Florida’s Clearwater Beach Marina has received $7.85 million USD in tourist tax funds from Pinellas County to support its ongoing $43.5 million reconstruction. Approved unanimously by county commissioners, the funding will be reimbursed after the project is completed, according to a report by Nicolas Villamil of Tampa Bay Times.
Work on the project’s design began in 2021, and construction is managed by Kokolakis Contracting with engineering by Moffatt and Nichol. The first phase focuses on the complete demolition and reconstruction of the west side of the marina and is expected to be completed by December 2025.
The renovation aims to modernise the marina and maintain the current slip count. Key upgrades include replacing ageing docks, updating utilities and optimising the slip layout. Fixed docks and gangways will be raised 15-24 inches to accommodate rising water levels. Resilient floating docks will serve non-commercial users, and two slips will be designated for water taxi services.
Another feature of the project is the extension of the “Marina Walk,” which continues Beach Walk with shaded seating areas. The facility will also include disability-accessible features, kiosks near primary dock entrances and electric vehicle charging stations.
The Clearwater Beach Marina is one of two primary recipients of Pinellas County’s recent tourist tax allocations, which total $15.6 million. The Eddie C. Moore Complex, a Clearwater softball facility, will receive $7.75 million toward a $17.75 million project scheduled to begin next year, with completion expected by winter 2027.
