Hurricane Recovery Past Updates

Pier & Marina Reconstruction

Weekly Updates:

July 7, 2025
The City’s engineering consultant was on-site today completing a pre-construction survey of the Marina Channel. The City's construction contractor plans to mobilize construction equipment throughout the week and early next week. Veterans Memorial Lane, parking, boat ramp, and marina are officially closed until completion of the project.

July 11, 2025
The week of July 7th was dedicated to mobilization. The contractor installed fencing for site security, delivered equipment, containers, dumpsters, and a temporary office to the site. A marina catwalk and pilings along with a few pier pilings were removed as a test to check the condition of the pilings and embedment. The contractor needed to complete this test to ensure the right equipment will be on-site for demolition. The contractor will install "Marina Channel Closed" signs the week of July 14th as an advance notice to any boaters in the area. The contractor anticipates the construction barge will be delivered the week of July 14th and demolition will begin after barge delivery.

July 18, 2025
The barge and crane successfully arrived on Tuesday, July 15, with a piling delivery received the same day. Pier removal started immediately following barge mobilization. By Wednesday, July 16, the existing remnants of the pier were fully removed.

On Thursday, July 17, crews began identifying underwater debris for the upcoming clean-up phase. By Friday, July 18, the barge was mobilized in the marina and demolition of the marina structure was initiated. The barge will be secured at the end of today’s workday. No work is scheduled for the weekend.

The contractor’s survey team has been onsite to begin laying out new piling locations.  The City is currently coordinating a meeting with Pinellas County to address mangrove trimming needs in the marina area. A construction trimming permit will be requested.

July 25, 2025
Contractor removed the demolition material staged on the barge and began final disposal.

The contractor continued removing the marina pilings and catwalks.

A "smell" was reported near the marina area this week. This odor is caused by a few things:

• The pilings that were removed are covered in barnacles. As the old pilings dry, they emit a smell.
• The demolition stirred up the sea floor while pulling out the pilings.

In addition to the demolition process, warmer water is more susceptible to algae and bacteria growth which emits a smell, especially during low tides. Humid summer air with little breeze and lack of water movement doesn't allow the smell to disperse. Rest assured, as the debris is removed, the odor will improve.

As the contractor prepares for reconstruction, you may notice mangrove trimming. This has been cleared with Pinellas County and is necessary for the reconstruction process. Staff are vigilant and will continue to ensure the health of the robust mangrove growth in this area.

August 1, 2025
The contractor for the pier and marina reconstruction is making good progress.

Marina structure demolition wrapped up on July 30. However, a few marina pilings remain for the contractor to secure the barge. After the demolition, crews went into the water to clean up any debris from the demolition process. Demolished materials were disposed of and hauled off-site.

Additional materials were delivered this week, including piling wraps. With some materials on-site, the contractor began loading the barge with pilings and equipment to prepare for work at the pier.

Mangrove trimming was completed adjacent to structures only, and the mangroves have been inspected for compliance with state law.

Residents and visitors will begin to see – and hear – pile driving activities beginning next week.

August 8, 2025
This week ended with some excitement on Veteran’s Memorial Lane! A storm on Thursday night blew over the construction fencing. Friday morning, the fence was restored to its upright position - minus the windscreen. For now, the windscreen will stay out to prevent this from happening again during summer storms.

The contractor has been working with the high tide to install the pilings closest to the seawall. The contractor is using 2 sets of piling templates which allow the crew to work at two different locations.

The contractor finished the work week with general housekeeping items within the fenced in construction zone.

August 15, 2025
The contractor continued installing piling this week. Approximately 20 pilings remain to be installed on the pier walkway, and they are preparing to install the first pilings at the pierhead.

The contractor plans to work on Saturday, August 16, to finish the pilings at the pier entrance since the tides are in their favor.

Next week, the contractor will continue driving pilings for the pier walkway and the pierhead.

