Longer term Skyway piers future.... update 6.7.18

[seabird]

Several months ago, I wrote to several State lawmakers in our area about the longer term future of the Skyway piers and expressing the our desires to maintain it as a long term fishing area and State park. Back in February 2018, a couple of them emailed me back and said there would be more news later.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote again and asked if there was any more progress. Here is the text of a reply from one of the State legislative offices I got a couple of days ago. I view the reply as very positive. I think you all will agree. 
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Below is information I received regarding the continued maintenance for the Skyway Pier provided via FDOT. I believe this information answers your questions regarding the future of the pier. If you have any further questions or comments, please let me know.


The Florida Department of Transportation (Department) retained ownership of the pier structures when the new Skyway Bridge opened in 1987. In 1994, the Department entered into a 20-year lease with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to operate the structures as state park fishing piers. In 2013, the Department and DEP agreed to a new 10-year lease (through 2024). Under the 2013 agreement, DEP transfers all excess revenues received from the pier concessionaire to support the maintenance costs.


The Department continues to address maintenance issues as part of the 2024 lease agreement. These include a $5.35 million major repair project that was completed in November 2017. The project scope included repairs to the decks, railings, beams, bearings, pile caps, and pilings. The concrete pier structures also received repairs as a part of the project. The Department has also tentatively scheduled an additional $4.5 million project to make additional structural repairs. The project is planned to begin construction in October 2019.

Have a great day!


Shayra Rosario

District Secretary to Larry Ahern

Florida State Representative of District 66

8383 Seminole Boulevard, Suite B- Seminole, FL 33772

Office Number: [phone]

[e-mail]

[Mackerelman]

Seabird:
Thank You for the Info.
Looks like Good News to all of Us Anglers.

[seabird]

Yes, it sure is. Will not be back until late November and then try for grouper. No fishing up here in the frozen tundra yet...getting ready to get married and then teach the new wife to fish!

[rigloser]

And with all that money spent, they could not repair the lights...pathetic

[Mackerelman]

Jun 7, 2018 12:12:01 GMT -5 rigloser said:

And with all that money spent, they could not repair the lights...pathetic

Most of the lights & the Pier Rails on both Piers were just replaced recently. 
A lot of work was done to the Piers so We could all Fish.

[rigloser]

If any of you believe $5.35 million was spent on repairs to those piers you are smoking some good stuff....and the lights haven't been touched on the south pier...get out there and take a look

[seabird]

Jun 7, 2018 14:06:15 GMT -5 rigloser said:

If any of you believe $5.35 million was spent on repairs to those piers you are smoking some good stuff....and the lights haven't been touched on the south pier...get out there and take a look

Those lights were fixed back in march/april...on both piers.

[rigloser]

Go out there and look seabird...over half are burned out...some flicker... one just past the check in booth acts like a strobe. You guys are wrong.Go down to the last restroom, look over underneath the pier at the pipe dangling with exposed wiring with fishing line and rigs wrapped around it

[rigloser]

The decision to close those piers will be based on age and nothing else....I give them 7 more years at best

[SnapperHead]

Let’s hope for all of our sake that don’t happen. If so, hopefully a new pier is built that will allow us to continue to fish the rocks.

[seabird]

Jun 7, 2018 14:50:52 GMT -5 rigloser said:

Go out there and look seabird...over half are burned out...some flicker... one just past the check in booth acts like a strobe. You guys are wrong.Go down to the last restroom, look over underneath the pier at the pipe dangling with exposed wiring with fishing line and rigs wrapped around it

Maybe, I should write another email to the State parks dept. Unless someone else wants to step up to the plate and do it.

[rigloser]

Doubt that will get results seabird, we need to organize as a group with thousands of members and become vocal and politically powerful....plus we Will need an attorney. Will take tons of grassroots work to accomplish that

[seabird]

Jun 8, 2018 9:07:24 GMT -5 rigloser said:

Doubt that will get results seabird, we need to organize as a group with thousands of members and become vocal and politically powerful....plus we Will need an attorney. Will take tons of grassroots work to accomplish that

The state responded to one email I sent. Others may have contacted them as well. I agree that many voices better. I don't think we need a lawyer.

[Mackerelman]

A Lawyer is not going to do a thing. He will go along with the State of Florida. The Lawyers just wants MONEY !

[Mackerelman]

Only 1 Light was out at the NS Pier.
There were about 18 to 24 lights that were out at the SS Pier.
Apparently 12 of those lights are on a Timer because they came on later in the Morning.
The Timer needs to be adjusted.
The other 6 -12 lights close to the Baithouse do need to be replaced.

[seabird]

Jun 10, 2018 16:18:34 GMT -5 Mackerelman said:

Only 1 Light was out at the NS Pier.
There were about 18 to 24 lights that were out at the SS Pier.
Apparently 12 of those lights are on a Timer because they came on later in the Morning.
The Timer needs to be adjusted.
The other 6 -12 lights close to the Baithouse do need to be replaced.

Mackerelman: Thanks for the report on the lights. Looks like I need to write the State about the SSP lights.

[seabird]

I did send an email this afternoon to the State:
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Dear Kevin Kiser:

I received reports from two people who fish the South Pier often. About 12 of the lights are not timed correctly and do not come on for a long time or at the right time. Another 6-12 lights near the bait house are not working.at all. The North Piers lights are fine, just one is out.

Thanks you for your attention and previous help in February!

Sincerely,

[tears143]

Jun 10, 2018 18:00:15 GMT -5 seabird said:

I did send an email this afternoon to the State:
==================================================
Dear Kevin Kiser:

I received reports from two people who fish the South Pier often. About 12 of the lights are not timed correctly and do not come on for a long time or at the right time. Another 6-12 lights near the bait house are not working.at all. The North Piers lights are fine, just one is out.

Thanks you for your attention and previous help in February!

Sincerely,

Worker have to turn them on manually... LOL I saw the guy do it.

[seabird]

My contact at the State Parks wrote me right back, here is his response:
---------------------------------------------------------------
Kiser, Kevin <[e-mail]>
To:xxxx

‎Jun‎ ‎11 at ‎8‎:‎36‎ ‎AM

Thank you for your info, I spoke with our concession that runs the pier last week and they are aware of the problem. It should be corrected soon.

Kevin Kiser
Park Manager
Judah P Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park
Terra Ceia Preserve State Park
Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park