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Last Half-Mile of South Skyway Fishing Pier Shut Down
There’s bad news for anglers who enjoy fishing on the longest fishing pier in the world. The last half-mile of the South Skyway Fishing Pier has been closed off to the public indefinitely. Starting from just past the Skyway Bait Shop to the end of the south pier has been closed off to vehicles and pedestrian traffic. Officials from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection shut down access after receiving a report from the Florida Department of Transportation that identified safety concerns with the structure of the pier.
Last Half-Mile of South Skyway Fishing Pier Shut Down – The Skyway Bait Shop
Following recent structural inspections conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation, vehicle and pedestrian access beyond the bait shop is no longer allowed at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. Vehicles may continue onto the pier up to a point just south of the bait shop, which will remain open. Visitors should adhere to all posted signage.
Fishing Coverage on OutdoorHub
One of the most popular and accessible fishing spots in the Tampa Bay area, this unique fishing pier was built on the remains of the original Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which was built in 1954. The original bridge was used until 1980, when a freighter collided with the pilings, causing 35 deaths due to the partial collapse of the bridge. After which, the former Skyway bridge was mostly demolished, with the remaining spans converted into the north and south Skyway Fishing Piers. The rubble from the demolition was also utilized to create long sections of artificial reefs on both sides of the piers.
Last Half-Mile of South Skyway Fishing Pier Shut Down – Driving Down the South Skyway Fishing Pier
While many anglers, myself included, would love to see the fishing pier repaired and reopened, that may not be possible according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). With a statement from a spokesperson stating that, because the structure was not originally designed as a parking facility or fishing pier that repairs may not be feasible.
The post Last Half-Mile of South Skyway Fishing Pier Shut Down appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...
Last Half-Mile of South Skyway Fishing Pier Shut Down
There’s bad news for anglers who enjoy fishing on the longest fishing pier in the world. The last half-mile of the South Skyway Fishing Pier has been closed off to the public indefinitely. Starting from just past the Skyway Bait Shop to the end of the south pier has been closed off to vehicles and pedestrian traffic. Officials from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection shut down access after receiving a report from the Florida Department of Transportation that identified safety concerns with the structure of the pier.
Last Half-Mile of South Skyway Fishing Pier Shut Down – The Skyway Bait Shop
Following recent structural inspections conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation, vehicle and pedestrian access beyond the bait shop is no longer allowed at Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. Vehicles may continue onto the pier up to a point just south of the bait shop, which will remain open. Visitors should adhere to all posted signage.
Fishing Coverage on OutdoorHub
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One of the most popular and accessible fishing spots in the Tampa Bay area, this unique fishing pier was built on the remains of the original Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which was built in 1954. The original bridge was used until 1980, when a freighter collided with the pilings, causing 35 deaths due to the partial collapse of the bridge. After which, the former Skyway bridge was mostly demolished, with the remaining spans converted into the north and south Skyway Fishing Piers. The rubble from the demolition was also utilized to create long sections of artificial reefs on both sides of the piers.
Last Half-Mile of South Skyway Fishing Pier Shut Down – Driving Down the South Skyway Fishing Pier
While many anglers, myself included, would love to see the fishing pier repaired and reopened, that may not be possible according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). With a statement from a spokesperson stating that, because the structure was not originally designed as a parking facility or fishing pier that repairs may not be feasible.
The post Last Half-Mile of South Skyway Fishing Pier Shut Down appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...