SAPRITO FISHING PIER
CLOSES TEMPORARILY

 

Sarasota, FL: The Tony Saprito Fishing Pier will be temporarily closed beginning Mon., October 22, 2007 for structural repairs and maintenance improvements caused during the tumultuous 2004 hurricane season. When the pier reopens Mon., February 18, 2008 it will be fitted with new engineering technology enabling it to better withstand future severe storms.

The deck of the fishing pier will be replaced with new pop out wood panels, which are designed to easily dislodge with storm surge. It is anticipated the pop out panels will help preserve the pier for a longer period of time. Such engineering technology has proven successful in other locales susceptible to hurricanes, including Pensacola Beach, FL. Regular maintenance will also be performed on the pier including replacing rusted anchor bolts, broken concrete and expansion joint material.

In the time since Hurricane Jeanne left its mark on the Saprito Fishing Pier, the City of Sarasota has been busy taking the necessary steps to repair the pier. Reimbursement was applied for with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and granted in the sum of $250,000. A submerged land lease, required by the State of Florida for construction in Sarasota Bay, was applied for and granted. Following the City’s bid process, the construction contract ultimately was awarded to Lovin Construction, Inc., based in Bradenton. Total cost of the project is $549,147, with FEMA funding nearly half that amount.

The parking area directly under the Ringling Bridge will be used as a construction staging area, and will be closed to the public. While the pier will be closed, Ringling Causeway Park and Hart’s Landing bait and tackle shop will remain open. Public parking will be available adjacent to Hart’s Landing.

Click here to watch a Public Service Announcement about Saprito Pier

 

For more information call City of Sarasota Public Information Officer Jan Thornburg at 941-954-2613.
jan.thornburg@sarasotagov.com