Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier: DeSantis announces plans for a new Manatee-side pier.

Governor DeSantis announced plans to build a new pier on the Manatee County side of the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier, and part of that side has been closed since October due to Milton damage.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced state plans to replace and repair parts of the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier. Part of the Manatee County side has been closed since October due to Milton damage. The plan calls for a completely new pier adjacent to the current structure on the Manatee side and significant renovations to the existing Pinellas side. Officials say crews have begun preliminary work including widening sidewalks along the seawall and upgrading parking areas. Key details: - Part of the Manatee side of the pier has been closed since October because of Milton damage. - A new pier will be built adjacent to the current structure on the Manatee County side. - The existing Pinellas side will receive renovations intended to extend its viability for about two decades. - Crews have mobilized for preliminary work such as sidewalk widening and parking upgrades. - The state plans to install temporary fishing piers to avoid displacing local anglers during construction. - Demo work on unused Pinellas sections and the Manatee pier is scheduled for later this spring. Summary: Local fishing groups and recreational users have been affected by the Manatee-side closure, and the article notes that community organizers who mentor children have relied on the pier as a base. Construction activity is already under way in preliminary form, and demolition of parts of the pier is planned for later this spring; a specific overall completion date has not been released and is undetermined at this time.