Anna Maria Sets Bold Timeline to Rebuild Historic City Pier with $1.25M in State Funding
The City of Anna Maria is moving full steam ahead on rebuilding its iconic City Pier, setting an “aggressive” completion goal for fall 2026 following a $1.25 million state appropriation for reconstruction efforts.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed the state budget on June 30, securing $100 million in appropriations for Manatee County projects, including vital funds for the repair and rebuilding of the Anna Maria City Pier. Severely damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the pier’s walkway was destroyed, and the structure at its end—home to the Mote Marine Science Education and Outreach Center and the City Pier Grill and Bait Shop—sustained considerable damage.
While the building at the end of the pier can be salvaged and repaired, the walkway will require complete reconstruction. Mayor Mark Short emphasized the pier’s importance to the city, the barrier islands, and the wider county, calling it a key economic and cultural asset for the region.
Construction is expected to cost between $7 million and $9 million, with final costs yet to be determined due to the complexity of the work and site-specific challenges.
At a joint meeting with the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners on June 18, Short shared the city’s progress and outlined an ambitious plan to keep the project moving forward. The city has been collaborating with engineers on a redesign since November 2024 and plans to issue a request for proposals within the coming days.
Currently, demolition is about 75% complete, with remaining planks and pilings being removed. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has already issued an emergency permit, allowing the city to rebuild the pier within its original footprint.
The city is also working to coordinate remediation for the building on the pier, which can only be accessed by boat. Discussions with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium about the future of its outreach center are ongoing. Meanwhile, the City Pier Grill has expressed interest in renegotiating its lease, according to reports from the Anna Maria Island Sun.
Despite the destruction, the site continues to serve as a local gathering spot where residents and visitors share memories and hopes for the pier’s return.
Once restored, the pier will again serve as a hub for tourism, education, dining, and transportation, previously acting as a landing for Manatee County’s Gulf Islands Ferry system. For now, city leaders are focused on delivering on their promise to bring the beloved landmark back to life.