St. Augustine’s coastal community is preparing for adjustments as the Municipal Marina begins major repair work on December 8. Transient slip availability will be limited through March 2026 while construction is underway, prompted by the storm damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.
The marina awaited FEMA reimbursements that arrived in late 2024. It had previously received funding from the Florida Inland Navigational District (FIND), which covered 25% of the repair project costs. Additional support was provided by the St. Augustine Port, Waterway, and Beach District for necessary mitigation repairs. According to a city announcement, the marina was notified about these funds while reimbursement was still pending.
The marina’s infrastructure has been heavily affected by severe weather, leading to the replacement of 29 dock pilings in 2024. The new resilience plan calls for replacing structural wood walers with components that are 50% larger, installing concrete modular finger piers, and adding new steel reinforcements throughout the facility. The breakwater dock, built in 2013 to reduce wave impact, is a protective feature of the site. However, it has sustained repeated damage from major storms and hurricanes, resulting in the need for the current repairs.
The Municipal Marina provides a range of services for both recreational and commercial boaters, including deep-water fueling, free sewage pump-out, potable water, and overnight dockage and moorings. It accommodates vessels from 20 to 200 feet in length, including marine fire and law enforcement boats, and serves thousands of seasonal vessels. According to a municipal update, the marina has been operating at reduced capacity since Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused damage last year.
