MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — It will cost millions of dollars, but city officials say it’s worth it to restore what they call an island icon after Hurricane Milton destroyed Anna Maria City Pier.

Last week, the state budget allocated $1.2 million in funding toward rebuilding the entire pier.

Officials say the pier could cost up to $9 million to repair. That might seem like a lot, but many islanders — including the ones who used to work here — say it’s worth it to bring a piece of the island back.

But officials say just last week the city learned it will receive $1.2 million from the state that will go toward rebuilding the pier. That will only cover some of the overall cost, though.

Anna Maria City Mayor Mark Short told Spectrum Bay News 9 the most costly part is rebuilding the infrastructure and walkway.

The mayor says the city is still finishing up the demolition process, but that it’s important to reopen the pier because “the pier is iconic. It’s one of the most visited places in all of Manatee County,” he said.

The mayor of Anna Maria says officials are working with FEMA and the county to seek extra funding. The goal reopening date for Anna Maria City Pier is late fall 2026.

An island local’s reaction

Destiny Brown works as a cashier at Anna Maria General Store for the summer.

She’s been forced to make ends meet. She used to work as a cashier and social media manager at City Pier Grill, a restaurant on Anna Maria City Pier. Last October, Hurricane Milton destroyed the pier — and the job she held full time for five years was gone, leaving her searching.

“There was an open house for Manatee County, the school district, and I went there and got a teacher aide position pretty shortly after. So that’s what I started doing. And now I’m going to be an English teacher at King Middle,” she said.

But before the school district hired her, life was a little rocky.

“It was very important to me. I worked there every day,” she said. “I immediately applied for government help. That’s why I started looking for a job immediately. We were really worried.”

And so are many others who loved Anna Maria City Pier.

It could cost between $6 and $9 million to repair the entire pier, including the restaurant — an investment Brown says is worth it.

“It’s just a local legend back, basically. So that’s going to be awesome seeing everyone back to fishing in the area,” she said.

Rebuilding isn’t simple — but a symbol like the city pier being restored would bring hope to Brown and her island community.