ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s been years in the making. Now the much-anticipated opening of the St. Petersburg Pier is happening in May.
For more than a century seven different piers have stood over the St. Pete bay.
Brian Deloro says he wasn’t a fan of the previous pier.
"20 years ago I came out here and it was very gloomy. It was a pier, but it’s nothing like it is now," said Deloro.
Deloro says he's excited for the now eighth pier to open.
"It's like the crown jewel of the bay as far as I’m concerned. Just knowing that it's there and all the things it will bring to the community is nice. You can plan your day around it," said Deloro.
That’s exactly what St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Krisman says he's hoping for.
"This is going to become our Central Park, I really believe that," said Kriseman.
RELATED: St. Petersburg city leaders decide to allow alcohol consumption at pier
The 26 acre-property is described as a “waterfront playground” that will have restaurants, shops, a splash pad and lots more.
The nearly $90 million pier has been long in the making.
"It is the end of a long road. We had to really hit the reset button," said Kriseman.
Now crews are feverishly working on finishing the restaurant by opening day on May 30.
Now crews are feverishly working on finishing the restaurant by opening day on May 30.
Kriseman says everything else is nearly ready and boat docks will be installed later in the summer.
"I think it’s going to blow this community away," said Kriseman.
