Gulfport approves first phase of mooring field expansion
May 21, 2026 - Gulfport’s municipal marina could soon triple the size of its mooring field after City Council approved the first phase of a project that would expand the current 25-space field by adding 75 new mooring balls in Boca Ciega Bay. The initial $95,000 phase includes underwater surveys and environmental studies, while a second phase covering engineering and installation could return to Council later this year. City officials say the expansion could help reduce problems caused by derelict boats anchoring outside the mooring field, and marina director Denis Frain said the existing field operates at roughly 90% occupancy during peak season.