ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The City of St. Pete Beach has approved plans to rebuild the historic Merry Pier bait shop in Pass-a-Grille, months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton left the popular waterfront landmark heavily damaged.

What You Need To Know

St. Pete Beach City Council unanimously approve to restore popular bait shop at Merry Pier in Pass-a-Grille

The city has set aside more than $144,000, but the project cost is still being worked out 

Locals and tourists are excited about the decision to save the bait shop 

City commissioners unanimously voted to restore the 123-year-old structure, citing its importance to tourism and its deep connection to the local community. Rather than tearing the building down, leaders say restoring the bait shop is an investment in the city’s future.

The closure has already had ripple effects for nearby businesses. Colleen Bouchard, who runs Shell Key Shuttle next to the vacant bait shop, says the empty building has noticeably reduced foot traffic along the pier.

“They sold lots of cool stuff in there,” Bouchard said. “They rented bicycles, sold bait, and it used to be a fish store where you could buy fish to cook at home.”

Since the shop shut down after last year’s storms, Bouchard says fewer people are coming onto the dock at all — even for simple stops.

“Our business has been down because nobody’s just coming on the dock to go in and even just use the bathroom or buy some water,” she said.

City officials say more than $144,000 has been budgeted for the rebuild, though early estimates suggest the final cost could be higher. Even so, Bouchard believes restoring the bait shop will be worth it.

“It’s just going to bring more people down to the docks,” she said. “There are people who’ve lived in Pass-a-Grille for years and still don’t know what’s going on down there.”

Merry Pier has long been a favorite fishing spot, and for many residents, the bait shop is part of decades of memories. Tim Spelling, who has been visiting the pier since childhood, says the decision to rebuild preserves a piece of Pass-a-Grille’s identity.

“It’s been an institution down here,” Spelling said. “Two thumbs up.”

While commissioners approved the rebuild, final plans are still being developed. City leaders have asked staff to return with a revised, scaled-down proposal aimed at lowering costs. Even with potential changes, officials say restoring the bait shop remains a priority for both residents and visitors.