Local Favorites: An Update on The City Pier and Rod and Reel Pier

In October 2024, Hurricanes Helen and Milton swept through Anna Maria Island, leaving behind a path of destruction and devastation. Since then, the resilient community has been working on rebuilding and recovering from the aftereffects of these massive storms. While many businesses have reopened, and the island is starting to see travelers and visitors again, there is still much to do before everything is back to normal. 

Below, you’ll find our most requested updates on staples in our community, the City Pier and Rod and Reel Pier. 

The City Pier

Many shops are back in business, but one destination remains closed: the City Pier. City officials have not yet provided a timeline for rebuilding the pier, although they are actively moving forward with planning. The walkway, previously swept away by Hurricane Milton, is a top priority as the city aims to bridge the gap as soon as possible.

The City Pier attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, but it has been closed to the public since last October. This closure is taking a toll on new businesses in the area. The projected cost for the reconstruction is between $5 and $ 8 million, and there is a strong desire to bring it back as soon as possible. The city will rely on state, county, and FEMA agencies for support. While the timeline for completion remains uncertain, restoring the pier is a significant focus, with the goal of making it better and stronger than before.

Rod and Reel

Another local favorite, The Rod and Reel Pier, remains closed after the storms. The original pier may be gone, but the owners of the property have assured news outlets that they are working with state and local agencies to rebuild. It is expected to be a slow and steady process. However, the support from officials is encouraging, and they are on the right track to bringing the tourist favorite back. For the time being, the Rod and Reel Restaurant has reopened in a different location to continue serving the community. The Rod and Reel website continues to give updates on the pier’s progress.

To help fund the rebuilding, Rod and Reel is also offering nostalgic merch, with proceeds going towards the reconstruction costs. A GoFundMe is currently set up to take donations for the pier. These cover essentials like payroll and health insurance for their team, work permits, and construction estimates.