August 22, 2025
The contractor continued installing pilings this week completing approximately 28. The pier walkway was completed minus a few final blows from the hammer. The contractor installed the first pilings at the pierhead with eight total pilings installed by mid-day Friday. Multiple material deliveries were received, including marina pilings and some framing lumber. The contractor closed out the week with some minor housekeeping and clean-up.

Next week, the contractor will continue installing pilings at the pierhead.

September 5, 2025
Pierhead piling installation was completed on Friday, August 29. Pier pilings have been marked at the cut-off levels, and the carpentry crew is on-site in preparation of pier framing. The contractor will install additional turbidity barriers as framing on the pier begins.

On September 2, the barge moved from the pier back to the marina, and the contractor removed the final section of old marina dock. The contractor unloaded scrap materials and reloaded with new piles. Pile wrapping is occurring on the barge prior to pile driving. Twenty piles in the marina have been installed this week, starting at main entrance and working south. Pile installation in the marina is scheduled to continue next week.

September 12, 2025
Elevation guides for the pier were installed for string lines. Pile wraps on the pier were re-secured and trimmed to appropriate levels (1-foot above high tide).

The contractor has installed 21 bents (support structures) in the marina. Final taps were completed of marina piles that have been installed. The contractor will continue pile installation in the marina next week.

September 19, 2025
The contractor continued installing pilings in the Marina and will continue installation next week.

The barge relocated to the pier location for pile trimming. Two pilings at the pierhead were removed and reset to get deeper embedment. The contractor continues to receive delivery of materials for pier framing with framing to start next week.

Look for the pier and marina project to be highlighted during the morning show on Tampa Bay 28 on Friday, September 26.

September 26, 2025
This week, the contractor focused on framing at the pier. This started with straightening pilings and finishing final cuts for installed pier pilings. Framing occurred on the first 6 bents, starting at the seawall. Materials, including the deck boards, were delivered.

Marina piling installation continued Thursday and Friday.

Framing for the pier will continue next week as well as marina piling installation.

October 3, 2025
The contractor continued piling installation on the south marina walkway. A total of 24 marina pilings were installed this week, with only 6 remaining pilings on this walkway. This task is almost complete!

Public Works staff is currently working through some adjustments to the piling and framing locations at the marina per Pinellas County’s Water and Navigation Division.

Piling top caps were installed on the first 19 bents of the pier. You may have also noticed the pier stringer installation to bent 9 as well as blocking and strap installation is in progress.

Next week, the contractor plans to continue framing along the pier and additional piling installation at the marina.

October 10, 2025
This week, piling installation at the marina started along the northern seawall – 7 bents and 14 pilings nearing completion.

The contractor trimmed the walkway pilings along pier, and they are almost all trimmed to rough elevations (Bents 1-19 with tops caps at final elevation). Framing at the pier continued, including stringers, blocking, and straps from bents 9 to 17. Two sections of cross-bracing were installed at the pier; this step of the process depends on the tide. The contractor installed temporary plywood on top of the pier stringers for workers to use for safe access to continue framing.

Next week, pier framing will continue.

October 17, 2025
The contractor has continued to make good progress on the pier. Top caps have been installed on bents 1-39 on pier walkway. Stringers are near completion for bents 1-22 on pier walkway. Internal bracing is nearing completion for bents 5-28 on pier walkway. Exterior bracing is nearing completion for bents 5-16 on pier walkway.

Next week, the contractor will continue framing at the pier, cross bracing during low tide, and continuing stringer installation.

Piling installation at the marina will continue as soon as the County approves a revised piling location plan. This is expected to be approved early next week.

October 24, 2025
Pier construction is moving quickly!

• Top caps were installed on Bents 1-39 on pier walkway (minus bent 37).
• Stringers are nearing completion for Bents 1-35 on pier walkway. 
• Interior bracing is nearing completion for Bents 5-30 on pier walkway. 
• Exterior bracing is nearing completion for Bents 5-28 on pier walkway.

