Subject:
Title
Municipal Services Taxing Unit special project funding for Tampa Bay Watch Waterfront boat lift replacements.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) special project funding request, in the amount of $20,000.00, for boat lift replacements at Tampa Bay Watch in Tierra Verde.
Additionally, delegate to the County Administrator the approval and execution of the Tampa Bay Watch Fiscal Year 2026 MSTU Funding Agreement, which will allow for a grant in the amount of $20,000.00 to be reimbursed to the Tampa Bay Watch to replace two boat lifts.
• Tampa Bay Watch’s skiff lifts-vital for environmental restoration and education-are failing due to age and storm damage. One is inoperable, the other near failure, jeopardizing critical water-based programs.
• These upgrades will restore full functionality and ensure safe, reliable waterfront operations for the next 20 years.
• After soliciting bids from six vendors, Edge Marine, a reliable past contractor, was selected as the lowest bidder at $23,000.00.
• Any costs exceeding the MSTU grant will be covered by the Spurlino Foundation or Tampa Bay Watch’s operating account, demonstrating strong financial stewardship and commitment to project completion.
• This investment will directly benefit the community by enabling continued access to environmental education, volunteer engagement, and coastal restoration efforts that support Pinellas County’s strategic goals.
• The $20,000.00 request for funding is a one-time expenditure of budgeted MSTU Special Projects funds.
• Funding for this project is included in the current-year General Government Budget in the General Fund. With approval of this special project for $20,000.00, a total of $336,733.94 will remain available for Board approved MSTU projects.
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Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.4 Improve environmental quality.
1.5 Strengthen resilience and adaptation.
1.6 Ensure sustainable water management
Summary:
Summary
Approval is requested for a $20,000 MSTU Special Project grant to Tampa Bay Watch to replace two aging boat lifts essential to its environmental and educational programs. One lift is inoperable, and the other is near failure, threatening key water-based operations. Tampa Bay Watch selected Edge Marine-the lowest of six bidders and a trusted past contractor-for the $23,000 project, which includes installing two new 10,000-pound lifts. Remaining costs will be covered by the Spurlino Foundation or Tampa Bay Watch’s operating funds. The project aligns with MSTU goals and leaves $336,733.94 available in the current General Government Budget for other approved projects.
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Background Information:
The MSTU Special Projects Funding opportunity was created by the Board of County Commissioners for the purpose of supporting projects that enhance community and neighborhood opportunities in unincorporated areas of Pinellas County. These MSTU Special Projects Awards are intended to support culture, recreation, and community engagement opportunities for residents in unincorporated areas that are comparable to those opportunities which municipalities typically provide to their residents.
Fiscal Impact:
This request for funding in the amount of $20,000.00 is a one-time expenditure of budgeted MSTU Special Project funds. Funding is included in the General Government MSTU cost center within the General Fund and is consistent with the FY26 Adopted Budget.
Staff Member Responsible:
Audrey Ables, Assistant to the County Administrator, County Administration
Partners:
Tampa Bay Watch
Attachments:
MSTU Special Projects Funding Application
Quotes for Intended Purchase
Tampa Bay Watch FY26 MSTU Funding Agreement