The City of St. Petersburg has released a long-awaited master plan for the Port of St. Petersburg, proposing a sweeping redevelopment of the waterfront property that includes a cruise terminal, superyacht marina, harborside park, and marine repair facility. The plan reimagines four acres of waterfront property and is the first update to the port’s vision since 1999.

The estimated cost ranges from $158 million to $270 million, not including design, soft costs, or future price increases. Port and Marina Manager David Wirth said the project would be carried out in phases over 20 years, with grants and private partnerships helping to offset costs.

American Cruise Lines, which currently operates up to three ships a week at the port for roughly five to six months a year, has expressed interest in contributing to the cost of a passenger terminal as part of a long-term lease.

The plan drew pushback from several fronts. City Council members on the Public Service and Infrastructure Committee questioned the price tag and characterized the plan as a “dream board,” expressing concern about subsidizing another project similar to the St. Pete Pier. Council member Gina Driscoll, whose district covers the area, said she wants to preserve the port’s industrial character and focus on jobs in the ocean economy rather than turning it into a cruise destination.

Alison Barlow, CEO of the Innovation District, which oversees the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub located at the port, raised concerns that adding public amenities like a park or recreational boat docks could jeopardize the port’s secure commercial designation and interfere with marine research activity.

Wirth acknowledged the plan is still in draft form and said he intends to incorporate the committee’s feedback before presenting a revised version. He hopes to bring a final master plan before the full city council for approval before the end of the year.

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