Local Marina is Back to Business After Back-to-Back Hurricanes

Standing tall and imposing on Shoal Line Boulevard, the Hernando Beach Marina has, for decades, provided a secure and safe place for hundreds of boaters to store their boats.

“There’s a whole load of steel in our boat barns,” said Bill Jay, the marina’s general manager. “And, thanks to our $2 million expansion in 2022, the marina was well prepared to meet the fury of Helene and Milton,” he said.

Hurricanes Helene and Milton brought significant storm surge along the coast and low-lying areas in Hernando Beach, leading to widespread flooding, downed power lines, scattered debris and several stranded boats that had floated into the roadways and marshes from nearby inlets.

“We were lucky none of those boats came into the marina,” added Jay.

But just a few days after the back-to-back hurricanes, the marina, its Tropical Grille restaurant and part of the ships’ store are operational, if a little bruised and drying out.

Jay attributes this to the marina’s advanced preparation plan. That hurricane preparedness plan starts about five days out and includes moving boats to higher racks, tying boats to the racks, securing and re-securing lines and generally moving all electrical and computer equipment up high in case of water surge. “Once salt water gets into anything electrical,” said Jay, “it’s done for.”

Jay explained that Hurricane Helene was the worst of the two storms for the marina, with a significant suck out of water that fortunately didn’t happen as much with Milton. “I’m just happy the marina never lost any boats,” he said.

The marina’s waterfront Tropical Grille restaurant catering for boaters and New England seafood aficionados did, however, suffer damage from both hurricanes, losing its fridges and freezer equipment and food inventory.

“Cleanup of the restaurant started the following day and all the equipment was replaced, including our food inventory, which we fly in daily,” said Chef Mark Peloquin. “We also brought in a bunch of porta potties until the bathrooms could be restored,” he said.

“My goal was to quickly return to serving our customers and supporting our live music,” said Peloquin. “I’m happy to announce the restaurant is now fully operational again.”

The marina’s administrative offices and its ships’ store also suffered some storm surge flooding. “We got waist-high water in our administrative offices,” said Jay. “Even though we took all the necessary precautions with sandbags and taping everything up, the water still found its way in,” he added.

“Our offices have now been located upstairs as well as the ships’ store while we dry out and renew everything,” said Jay. “All in all, we are in good shape and operational once again.”

Jay, unfortunately, didn’t escape the hurricane’s wrath. He lost the tip of one finger on his left hand and couldn’t retrieve it from the rushing water. “It just floated away in the storm surge,” he said.

Throughout the rest of Hernando Beach, homeowners and businesses are working hard to recover from the devastation of the two rare back-to-back hurricanes.

“Everyone has really stepped up for their community,” said Jay. “Neighbors are opening their homes to those without power, delivering fuel for generators and providing warm meals to vulnerable residents.”

The cleanup locally is well underway and we wish the best for everybody in the neighborhood,” said Jay. “Hernando County folks are very resilient.”

Tropical Grille- BOGO LOBSTER ROLLS ARE BACK!

When your day is done boating or if you’re just hungry or thirsty, Join Chef Mark Peloquin at the Tropical Grille tiki bar for food and beverages. Located at the rear of Hernando Beach Marina, enjoy New England seafood entrees, burgers or soups.

Tropical Grille tiki bar is located at 4139 Shoal Line Blvd. in Hernando Beach, at the rear of the Hernando Beach Marina.

Open Sunday – Thursday 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Live Music on Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

Contact Information – Hernando Beach Marina
4139 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach, Fl 34607
TEL: 352.596.2952
[email protected]
hernandobeachmarinas.com

Cardboard Boat Race Targeted for Spring 2025

This highly popular event was sorely missed in 2024 because of Hurricanes Helene and Milton but is now being targeted for Spring 2025. The annual event features entertainment, food, and merchandise vendors. There will be raffles and a Silent Auction. Categories include Youth Class, High School, and Open. Awards will be presented for Best looking, Most Unique, Fastest time, Demolition Derby, and Titanic Award for the most dramatic sinking. Keep checking www.hernandobeachmarinas.com for future updates.