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Clearwater council backs resilient rebuild plan for Pier 60, asks staff to pursue Option 3
Summary
City leaders directed staff to pursue a resilient reconstruction approach for Pier 60 that reduces long-term vulnerability and maintenance, and to move forward with engineering studies and permanent repairs after temporary fixes reopen the pier to the T by late summer.
Clearwater councilmembers on June 2 directed city staff to pursue a resilient reconstruction of Pier 60 that removes the vulnerable static panels at the pier's T and installs a more flexible decking and FDOT-style aluminum railing, saying the approach best protects the landmark and reduces long-term maintenance.
The directive follows months of temporary repairs after three hurricanes forced the pier to close; Parks and Recreation staff told council the pier has lost roughly $2 million in annual revenue since the closure and that temporary work will allow access to the T by late August or early September.
Council and staff said the top priority is restoring public access and visitor safety while choosing a long-term solution that reduces future storm damage. Parks presented three conceptual options: (1) repair in the existing footprint; (2) remove the T entirely and shorten the pier; and (3) replace the static panels at the T with frangible/bridged decking and horizontal piles to allow wave forces to pass through and reduce damage. Staff recommended Option 3 for resiliency and FEMA mitigation potential. Council consensus favored Option 3 and an FDOT-style aluminum railing because of lower maintenance and better long-term repairability.
Matthew Anderson, assistant director of Parks and Recreation, told city leaders the crew expects to complete the guaranteed maximum price work on the bait house and temporary pier repairs by late summer so the public can again access the T section. Art Cader, Parks and Recreation director, emphasized that Parks handled the temporary reopening and that public works/engineering will lead the next phase of permanent repairs and additional studies to refine costs and scope.
Councilmembers asked that engineering return with more detailed cost estimates and permitting plans; staff said additional studies are already planned. Council members also discussed opportunities to add shade structures and power for potential solar or event uses when the decking is removed and replaced. There was no formal roll-call vote; the mayor and council agreed by consensus to direct staff to proceed with further engineering and design for Option 3, to evaluate an FDOT-style aluminum railing, and to return with firm cost estimates and a timeline.
Councilmembers noted the pier's role in downtown tourism and waterfront branding in urging a rebuild that balances resilience, aesthetics and long-term operating costs. Next steps include engineering refinement, permitting, FEMA coordination for mitigation credits, and return to council with a recommended contract and budget.
Art Cader, Parks and Recreation director; Matthew Anderson, assistant director, presented the options and answered technical questions. Engineers from Pennoni and Clark Knowles were on hand to explain structural issues.
Council direction: staff to proceed with engineering and design for Option 3, analyze FDOT-style aluminum railing for resiliency and maintainability, evaluate reefing/removal options for demolished deck material, and return with detailed cost estimates and permit strategy.
Timing: staff estimated temporary repairs to reopen the bait house and walk to the T by late August or early September; permanent repairs will follow after engineering and permitting are complete.
