Marina repair work running behind schedule; Army Corps permit still pending for fishing pier

City staff updated the Dunedin City Commission on June 4 about progress and schedule changes for marina repairs tied to the 2024 storms, saying major elements of seawall and dock work are under way but the contractor’s latest schedule shows a slip from the contract dates.

"The contractor's most recent schedule has them of the completion date of August 25, so it's final completion in September," said Clay (city staff overseeing the project), reporting that pile driving is complete on one side, concrete cap pours and stormwater connections remain, and crew work will continue in phases.

Staff described three main strands of work: east and north seawall/bulkhead replacement (pile driving, new concrete caps, tiebacks and fenders), demolition and planned replacement of the fishing pier (decking and railing demolition is complete and timber piles will remain until in‑water work can begin), and procurement of long‑lead electrical and floating‑dock components to reduce future delays. City staff said some landward repairs are already complete and that crews are relocating electrical ducts, adding utility penetrations, and installing stormwater drainage to reduce future maintenance needs.

On the fishing pier, Clay said the city has state and county permits but is still awaiting final comments from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; the contractor has held off in‑water work until the Corps permit and a scheduled pre‑application meeting are resolved. "We did receive some comments in late March...we did respond to those in early April," Clay said; staff have scheduled a pre‑application meeting with the Corps to explain the multi‑phase approach.

Commissioners asked whether the city could begin assessing damages or liquidated damages after contract dates. Clay confirmed the city can pursue contractual remedies after the final contract completion date (June 30) if the contractor does not remedy delays and that staff have asked the contractor for an updated, recoverable schedule.

Staff also reported that many long‑lead items (floating docks, electrical pedestals) have been ordered so they will be ready when permits allow on‑site work, and said the Department of Environmental Protection will cover the cost to fully replace a damaged boat pump‑out unit.

Why it matters

The marina is a center of waterfront business and recreation; delays affect marina users, adjacent businesses and planned events. The Corps permit and contractor schedule will shape when in‑water restoration and dock replacement can be completed and when full marina operations can resume without construction impacts.

What’s next

Staff will seek an updated schedule and attempt to accelerate work where possible. The commission will get site visits and a proposed master plan and dock alternatives in July–August, followed by permit modifications for later phases if needed.