State inspectors warn Tierra Verde Marina of violations

A state inspection of Tierra Verde Marina reportedly found multiple violations of its submerged lands lease, according to the residents’ group Tierra Verde Next, resulting in a warning letter from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to the marina.

Tierra Verde Next announced Aug. 31 that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued marina owner Greenleaf Capital the letter; however, the Catalyst was unable to acquire a copy to independently verify all of its contents.

FDEP’s inspection followed a formal complaint Tierra Verde Next filed with DEP in late July alleging Greenleaf had eliminated public access to wet slips despite a lease provision requiring 90% to remain available to the general public.

At the time, Geoff Comrie, who leads land-use and legal efforts for Tierra Verde Next, said marina staff told members of the group that no public slips were available. Residents instead found slips occupied by private boat clubs, a rental business and pilot boats.

Greenleaf disputed those allegations in August, saying it was committed to following the terms of its submerged lands lease and would cooperate with any DEP investigation.

Tierra Verde Next now says the state’s inspection found the marina was not complying with the 90% public-access requirement at the center of its complaint.

According to the group, DEP identified 89 wet slips at the facility and directed Greenleaf to make 80 available for public rental. The group said DEP also determined that slips used by membership-based boat clubs do not count toward the public-access requirement.

Freedom Boat Club, Suntime Boat Club, Tierra Verde Boat Rental and the Tampa Bay Pilot’s Association are among the commercial operations occupying slips.

Inspectors identified missing required signage, damaged structures and finger piers that appeared to extend approximately 37 feet despite being permitted for 25 feet. According to the group, DEP directed the marina to remove the extensions or obtain authorization for them.

“Following a recent site visit by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Tierra Verde Marina has been responsive to the agency’s inquiries and has provided the requested information and documentation,” Greenleaf stated to the Catalyst. “We continue to work cooperatively with FDEP as part of our ongoing commitment to regulatory compliance and transparent communication.

“While that process is underway, we will refrain from commenting further on the specifics of the warning letter, as this correspondence is part of the standard review process,” Greenleaf said.

Greenleaf is pursuing a major expansion that the St. Petersburg Development Review Commission that was approved in May, despite opposition from residents.

Separately, Tierra Verde Next challenged that approval in circuit court, arguing that the approval from St. Petersburg goes against county land-use rules and asked the DEP to suspend Greenleaf’s pending permit applications if the agency substantiated the group’s allegations.

The Aug. 31 release alleges that the warning letter states that violations could result in damages, restoration requirements and civil penalties.