Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced that the state will construct a new fishing pier on the Manatee County side of the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge and undertake major renovations to the existing pier on the Pinellas County side, following structural damage from Hurricane Milton in 2024.
Speaking at a news conference at Pier 22 in Bradenton—where he signed two coastal protection bills—DeSantis described the project as a swift response to restore the iconic landmark, a popular spot for anglers and visitors.
“This has been a major place for a lot of people, a major iconic fishing spot,” DeSantis said. “I’m glad that we’re moving forward with that very quickly.”
The southern pier in Manatee County—approximately 0.6 miles of the 2-mile-long structure—has remained closed to the public since October 2025 due to safety concerns identified during post-storm inspections. The announcement includes plans to build the new pier adjacent to the current damaged one, with demolition of affected sections to follow permitting.
On the northern Pinellas County side, improvements will extend the pier’s lifespan by an additional 20 years. Early work already underway includes enhancements to parking areas and the addition of wider sidewalks along the seawall to improve access and safety.
DeSantis said construction crews will begin demolishing unused or damaged portions on both sides later this spring, with the state aiming to expedite the overall project while expanding fishing access during the rebuild to minimize disruptions.
The Sunshine Skyway Fishing Piers, managed as part of Florida State Parks, have long served as a draw for recreational fishing under the shadow of the bridge spanning Tampa Bay. The announcement comes amid broader state efforts to bolster coastal resilience following recent hurricanes.
No specific timeline for completion or detailed cost figures were released during the event. The Florida Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Protection are coordinating the work. Additional details are available through the governor’s office and state parks websites.
