The day dock at Bradenton Beach’s Historic Bridge Street Pier could be closed for the remainder of June — or longer.
City officials received word June 10 from Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift that temporary repairs could cost up to $24,000 and take three-four weeks.
Duncan proposed removing a section of the floating dock and leaving the ramp and another section of the docking area.
It would be safe — and temporary.
They also learned the alternative — removal of the day dock could cost up to $50,000.
A portion of the dock near the pedestrian ramp, broke loose June 6 after a number of sailboats broke anchor and smashed into the platform during the storms that resulted from Tropical Storm Colin.
Mayor Bill Shearon said the city commission would decide what to do at a noon meeting June 14.
The dock and pier were closed during the storm, but only the pier reopened June 7.
Shearon said he and Police Chief Sam Speciale would recommend spending up to $30,000 to preserve what remains serviceable at the day dock until such time the city can get estimates and funding for replacement.
Sherman Baldwin, owner of Paradise Boat Tours, with an office and bait shop at the pier, said the situation was frustrating, but he understood that the city was doing everything it could.
Meanwhile, Baldwin moved his boat tour operations to a small city dock adjacent to the pier on Bay Drive.
— Tal Reeve