The historic Bridge Street pier on Anna Maria Island will soon have a new restaurant, as well as two other businesses.
Officials hope the businesses will bring new life to the scenic portion of Bridge Street, which has been empty for the past six months.
This is the first time the lease has allowed three different businesses to open on the pier. Prior to the new lease agreement, the owner of the restaurant had to operate all three businesses.
The city also drastically reduced the rent.
The building that used to house a bait shop will now be a jewelry and art store called A Room with a Hugh and Tide and Moon 2.
Laura Shely already has one location in Anna Maria, but with Anna Maria Island Oyster Bar opening a new restaurant in the building, which is called The A-Mob, Shely believes the pier will be the island's new hot spot.
“It will be better exposure," she said. "A lot of people going to the restaurant for dinner and drinks, and I am just happy to bring my art work to both sides of the island.”
The old harbormaster's office will be a place to buy bait and tackle and book tours to island attractions like charter fishing, parasailing and dolphin tours.
"It's about time that this pier get the attention it so deserves," said Sherman Baldwin, who is also opening a store on the pier. "It’s a brand new pier yet it's been here since 1959, so it's really time to take its place, so to speak.”
Construction on the A-Mob is currently underway. Crews have already remodeled the building's interior. The restaurant, which will also include a bar and counter service, is expected to open in December.