A news release from the governor\u2019s office said the new pier will feature enhancements to the parking areas and wider sidewalks.<\/p>\n
\u201cTemporary fishing piers are being built in an accelerated manner to help increase fishing opportunity areas and offset fishing opportunities that will be uninterrupted during construction,\u201d the news release said.<\/p>\n
The Sunshine Skyway Pier is a popular and beloved spot for anglers to catch the area\u2019s popular fish, such as the king mackerel, tarpon and grouper. The pier is also the longest in the world<\/a>, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.<\/p>\n Anglers on the Manatee County pier say they look forward to having a new and improved area for fishing.<\/p>\n Jonathan Cruz, a 22-year-old who was raised in Florida, told the Bradenton Herald that he thinks the governor\u2019s plans to reconstruct the pier \u201csounds really good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of people here most of the time, and sometimes there\u2019s not enough space for how many people are out here, so another pier is going to be a lot better,\u201d Cruz said. \u201cIt\u2019s going to have more space, and obviously, the pier is going to be bigger. The area for fishing is going to be better, so I think it\u2019s a good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n Larry Hartsell, a Florida resident who lives near the pier, said he thinks the reconstruction is an \u201cexcellent\u201d idea.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a fisherman, and I love fishing, and yes, I\u2019m very excited about it,\u201d Hartsell said. \u201cIf he does what he says, that would be absolutely wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n Hartsell also said he likes having restrooms and the bait shop on the pier, and he hopes those amenities will be present on the new one as well.<\/p>\n About 0.6 miles of the 2-mile-long south Skyway fishing pier has been closed since October<\/a> after Hurricane Milton caused damage.<\/p>\n DeSantis\u2019s office says they are looking to \u201crestore one of Florida\u2019s most iconic recreational destinations for fishing, sightseeing, and outdoor activities\u201d in a news release.<\/p>\n A completion date for the fishing pier construction has not been announced.<\/p>\n A visitor fishes from the South Skyway Fishing Pier on April 10, 2026. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on March 19, 2026, plans to demolish the South Skyway Bridge Fishing Pier and rebuild it adjacent to the present one, which has been damaged in hurricanes and storms. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com Anglers reacts to Skyway pier replacement<\/p>\n
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on March 19, 2026, plans to demolish the South Skyway Bridge Fishing Pier and rebuild it adjacent to the present one, which has been damaged in hurricanes and storms. Photo taken April 10, 2026. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com <\/p>\n
Visitors park near the bait shop on the South Skyway Fishing Pier on April 10, 2026. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on March 19, 2026, plans to demolish the South Skyway Bridge Fishing Pier and rebuild it adjacent to the present one, which has been damaged in hurricanes and storms. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
A dolphin frolics in the waters near the South Skyway Fishing Pier on April 10, 2026. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on March 19, 2026, plans to demolish the South Skyway Bridge Fishing Pier and rebuild it adjacent to the present one, which has been damaged in hurricanes and storms. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com <\/p>\n