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PAUL SWIDERInnovative ideas and more money for the beach community are offered in six bids to run a facility at Pass-a-Grille's Merry Pier.
ST. PETE BEACH - Depending on results of competitive bids to operate the facility, business may change next year at the Merry Pier in Pass-a-Grille.
The city received six bids last week from businesses willing to pay the rent and a portion of income for operating marine businesses at the pier.
The city has not bid the pier contract in at least 15 years, City Manager Mike Bonfield said, and officials felt they could get a better deal than the $30,000 annual contract they have had with Pass-a-Grille Bait & Tackle, the current operator. That contract expires in January.
Most of the bids offered to operate boat tours and rentals as well as fishing charters. They all will also sell food and beverages, bait and fuel. Bids range from a flat $30,000 a year with a percentage of sales to a bid of nearly $70,000. All bidders talked of improving the aesthetics of the pier.
City staffers have just begun evaluating the bids so they do not yet have a comprehensive comparison. The decision of which bid to accept will not be before the City Commission until December at the earliest.
One bidder, Yacht Star Ship Dining Cruises, includes the possibility of a high-speed shuttle between Tampa and Pass-a-Grille.
Hubbards Marina's bid would include the usual charters and tours, but also party boats, slip rentals, kayaks and a shop with fishing tackle, clothing and even beer and wine.
A bid by a company called Hydrosports would include personal watercraft rentals, but also a donation of 10 percent of net sales to the county for restoration of waterways.
Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center, which now operates out of Dolphin Village Shopping Center, would run its dolphin-watching cruises, charter boats and a Ships Store, but would add an information center and a weather station with an interactive Web cam.
The company would also add a Marine Research Experience Cruise, as well as other educational features including touch tanks containing wildlife.
Miss Pass-A-Grille Deep Sea Fishing Inc.'s bid mentions cruises and charters, but also scuba diving, snorkeling and sailing, as well as souvenirs, film and alcohol. Along with renting fishing equipment, the business suggests holding children's fishing events, fishing tournaments and holiday community gatherings.
Pass-A-Grille Bait & Tackle, the existing tenant, offers party boats, shelling trips, sunset cruises, private sport fishing charters, and a snorkeling and dive boat, among other services. The bid shares revenues and ranges between $46,000-$60,000.