After Irma: Anna Maria City Pier Will Close For 12 Months To Repair Damage

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, FL - Hurricane Irma left behind extensive damage to the Anna Maria City Pier, a tourist attraction that will remain closed for 12 months until repairs are made, Mayor Dan Murphy said. The 678-foot pier suffered wind and water damage. The restaurant on the pier also suffered damage as the storm ripped off a portion of its tin roof. The tin roof of the pier’s bait shop was destroyed.

An assessment by Ayers Engineering found some of the pier's pilings were missing and some of the beams had shifted. Murphy said the engineers told him the pier and its walkway are not safe. A large fence with padlocked gate keeps visitors away. The nearby Rod & Reel pier reopened about a week after Irma.

Murphy said he will be meeting with Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker and Elliott Falcione, Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, on Thursday to determine how the city will fund repairs.
Murphy said that he also got a call from U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s office, saying the senator was interested in helping.

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The pier, built in 1911, has been a favorite spot for both tourists and locals. While dining at the restaurant or fishing from the pier, dolphins and manatees are frequently spotted nearby. A view of the Sunshine Skyway bridge can be seen in the distance.

Despite the damage, Murphy said it could have been worse. And tearing down the iconic pier is not an option. Instead, the city is determined to “refurbish” it.

Murphy said he has been told that the pier is the most visited tourist attraction in Manatee County.

“It is part of our culture,” he said. “We are going to make it strong and we are going to make it right.”


Image via Pixabay