SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Resilient Florida Program Grant Agreement (Agreement No. 26SRP20) between the City of Clearwater and the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) in the amount of $4,000,000 for construction of resiliency improvements at the Clearwater Beach Marina, adopt Resolution 26-07, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
The State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has awarded the City of Clearwater a $4,000,000 Resilient Florida Program grant to support resiliency-related improvements at the Clearwater Beach Marina.
The project, titled “Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina Resiliency,” includes a slip study, preconstruction activities, demolition of portions of the existing marina bulkhead, construction of a new bulkhead elevated by more than one foot, and replacement of the existing overwater fuel facility with a floating fuel facility designed to remain approximately 24 inches above the water’s surface. These improvements are consistent with the City’s broader Clearwater Beach Marina reconstruction initiative and are intended to enhance long-term coastal resilience, reduce vulnerability to storm surge and sea level rise, and improve operational sustainability.
The grant agreement term runs from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. Funding is provided through the FY 2025-2026 General Appropriations Act.
Resolution 26-07 formally authorizes acceptance and execution of the Agreement between the City of Clearwater and the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
This grant funding will directly offset eligible construction and resiliency costs within the overall Clearwater Beach Marina reconstruction project, reducing reliance on local enterprise funds while advancing the City’s commitment to infrastructure resiliency, environmental stewardship, and protection of public assets.
The grant agreement requires the Grantee (the City) to fully indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Department and its officers, agents, and employees from any suits, actions, damages, and costs arising from personal injury, property damage, or breach of agreement caused by the Grantee, its agents, employees, partners, or subcontractors. As the City is a governmental entity, however, each party remains solely responsible for the negligent or wrongful acts of its own employees and agents, and nothing in the agreement shall constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity or the protections afforded under Section 768.28, Florida Statutes.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Grant funds will be reimbursed to existing capital project C1905.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
High Performing Government
1.2 Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts.
Economic & Housing Opportunity
2.2 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local investment, supports eco-friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality job growth.
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
