Ribbon-Cutting for Parker City Pier

Panama City, FL– The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in coordination with Parker City is announcing a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Parker City Pier on Feb. 10, 2024, at 11am CST.

WHAT: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Parker City Pier

WHERE: Parker City Pier, Earl Gilbert Park 6603 Oakshore Dr. Parker, FL 32404

WHEN: Feb. 10, 2024 11am CST

As part of the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) early restoration program, the city of Parker submitted for and was selected to receive funding to construct a fishing pier for the public. This project was managed by the DEP’s Deepwater Horizon Program for the design, permitting and construction of the pier. Construction of the pier commenced in March 2022 and was completed in January 2024.

“The City of Parker is very pleased that the State of Florida in partnership with DEP were instrumental in bringing the Parker City Pier project to fruition. A fishing pier for the citizens of Parker, the service members of Tyndall Airforce Base and others, has been a vision of the city for the better part of 20 years, beginning with the former Mayor of Parker, Brenda Hendricks,” said Mayor Andrew Kelly. “The City is grateful for the focus and outcome that adds to the recovery of the area. Parker now joins so many other recovered areas so catastrophically damaged by Hurricane Michael and the Deepwater Horizon Spill with this spectacular addition to the gateway of the city.” 

The City of Parker received approximately $3.2 million in funding for construction of the new pier located in Earl Gilbert Park. The pier is approximately 563 ft. long with beautiful views of East Bay. This pier will provide visitors with opportunities for recreational fishing, wildlife viewing and sunset watching.

“We could not be more proud of the dedication and hard work of all the partners including engineers, scientists, construction laborers and DEP’s Deepwater Horizon Program members that have joined together to create the Parker City Pier,” said Deputy Secretary for Ecosystems Restoration, Adam Blalock. “Residents and guests now have the opportunity to recreate and enjoy the East Bay waters.”

This project will enhance and increase public use and enjoyment of natural resources that were severely impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that occurred on April 20, 2010.

Learn more regarding Florida’s response and restoration activities resulting from the  Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap or marital status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services ( free of charge) are asked to contact Stacie Taylor at 850-245-2118 or LEP@FloridaDEP.gov at least five (5) days before the meeting. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (voice).