Iconic Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier close to reopening - and better than ever

Repairs to the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier on Pensacola Beach are nearly complete, just in time for the start of the summer tourism season.

The nearly 1,500-foot-long pier needed extensive repairs after strong waves and winds from Hurricane Sally in 2020 dislodged the pier’s blow-out deck panels, damaged its railings and caused other damage during its tear through the Gulf of Mexico.

The pier is expected to open in early May barring unexpected circumstances such as weather delays, according to Escambia County Public Information Officer Davis Wood. The pier's restoration work is projected to be done by the end of April.

The iconic bridge is one of the most compelling images used in nationwide media and advertising to showcase the Pensacola area, but it's equally loved by local residents.

"It's just really exciting," said Nicole Stacey, vice president of destination development for Visit Pensacola. "From a tourism standing, it’s a huge attraction. But from a local standpoint, we know they walk down to look at our marine life, it’s an opportunity for fishing, and it's one of the best viewing points on a Sunday for the Blue Angels. "

While locals use the pier most prevalently for fishing, Sunday afternoons from April to November are the busiest times on the pier.

"What makes it so special being the home of the Blue Angels, we know most Sundays they are going to buzz the beach and say hello, 'we’re back,' and what better way to see that than on the pier," Stacey said.

Restoration on the fishing pier has not only focused on restoring it to its former glory, workers have also installed several new features across the pier including viewing scopes, additional benches and fishing line receptacles.

The pier’s new railings, deck panels and lighting are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as Florida Fish and Wildlife’s restrictions for turtle lighting.

The repairs of the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier cost Escambia County approximately $3.3 million, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency will reimburse the county for expenses related to the repair work.

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What can I do at the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier?

The fishing pier was established in June 1931 and initially stretched 600 feet into the ocean, providing an entertaining and scenic view for both local residents and tourists. The pier is no stranger to hurricanes as the Gulf has seen 12 hurricanes since its inception, resulting in multiple repair projects for the pier over the years.

Although the pier is usually used for fishing, visitors can also walk the pier and enjoy the sight of the surrounding ecosystem, swimmers and the sun setting upon the beach in the afternoon.

There’s a variety of wildlife that visitors could see while at the pier, such as sharks, dolphins, turtles and crabs.

No fishing license is required to participate on the pier and fishermen of experience levels are likely to enjoy the afternoon. During the summer months fishermen might often catch Pompano, Spanish Mackarel and spotted seatrout.

Walter Wallace Sr., a Pensacola resident and president of the Woodland Heights Neighborhood Association, feels that the pier's return could expose more people in the area to fishing in addition to immersing them more into their local environment.

“I think it’s especially a great thing if we can get some more kids to go see (the pier) and have people teaching kids how to fish, especially in the Black community,” said Wallace. “It could give them more perspective on protecting the environment.”

Fishing tournaments on the pier are also hosted often; for more information on these events in the future, you can check out the pier’s website.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier on Casino beach to reopen in May for fishing