Skyway Fishing Pier

Skyway Fishing Pier SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/skyway-fishing-pier-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyway_Fishing_Pier_State_Park Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is located on the north and south sides of the mouth of Tampa Bay, Florida. When the original cantilevered Sunshine Skyway Bridge, carrying I-275 (US 19), partially collapsed in 1980, due to the collision of a freighter on one of its pilings, it was replaced by the current bridges. The approaches to the old bridge, however, were left in place and converted into the longest fishing pier in the world. The most common activity on the pier is fishing. Common catches include snook, tarpon, grouper, black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, red snapper and flounder. Other pier activities include kayaking, swimming, and kite surfing. Snacks, drinks, bait, and fishing supplies can be purchased on the pier, which has a fee for admission. The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Florida State Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks History & Nature The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is located to the north and south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Interstate 275 (US 19). Built over Tampa Bay, the bridge connects St. Petersburg in Pinellas County with Palmetto in Manatee County. The original Sunshine Skyway Bridge was completed and opened to the public in 1954. As the area grew, so did the need for more roads, and in 1969 a similar structure was built parallel to it to make it a four-lane bridge. During the years from 1954 to 1980, thousands of large ships and boats passed underneath the bridge without any recorded damage or loss of life. Then, during a violent thunderstorm on May 9, 1980, a tragedy occurred. The freighter Summit Venture collided with one of the bridge’s western columns, causing 1200 feet of bridge to collapse and killing 35 people. In 1987, a new Sunshine Skyway Bridge was constructed east of the old one and the center spans of the old bridge were demolished. Rather than removing all of the bridge it was decided to use the remaining structures as a public fishing pier. These were renovated and in 1994 became Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. The pier provides over four miles of fishing platform making it the world’s longest fishing pier. Skyway Fishing Pier State Park 4905 34th Street South, #5000 St. Petersburg, FL 33711 Phone: (727) 865-0668 FloridaStateParks.org • • • • • • • • • • • • Park Guidelines Southwest Florida Skyway Fishing Pier State Park World’s longest fishing pier Hours are 24 hours a day, 365 days a year An entrance fee is required. Additional user fees may apply. All plants, animals and park property are protected. The collection, destruction or disturbance of plants, animals or park property is prohibited. Pets are not permitted in this park. Fireworks and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Castnetting in designated areas only. Dispose of fishing line properly. It can kill wildlife. Do not feed the birds. A Florida fishing license may be required. Vehicles weighing over 12 tons are not allowed on the pier. Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the bait shop. Alternate format available upon request at any Florida state park. FLORIDA State Parks Created on 11/14 SM National Gold Medal Winner Florida State Parks - “America’s First Three-Time Winner” Real Fun in Welcome to the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, where you can enjoy fishing from the longest fishing pier in the world. View magnificent sunrises and beautiful sunsets as the piers are open 24 hours a day all year round. Fishing supplies, snacks, drinks and bait are all available on both the north and south pier’s bait shops, where you can also pick up a free copy of the latest fishing regulations. The Skyway Fishing Pier was once part of the old Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The car lanes from the former bridge still line the pier, so anglers can drive to a spot that looks good, park and unload their fishing gear. At night, the pier is lit so anglers can see to rig a line, bait a hook and get a good look at their catch. The light also attracts many species of fish after sundown. Common catches include snook, tarpon, grouper, black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, red snapper and pompano. The pier is also a fine place to see a variety of birds including pelicans, herons, seagulls, terns, and ducks. Please, do not feed or tempt the birds with fishing bait. Doing so encourages them to look for and eat fishing bait rather than catching their own food. Pier managers often have to net birds that have become hooked and injured by trying to eat bait from a line. These birds must then be sent to a bird sanctuary hospital for medical attention or rehabilitation. Please enjoy the birds from a distance. Directions The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is located on the north and south sides of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on I-275 (U.S. 19). 

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c