SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. — Leaders in Safety Harbor say they hope to reopen the city’s iconic pier this summer after it was destroyed during the 2024 hurricane season.
What You Need To Know
Safety Harbor pier was destroyed during the 2024 hurricane season.
A new pier nears completion, with hopes it will be open by the summer
Business owners are thrilled to see the new pier just months away from opening
Local business owners say the reopening could be a major boost for tourism — and for the small businesses that give the waterfront town its charm.
Safety Harbor is known for its small-town atmosphere, filled with locally owned shops and restaurants along Main Street.
“It’s great coming down here because there is so much to do and see,” said Tom Bassano, who owns Bassano Cheesecake Cafe. “It looks like a little town in America — it’s got everything you want.”
Bassano says the shop has become a local favorite.
“Originally we were known for the cheesecake — second-best cheesecake if we don’t disrespect our mother,” Bassano joked. “But our breakfasts have gotten ‘Best in the Bay’ awards, so a lot of people come in for our breakfast.”
The café is small but memorable, decorated with Christmas decorations all year long.
“If you’re walking around in this hot sun in the summer, when you walk in here you cool off in Christmas winter,” Bassano said.
Bassano says the pier has always been one of the town’s biggest attractions.
“After the pier went down after the hurricane and everything, it’s almost like the town was a pretty girl but it had a bad haircut, so it’s nice to have people coming back,” he said.
The original pier was destroyed during the 2024 hurricane season, leaving a noticeable gap in the waterfront area.
City officials now say construction is moving forward quickly.
“The pier looks substantially done. Right now they are working on some items — some electrical and some structural work,” said Mayor Joe Ayoub.
Leaders say the pier could reopen as soon as this summer.
Just a short walk away at Kaia Bowls, the news is welcome.
Owner Anca Nastase, who has operated the shop for two years, says she hopes the pier will help bring more visitors.
“We are hoping to bring more and more people,” she said.
Bassano says the loss of the pier slowed business significantly.
“With it gone for two years, it did slow down business a little bit,” he said. “We had probably the worst summer last year that we’ve had, ever. So we’re hoping everything gets back to normal and we get more people walking around and enjoying Safety Harbor.”
The pier isn’t the only project underway.
Just next door, the city’s marina — which was also damaged during the 2024 hurricane season — is being completely replaced.
From city officials to local shop owners, there is growing optimism that once the new pier opens, tourists will once again flock to Safety Harbor’s waterfront — bringing new energy to the small businesses that define the town.