Gulf Coast Premier Marina – 316 Premium Slips – No Fixed Bridges to Gulf
Marina Jack (officially Marina Jack Yacht Basin) is Sarasota’s premier waterfront marina offering 316 premium wet and dry slips accommodating vessels up to 228 feet, featuring no fixed bridges to the Gulf of Mexico, direct access to Gulf waters, world-class waterfront dining and entertainment, professional full-service marina operations managed by Suntex Marinas since 2016, 24-hour fuel dock (the only one on Florida’s Gulf Coast), ship store, comprehensive yacht services department, boat lifts, moorings, boat club, boat rentals, concierge service, and extensive amenities.
Located at 2 Marina Plaza in downtown Sarasota’s vibrant waterfront district, this award-winning facility (2015 National Marina of the Year, 2020 Business Operations Award) operates as a highly successful public-private partnership with the City of Sarasota, combining luxury positioning with professional marina services. Marina Jack represents Sarasota’s boating epicenter and delivers unmatched Gulf Coast excellence for discerning yacht owners.
Marina Overview & Location
- Address: 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Phone: Contact through marinajacks.com or Suntex network
- Website: www.marinajacks.com
- Management: Suntex Marinas (since September 2016)
- Previous Owner/Operator: Marina Jack Holdings, LLC / Robert L. Soran (1999-2016)
- Current GM: Patrick Lustro (General Manager)
- VP of Marina Operations: Sam Chavers Jr. (since 2001, promoted 2016)
- Type: Full-service luxury marina, public-private partnership
- Property Owner: City of Sarasota (leased to Suntex)
- Total Slips: 316 wet and dry slips
- Maximum Vessel: 228 feet
- Configuration: Floating concrete docks with boat lifts
- Fuel: 24-hour fuel dock (only one on Florida’s Gulf Coast)
- Access: No fixed bridges to Gulf of Mexico
- Established: 1968 (originally as restaurant with day docks)
- Recognition: 2015 National Marina of the Year; 2020 Business Operations Award; 12+ consecutive years Florida Clean Marina
- Investment: $15+ million in expansions and renovations since 1996
Marina Jack – Sarasota
Marina Jack sits at the heart of Sarasota’s downtown waterfront district with direct unrestricted Gulf access, operating as one of Florida’s most successful public-private marina partnerships.
Table of Contents
316 Premium Luxury Slips
Gulf Coast Superyacht Accommodation
Slip Specifications
- 316 total slips – Extensive capacity for wet and dry storage
- Vessels up to 228 feet – True superyacht range accommodation
- Floating concrete docks – Modern construction (installed early 2000s)
- Boat lifts available – Some slips retrofitted with lift systems
- Protected moorage – Safe Sarasota Bay anchorage
- Deep-water docking – Direct Gulf access capability
- Professional positioning – Expert dockmaster coordination
- 24-hour staff – Continuous professional service
- 90% public availability – Open to all boaters on first-come, first-served basis
Dockside Services & Utilities
- Electrical service – 50/100/200 amp options available
- Fresh water – All slips with hookups
- Free pump-out service – Complimentary sanitation via “Brown Eyed Girl” pump-out boat (City-owned, marina-operated; disposes 10,000 gallons raw sewage annually)
- Free WiFi – High-speed wireless internet throughout
- Professional dockmaster – Expert coordination by Sam Chavers Jr.
- 24-hour fuel dock – Only 24-hour fueling on Florida’s Gulf Coast
- Access control systems – Modern security
- Concierge service – Personalized guest assistance
Additional Slip Options
- Boat lifts – Ongoing retrofits of older docks
- Catamaran accommodations – Footprint alterations planned to accommodate rising demand
- Variety of sizes – From jet skis to megayachts
- Flexible configurations – Meeting diverse boater needs
No Fixed Bridges to Gulf of Mexico
Direct Unrestricted Gulf Access
Navigation Benefits
Marina Jack’s strategic location provides exceptional advantages:
- Zero fixed bridges – Unlimited height clearance to Gulf
- Direct Gulf of Mexico access – Immediate open water departure
- No height restrictions – All vessel types accommodated
- Sailboat-friendly – Unlimited mast clearance
- Quick Gulf access – Minimal navigation through Sarasota Bay
- Well-marked channels – Professional aids to navigation
- Protected Sarasota Bay – Safe anchorage when not cruising
- Excellent fishing grounds – Nearby Gulf destinations
- Island cruising access – Keys and barrier islands
Why This Matters
No fixed bridge restrictions mean unrestricted departures without waiting for bridge openings, immediate Gulf access for fishing and cruising, and no height limitations for sailing yachts and tall superyachts—a critical advantage that distinguishes Marina Jack from many Florida marinas.
