CLEARWATER, Fla. – In the wake of Hurricane Idalia’s storm surge, portions of Pier 60 have sustained damage, particularly affecting the fishing area at the end of the pier.
Due to concerns about structural integrity, a section of the pier will continue to be closed to the public until further notice. The bait shop and scenic walkway that leads up to the fishing area are safe and will remain open. Fishing will not be allowed on the walkway.
“A few days ago, national news reporters chose Pier 60 as their backdrop for storm coverage due to its iconic status and nationwide recognition,” said Art Kader, Parks & Recreation Director. “Now, our top priority is ensuring this historic landmark is safe for residents and visitors to return to.”
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To assess the extent of the damage, a professional dive team is scheduled to conduct a thorough inspection of the pilings in the coming days.
This evaluation will help determine the necessary repairs and restoration efforts required to reopen the fishing pier. The city has been in direct communication with the event organizers from Clearwater Offshore Nationals (Sept. 22) to create contingency plans should the pier not be fully restored in time.
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