Introduction

The Port of St. Petersburg is shaping its future — and your input continues to play a vital role. Building on insights from our first public engagement session, this survey invites you to review and respond to the Draft Master Plan, which reflects the community’s vision for a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive working waterfront.

During Public Engagement Session 1, more than 100 participants shared over 3,400 responses and 100 unique comments about how the Port should evolve. The feedback revealed strong support for a mixed-use waterfront that balances recreation, marine innovation, economic opportunity, and public access. Residents expressed enthusiasm for uses such as marina and boating facilities, parks and open spaces, marine technology and education, niche cruising and yachting, and appropriately scaled commercial development.

The Draft Master Plan builds on this feedback, combining the most supported elements from the preliminary concepts to create a framework that connects people, business, and the waterfront.

This next survey asks for your thoughts on the Draft Plan — what feels right, what could be improved, and how we can best realize a shared vision for the Port’s future. Your input will directly help refine and finalize the plan.

Port of St. Petersburg: 2025 Master Plan & Reinvestment Strategy

The 2025 Draft Illustrative Master Plan establishes a long-term vision for a vibrant, resilient, and diverse working waterfront. It balances economic growth, maritime innovation, and public access, creating opportunities for residents, businesses, and visitors across St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and the Sun Coast. The Plan builds on the Port’s unique assets—deepwater access, available land, waterfront connectivity, and improved infrastructure—while supporting existing operations and fostering new industries, from cruise and recreational boating to superyacht services, MRO operations, and maritime innovation.

Key Districts:

  • West Wharf Gateway & Harborside Park: A civic-focused waterfront destination connecting Downtown to the Port. Features include public plazas, terraced seating, parks, event spaces, waterfront promenades, and dining, creating a welcoming space for residents and visitors.
  • St. Petersburg Terminal & Cruise Center: Anchored by the Harbor Pier, this district accommodates cruise ships up to 700 feet and superyachts up to 250 feet. It combines efficient port operations with public-facing plazas, pedestrian promenades, and ground transportation zones.
  • Recreational Boating & Yacht Precinct: A premier hub for leisure and marine enterprise, offering marina slips for recreational vessels up to 100 feet and superyacht berthing. Includes a Yacht Club, pool deck, dining, and activated waterfront spaces for year-round enjoyment.
  • MRO Facility & Innovation Hub: Focused on maritime service, maintenance, and technology innovation. Supports superyacht and vessel maintenance, refit operations, and research activities, positioning the Port as a global hub for marine enterprise.

Community & Economic Benefits:
The Plan aligns with community priorities and market opportunities, ensuring operational efficiency while enhancing public access, recreation, and civic engagement. Revenue-generating activities, such as cruise and marina operations, help support public amenities, including parks, promenades, and event spaces.