Per the Florida State Parks Department, shorebound Florida anglers in the Tampa Bay area are about to lose access to an important part of the famed Skyway Fishing Pier. Here's the announcement:

The south side of the Skyway Fishing Pier was permanently closed starting October 27, 2025, due to structural integrity concerns. Roughly half a mile of the pier, starting from the bait shop to the end, will be closed indefinitely because of deterioration of the concrete and rebar. There are no current plans for repairs on the affected section.

• What is closing: Approximately half of the south Skyway Fishing Pier, specifically the section past the bait shop.

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• Reason for closure: Structural issues and deterioration of the concrete and rebar, identified by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
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• Effective date: The closure will be permanent starting Monday, October 27, 2025.
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• Future plans: There are no plans to repair this section of the pier at this time.

• More info at https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/skyway-fishing-pier-state-park.