One of Anna Maria Island’s best-known landmarks is expected to welcome visitors again this fall as work continues to rebuild the Anna Maria City Pier following significant hurricane damage.
The historic pier has been a fixture on the island since 1911, serving generations of residents and visitors while becoming one of the most recognizable destinations at the north end of Anna Maria Island.
The pier has faced repeated damage from major storms in recent years. Hurricane Irma heavily damaged the structure in 2017, leading to a previous reconstruction. Hurricanes Helene and Milton brought additional destruction to the island in 2024, once again forcing the pier to close.
The latest rebuilding project is designed to create a stronger structure capable of better withstanding future storms. Pilings supporting the walkway have been driven significantly deeper than those used in previous construction, providing additional stability for the rebuilt pier.
The extended closure has affected more than visitors hoping to walk out over Tampa Bay. Businesses near the pier have also been waiting for the landmark to return, as it traditionally draws visitors to the northern end of the island and generates foot traffic for nearby shops and restaurants.
The reopening will also bring a new dining option to the end of the pier. PIERadise, a restaurant operated by Brian Seymour and his partners, is preparing to open in the rebuilt structure.
Seymour previously operated the restaurant at the pier before storm damage forced its closure. The new PIERadise will offer an upgraded experience, including indoor protection from the weather that was not available with the previous restaurant setup.
The reopening represents another milestone in Anna Maria Island’s continuing recovery from the 2024 hurricane season, which caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure throughout the barrier islands.
With construction moving toward completion, the Anna Maria City Pier is currently expected to reopen sometime this fall, restoring a gathering place that has been part of the island community for more than a century.