Municipal Marina – City-Managed Excellence – Currently Under Reconstruction Through December 2026
IMPORTANT CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: Safety Harbor City Marina is currently closed for major reconstruction following extensive hurricane damage from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton in 2024. Construction began July 7, 2025, and is expected to be completed by December 2026. The pier was completely destroyed, and the marina sustained severe damage. Veterans Memorial Lane parking, the boat ramp, and the marina are closed during construction. However, the park and public restrooms remain open, accessible from the north entrance near Jefferson Street. The City Commission approved a $2.7-3.0 million budget for reconstruction with additional funding from the state ($1 million) and expected FEMA assistance.
Safety Harbor City Marina is Safety Harbor’s premier city-managed municipal marina located at 110 Veterans Memorial Lane in Safety Harbor’s Waterfront Park, featuring professional full-service operations, municipal management excellence, family-friendly atmosphere, and protected harbor positioning. This community-focused facility, when operational, combines professional marina services with transparent municipal governance, making it ideal for boaters seeking a city-managed alternative with professional services, fair municipal pricing, and community-oriented atmosphere. Safety Harbor City Marina’s municipal positioning delivers reliable, professional services backed by city commitment to the boating community and long-term waterfront investment.
Marina Overview & Location
- Address: 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
- Location: Safety Harbor Waterfront Park, Pinellas County
- Phone: (727) 724-1572
- Management: City of Safety Harbor
- Mayor: Joe Ayoub (actively engaged in reconstruction project)
- Public Works Director: Renee Cooper
- Access: Old Tampa Bay, protected harbor location
- Philosophy: Community-focused boating with public accountability
- Current Status: CLOSED for reconstruction (July 7, 2025 – December 2026)
- Reconstruction Budget: $2.7-3.0 million
- Reconstruction Contractor: Shoreline Foundation, Inc. (approved May 19, 2025)
- Funding Sources: City budget, State of Florida appropriation (~$1 million), FEMA assistance expected
Safety Harbor City Marina – Safety Harbor
Safety Harbor City Marina occupies prime Safety Harbor waterfront in Waterfront Park with city management excellence, community focus, and commitment to long-term investment in boating infrastructure.
Table of Contents
Reconstruction Project (2025-2026)
Hurricane Damage & Recovery
Hurricane Timeline
- August 2022: Pier and marina replacement design began (pier nearing end of useful life)
- June 2024: Construction permits received
- Fiscal Year 2024: Construction originally scheduled
- August 2024: Hurricane Debby caused extensive damage to pier and marina
- September 2024: Hurricane Helene completely destroyed the pier
- October 2024: Hurricane Milton caused additional damage
- December 2024: City submitted for State Appropriation Funding
- March 28, 2025: Construction bid documents posted
- May 2, 2025: City received reconstruction bids
- May 19, 2025: City Commission approved $2.7-3.0 million contract with Shoreline Foundation, Inc.
- June 16, 2025: Project timeline announced
- July 7, 2025: Construction began (after July 4th festivities)
- December 2026: Expected completion (18-month timeline)
Reconstruction Scope
The comprehensive reconstruction project includes:
- Pier replacement – Complete rebuild of destroyed fishing pier
- Marina dock replacement – New floating dock system with storm-resistant design
- Living shoreline restoration – Environmentally-enhanced seawall and natural buffer
- Bikeway and boardwalk rebuild – Pedestrian and cycling infrastructure
- Park bollards replacement – Safety and mooring infrastructure
- Upgraded storm protection – Design improvements to withstand future hurricanes
- Safety Harbor Resort & Spa parking lot – 63 new parking spaces with retention pond and 66 new trees (concurrent project)
What’s Closed During Construction
- Marina and boat ramp – No vessel launching or docking
- Fishing pier – Completely destroyed; under reconstruction
- Veterans Memorial Lane parking – Construction zone access
- Kayak and paddleboard rental operations – Tocobaga Tours relocated temporarily
What Remains Open
- Waterfront Park – Accessible from north entrance near Jefferson Street
- Public restrooms – Available throughout construction
- Park shelters – Accessible from north side
City of Safety Harbor Management
Municipal Excellence & Accountability
Municipal Advantages
City-managed marina operations provide unique benefits:
- City-managed – Professional municipal operations with city oversight
- Public accountability – Transparent governance and budget oversight
- Community focus – Local engagement and resident priorities
- Professional standards – Municipal excellence and quality assurance
- Financial stability – City budget backing and long-term commitment
- Long-term investment – Public institution with 18-month, $3 million reconstruction commitment
- Democratic access – Open to all residents and visitors
- State and federal funding – Access to FEMA and state appropriations
Why This Matters
Municipal management ensures professional standards, transparent operations, and long-term commitment to boating community support. The city’s willingness to invest $3 million in reconstruction demonstrates commitment to waterfront infrastructure even after catastrophic hurricane damage.
