Clearwater Beach's popular destination, Pier 60, has reopened partially after nearly a year since Hurricanes Helene and Milton wreaked havoc onsite, according to WFLA News. The area accessible to the public runs from the bait house to the "T" at the pier's end. Anglers looking to try their luck can fish from this section daily, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a $10 all-day fee payable at the bait house. The city states that the fee is in effect from the bait house to the gate, which remains to be rebuilt.
In the aftermath of the storms, the once bustling pier suffered not only structural damage such as shifted concrete slabs and torn railings, but financial hits to the tune of almost $2 million in lost revenues from bait house operations and pier entrance fees. The city officials remarked to FOX 13 News that these figures comprised the period during which the pier was closed to the public. Reconstruction efforts have included temporary fixes as city leaders consider more permanent solutions to lessen future natural disaster impacts. A metal gate, once reinstated, is expected to carry a $3 fee per person.
Local businesses are seeing a ray of hope with the pier's partial reopening. Reign Wilson, a Pier 60 entrepreneur, expressed her enthusiasm over its comeback, stating to Tampa Bay 28, "I’m excited, I think it’s going to bring more people in, and people are going to be super stoked to go all the way out." Wilson's sentiments reflect the broader anticipation for reinvigorated tourist activities that have been missing since the pier's closure.
Visitors too have reason to rejoice. Alex Mann, visiting from Wisconsin, shared his longing for the pier's full experience with Tampa Bay 28, "It's the first time I've come here, and this is as far as we've gone. We always go to the end. I don't like it, but I guess this is it." Now with the pier partway operational, regulars and new guests alike can enjoy, what is considered a slice of Clearwater Beach's coastal charm. Meanwhile, the bait shop at Pier 60 will offer new merchandise during its operating hours to attract both fishermen and shoppers.
