Sunshine Skyway piers will be rebuilt by Florida. See what’s in the works
The state of Florida will soon reconstruct the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers, Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced.
At a news conference Thursday in Bradenton, where DeSantis signed two environmental bills, the governor announced a project to build a new fishing pier on the south side of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The existing pier on the Pinellas County side will also be renovated as part of the project.
After a ship crash in 1980 that killed 35 people, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge was replaced, and the ends of the old bridge were repurposed as the two Tampa Bay fishing piers.
“While fishing is a major draw, the pier is also a popular recreational spot for photography, kite boarding, kayaking and just enjoying the sights and sounds of Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast,” DeSantis said.
About half a mile of the two-mile-long south fishing pier in Manatee County closed in October due to damage from Hurricane Milton, according to DeSantis. At the time, the Florida Department of Transportation pointed to issues revealed during a structural inspection. The remaining part of the pier is open.
He said the state will construct a new pier adjacent to the current pier on the south side. At the same time, repairs will be made to the north pier in Pinellas County that will extend the lifespan by 20 years, according to DeSantis.
“I plan to have this project completed expeditiously so people can once again enjoy this great recreational attraction,” he said.
DeSantis didn’t say when the project is expected to be completed.
A news release from the governor’s office said early construction will include enhancements to the parking areas and widening the sidewalks along the seawall.
“Temporary fishing piers are being built in an accelerated manner to help increase fishing opportunity areas and offset fishing opportunities that will be uninterrupted during construction,” the release said. “Once complete, the project will restore one of Florida’s most iconic recreational destinations for fishing, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.”
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