Safety Harbor’s cherished waterfront is about to undergo a sweeping transformation, as the city kicks off a major series of reconstruction projects beginning July 7.

Prompted largely by damage from the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons, the effort promises a revitalized waterfront experience—but not without significant short-term disruption for residents, visitors, and boat owners.

Unveiled by Public Works Director Renee Cooper at the June 17 City Commission meeting, the overhaul includes rebuilding the city pier and marina, repairing the living shoreline, replacing damaged park bollards, and upgrading a private parking lot near the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa.

The pier and marina rebuild—long in the works since 2022—is the centerpiece of the project. Although delayed by Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, and Helene, permitting was finalized in June 2024. The City Commission approved a $2.7 million contract with Shoreline Foundations Inc. on May 19, with construction set to begin July 7 and last approximately 18 months, wrapping up by late December 2026.

Cooper noted the decision to simultaneously work on the pier and marina to streamline construction, which requires a complete closure of the marina, boat ramp, and parts of Veterans Memorial Lane. The city deliberately avoided impacting Fourth of July festivities and provided boat slip renters a 31-day notice to vacate by the start date.

Another urgent repair involves the city’s living shoreline, originally installed in 2019 to prevent erosion. Hurricane Helene caused severe damage, prompting the city to authorize a $124,515 emergency repair contract—plus contingency funds—with the original builder, Petrotech Environmental Services. State of Emergency declarations issued in October allowed the city to bypass normal bid procedures.

Also on the docket: replacing 32 of 35 inoperative bollard lights along the waterfront path. “You’ll see a presentation in July requesting feedback on replacement options,” Cooper said, inviting community input.

The Waterfront Park boardwalk, shuttered since Hurricane Milton due to erosion at its pilings, remains a high-priority repair. Staff are coordinating with FEMA, state officials, and insurance providers. Under FEMA’s cost-sharing model, the federal government will cover 75% of eligible mitigation expenses, with the city and state each contributing 12.5%.

City officials acknowledged the widespread impact these projects will have on waterfront accessibility. Cooper emphasized the importance of staying on schedule: “Any delay, especially with contracted work, could lead to time extensions and extra costs. Delays also risk impacting FEMA reimbursement.”

Major community events—including the Craft Beer Festival, Wine Fest, and First Friday Flicks—could be affected by the construction timeline.

A significant portion of the June meeting focused on concerns from current boat slip renters, many of whom worry about losing access permanently. While contracts only require 10 days’ notice—temporarily extended to 31 days—future slip allocations remain undecided.

Commissioner Nancy Besore urged clarity, referencing public anxiety over the language in rental agreements. City Attorney Sarah Johnston reiterated that the slips are public property and that the commission will determine how they’re allocated going forward.

Local resident Kent Runnells, representing multiple slip holders, voiced frustration over the lack of early consultation. “This was a missed opportunity,” he said. “Half the boats are sailboats. Ours is 42 feet tall—you can’t just move it on a whim. We’re only asking for 30 days, not six months.”

The extension request sparked debate among commissioners. Vice Mayor Carlos Diaz acknowledged the dilemma but stressed the need to proceed. “We can’t give false hope. We don’t know what’s going to happen—but we need to start.”

Commissioner Jacob Burnett echoed that concern. “I understand the ask. But pushing the start date back 30 days creates what I would call an unacceptable risk,” he said.

While no extension was granted, city leaders pledged to keep communication open. Mayor Joe Ayoub proposed exploring temporary mooring options and working case-by-case with boat owners.

“We will do everything we can to help owners relocate in time so we can move forward with the project,” Ayoub said.

More updates are expected at the July commission meeting, where officials will share progress and gather additional public input.

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(Image credit: City of Safety Harbor)

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