Harborage Marina Lease Extension Referendum

The Proposal

What voters are deciding

St. Petersburg voters will decide whether City Council may approve an amendment establishing a new 30-year term for the lease of City-owned submerged lands at Harborage Marina. The amendment would require Harborage Marina to construct 200 linear feet of docks, boat lifts, and expanded restrooms at no cost to the City, with the improvements owned by the City at the end of the lease. The proposed amendment does not expand the existing submerged-land lease boundaries.

Approximately $2.15 Million in Planned Improvements

Harborage Marina states that a new 30-year term would make approximately $2.15 million in planned investment financially feasible. Its April 2026 presentation identifies:

Approximately $1 MillionNew Dock200 linear feet of new dock with fire suppression, water, and electrical service.
Approximately $650,000Boat LiftsBoat lifts intended to accommodate additional boaters and larger vessels.
Approximately $500,000Expanded RestroomsExpanded restroom facilities.

The $2.15 million figure is Harborage Marina's estimated investment. The ballot requires the specified improvements but does not establish a $2.15 million minimum expenditure.

Harborage Marina and the City

The marina's lease relationship with the City dates to 1986. According to Harborage Marina's April 2026 presentation, its FY2025 annual lease contribution to the City was approximately $671,000.

Official Ballot Language

City of St. Petersburg No. 2 Referendum Question

“Authorizing Amendment of Harborage Marina Lease to Extend Term to 30 Years and Require Improvements”

“May City Council approve amendment of the lease of City-owned submerged lands at Harborage Marina subject to conditions in ordinance 640-H? Such amendment would extend the term of the lease to 30 years and require the tenant to construct new improvements at no cost to the City, including 200 linear feet of docks, boat lifts, and expanded restrooms. Those improvements would be owned by the City at the end of the lease.”

YESNO

Voting Information

November 3, 2026 General Election

Voter Registration DeadlineOctober 5, 2026

Early VotingOctober 19 through November 1, 2026
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily

Vote-by-Mail Request DeadlineOctober 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Election DayTuesday, November 3, 2026
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

View Official Election Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns the submerged lands?

The City of St. Petersburg. The referendum concerns an amendment to the lease of City-owned submerged lands.

Who pays for the required improvements?

The ballot requires Harborage Marina, as the tenant, to construct the specified improvements at no cost to the City.

What happens to the improvements at the end of the lease?

The ballot states that the improvements would be owned by the City at the end of the lease.

What happens if voters approve the referendum?

Approval would authorize City Council to approve the lease amendment subject to Ordinance 640-H. Voter approval would not itself execute the lease.