Dinner Key Marina Project Wraps Up

On Wednesday, October 20, the City of Miami celebrated the completion of a comprehensive, $22.5-million project to repair and upgrade Dinner Key Marina, the expansive municipal marina located on Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, City Commissioner Jeffrey Watson, and City administrators joined residents and project partners from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), FEMA, and Kearns Construction Company to cut the ceremonial ribbon.

The Dinner Key Marina upgrade project was led by the City’s Office of Capital Improvements (OCI) and the Department of Real Estate and Asset Management (DREAM). It was prompted when Hurricane Irma caused significant damage to the facility, which is Florida’s largest municipal marina with 580 boat slips. After completing planning, permitting, and funding work, the City and its partners began work in 2019 to repair the damaged facility and to make significant upgrades to the marina. Repairs and upgrades include:

• Storm damage repair and mitigation
• Upgraded utilities (water, sewer, fire line, and electrical)
• The addition of WiFi access and security cameras
• Concrete and Finger Pier repairs of the nine (9) piers in the Marina
• Enhanced public safety and access to a community-friendly atmosphere
• Improved quality of life through shared spaces for long-term live-aboard and visiting boaters, as well as for local and visiting residents

During the ceremony, attendees heard remarks from Mayor Suarez, Commissioner Watson, the directors of OCI and DREAM, and a representative of Kearns Construction Company. Additionally, Florida Inland Navigation District Commissioner Spencer Crowley addressed attendees and presented a ceremonial $3.99-million check to Mayor Suarez, representative of FIND’s contribution to the project.

The total construction cost to repair and upgrade the marina was $22,488,083. Additional funding came from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), revenues generated by the marina and other City funds.