Demolition crews on Thursday hauled away the last remnants of the old St. Pete Pier, marking the end of an era.

  • Project began on August 15, 2015
  • Some caissons from old pier bridge will remain as tribute
  • Construction for new pier expected to begin next year

Today's work completed a project that began on August 15, 2015. Pier spokeswoman Kristin Brett called it "the end of the beginning."

“It's kinda bittersweet," said Brett. "So many of us have fond memories of the old pier, but it also is a time where new memories are yet to be made.”

There are still several parts of the pier that remain on the shores of downtown St. Petersburg. Crews used some of the concrete chunks to shore up the marinas and the Albert Witted Airport.

There are also some caissons from the pier bridge that are being left in place. The new pier will be built around them, and highlight them as a tribute to the piers of the past.

As for the pier of the future, construction is expected to begin sometime during the first part of next year. Crews expect to have the new pier completed in 2018.