Suntex Marinas Management Excellence
Industry-Leading Operator Since 2016
2016 Acquisition & Merger
In September 2016, Suntex Marina Investors LLC (Dallas-based) acquired Marina Jack Holdings, LLC and affiliates, merging with Marina Jack’s operations.
Merger Included:
- 316-slip Marina Jack Yacht Basin in downtown Sarasota
- O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill (adjacent)
- Bayfront Yacht Works & Marina (south Siesta Key, 60 wet/dry slips, 70-ton Travelift)
- Bayfront Excursions (boat rentals and watersports)
- Turtle Beach Grill restaurant
Key Leadership Retained:
- Robert L. Soran (CEO/Owner 1999-2016): Equity interest and board advisory capacity with Suntex
- Sam Chavers Jr. (Director of Marina Operations since 2001): Promoted to VP of Marina Operations
- Tom DeLong (VP/GM since 2002): Promoted to VP of Food & Beverage for Suntex
- All employees retained through transition
Suntex Profile
- Leading marina operator – National and international presence
- 75+ marinas managed – Comprehensive network across multiple states and Caribbean
- Professional standards – Industry-leading quality assurance
- Modern infrastructure – Contemporary systems and technology
- Full-service capability – Complete marina operations expertise
- Guest satisfaction focus – Hospitality-driven culture
- SMART goals system – Corporate guidance for health and success of each marina
Bayfront Mooring Field
60-Mooring Capacity with City Partnership
Mooring Field Specifications
Operated by Marina Jack at no profit as part of City partnership:
- 60 moorings – Current capacity (expandable to 109)
- $25 per night – Includes pump-out, trash pickup, and WiFi
- 10% reserved for transients – Availability for visiting boaters
- Free pump-out service – Included with mooring fee
- 1,200+ guests served – Since 2011 establishment
- Zero derelict vessels – Successful management program
- State pilot program – One of five aimed at combating derelict-vessel problem in Florida
24-Hour Fuel Dock
Only 24/7 Fueling on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Fuel Services
Marina Jack’s fuel dock is a major draw and highlight, operating 24 hours as the only facility of its kind on the Gulf Coast:
- 24/7 availability – Around-the-clock fueling
- Diesel fuel – Marine-grade diesel
- Non-ethanol gasoline – Premium fuel for marine engines
- Floating fuel island – Professional dockside fueling
- Only on Gulf Coast – Unique 24-hour capability
Waterfront Dining & Entertainment
On-Site Culinary Excellence
Marina Jack Restaurants
Marina Jack Restaurant:
- Upscale waterfront dining with Gulf views
- Multiple dining venues and cuisines
- Casual to fine dining options
- Happy hour specials
- Direct dockside service – Walk from your boat
- Tom DeLong management (VP of F&B for Suntex)
Marina Jack II:
- 96-foot dinner cruise vessel
- Sightseeing cruises aboard the Marina Jack II
- Charter availability
O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill:
- Casual tiki bar atmosphere
- Adjacent to marina
- Social gathering venue
Turtle Beach Grill:
- South Siesta Key location
- Part of Bayfront Yacht Works property
Entertainment Options
- Live music – Regular performances
- Special events – Holiday celebrations (July 4th fireworks, Christmas boat parade)
- Fishing tournaments – Community events
- Social gatherings – Boater community
- Waterfront ambiance – Sunset views
- Bar service – Premium beverages
Marina Jack Yacht Services Department
Professional On-Site Maintenance & Repair
Established 2012
Marina Jack Yacht Services department provides comprehensive concierge-like hospitality for yacht maintenance:
Available Services:
Hull & Structural:
- Hull repair by professional specialists
- Bottom painting and antifouling application
- Fiberglass structural work
- Gelcoat restoration and cosmetic finish
- Survey coordination for pre-purchase inspections
Engine & Mechanical:
- Engine service for all makes and models
- Engine rebuilds and complete overhauls
- Transmission work and professional repair
- Fuel system service, testing, and cleaning
- Propeller service and professional refits
- Mechanical upgrades and system improvements
