The St. Petersburg Municipal Marina has a bright future in store for it. On Dec. 6, city officials will host a public input meeting concerning the Marina’s Master Plan. The main focus of the Master Plan is the replacement of the Central and South Yacht Basin docks.

These updates would eliminate higher maintenance costs related to an aging infrastructure and the ability to accommodate changes in popular boat sizes and styles. The docks were built a little more than 50 years ago.

The marina currently feature 650 wet slips, public boat launch, mooring field and picnic area, shower and laundry facilities and more. The Dec. 6 meeting will be the first of three public input meetings — dates for those meetings will be announced soon. Additional improvements could include marina-wide WiFi, improved shower/laundry facilities and updated dining options.

The Master Plan is consistent with the ever-evolving landscape of the Burg’s business, housing and arts scene. Our waterfront is now home to a high-speed ferry, the future pier park will add green space, food options, educational centers and market venues to the area and rising high-end condos/apartments will bring more situate even more residents in the Sunshine City.

The St. Pete Marina public input session takes place Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 5-8pm at the Sunshine Center, which is located at 330 5th Street North. Questions regarding the Master Plan should be directed to Marina Manager Walt Miller at 727.893.7820 or Rick Hermann, Project Manager at 727.893.7852.

This isn’t the only Marina set for a major overhaul.

Plans are in motion for a $20 million redevelopment of the Maximo Marina in the Skyway District. The spot features more than 300 wet slips and attracts boaters from all over the state of Florida and farther north in the U.S. and Canada. It also serves as a winter home for liveaboards.

Improvements at Maximo include new floating docks, a reduction in the number of wet slips and new fixed docks. Owners of the Marina have also indicated that they’d like to add a restaurant to the marina in the future.