Rod & Reel Pier Destroyed by Hurricane Milton, Owner Vows to Rebuild Iconic Anna Maria Landmark
The historic Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria, a beloved local landmark since 1947, has been left in ruins after back-to-back hits from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Hurricane Helene initially wiped out the pier’s walkway, but less than two weeks later, Hurricane Milton’s 100-plus mph winds obliterated the remaining structure, leaving only the entrance sign and pilings standing.
Pier owner Oliver "Oli" Lemke, a German brewer and restaurateur, expressed his determination to rebuild the iconic pier he purchased just last November. Despite the devastating losses, Lemke remains resolute in his commitment to restoring the 77-year-old pier, which featured a two-story restaurant at its T-end.
Lemke noted that while the cost and timeline for the rebuild are still uncertain, he is actively exploring funding options, including a GoFundMe campaign launched earlier this month. The campaign, titled "Help Us Rebuild Rod and Reel Pier, Anna Maria Island," has raised over $22,000 toward a $300,000 goal as of October 13. Donations of $100 or more will earn contributors a place on a planned "wall of honor" at the future pier.
In addition to crowdfunding, Lemke is considering other fundraising strategies, such as the sale of a special beer called "Rod & Reel Recovery Lager," which would be produced by his Berlin-based brewery. Proceeds from the beer sales would also go toward the rebuilding effort.
While Lemke is optimistic about making the pier better than before, he acknowledged that the rebuilding process could take months. In the meantime, he is focused on finding ways to support his pier employees, who face an uncertain period without work. One idea he has considered is operating a food truck staffed by pier employees until the new pier is completed.
Though the road to recovery may be long, Lemke is committed to ensuring that the Rod & Reel Pier, a cornerstone of Anna Maria Island, rises again. Donations to help rebuild can be made through the GoFundMe campaign at gofund.me/6c899b12.