There’s a hurdle to be cleared before the state can authorize the reconstruction of the Rod & Reel Pier.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection communications director Alexandra Kuchta wrote in a Nov. 3 email to The Islander that the state was processing an application to rebuild the Anna Maria pier.
The pier at 875 N. Shore Drive was destroyed last year by hurricanes Helene and Milton, and owner Oliver “Oli” Lemke has said he plans to rebuild the structure.
According to Kuchta, the DEP received an application to rebuild the pier Sept. 16 and issued an exemption letter Oct. 23.
The letter states that the DEP exempts the proposal from a requirement to obtain a regulatory permit and waives water quality certification for the project.
It also states that the proposal qualifies for federal authorization through July 27, 2026, and separate permitting from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will not be required.
However, the DEP’s letter denied a proprietary review for the project.
Kuchta wrote that “the current sovereignty submerged sands lease does not authorize rebuilding the structure if more than 50% was destroyed.”
Since the proposed project involves rebuilding more than 50% of the structure, Lemke must obtain additional authorization from the board of trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund before reconstruction can begin.
The Board of Trustees is made up of Gov. Ron DeSantis and his cabinet, including Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson.
The board does not have a fixed meeting schedule and meets as needed. It did not discuss the proposal during its most recent meeting, held Sept. 30.