ANNA MARIA, Fla. -- One engraved plank is for a father who passed away. Another, is an anniversary present from a mother to a son.
Every plank that lines the Anna Maria City Pier tells a story. Now, they are all coming out.
- Demolition continued Wednesday
- Pier severely damaged during Hurricane Irma
- New pier will be similar in design using stronger materials
"There happened to be a bench, near where our two planks were, that was so special to watch the sun rise and think of our family," said resident Kathy Bogan-White, reflecting on her time spent at the pier.
Demolition on the historic site continued on Wednesday. The remainder of the engraved planks, bought by residents during the pier's centennial, were carefully cut and lifted from the walkway.
The pier was badly damaged during Hurricane Irma, and engineers determined that it wasn’t safe. It’s been shut down since Sept. 2017.
City officials agreed to scrap the pier and start from scratch instead of repairing it.
"It would have been more expensive to do a repair,” said Dan Murphy, Mayor of Anna Maria.
Demolition is expected to be completed by the end of August. Then the process of rebuilding the pier will begin.
The new pier features a very similar design, but will be built using stronger materials made to last through a major storm.
"There's solar panels on the top, but the materials will all be materials that should withstand the test of time,” Murphy said.
Those who purchased an engraved plank have the option to pick it up at Anna Maria City Hall or leave it with the city. The planks that are not picked up will be turned into memorial fences for a nearby park.
The project will cost about $4.5 million. To date, the city has raised $3.4 million from state and local funds.