The City of Tampa has begun work on restoring the Ballast Point Pier, a structure with a history dating back more than a century. Following an evaluation of engineering reports, city officials decided that the pier could be restored rather than completely rebuilt, which is expected to shorten the timeline for reopening.
The restoration project is being handled by several city departments, including Parks and Recreation and Logistics and Asset Management. Officials say their goal is to reopen the pier as soon as possible while ensuring safety standards are met.
Mayor Jane Castor stated, “The Ballast Point Pier is a treasured Tampa spot for fishing, strolling, enjoying views of the water and of downtown, and even fireworks and air shows. Ballast Point Park is a popular spot to start walks and bicycle rides along Bayshore Boulevard. This restoration is great news for all Tampanians and all visitors – even pirates.”
Plans for the project include reinforcing the pilings and upgrading plumbing, lighting, and electrical systems. All boards on the pier will be replaced, and amenities such as fish-cleaning stations will be improved.
The next phase involves selecting a design/build team through a competitive solicitation process. The design and construction phases will follow this selection. The city has not yet announced when the restoration will be completed.
The original Ballast Point Pier was destroyed in 1921 by the Tarpon Springs hurricane but was rebuilt in 1925. It remained standing until hurricanes Helene and Milton caused significant damage in September and October of 2024.
Once finished, the restored 970-foot pier will operate around the clock.