Electrical & Systems:
- Electrical work and professional installation
- Navigation equipment upgrades
- HVAC climate control systems
- Plumbing for fresh and saltwater systems
- Electronics installation and setup
Contractor Network:
- 11 vetted third-party contractors – Team primarily working from Marina Jack
- Quality assurance – Marina vets all contractors before adding to approved list
- First-call priority – Preferred contractor network
- Coordinated service – Professional partnerships
Bayfront Yacht Works & Marina
Full-Service Boatyard on South Siesta Key
Acquired 2015, Renovated 2016
Marina Jack acquired the former Turtle Beach Marina in September 2015, completing a $6 million renovation and reopening as Bayfront Yacht Works in July 2016:
Boatyard Specifications:
- 70-ton Marine Travelift – Heavy-duty haul-out capability
- Vessels up to 65 feet – Full-service repair facility
- Dry-stack storage – 50 boat capacity
- 60 wet and dry slips – Additional moorage
- Fuel dock – On-site fueling
- Ship’s store – Marine supplies
- Upgraded docks and power – Modern infrastructure
- 7 technicians – Professional repair staff
Services:
- Bottom painting
- Engine repair
- Propeller refits
- Hull work
- Comprehensive yacht services
Why This Was Important:
“Waterfront boatyards are disappearing. A boatyard like this was very much needed in this area,” said Robert Soran. “Previously we were having to send our customers’ vessels to outside vendors for work that didn’t meet the quality level of service that our customers expected from us. Therefore, we decided to do it ourselves.”
Ship Store & Provisioning
On-Site Marine Supplies
Marina Store Features
- Marine supplies – Comprehensive inventory
- Boat parts – Professional-grade equipment
- Provisioning services – Supply assistance and coordination
- Fuel availability – 24-hour access (unique on Gulf Coast)
- Convenience items – Essential supplies for cruising
- On-site retail spaces – Multiple vendors
Boat Rentals & Water Sports
Bayfront Excursions
Rental Operations
- Two boat rental companies – 10 vessels total
- Freedom Boat Club – 35 slips dedicated to club
- Bayfront Excursions – Rapidly growing boat and watersports rental business
- Water sports equipment – Various options
- Beginner-friendly – Family boating introduction
Commercial Vessels & Charters
10 Commercial Berths
Commercial Fleet at Marina Jack
- 96-foot Marina Jack II – Dinner cruise vessel
- 2 sailboats – Charter operations
- 2 fishing headboats – Party fishing charters
- 1 sightseeing boat – Tours
- 4 private charter fishing boats – Sport fishing charters
Strategic Sarasota Location
Downtown Waterfront Gateway
Water Navigation
- Sarasota Bay – Protected waters with marina positioning
- Gulf of Mexico – Direct unrestricted access via Sarasota Bay
- No bridges – Unrestricted departure to Gulf
- Fishing grounds – Nearby Gulf destinations
- Island access – Cruising routes to barrier islands and Keys
- Protected waterways – Safe navigation and anchorage
Land Access & Attractions
Downtown Sarasota (Walking Distance):
- Trendy urban condo living center
- Eclectic street-side dining for foodies
- Saturday morning farmers market
- Boutique shops – Favorites of cruisers
- Art galleries and cultural venues
- Entertainment districts
Major Attractions:
- Ringling Museum – Cultural institution
- Sarasota beaches – Multiple Gulf beaches nearby
- Siesta Key Beach – Famous white sugar sand
- Downtown shopping and dining – Vibrant venues
- Natural beauty – Tropical Florida setting
Airport Access:
- Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport – Approximately 20 minutes
Public-Private Partnership Success
Award-Winning Collaboration with City of Sarasota
Partnership Structure
Marina Jack operates under a highly successful public-private partnership model:
How It Works:
- City of Sarasota – Owns the waterfront property
- Suntex Marinas – Leases site, owns/operates all facilities and services
- Revenue sharing – City receives percentage of gross profits
- Mooring field – 50/50 split of expenses and revenues
- Pump-out boat – City owns vessel, marina stores and operates it, enabling free service
