The Titusville City Marina could see a major transformation in the coming years, as Mayor Andrew Connors is calling for a fresh look at a little-known state lease that currently bans restaurants, retail, and other commercial businesses from operating on the waterfront.

In a recent “Mayor Minute” video address to residents, Mayor Connors highlighted the marina as “one of our city’s greatest waterfront assets” but noted that it is being held back by decades-old regulations.

Many residents are unaware that the City of Titusville does not actually own the submerged lands beneath the marina. Instead, the city leases the 7.98-acre property from the State of Florida’s Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund. The current lease, which went into effect in 2009 and runs through July 2034, is strictly limited to operating the existing 205-slip docking facility, complete with fueling and a sewage pumpout station.

Crucially, the state lease contains strict provisions that prohibit most forms of commercialization. According to the lease documents, the restrictions include:

• No Dining: An explicit ban stating that “no restaurant or dining activities are to occur within the leased premises”.
• No Alcohol Advertising: A prohibition on any permanent or temporary signs directed at the boating public that advertise the sale of alcoholic beverages.
• No Gambling: A strict rule against the operation or entry of gambling cruise ships or vessels used principally for gambling, often referred to as “cruises to nowhere”.

Additionally, the lease mandates that no non-water dependent structures can be erected, and the city cannot change the approved use of the premises without prior written consent from the state. Mayor Connors is now arguing that these strict limitations prevent Titusville from capitalizing on its waterfront the way other Florida cities have.

“Across Florida, marinas are thriving hubs of activity,” Connors stated. “They attract boaters, visitors, restaurants, bait shops, outfitters, and small businesses that create jobs and generate revenue”.

The mayor suggested that introducing small-scale businesses, such as waterfront dining or marine retail, would not only activate the space year-round but also help offset the marina’s maintenance costs and fund future improvements.

However, altering the current setup will not be a simple process, as it will require direct negotiations and written authorization from the State of Florida to amend the sovereignty submerged lands lease. Connors acknowledged this, stating that any potential changes would involve “collaboration with state partners, transparency with residents, and a clear commitment to preserving public access and environmental stewardship”.

The mayor is urging the community to start a “thoughtful conversation” about whether the current restrictions still serve the best interests of Titusville.

“The marina should not simply be a place to dock a boat,” Connors said. “It should be a destination, a place where families gather, visitors spend time, and local entrepreneurs have an opportunity. Titusville deserves a waterfront that reflects our potential