Gulfport city leaders were scheduled to vote Tuesday night on higher commercial rates at the municipal marina, a move city documents show would make it the most expensive municipal marina in Pinellas County. Officials say part of the reason is a property tax cut that has not yet passed.
The city has said the increase is meant to raise revenue and offset “possible losses” tied to Amendment 3, the November ballot measure that could significantly reduce property tax revenue for cities and counties across Florida. Voters have not yet decided it. If the rates are approved, they would rise in January and again in July 2027.
Commercial boaters say they would carry the heaviest load. Under the proposal, they would pay higher slip rental rates plus an added per-vessel fee.
Captain John Ross, who owns Beach Charters by the Bay, said he pays $655 a month for a wet slip. He said the new fees alone could add about $1,500 a month across his three boats. Ross, who has operated from the marina for five seasons running eco-tours and sandbar trips, had been planning to expand his fleet. He now says he may have to relocate.
His warning to the city was blunt: if the charter operators all leave, “they’re going to lose millions.”
City officials acknowledged at a September council meeting that the new rates would exceed those in Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Dunedin. They argued Gulfport’s amenities justify the difference and said other cities could raise their rates too if Amendment 3 passes. Staff also pointed to an aging marina, noting that worms are eating the pilings. Marina director Denis Frain said the facility may have only five to seven years if nothing is done.
Staff also told the council that demand for slips remains strong, with as many as 150 people on the waiting list. That could make it easier for the city to refill slips if some commercial boaters leave.
Nearby businesses are watching closely. Matthew Neumann, owner of Hookin’ Ain’t Easy, said charter captains send roughly 300 customers a month to his restaurants and other businesses. He said losing them would hurt the surrounding area, not just his own business.
Gulfport’s mayor, city manager and marina director declined requests for interviews.
Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Google, & X
St. Pete-Clearwater Sun: local St. Pete-Clearwater & Tampa Bay, FL news at PIE-Sun.com
Dad. Father. Author.
S4: Students, Schools, Social Media, & Success, and The College Merit Scholarship Appeal Guide
Owen has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Gate, AOL, BAM Magazine, Boss Magazine, and Tampa Bay Business Insider.