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Crystal Beach Pier Restoration Near Completion
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Published: December 27, 2008
CRYSTAL BEACH - If Santa would only bring the Crystal Beach Community Association a check for $16,000, its members could finish refurbishing the civic group's famed fishing pier.
In lieu of that, the group has formed the nonprofit Crystal Beach Community Enrichment in hopes of garnering enough contributions to complete the much-needed renovations.
The pier has long been a favorite spot for those who like to watch the sunset and fish. Since the closing of the causeway at Fred Howard Park, in Tarpon Springs, many anglers have found the pier, said Claudette Otto, Crystal Beach Community Association president.
Much of the pier has remained open during the restoration, except for a few days here and there. Only about 120 feet of the 270-foot pier remains to be restored.
The restoration effort so far has amounted to about $30,000, Otto said.
The pier has been strengthened to give it more protection from storms, rotted and broken planks have been restored and some pilings at the western end have been replaced, she said.
Railings and other restoration work will be completed in the final phase.
The improvements have been funded by private donations, Otto said. Anyone who enjoys fishing or the sunset can donate to the pier restoration project, she said.
Contributors don't have to be Crystal Beach residents or association members.
Throughout the past year several fundraisers have been held to raise restoration funds, Otto said.
More events will take place in the coming year as the 400-plus-member Crystal Beach Association focuses on the final phase of restoration, she noted.
The association oversees life in the village on the Gulf of Mexico, west of Alt. 19, between Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs.
Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible contribution to the pier restoration fund should send checks to: Crystal Beach Community Association, P.O. Box 281 Crystal Beach, FL 34681.
Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.
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