An unprecedented hurricane season damaged or destroyed over 120 boats in Pinellas County. A Gulfport man died aboard his vessel during what was then Tropical Storm Debby. 

The 2025 hurricane season begins June 1, and local first responders hope to mitigate additional losses. Representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector St. Petersburg and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) joined Pinellas County Emergency Management officials Tuesday morning at the St. Pete Pier to highlight the importance of securing boats properly before a storm. 

Pinellas is home to nearly 54,000 registered vessels, the second-most in Florida. USCG Petty Officer 2nd Class Drew Barnard explained the potential dangers during storms. 

“I would say that it’s life-threatening,” Barnard said. “If your vessel isn’t secured properly … it could go adrift, slam into somebody else that is staying on their vessel, and that could put their life in danger.”

Adrift boats also endanger first responders and take time away from more dire water rescues. Barnard said they must assume someone is aboard all unmoored vessels, “and then that puts us in a life-threatening situation.” 

He noted the local Coast Guard station received hundreds of storm-related calls during the 2024 hurricane season. Most were from concerned residents reporting boats and jet skis that were “slamming up against the seawall.” 

Subsequent storm debris presents additional challenges, particularly at night. Barnard said many boaters lack radar and cannot see large pieces of wood that can puncture a hole in a vessel. “Then you’re taking on water, and the situation worsens from there.” 

Dozens of damaged boats still litter waterfront properties. Barnard said insurers will often deem those vessels a total loss. 

A sailboat was wedged underneath the Municipal Pier, behind the Gulfport Casino, after Hurricane Helene. Photo by Bill DeYoung.

FWC officer Aaron Gonzales said now is the time for boat owners to create their storm plans. If possible, they should take their vessels out of the water. 

Gonzales recommends moving boats to high ground. “That way it’s not going to be in a flood zone and return to the water,” he said. 

Boaters who must use a wet slip should have at least two lines securing their vessels. Gonzales said they should also avoid friction points to keep ropes from sawing apart. He urges moored boat owners to use two anchors and regularly inspect the chains. 

“Whatever you do, don’t try to ride out the storm in the vessel because it’s going to put your life at risk,” Gonzales continued. “It’s going to put first responders’ lives at risk, too, to come out and save you. So, once you have it secure, let the storm pass and then assess your vessel.” 

The St. Petersburg Municipal Marina is home to hundreds of people known as liveaboards. Many chose to ride out Hurricanes Helene and Milton at the facility, which lacked power for about two weeks. 

Barnard noted officials cannot make them leave. First responders hope lessons learned from previous storms will inform future plans. 

Brian Clough was one of several liveaboards in nearby Gulfport who stayed on his sailboat during Debby. He was later found dead on his partially sunk vessel, and over a dozen boats littered the adjacent beach in the relatively minor storm’s aftermath. 

“All we can do is put out the message and encourage people to do it,” Gonzales said. “I hope with the past hurricane season … the effect it had on the area, that people really take it seriously and want to prepare.”

Additional preparation tips include keeping boat insurance up to date and ensuring it covers hurricane impacts. Owners should store records and pre-storm photos in a safe place. 

Boaters should ensure their trailer, its tires, wheel bearings and axle are in good condition. They should also remove non-secure equipment and items. 

The FWC has multiple derelict vessel removal programs. Captain Matthew Dallarosa said the agency made “drastic changes” to streamline the application process following the 2024 hurricane season. 

“With the volume that we had, it would have probably taken us years to get through it,” Dallarosa said. “We were able to accomplish that task in a few months. We absolutely learned, and we learned on the fly.” 

The FWC’s Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) allows owners to voluntarily surrender unwanted, at-risk boats for free removal and destruction. Dallarosa noted the initiative mitigates legal issues and helps protect the environment. 

For more information on how to prepare your boat for hurricane season, visit the website here.