Full-Service Marina Operations (Pre-Hurricane / Post-Reconstruction)
Professional Waterfront Services
When operational, Safety Harbor City Marina provides comprehensive services:
Docking & Moorage
- Professional dockmaster – Expert coordination and management
- Full-service slips – Complete amenities (configuration TBD after reconstruction)
- Professional positioning – Expert slip assignment
- Protected moorage – Safe anchorage in protected Old Tampa Bay harbor
- Professional dock staff – Helpful, community-focused crew
- Boat ramp – Public launching facility (under reconstruction)
Fuel & Provisioning
- Fuel dock – Gasoline and diesel (pre-hurricane; TBD post-reconstruction)
- Ship store – Marine supplies (if available)
- Provisioning services – Supply assistance
- Ice service – Daily availability
Amenities
- Electrical service – Shore power at slips
- Fresh water – Dockside connections
- WiFi access – Free internet
- Professional facilities – Modern municipal standards
- Public restrooms – City-maintained facilities (open during construction)
- Park access – Waterfront Park adjacent to marina
Protected Harbor Location
Safe Anchorage on Old Tampa Bay
Harbor Benefits
Safety Harbor’s geographic position provides natural protection:
- Protected harbor – Old Tampa Bay wave protection
- Safe anchorage – Secure mooring in calm waters
- Storm shelter – Natural hurricane protection (though 2024 storms caused significant damage)
- Protected waters – Safe navigation year-round
- Natural barriers – Geographic advantages from bay configuration
- Calm conditions – Gentle waters most of the year
Family-Friendly Community
Community-Oriented Atmosphere
Family Features
Safety Harbor City Marina and Waterfront Park are beloved community spaces:
- Family-friendly – Kid-friendly environment
- Safe environment – Secure city-managed facility
- Community events – Regular social programming and gatherings
- Welcoming atmosphere – All ages welcome
- Community focus – Local engagement and resident priorities
- Social community – Neighborhood gathering place
- Fishing pier – Popular spot for families (under reconstruction; reopening December 2026)
Mayor’s Personal Connection
Mayor Joe Ayoub expressed his personal connection to the pier and park:
“I was literally on that pier three or four times a week, oftentimes walking my little girls out there. I love it. They love it. The family loves it. So, just from a personal perspective, I was devastated seeing the pier washed away.”
