St. Petersburg Voters Will Decide Marina Lease Extension

Residents will vote on a 30-year lease agreement for the city-owned Harborage Marina site.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Elections

Isometric editorial illustration of sturdy wooden maritime pilings in calm blue water, representing urban harbor infrastructure. — St. Petersburg voters will decide the future of the Harborage Marina site in an upcoming ballot referendum regarding a 30-year lease extension. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support extending private lease agreements to fund public marina improvements in your area?

St. Petersburg voters will weigh in on five ballot questions during the upcoming election, including a referendum regarding a 30-year lease extension for Harborage Marina. The measure aims to update the current agreement, which still has 22 years remaining.

Why it matters

The marina operator requires a longer lease term to secure a return on investment for property improvements. By extending the agreement, the city expects to facilitate over $2 million in facility upgrades at no cost to taxpayers.

The proposal asks for a 30-year lease, effectively adding eight years to the existing 22-year term. The plan anticipates a total private investment of $2.15 million, with the city retaining ownership of all site improvements after the lease ends.

The players

Harborage Marina

This facility is a long-standing tenant located in Bayboro Harbor that has operated at its current site for 27 years.

USF St. Petersburg

This public university maintains a campus in the immediate vicinity of the Harborage Marina site in Bayboro Harbor.

The details

Located in Bayboro Harbor near the USF St. Petersburg campus, the marina has operated at the site since 1999. Under the proposal, the operator is required to fund improvements at no cost to the city to ensure the facility remains viable.

Harborage Marina began operating the site in 1999.
Voters approved an amendment to the initial lease in 2004.
The marina entered into a new lease agreement in 2007.
The lease was amended for dock construction and expansion in 2018.
Voters will decide on the extension in the upcoming election.

Political Context

The opposition to this measure typically centers on concerns regarding the long-term privatization of public waterfront land and the city's ability to maximize revenue. Critics may argue that granting a 30-year extension limits the city's future flexibility to repurpose prime harbor real estate.

The lease extension directly impacts the city budget by projecting an additional $4.5 million in rental revenue over the 30-year period. While the lease changes, the city will retain full ownership of all site improvements after the term concludes.

The takeaway

Voters must balance the immediate benefit of $2.15 million in private infrastructure investment against the commitment of long-term public land usage. Supporting the measure effectively commits the site to its current use for the next three decades.