News Summary
St. Petersburg residents are encouraged to participate in shaping the Draft Master Plan for the Port, the first revision in 26 years. An online survey is open for feedback until October 22, focusing on the port’s future as a hub for recreation, innovation, and economic growth. Community engagement sessions have revealed strong support for a mixed-use waterfront, aiming to enhance public access and sustainable opportunities.
St. Petersburg is inviting residents to actively participate in the development of a new Draft Master Plan for its port, which will be created for the first time in 26 years. City officials are asking community members to provide their feedback through an online survey, which will be available until October 22. This initiative aims to revitalize the Port of St. Petersburg and shape its future as a hub of recreation, innovation, and economic growth.
The Draft Master Plan is now available for public review and incorporates feedback gathered over the past months during various community engagement sessions. A draft mission statement outlines the goal of transforming the Port into a dynamic, resilient, and multi-use district that benefits both residents and businesses.
This planning process has established key objectives, including leveraging the port’s maritime infrastructure to promote sustainable economic growth and activating previously underutilized port lands. By doing so, city officials aim to deliver lasting economic and social benefits to St. Petersburg and the broader Tampa Bay region.
Community Involvement and Feedback
In an initial public engagement session, over 100 participants provided more than 3,400 responses and around 100 comments regarding waterfront development ideas. A significant portion of the community expressed strong support for a mixed-use waterfront that prioritizes public access, marine innovation, boating, and small-scale commercial ventures.
The Draft Master Plan integrates these community suggestions into a cohesive framework that connects residents and businesses to the waterfront. It emphasizes opportunities for advancing marine technology, enhancing niche cruising and yachting options, and creating parks and open spaces, alongside improved boating facilities.
Planning Concepts and Future Vision
The 2025 Master Plan and Reinvestment Strategy aim to carefully balance economic development opportunities with public access and environmental sustainability. Revenue from operations such as cruising and marina activities is expected to help fund essential public amenities, including parks and event spaces.
A recent major public meeting revealed three preliminary development concepts for the port, which are open for further feedback from residents:
- Concept 1: This idea emphasizes tourism and public recreation, envisioning flexible maritime infrastructure that caters to a variety of activities.
- Concept 2: This plan focuses on marine maintenance and vessel repair, which will require substantial investment in infrastructure.
- Concept 3: This concept seeks to expand the Innovation District by incorporating green spaces, restaurants, and improved public access areas.
Community feedback remains a vital component in shaping the final master plan, which is expected to be completed by December 2025. Ongoing discussions will address infrastructure needs and potential regulatory challenges associated with significant development projects.
Background Information
The planning process commenced in January and has included multiple phases of community engagement and feedback. The port, located on a 4.4-acre waterfront site just south of downtown St. Petersburg, is surrounded by several key institutions, including the University of South Florida and the U.S. Coast Guard. Historical context denotes that previous plans for a cruise ship port were proposed in 1999 but were ultimately abandoned due to budget overruns.
The community’s participation in this planning initiative underscores a shared vision for the future of the Port of St. Petersburg, as city officials work to create a waterfront that aligns with both current needs and future aspirations.
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Additional Resources
- I Love the Burg: Port St. Pete Master Plan
- St. Pete Catalyst: City Unveils Port St. Pete Redevelopment Concepts
- Fox 13 News: City St. Petersburg Launch Yearlong Planning Effort
- Wikipedia: General Information
- Google Search: Port of St. Petersburg
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
