PORT 32 Tampa Rebuilds Following Hurricane Helene

Port 32 Tampa recently renovated the marina with new docks and an upgraded wave attenuator. St. Petersburg-based Bluewater Marina Systems manufactured the new floating concrete dock and wave attenuation system.

The new keeled wave attenuator significantly reduces the wave action entering the marina basin, which is historically susceptible to prevailing southwest wind and waves. The project comes in the wake of damage to the existing concrete system sustained by Hurricane Helene. The new dock system consists of 10 concrete floating sections, each weighing approximately 90,000 to 105,000 pounds, with five finger piers per dock configuration.

Positioned near the mouth of Old Tampa Bay, the marina offers 607 dry slips and 15 wet slips. The rebuilt layout includes seven 60-foot wet slips and four 50-foot wet slips, all of which include 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service and dedicated on-slip water connections. An on-site fuel dock offers ethanol-free Rec 90 and diesel, as well as ice to facilitate quick turnarounds and extended stays without the need to leave the property. The dry storage facility welcomes vessels up to 42 feet in length, 17 feet in height and a 12-foot beam.

“Adding additional floating dock capacity at PORT 32 Tampa is about giving our members more options and more confidence every time they head out on the water,” said PORT 32 CEO Austin Schell. “Our goal isn’t simply to replace aging infrastructure; it’s to invest in solutions that make our marinas stronger and more resilient for our members. Following Hurricane Helene, we saw an opportunity to rebuild with infrastructure specifically engineered for the conditions at our Tampa location. The new wave attenuation system provides greater protection for the marina, creates a safer and more comfortable environment for boaters and reinforces our long-term commitment to investing in facilities that deliver lasting value for our members.”