- Shared operational expenses – Cost-sharing on certain programs
Partnership Benefits:
- Enables marina to offer enhanced services (like free pump-out)
- Allows continued capital investment and improvements
- Provides City revenue from marina operations
- Facilitates community events and programs
- Addresses regional boating issues (derelict vessels, mooring capacity)
- Creates landmark destination for City of Sarasota
Investment & Improvements
Since 1996: $15+ million invested in expansions and renovations
Timeline:
- 1999: Robert Soran acquires Marina Jack
- 2001-2008: Significant dock and infrastructure repairs/renovations (privately funded $10 million)
- 2011: Bayfront Mooring Field established (60 moorings, capacity 109)
- 2012: Marina Jack Yacht Services department launched
- 2012: Water sports and boat rental operations added
- 2015: Turtle Beach Marina acquired
- 2016: $6 million Bayfront Yacht Works renovation completed
- 2016: Suntex Marinas acquisition/merger
- 2016-Present: Continued upgrades including access control, boat lifts, slip reconfigurations, catamaran accommodations
Awards & Recognition
Industry-Leading Excellence
- 2015 National Marina of the Year – Recognized by Marina Dock Age magazine
- 2020 Business Operations Award – Marina Dock Age award for public-private partnership success
- 12+ consecutive years Florida Clean Marina – Environmental distinction (one of Florida’s first)
- Community facilitator – July 4th fireworks, Christmas boat parade, fishing tournaments
What the award judges said (2015):
“What struck me most about Marina Jack was how much it had changed over the last 15 years or so, continuing to evolve when many marinas were struggling with the economy. The marina invested a lot of money in its facilities, but it also listened to its customers and partnered with the city of Sarasota on important projects.”
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Common Services Available
- Yacht maintenance – Professional routine service (11 vetted contractors on-site)
- Engine specialists – All makes and models (Bayfront Yacht Works capability)
- Hull repair – Fiberglass specialists (70-ton Travelift at Bayfront)
- Bottom painting – Antifouling experts (Bayfront Yacht Works)
- Electronics installation – Modern navigation systems
- Mechanical systems – All boat systems service
- Canvas and upholstery – Custom fabrication
- Provisioning – Supply coordination and delivery
- Concierge service – Marina Jack Yacht Services department
- Emergency repairs – 24-hour staff availability
Marina Features & Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Slips & Capacity | 316 total wet and dry slips; Vessels up to 228 ft; Floating concrete docks with boat lifts |
| Location | 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota FL 34236; Downtown Sarasota waterfront on Sarasota Bay |
| Gulf Access | No fixed bridges to Gulf of Mexico; Direct unrestricted access |
| Management | Suntex Marinas (since Sept 2016); VP: Sam Chavers Jr.; GM: Patrick Lustro |
| Ownership | Public-private partnership; City of Sarasota owns property, Suntex leases and operates |
| Fuel Dock | 24-hour (only 24/7 on Florida’s Gulf Coast); Diesel and non-ethanol gasoline |
| Moorings | 60 moorings ($25/night includes pump-out, trash, WiFi); Capacity for 109; 10% transient |
| Pump-Out | Free service via “Brown Eyed Girl” boat; 10,000 gallons/year properly disposed |
| Dining | Marina Jack Restaurant, Marina Jack II (96-ft cruise), O’Leary’s Tiki Bar, Turtle Beach Grill |
| Yacht Services | On-site department with 11 vetted contractors; Concierge-like hospitality |
| Boatyard | Bayfront Yacht Works (70-ton Travelift, vessels to 65 ft, 60 slips) |
| Boat Rentals | 10 vessels; Freedom Boat Club (35 slips); Bayfront Excursions |
| Amenities | Free WiFi, 24-hr staff, concierge, laundry, access control, boat lifts, ship’s store |
| Recognition | 2015 National Marina of the Year; 2020 Business Operations Award; 12+ years Clean Marina |
| Investment | $15+ million since 1996; $10M dock renovation; $6M Bayfront renovation |
Why Choose Marina Jack?