Pier head piling trimming was completed to rough elevations. Eight interior pilings on pier head will remain tall for roof construction.

The contractor is awaiting approval from the engineering consultant to begin trimming the installed piles to rough elevations. This will occur after the engineer approves the pile driving logs.

The electrical contractor arrived on-site this week to begin planning for the new pier electrical installation.  

Next week, the contractor will continue cross bracing installation, continue strings, and continue blocking. Pile installation will continue at the marina once the pile log is approved and the installed piles are trimmed.

October 31, 2025
This week was filled with activity on the pier!

• Top caps were installed on Bents 1-44 on pier walkway (end of walkway).
• Stringers are nearing completion for Bents 1-44 on the pier walkway.
• Internal and external bracing nearing completion for Bents 5-35 on pier walkway.
• The contractor started bracing on the pierhead.

Some big news – the fire suppression line on the pier is being roughed-in. The City’s Fire Marshal completed a preliminary inspection of the fire suppression line rough-in.

The marina pile logs and rough elevation trimming has been approved.

As we move into next week, look forward to more framing at the pier!

November 7, 2025
It’s been another busy week at the pier!

Stringers are almost complete for Bents 1–44 on the pier walkway with final blocking and straps being installed Friday. Internal and external walkway bracing will be substantially complete by the end of Friday. Bracing on pier head is about halfway complete.

The most exciting news – decking on the pier has started! Decking edges will be trimmed next week to prepare for handrail installation.

City staff walked the proposed fence line at the marina with the general contractor. City staff will continue removing downed trees and other debris to prepare for the new fence section. 

Next week, the contractor will continue framing, bracing, and decking at the pier and begin handrails. The contractor also plans to resume activities in the Marina, starting with trimming the installed piles.

November 14, 2025
It’s getting easier to envision the finished pier!

This week, decking was completed up to bent 23, which is approximately 50% of the walkway! Handrail posts were installed up to bent 11, and railing installation started. The contractor will continue decking and handrails on the pier next week, and the barge will move back to the pier to set the pier head top caps.

Marina piling work resumed this week with the contractor trimming the installed piles to rough elevations. Next week, the contractor will continue pile trimming in the Marina and reset a few piles.

November 21, 2025
The contractor has completed approximately 80% of decking on the pier walkway, and decking installation continues. In addition to walkway decking, the contractor installed handrail posts to Bent 16 on pier. Railing is now substantially completed to Bent 14. The contractor has started the top cap of handrail, also.

Marina pile trimming is on-going. Marina piles in southwest corner were removed and reinstalled per new pile layout plan. City staff trimmed trees and cleared debris south of the Marina in preparation for the new fence. Fence posts were set for new Marina perimeter fencing.  

Work will pause for the Thanksgiving Holiday from November 27–30, 2025.  During the short work week, the contractor plans to continue decking and handrails at the Pier and piling at the Marina.

December 1, 2025
We hit some milestones at the pier last week!

The contractor completed decking to bent 44 on the pier walkway. What does that mean? Essentially, 100% of pier walkway decking is complete!

• Handrail posts have been installed to bent 23 on the pier, and the railing is completed to bent 20.
• Top cap of the handrail is completed to bent 14.
• This week, decking and handrails will continue at the pier.

Marina:

• Perimeter fencing is complete on the west and south sides of the marina.
• Marina piling installation started back up on the south fingers.
• Piling installation will continue at the marina.

Soon, Waterfront Park visitors will notice the barge return to the pier to set pierhead top caps once piling installation in the marina is complete.

December 8, 2025
Pier:

• handrail posts completed to Bent 44
• pier railing is substantially completed to Bent 31
• top cap of pier handrail is substantially complete to Bent 14

This week, the contractor will continue decking and handrails at pier.

Marina:

• Approximately 20 piles were installed in the marina last week.
• The South dock is only missing 3 piles on the east end which will be placed as the barge exits the marina.

This week, pile installation will continue at the marina.

