$500K in Upgrades Could Come to Pier 60

Clearwater Beach’s landmark structure is expected to undergo a nearly $500,000 facelift.

City leaders are expected to approve spending nearly $498,096 to repair portions of the concrete deck and pilings, replace railings and install a catwalk around the bait house at Pier 60 at their meeting Thursday at City Hall.

The project is expected to take 180 days, starting in January, which would include construction time during Spring Break. Any work during that time still would allow access and use of the pier.

Councilmember Paul Gibson asked why the project should start at a time that would have construction crews hitting hammers while tourists are spiking volleyballs for Spring Break. 

“That is the 60-day window where all of our businesses make money,” Gibson said.

Gordie Wills, manager in the city’s Marine and Aviation Department, said the work is essential and will be planned to reduce interference with tourists.

“I’m afraid somebody’s going to get splinters. It has gotten to the point at the pier where we are actually taking boards off and turning them over,” Wills said. “From a safety standpoint we wanted to get out there and get it going.”

The work came as a result of Kisinger Campo and Associates findings that the main structure is sound. However, the engineer of record for the city, recommended several repairs to minimize concrete water intrusion after inspecting Pier 60 Oct, 13, 2011. 

The project also inlcudes replacing wooden railing around the 2500-foot perimeter of the pier with composite materials and stainless steel fittings. The wood is about 20 years old. 

A catwalk will also be installed around inaccessible portions of the baithouse to provide a work platform for maintenance.