Safety Harbor Community
Charming Waterfront Town
Town Features
Safety Harbor is a small, charming waterfront community on Old Tampa Bay:
- Small town charm – Community character and local engagement
- Waterfront location – Scenic Old Tampa Bay setting
- Downtown proximity – Historic downtown Safety Harbor walking distance
- Shopping access – Local retail and services nearby
- Dining options – Local restaurants and cafes
- Safety Harbor Resort & Spa – Historic spa resort adjacent to marina
- Parks & recreation – Community amenities and green spaces
- Healthcare access – Medical facilities nearby
Water Navigation
Tampa Bay Access
Water Navigation (When Marina Operational)
- Old Tampa Bay – Protected bay waters
- Tampa Bay – Extensive protected cruising grounds
- Intracoastal Waterway – Connected coastal system
- Gulf of Mexico – Approximately 25-30 minutes via Tampa Bay passages
- Protected routing – Safe navigation through marked channels
- Well-marked channels – Professional USCG navigation aids
- Fishing grounds – Nearby inshore and bay fishing destinations
Tocobaga Tours – Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals
Local Business Impact
Ken Bambery operates Tocobaga Tours Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals at the Safety Harbor Marina location for over 20 years:
Business During Reconstruction
- Temporarily relocated – Operating from shoreline away from construction zone
- Reduced traffic – Business impacted since pier destruction
- Customer excitement – “I love having people go out paddling around with manatees and dolphins, and they come back in, and they’re all excited”
- Optimistic outlook – “It’s going to be a mess for a while, but it’s going to all work out good and we’ll get the pier going again and the marina, and hopefully everybody starts coming down again”
- Grand reopening planned – “We’re gonna have to have a big grand reopening or something” after completion
Professional Marina Management
Quality Municipal Operations
Management Standards
City of Safety Harbor provides professional management:
- Professional staff – Experienced municipal crew
- Quality assurance – High standards maintained by city
- Customer service – Personalized attention to boaters
- Safety focus – Professional protocols and procedures
- Efficient operations – Professional coordination
- Transparent governance – Public accountability and budget oversight
- Long-term commitment – $3 million investment demonstrates dedication to waterfront
Find Professional Boat Services
Need Services in Safety Harbor?
YachtService.VIP connects you with certified professionals serving Safety Harbor and the Tampa Bay area. While the marina is under reconstruction, mobile marine services are available.
Common Services Available
- Boat maintenance – Professional routine and emergency service
- Engine specialists – All makes and models
- Detailing – Professional cleaning and polishing
- Electronics – Modern navigation and communication systems
- Mechanical systems – All boat systems diagnosis and repair
- Canvas work – Custom fabrication and restoration
- Mobile marine service – Services at your location during marina closure
- Hurricane damage assessment – Post-storm inspections and repairs
- Provisioning – Supply coordination and delivery
Marina Features & Specifications
| Category | Details |
| Current Status | CLOSED for reconstruction (July 7, 2025 – December 2026); Marina, boat ramp, pier, and Veterans Memorial Lane parking closed |
| Hurricane Damage | Debby (Aug 2024): Extensive damage; Helene (Sept 2024): Pier completely destroyed; Milton (Oct 2024): Additional damage |
| Reconstruction | $2.7-3.0 million project; Shoreline Foundation, Inc. contractor; State funding ~$1M; FEMA assistance expected; 18-month timeline |
| Scope | Pier replacement; Marina dock replacement; Living shoreline; Bikeway/boardwalk; Upgraded storm protection; Park bollards |
| What’s Open | Waterfront Park (north entrance near Jefferson St); Public restrooms; Park shelters |
| Management | City of Safety Harbor municipal operation; Mayor Joe Ayoub; Public Works Director Renee Cooper; Professional staff |
| Location | 110 Veterans Memorial Ln, Safety Harbor, FL 34695; Waterfront Park on Old Tampa Bay; Protected harbor |
| Pre-Hurricane Services | Full-service marina; Boat ramp; Fishing pier; Fuel dock; Shore power; Fresh water; WiFi |
| Water Access | Old Tampa Bay; Tampa Bay; ICW; 25-30 min to Gulf of Mexico; Protected routing |
| Community | Family-friendly; Small town charm; Safety Harbor Resort & Spa adjacent; Downtown walking distance; Community events |
| Local Business | Tocobaga Tours (Ken Bambery, 20+ years); Kayak & paddleboard rentals; Temporarily relocated during construction |
| Expected Reopening | December 2026 (18-month timeline from July 2025 start); Mayor hopes for earlier completion |
Why Choose Safety Harbor City Marina?
