ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — The restoration of the Merry Pier Bait Shack in Pass-a-Grille is moving forward again after St. Pete Beach officials recently approved a scaled-down plan for the hurricane-damaged landmark.

The bait shack has been closed for more than two years after it flooded during Hurricane Helene in 2024. City commissioners approved rebuilding it late last year, but the project was put on hold when the estimated cost came back at more than $150,000, exceeding the budget and FEMA’s 50% rule.

St. Pete Beach Commissioner Jon Maldonado, whose district covers Pass-a-Grille, said staff was asked to reduce the scope of the project.

“We agreed that we just needed the bare basics,” he said. “We did not need the Taj Mahal of bait shacks. Four walls, a bathroom and air conditioner if possible. And we scaled it down.”

Earlier this month, Public Services said the revised cost to rebuild the bait shack is $80,000. The City Commission quickly approved the updated plan.

Fisherman Jun Pagaduan said the reopening will make it more convenient to get bait at the Merry Pier, and he’s looking forward to the return of a public restroom on Pass-a-Grille Way.

“Bathroom is cool,” he said. “That’s convenient for all the guys that go fishing.”

Cheryl Engels, owner of Island Life Pass-a-Grille, said she’s excited to see another business on the street being rebuilt. Engels said her shop saw a lot more foot traffic when the Merry Pier Bait Shack was open.

“Now we feel like we’re coming back to life on Pass-a-Grille Way,” Engels said. “It definitely will bring more business coming our way. Because with the bait shack, we’ll have more fishermen out here and then hopefully some boats going out of there again soon too.”

Maldonado said restoring the 123-year-old landmark is important to residents and tourists. It’s also another sign of recovery for St. Pete Beach.

“It’s a healing process for the city, for each individual,” he said. “More importantly, it’s an incredible thing for residents and tourists.”

Public Services Director Camden Mills said he expects the bait shack to reopen by next September.