CLEARWATER, Fla., (WFLA) — For the first time in 11 months, parts of Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach are open to the public.
For almost a year, the Pier was shut down due to hurricane damage. Yet, the reopening marks a significant move in the recovery process following last year’s hurricanes.
Once again on Pier 60, you can see families casting lines and reeling them in, sometimes with a good catch from the ocean.
The full Pier 60 is not open quite yet, but Monday’s partial re-opening is a step local vendors said will help business.
“It’s been closed for 11 months, so we’re thrilled it’s reopening. Many people come with their fishing gear and have been unable to access it. It draws a crowd because fishing enthusiasts bring others who may want to shop, which benefits us as well,” shared vendor Michelle Quigley.
All the items sold from vendors along the Pier are both local and hand-crafted.
The Pier is a place where both locals and tourists come to spend quality time together.
“This is great, especially since today is my birthday. We were planning to leave yesterday but opted to extend our stay by a day just for some fishing,” stated Will Kaster. “We rescheduled our flights solely to enjoy fishing here.”
Everyone in the area is excited to get back to what everyone knows and loves.
“We’re hopeful that people will visit and witness the reopening. It’s a thrilling moment and it feels like things are gradually returning to the normalcy we once knew,” expressed vendor Shannon Yant.
From sunrise to sunset, fishing on the pier is available for $10. Rod rentals and bait purchases are also an option. For further details on operating hours, click here.
