Crocker Marine Services designs, builds, and repairs docks, seawalls, and boat lifts in Palmetto, Florida, in Manatee County. Palmetto sits at the mouth of the Manatee River where it meets Tampa Bay, with additional waterfront around Terra Ceia Bay and Snead Island — more open, tidal, and saline water than the upriver stretch near Ellenton.
Marine construction services in Palmetto
Crocker Marine is a full-service marine contractor — docks, seawalls, boat lifts, dredging, and inspections, in-house. See the full range of services or browse completed projects across Southwest Florida.
Docks
River-mouth and Terra Ceia Bay docks see more current and boat traffic than an inland canal. We build new docks and handle repair, replacement, accessories, and canopies and shade covers.
Seawalls
Palmetto's river-mouth and bay-front lots carry concrete and vinyl seawalls that face fuller Gulf salinity than upriver walls. We install and replace both and keep sound walls going with repair and maintenance before a replacement or new wall.
Boat lifts
We install and service boat lifts from Coastal Boat Lifts in Fort Myers, sized for the river mouth's current and depth. Repair covers cables, motors, bunks, and controls.
Dredging
Terra Ceia Bay and some river-mouth slips shoal over time. Our residential dredging restores permitted depth, with the added care the aquatic preserve requires, permitting handled.
Marine inspections
Our marine inspections give buyers, sellers, and insurers a written condition report on the dock, seawall, and lift.
Permits and local conditions in Palmetto
Marine construction in Palmetto is permitted through the City of Palmetto, with Manatee County covering areas outside the city and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for work below the mean high-water line.
- Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve. Terra Ceia Bay is a state aquatic preserve with seagrass and mangrove protections that shape dredging and dock design nearby.
- River-mouth exposure. Where the Manatee River meets Tampa Bay, current and boat traffic are heavier than further upriver.
- Manatee zones. Slow-speed protections cover much of the river and bay.
- Emerson Point Preserve. This Manatee County park at the tip of Snead Island borders protected shoreline, which means closer environmental review for waterfront work nearby.
Why Palmetto homeowners choose Crocker Marine
- True Price Guarantee. The quoted price is the price you pay — no change orders, excluding rock excavation, client-requested changes, or specialty permitting.
- Licensed and insured. Florida certified building contractor CBC1266139, with $2 million in insurance coverage.
- Regional reach. More than 60 years of combined experience and a showroom at 2101 McGregor Blvd in Fort Myers.
- Warranties. A 15-year seawall warranty and a 1-year dock warranty.
Palmetto marine construction FAQ
Does the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve affect dredging near Palmetto?
Yes — the preserve's seagrass and mangrove protections shape what dredging and dock work is allowed nearby.
Who permits dock and seawall work in Palmetto?
The City of Palmetto for most of the waterfront, Manatee County outside the city, plus FDEP and the Army Corps for in-water work.
Is the river mouth different from upriver Ellenton?
Yes — more salinity, current, and boat traffic near the mouth than further upriver.
Do you also serve Snead Island?
Yes, including waterfront near Emerson Point Preserve. Request a free estimate or call (239) 841-9674.
Does Emerson Point Preserve affect nearby permitting?
For waterfront close to the preserve, yes — expect closer environmental review than a typical residential canal lot. We confirm what applies before designing.
