Vero Beach marina opens Boat Barn; director reports strong revenue and parking tensions with Yacht Club

Sean Collins, Marina Director for the City of Vero Beach, said the marina’s new dry storage facility, called the Boat Barn, has opened and currently has "15 to 18 spots left to fill." He reported that July revenue is "about $51,000" against a monthly goal of $60,000 and that the facility’s racks "accommodate 120 boats and they are 80%–85% full." Collins said marina rates remain "$20 per foot" with no racking fee.

Collins said the marina’s new lift has arrived and is in operation while an older lift remains in use. He told the commission the next development phase will focus on the main docks and that a few parking spaces may be added relative to that expansion. He said upgrades to the seawall and dinghy-dock lighting are planned and are pending application approval from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

On parking, Collins said the marina maintains an agreement from 1985 that designates an area for Yacht Club parking, but he reported ongoing complaints that Yacht Club members or guests continue to park in Marina spaces and on marina grass, which he described as unfair to Marina customers. "There is an agreement from 1985 between the Yacht Club and the City of Vero Beach that identifies an area that was designated for the Yacht Club’s parking, but some Club members and/or their guests still park in the Marina parking spaces which is not fair to the Marina customers," he said. Commissioners discussed options including shuttle services for large events to reduce pressure on marina parking.

Collins also said the County has docked a pump-out boat at the Marina under an agreement, and that the Army Corps of Engineers permit for work has been received. He did not provide a timeline for when parking changes or dock upgrades will be implemented. The commission did not take a formal vote on parking remedies; Collins and Deputy City Attorney Melany Crawford said they would follow up with the Yacht Club manager and City staff as appropriate.

The Marine Commission scheduled its next meeting for October 15, 2026, when members said they expect follow-ups on several items discussed, including marina parking and infrastructure planning.