At least four projected opening dates have come and gone this year for the $29 million Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club in Holmes Beach.
Yet no customers have crossed the threshold, as opening day has been repeatedly postponed by construction delays.
General manager Sandy Zinck says her staff has held together despite the uncertainty swirling around the opening date.
“It’s been challenging, but we welcome a challenge,” Zinck said. “We don’t back down from it. It makes you a stronger operator.”
Zinck hired 17 employees after a July job fair held in Anna Maria. Waterline retained all those employees, Zinck said Nov. 1, with salaried workers already on the job and hourly employees training as needed.
Another job fair was held at the resort in October.
Finalizing construction is necessary to obtain a certificate of occupancy from the Holmes Beach building department to open the resort.
A temporary certificate of occupancy for Waterline was issued Oct. 26, but the full certificate of occupancy must be obtained before any guests can be accommodated, said building official James McGuinness.
McGuinness said the resort is “very close,” but refused to detail what work was left to be done.
The resort — developed and operated by Mainsail Development of Tampa — is now taking reservations for Dec. 15 and beyond.
Mainsail development partner Brian Check had expected to qualify for a certificate of occupancy in mid-September. A Nov. 29 soft opening is the new goal, Check said.
“We’ve got teams in there training,” Check said during a Nov. 1 phone call with The Islander. “We’re still finalizing our opening date, some time in the next two or three weeks at this point, barring any setbacks.”
Check declined comment on the unpredictability of setting an opening date.
“I’d love to go into that but, as we’re still working our way through it, I’ll save it for when we are done,” Check said. “I think everybody is trying to work together to get this done.”
The resort at the intersection of Gulf and Marina drives, 5325 Marina Drive, will include 37 two-bedroom units with kitchens, 2,000 square feet of meeting space, Eliza Ann restaurant, a swimming pool and 50-slip marina.
Check said the life safety system for the property was approved in August by West Manatee Fire Rescue District officials.
Waterline room rates will start at less than $300 per night and range up to roughly $700. For more information, go to waterlineresort.com.