Since the project’s start, five months ago, expansions and renovations at Bradenton’s Twin Dolphin Marina have nearly reached the halfway point. The riverfront marina located in the historic downtown area along the Manatee River has removed docks C and D, and the maintenance dredging on the East and West Basins is complete.
With demolition underway, Twin Dolphin is adding 84 new luxury slips and a continuous concrete floating breakwater dock that will serve to protect the east side of the basin from winds and wave action.
Notable changes at the marina include increased slip sizes along with enhancements to the quality of the docks themselves, which use eco-friendly composite decking made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled resin material. The new main docks are custom engineered 12 feet wide aluminum framed docks with concrete floats chosen for their strength and stability. Additionally, a continuous floating concrete breakwater dock will be installed on the eastern boundary and will provide added protection from the wind and current.
Marina manager, Cynthia Belfatto, said, once complete, the addition will bring the total number of slips to 225 with 7 of those accommodating vessels up to 100 feet long. The new luxury docks come with full power options, pump-out at the slip, potable water service and a fire suppression system.
While fully loaded with boats, the 20 & 24-inch steel pilings, which support the massive docks are designed to withstand up to a Category 3 storm. The dock’s cleats and bollards can handle loads up to 10-tons according to Belfatto.
Construction plans also include renovations to other amenities such as upgrades to the individual bathroom and shower suites and the pool and spa areas along with plans to enhance the boaters lounge and the ship store.
The marina improvements and especially the addition of megayacht slips are considered a driver of local economic development for Bradenton. “There are few ports on the West Coast of Florida that offer megayacht slips, but at Twin Dolphin, we have a reputation to uphold and build upon after having been named a top 25 North America marina by Power and Motoryacht in 2014, which makes our upgrades all that more exciting,” said Twin Dolphin Marina owner, Hugh Miller.
“The investments we are making will further differentiate us in the marina marketplace. The upgrades will also help Bradenton to attract new residents, visitors and even new employers who find recreational amenities important when choosing where to establish their businesses,” Miller said.
Downtown Bradenton’s construction boom is set to reshape the city’s landscape in more ways than one. It seems like redevelopment projects have been popping up at on every block. From improved parking and streetscaping, to new hotels, apartments and restaurants it’s Bradenton’s waterfront, in particular, that is seeing the most investment. The vitalization efforts couldn’t have come at a better time for Twin Dolphin Marina, which hopes to complete construction on its new slips by the end of the year.
“We’re still a bit away from the finish line, but we’re very excited by the progress so far,” said Belfatto. “We’re building a world-class marina right here in Bradenton, the renovations to Twin Dolphin will be a significant addition to the overall development of the area, and we couldn’t feel more privileged to contribute to the quality of life for our area’s visitors and residents.”
About Twin Dolphin Marina
The Twin Dolphin Marina, located on the picturesque waters of the Manatee River, offers easy access to Tampa Bay and Florida’s Gulf Islands. Located only 20 minutes from SRQ Airport and in a protected walled harbor, the Twin Dolphin Marina includes 225 wet slips available for long and short-term stays. Members and visitors alike also enjoy resort-style amenities, luxury liveaboard facilities, great nearby attractions including award-winning waterfront dining at the onsite PIER 22 restaurant. For a memorable riverside experience dock with Twin Dolphin Marina. More information is available online at https://www.twindolphinmarina.com.
