Pier Expansion on Pensacola Beach .
Northwest Florida businessman Mike Pinzone and Chris Cadenhead want to transform the Pensacola Beach Pier into the third-biggest visitor attraction in the region.
They want to construct a one-story building on the northern end of the existing fishing pier. It will house a new souvenir shop, snack bar and bait and tackle store, replacing an existing diner and other temporary facilities. This proposed expansion will be made to the east and west of the pier and the new building will not encroach into the parking lot.
Sitting atop the pier, the building will feature 80 feet of boardwalk running down the center. Outdoor decking with a 139-seat capacity also is planned.
The project has received construction approval from the Island Authority and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. A final construction permit from the Escambia County building department also was recently approved, allowing Pensacola-based CTC Development to begin work on the $650,000 project on July 15. Completion is scheduled by the end of the year, according to Sue Smith of the Island Authority's development services department.
The Island Authority built a multi-use recreational pier in the early 1930s with funding from the Legislature and Escambia County Commission. Built of wood, the pier weathered many storms but was destroyed by two hurricanes during the mid-1990s. A new, wider pier with concrete pilings was completed in 1998.
In 2001, the Island Authority awarded Sunset Holding a 10-year contract to operate the pier. In 2004, the agency agreed to allow Sunset to exercise two five-year renewal options, which means the company will be allowed to continue operating the pier until 2021.
Over the years, thousands have fished, gathered, walked and enjoyed the sights and sunsets of the pier. Pensacola Beach Real Estate | Property Search | Pensacola Beach Condos | Beach Information | Pensacola Beach Florida | Destin Florida Condos | Vacation Rentals | Pensacola Real Estate |