Gulf Coast Premier Excellence – Award-Winning Public-Private Partnership
- 316 Premium Slips: Extensive capacity accommodating vessels up to 228 feet
- No Fixed Bridges: Direct unrestricted access to Gulf of Mexico
- Suntex Management: Industry-leading operator with national network since 2016
- 24-Hour Fuel Dock: Only 24/7 fueling facility on Florida’s Gulf Coast
- Waterfront Dining: Multiple on-site restaurants including Marina Jack and O’Leary’s Tiki Bar
- Marina Jack II: 96-foot dinner cruise vessel and sightseeing tours
- Yacht Services Department: 11 vetted contractors, concierge-like hospitality
- Bayfront Yacht Works: 70-ton Travelift, full-service boatyard for vessels to 65 feet
- Boat Lifts Available: Ongoing retrofits for enhanced vessel protection
- 60 Moorings: Affordable $25/night with free pump-out, trash, WiFi
- Free Pump-Out: Complimentary sanitation disposing 10,000 gallons/year
- Freedom Boat Club: 35 dedicated slips for club members
- Downtown Sarasota: Vibrant waterfront district, walking to restaurants and shops
- Award-Winning: 2015 National Marina of the Year; 2020 Business Operations Award; 12+ years Clean Marina
- Public-Private Success: Highly successful partnership with City of Sarasota
- $15+ Million Investment: Continuous improvements since 1996
Weather & Boating Conditions
- Year-Round Boating: Excellent Gulf Coast climate 12 months
- Water Temperature: 70-85°F
- Air Temperature: 65-90°F
- Best Months: October – May (peak season, drier weather, comfortable temperatures)
- Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30 (protected Sarasota Bay location)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dock my 200+ foot superyacht at Marina Jack?
Yes, Marina Jack accommodates vessels up to 228 feet with professional dockmaster positioning and comprehensive superyacht services.
Are there fixed bridges to navigate to reach the Gulf?
No, Marina Jack has zero fixed bridges to the Gulf of Mexico – direct unrestricted ocean access for all vessel heights.
What dining options are available at the marina?
Multiple on-site waterfront restaurants including upscale Marina Jack Restaurant, the 96-foot dinner cruise vessel Marina Jack II, O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill, and Turtle Beach Grill at the Bayfront location.
Is there a ship’s store for marine supplies?
Yes, comprehensive marine supply store on-site with provisioning services and on-site retail spaces.
Can I get fuel at any time?
Yes, Marina Jack operates a 24-hour fuel dock – the only 24/7 fueling facility on Florida’s Gulf Coast, offering diesel and non-ethanol gasoline.
Are moorings available?
Yes, 60 moorings at $25/night including free pump-out, trash pickup, and WiFi. Ten percent reserved for transient boaters.
Is there a boatyard for haul-outs and repairs?
Yes, Bayfront Yacht Works on south Siesta Key features a 70-ton Marine Travelift for vessels up to 65 feet, plus comprehensive repair services.
Who manages Marina Jack?
Suntex Marinas has managed Marina Jack since September 2016 as part of a successful public-private partnership with the City of Sarasota.
How do I reach Siesta Key Beach?
Siesta Key Beach is nearby by boat or car – famous for powdery white sugar sand.
Contact Information
Marina Jack Yacht Basin
2 Marina Plaza
Sarasota, FL 34236
Website: www.marinajacks.com
Management: Suntex Marinas (since September 2016)
General Manager: Patrick Lustro
VP of Marina Operations: Sam Chavers Jr.
Type: Full-service luxury marina, public-private partnership
Total Slips: 316 wet and dry slips
Maximum Vessel: 228 feet
Property Owner: City of Sarasota (leased to Suntex)
Fuel: 24-hour fuel dock (only on Florida’s Gulf Coast)
Recognition: 2015 National Marina of the Year; 2020 Business Operations Award
Emergency: 911 or Coast Guard Channel 16
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Marina Jack – Sarasota’s Award-Winning Gulf Coast Marina – 2015 National Marina of the Year – Where World-Class Service Meets Unrestricted Gulf Access
