Shirley Bryan is the Daughter of Capt. Shirley Brown, founder of Brown Marine Service and sole owner of Pelican’s Perch Marina. Shirley is an avid Artist, an active member of Pensacola Quayside Gallery, and has been a life-long resident of Pensacola. The most important thing about Shirley is that she truly knows the business. Most people don’t know that about her but she has been a part of this Boatyard and Marina her entire life. She gets it.
At Pelican’s Perch Marina, our team thrives on a shared passion for marine life and exceptional customer service, making every visit a unique and memorable experience. Our dedication and camaraderie ensure that whether we’re managing your haul-out or handling your next bottom service, we always deliver with enthusiasm and expertise. This strong sense of teamwork and commitment to excellence fosters an inviting atmosphere where both crew and visitors feel right at home.
Danny Pigg started with Pelican’s Perch Marina back in 2013 where he started as a Yard Technician performing bottom jobs for our customers. He has also been our Lead Yard Tech, Lift Operator, Operations Manager and is now the Marina and Boatyard Manager. During the duration of his time here, Danny has been a tremendous part of Pelican’s Perch Marinas growth and success. In his spare time, he loves fishing, camping and spending time with his family.
Joi Baxter took over in July of 2025 as our Office Manager. With over 15 years of experience in management, she is looking forward to improving our office procedures to help better serve our customers and subcontractors. She grew up in East Tennessee but moved to NWFL in 2006. Joi loves the water, camping, and spending time with family and friends. She looks forward to growing with the Pelican’s Perch Marina family.
Laura Donaldson joined us in 2021, first in purchasing and then as Marina’s Compliance Manager in 2022. A military family child, she moved to Pensacola in 1994 and has over 20 years of boating experience. She enjoys nature, reading, woodworking, and spending time with her wife and pets. Laura is dedicated to maintaining safety and regulatory compliance at Pelican’s Perch.
CLICK ON THE YEARS TO SEE OUR PROGRESS.
Capt. Shirley Brown moved onto the Bayou Chico property.
Capt. Brown purchased the Audusson Ave. lots and land on the west side of the Marina (where the yard and office are today). It’s unclear as to if the docks were already there or not.
A boat caught fire at night and burned the entire marina and all the boats, only one single boat survived.
New fixed covered slips were constructed and remained in use until being removed recently. Those slips survived for 54 years!
Floating covered slips were added with state of the art aluminum corrugated roofing, located out beyond the fixed covered sheds in the current footprint.
The marina began hauling boats using a 25 ton crane and spreader bar with boat lifting straps/slings attached, setting them up in cradles on what is now the marina yard.
An Acme Marine Travel lift was put into service and work was begun to improve the yard surface to accommodate more boats and their heavier weights.
Hurricane Fredrick struck Pensacola in 1979 and did little damage to the fixed covered sheds, but entirely destroyed the floating covered sheds. After the cleanup, the new open floating docks were constructed to replace the covered floating docks.
The docks were again damaged, but repaired and in continuous use up until Hurricane Ivan completely destroyed them in 2004. The covered sheds survived with some damage, but were repaired.
New “temporary” floating docks were constructed and put into service over the next year. Those “temporary” docks were in use until recently.
The end of era with the passing of Captain Shirley Brown.
The historically significant yacht Tenneco is deployed as an artificial reef in Alabama waters.
A new era begins with Shirley Bryan taking over as sole owner of her father’s business.
The long term “temporary” floating docks and boathouses are demolished to make way for new state of the art Bellingham floating docks.
Construction of the new docks begins with anticipated opening in late 2018.
Shirley Bryan is the Daughter of Capt. Shirley Brown, founder of Brown Marine Service and sole owner of Pelican’s Perch Marina. Shirley is an avid Artist, an active member of Pensacola Quayside Gallery, and has been a life-long resident of Pensacola. The most important thing about Shirley is that she truly knows the business. Most people don’t know that about her but she has been a part of this Boatyard and Marina her entire life. She gets it.
At Pelican’s Perch Marina, our passion for marine life and commitment to exceptional service make every visit memorable. Whether handling your haul-out or bottom service, our dedicated team delivers with enthusiasm and expertise, creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Pelican’s Perch Marina has served the boating community for nearly 75 years. Part of Pensacola’s historic working waterfront district, the marina offers Bellingham Floating Docks in a secure, quiet location and features a large working boatyard known for friendly service & quality work.elican’s Perch Marina has served the boating community for nearly 75 years. Part of Pensacola’s historic working waterfront district, the marina offers Bellingham Floating Docks in a secure, quiet location and features a large working boatyard known for friendly service & quality work.
