arts
Dolphins out, superyachts in: David Martin’s marina plan at former Seaquarium getting underway
By The Real Deal
· July 14, 2026
· 1 min read
The site of the former Miami Seaquarium on Virginia Key is headed for a major redevelopment. Miami-Dade County and Terra Group’s David Martin want to trade dolphin shows for superyachts with an application to build what could be the largest marina in the county, the Miami Herald reported. The applic
Key takeaway The application, submitted to state regulators, calls for 325 boat slips, about 90 of which could accommodate yachts longer than 80 feet, and a 500-boat dry stack, the outlet said.
Why this matters in The Miami
The proposed marina at the former Miami Seaquarium site on Virginia Key raises questions about the impact on local traffic and congestion in the area. With the addition of a fuel depot and a large dry stack, the marina could attract a significant number of boats and yachts, potentially leading to increased traffic on the Rickenbacker Causeway, which connects Virginia Key to the mainland. This could be a concern for residents of nearby neighborhoods, such as Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, who already experience heavy traffic during rush hour. Furthermore, the development of a large marina on Virginia Key could also put a strain on local resources, including the Miami-Dade Police Department's marine patrol unit, which would be responsible for ensuring safety and security in the area. As the project moves forward, it will be important to consider these potential impacts on the surrounding community.
About this story
Original reporting by The Real Deal . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit The Real Deal . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: The Real Deal ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The site of the former Miami Seaquarium on Virginia Key is headed for a major redevelopment. Miami-Dade County and Terra Group’s David Martin want to trade dolphin shows for superyachts with an application to build what could be the largest marina in the county, the Miami Herald reported. The applic
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by The Real Deal and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by The Real Deal. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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