It might not be visible, but work is underway at the new Anna Maria City Pier.
Former Anna Maria Commissioner Brian Seymour of GSM Partners LLC — the group of Pine Avenue businesses leasing the grill and bait shop at the T-end of the new pier, 100 N. Bay Blvd. — told The Islander Oct. 21 that the group is in the process of hiring a contractor for the buildout.
Seymour also said permitting with the city is planned to start by Oct. 23.
City commissioners unanimously voted Sept. 24 to approve a lease with the trio of Pine Avenue business owners —Seymour, owner of the Pine Avenue General Store; Victor Mattay, owner of Dips Ice Cream; and Nicholas Graham of Pine Avenue Bait and Tackle, all in the Historic Green Village — for the grill and bait shop.
Previously, Seymour said GSM plans to open the grill and bait shop by Nov. 20.
“All eyes are on Brian Seymour and his team, anxiously awaiting his grand opening,” Mayor Dan Murphy wrote The Islander Oct. 22. “Soon we will be discussing more plans for the pier, but it is premature at this point.”
— ChrisAnn Allen