Safety Harbor’s Municipal Marina Excellence (Post-Reconstruction December 2026)
- City-Managed: Professional municipal operations with public accountability and transparent governance
- $3 Million Investment: Major reconstruction project demonstrates city’s long-term commitment to waterfront
- Upgraded Storm Protection: New design built to higher standards to withstand future hurricanes
- Protected Harbor: Old Tampa Bay location provides safe anchorage and calm waters
- Family-Friendly: Beloved community gathering place with pier, marina, and Waterfront Park
- Full-Service Operations: Professional dockmaster, complete amenities, boat ramp (post-reconstruction)
- Municipal Pricing: Fair rates backed by city governance
- Professional Staff: Experienced municipal crew with quality assurance
- Community Focus: Local engagement and resident priorities guide operations
- Small Town Charm: Safety Harbor’s waterfront character and community atmosphere
- Safety Harbor Resort & Spa: Historic spa resort adjacent to marina
- Fishing Pier: Rebuilt pier for community fishing and family recreation
- Living Shoreline: Environmentally-enhanced seawall for sustainable waterfront
- Tampa Bay Access: Protected cruising; 25-30 minutes to Gulf of Mexico
Weather & Boating Conditions
- Year-Round Boating: Excellent Gulf Coast climate 12 months (when marina reopens)
- Water Temperature: 70-85°F
- Air Temperature: 65-90°F
- Best Months: October – May (drier, cooler season)
- Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30 (2024 hurricanes caused extensive damage; reconstruction includes upgraded storm protection)
- Water Conditions: Protected Old Tampa Bay with calm waters and safe navigation
- Current Status: Marina closed through December 2026 for reconstruction
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Safety Harbor City Marina reopen?
Construction is expected to be completed by December 2026. The marina has been closed since July 7, 2025, for an 18-month reconstruction project following hurricane damage. Mayor Ayoub hopes for earlier completion.
What happened to the marina?
Hurricanes Debby (August 2024), Helene (September 2024), and Milton (October 2024) caused extensive damage. Hurricane Helene completely destroyed the fishing pier, and the marina sustained severe damage requiring complete reconstruction.
Is this city-managed?
Yes, professionally operated by the City of Safety Harbor with municipal excellence standards, public accountability, and transparent governance. The City Commission approved the $2.7-3.0 million reconstruction budget.
Is the harbor protected?
Yes, natural protected harbor location on Old Tampa Bay provides safe anchorage. The reconstruction includes upgraded storm protection designed to withstand future hurricanes better than the previous infrastructure.
Is this family-friendly?
Absolutely—Safety Harbor City Marina and Waterfront Park are beloved community gathering places. Mayor Ayoub walked his daughters on the pier “three or four times a week” before its destruction and was “devastated” by its loss.
What can I access during construction?
Waterfront Park and public restrooms remain open, accessible from the north entrance near Jefferson Street. However, the marina, boat ramp, fishing pier, and Veterans Memorial Lane parking are closed.
What’s included in the reconstruction?
Complete pier replacement, new marina docks, living shoreline restoration, bikeway and boardwalk rebuild, upgraded storm protection, and park improvements. The design is built to higher standards than before.
How is the reconstruction funded?
City budget (~$1.7-2.0 million), State of Florida appropriation (~$1 million signed by governor), and expected FEMA assistance for hurricane damage.
Contact Information
Safety Harbor City Marina
110 Veterans Memorial Lane
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Type: Municipal city-managed marina
Location: Waterfront Park, Old Tampa Bay, Pinellas County
Management: City of Safety Harbor
Mayor: Joe Ayoub
Public Works Director: Renee Cooper
Atmosphere: Family-friendly community gathering place
Operations: Professional full-service (when operational)
Current Status: CLOSED for reconstruction (July 7, 2025 – December 2026)
Reconstruction: $2.7-3.0 million; Shoreline Foundation, Inc.; Upgraded storm protection
Expected Reopening: December 2026
Emergency: 911 or Coast Guard Channel 16
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Safety Harbor City Marina – Municipal Excellence Under Reconstruction Through December 2026