December 15, 2025
Pier:

• Handrail posts on the Pier were installed to Bent 44.
• Railing on the Pier is now substantially complete to Bent 38, partially installed to Bent 43.
• Top cap of handrail substantially complete to Bent 19.
• Electricians are on-site beginning electrical rough-ins for the Pier.
• The Barge returned to the pierhead on Friday to finish bracing and to install pile caps.

This week, pierhead bracing and pile caps, decking, and handrails will continue on the Pier. 

Marina:

• Marina pile installation continued with approximately 21 piles installed last week.

Pile installation will also continue at the Marina.

December 22, 2025
Barge work at the pierhead has been completed, including bracing and caps. The contractor has started the pierhead stringers, including bolting, strapping, and bracing. Electricians continue conduit installation on both sides of the pier.

The contractor was busy last week setting marina piles for a grand total 32 piles!

This week, the contractor plans to continue the pierhead stringers, decking, handrails, and pile installation in the marina.

We know the pier looks almost finished, and we're as excited as our residents and visitors!

Please remember: after construction wraps up, the City must still complete required permit actions with local, state, and federal agencies before the project can officially close-out.

December 29, 2025
Last week, Marina pile installation continued with 16 piles installed. The contractor began trimming marina piles that have been approved by the engineer.

Electricians continued conduit installation on both sides of the pier. Conduit installation is approximately 50% complete. Pierhead stringers are all in place with the contractor finishing bolting, blocking, and strapping.

This week the contractor plans to start pierhead decking, continue pier handrails, and continue pile installation at the marina. No work will happen on New Year’s Day.

January 5, 2026
Last week, the contractor worked from December 29–31. Here’s what they completed the last week of 2025!

Pier:
Electricians continued conduit installation on both sides of pier with approximately 60% of conduit complete. Pierhead stringers have all been installed. The contractor is focusing on strapping, bolting, and blocking. The contractor began straightening the tall piles at the pier head in preparation for shelter roof construction.

Up next, the contractor will finish any work needed on the pierhead stringers and begin decking.  Decking and handrails will also continue on the pier walkway.

Marina:
The contractor continued marina pile installation and will continue this week.

January 12, 2026
Pier:

• The contractor is continuing conduit installation on both sides of the pier. Rough-in is approximately 80% complete!
• Pierhead decking is on-going.
• Pier railing installation continued with posts on the pierhead starting.  

Marina:

• Approximately 36 piles were scheduled for installation by end of day Saturday, focusing on the middle dock area.  
• This week, we’ll see more pilings in the Marina and continuation of pier railing at the pier.

January 19, 2026
Last week, the contractor made steady progress at the pier and marina, and Saturday work resumed.

Pier:

• Electricians made significant progress – about 85% of conduit rough-in is complete.
• Pierhead posts reached substantial completion.
• Pier railing installation continued, and pierhead railing began.

Marina:

• Marina piling installation was on track to install a total of 47 pilings by the end of the week.
• Work continued across all three sections, including installation of the fifth finger in each.

Here’s what to expect this week:

• Pier railing installation on the walkway and the pierhead continues.
• Pier Conduit installation continues.
• Marina piling installation continues.

January 26, 2026
Last week, marina pile installation progressed steadily, with about twenty three piles completed by the end of the day on Friday. The first dock along the seawall, as well as the mooring piles, are now fully installed, leaving only twenty four piles to be installed.

Electrical crews continued their work along both sides of the pier, and the conduit rough in on the walkway has reached roughly 90% completion. On the structural side, all pier railings and the top caps are now substantially complete. Work has also begun on the pierhead shelter roof, where a platform has been set up for the crew and installation of the horizontal support beams.

This week, the contractor plans to continue building out the roof structure at the pierhead. Electricians will remain focused on their progress along the pier. Punch out work will continue, including trimming boards and tightening bolts and screws throughout the pier structure. Pile installation at the marina is expected to continue as well, with the possibility that the pile work will be fully completed and the barge demobilized before the end of this week.