ANNA MARIA, Fla. — Construction is now underway on the Anna Maria City Pier after it was damaged by Hurricane Irma.
- Construction underway on new Anna Maria pier
- Pier badly damaged during Hurricane Irma
The city plans to replace the historic structure, but it wasn't an easy process to get to the point where work is finally underway.
The old pier was iconic in Anna Maria, where both tourists and resident came to take in the views. However, Hurricane Irma damaged the historic pier beyond repair, leaving the city with no choice but to remove it, and rebuild.
Crews finally started the work about a week and a half ago, putting in pilings for the new pier.
City leaders said the new pier will look similar to the old one, only it will be built to withstand a major storm.
The new pier is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The project is expected to cost around $4.5 million, including the demolition of the old pier.