Long-awaited repairs could soon begin on Pier 60 in Clearwater, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene in September 2024.

On Monday, city officials will ask the Clearwater City Council to approve $313,575 in funding for permanent repairs to the bait shop located at the center of the pier, along with temporary fixes to the pier structure itself.

This initial phase of work would reopen the pier to visitors up to the section just before the “T” at the end, according to Public Information Coordinator Rob Simpson.

There is no confirmed timeline yet for when construction will begin or be completed.

“Permanent repairs to the pier, storm hardening, and additional improvements will be designed and finalized once the bait house and temporary pier repairs are complete,” Simpson stated. “We expect to have more details once work is underway.”

The city plans to contract Bandes Construction Company of Dunedin to complete the work.

According to the proposed design-build agreement, the bait shop’s walls, flooring, lighting, and fixtures will be repaired. Two new swing-style gates leading to the fishing pier will also be installed.

Temporary pier repairs included in the bid involve replacing the fire line beneath the structure and damaged handrails.

The bait shop and the far end of Pier 60 have remained closed since the hurricane. Before the storm, the shop offered bait, tackle, souvenirs, concessions, and fishing gear rentals.

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