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“The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and
the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
are working together to continue the operation of the
western piers of the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. In
order to maintain public safety, FDOT and FDEP will
close the eastern portions of the fishing piers which
were built in 1954 and can no longer be safely
maintained. Both agencies believe that this is the best
decision to protect the community’s safety while
allowing for continued recreational enjoyment. We are
committed to working with the community to ensure this
local recreational asset will continue to serve the
needs of residents and visitors in the area.”
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BACKGROUND & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When the new Sunshine Skyway Bridge was built over
Tampa Bay in 1987, connecting St. Petersburg with
Manatee County, the old bridges were opened as the
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. The Skyway Fishing Pier
State Park consists of two piers, north and south, that
stretch into Tampa Bay. Each north and south pier
consists of two former bridges that are joined for
vehicular and pedestrian convenience. In 1994, FDEP
entered into a 20-year lease with FDOT to manage the
piers as a recreational site.
1. Why are the east sides of the Skyway Fishing Piers
closing?
The east sides of both piers were constructed in
1954. Over the last 50 years, typical deterioration and
saltwater corrosion have lead to the end of the service
life of the east sides of the piers. To maintain public
safety, it is necessary to close the eastern fishing
piers beginning August 29, 2008.
2. Who is responsible for the maintenance of the pier
structures and pier operations?
FDOT is responsible for maintaining the structural
elements of the fishing piers from the bottom surface of
the deck (pier surface) down. FDEP’s Division of
Recreation and Parks is responsible for operations from
the bottom of the deck up.
3. Why are the eastern piers closing on August 29?
To maintain public safety, engineers at FDOT have
indicated that it is necessary to restrict heavy
vehicular and pedestrian traffic prior to the Labor Day
holiday weekend when heavy visitation is predicted.
Engineering evaluation of the pier structures warrants
this closure for maintaining public safety.
The eastern piers are part of the original Sunshine
Skyway Bridge and are composed of structural concrete
beams designed and constructed with early 1950s
technology. After more than 50 years of exposure to
extremely corrosive conditions, these piers have
exceeded their design service life and can no longer
benefit from short- or long-term maintenance. FDOT has
conducted extensive inspection and engineering
evaluations that show it is not practical to spend
significant taxpayer’s money on these structures.
4. What is the life span of the west sides of the
piers?
The west sides were constructed in 1971 and have not
yet reached the end of their service life which is
expected to be in the 50-year range. However, costly
maintenance and replacement needs will need to be
evaluated.
5. Will visitors still be able to park on the fishing
pier?
Construction will begin on August 21, 2008 to modify
the western piers to allow two-way traffic and one lane
of parallel parking. The buildings and crossovers that
were built in the early 1990s are safe and will remain
open to the public. It is anticipated that approximately
300 parking spaces will be provided on the western
piers.
6. How will visitors get to the fishing piers once
the east sides have been closed?
Cars as well as light trucks with no trailers will be
able to drive on the west sides of the piers and turn
around at the crossovers. However, large trucks and RVs
will not be permitted on the piers due to traffic
pattern limitations but parking will be available near
the piers for larger vehicles. Staff will be on site to
provide assistance to visitors during the construction.
7. Will the fishing piers still be open 24 hours a
day?
Yes. The western fishing piers will remain open 24
hours a day.
8. Will emergency response vehicles be able to access
the piers?
Yes. Emergency response vehicles will be able to
access the piers.
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