Safety Protocols Set For Grand Opening Week Of St. Pete Pier

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The new St. Pete Pier and Pier District opens at 5 p.m. Monday, July 6, with safety protocols in place.

In order to facilitate social distancing and open "The St. Pete Way," reservations are required to visit the St. Pete Pier during its opening week, the city said in a news release.

Tickets will be issued for Monday, July 6 through Sunday, July 12. Tickets can be purchased here.

Mayor Rick Kriseman reminded St. Petersburg residents on Tuesday through Facebook Live that masks are required to be worn to enter any of the restaurants or establishments at the Pier.

On July 6 only, parking at the Dolphin and Pelican parking lots via Second Avenue/ Marina Way will be closed to the public. Recommended parking for the pier's opening day is the Sundial Garage located at 117 Second St. North.

The St. Petersburg Looper Trolley (LooperTrolley.com) will also be in operation with a convenient stop near the St. Pete Pier.

Drop-offs and rideshare will be at Beach Drive and Second Avenue NE, while those with handicap placards will be allowed through the Bayshore Drive closure checkpoint.

Starting on Tuesday, July 7, parking will be available at the Dolphin and Pelican parking lots until full, with overflow parking at the Sundial Garage. Parking can be paid at any of the 13 “Pay Stations” located throughout the parking lots for $2 per hour for the first 4 hours and then a graduated rate for the next 2 hours. There is a six-hour max parking available in the lots. Credit cards, cash and the ParkMobile platform can be used to pay for parking.

To pay for parking along Marina Way, visitors can pay the smart meters with a credit card or coins. ParkMobile is also accepted by selecting Zone 2005 on the ParkMobile App via a smartphone. The rate is $2 per hour for the first 3 hours and then a graduated rate for the fourth hour. Alternative modes of transportation include the trolley and the Bike Share located throughout downtown St. Petersburg.

The city said it has limited reservations daily for the safety of residents and visitors.

They encourage anyone who plans on visiting the newly opened Pier to plan ahead, and be sure to have proof of reservation by phone or a printed document. It does not cost anything to make a reservation. The reservation will be processed through a touch-less scanning upon entry.

The mask ordinance will be enforced within the St. Pete Pier District, the city said.