Anna Maria pier scheduled for facelift

Saturday, November 8, 2008

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The city pier could soon get some useful improvements.

MANATEE COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- The city pier at Anna Maria Island may soon get a facelift.

It's one of the area's most popular tourist destinations, but it doesn't have much as far as amenities leading up to the pier.

The improvement project calls for park benches, shade trees, picnic areas, new parking configurations and a user friendly 300-foot board walk.

Possibly the greatest benefit is that the project won't cost the city of Anna Maria anything. Commissioner JoAnn Mattick applied for and was awarded the $350,000 transportation enhancement grant.

"We were looking for a project that would actually preserve the natural character of the pier area and yet provide something that will be enjoyed for many years to come for the residents and visitors alike," Mattick said.

The project is expected to be finished by 2010 just in time for the pier's 100th anniversary, which is in 2011.

A public meeting is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.; islanders are encouraged to show up to learn more about the project.

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