madeira Beach’s waterfront appeal.

While some residents still hold out hope that the city or county might reconsider supporting a new dock in the future, no plans have been announced. For now, locals and visitors alike are left reminiscing about the one-of-a-kind experience of visiting a dock that’s now just a memory in Madeira Beach.