Nearly a year after back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton ripped through the Bay Area, a major Clearwater Beach landmark is finally welcoming people back. Part of Pier 60 reopened Monday, marking what city leaders and locals see as an important milestone in storm recovery. “Yes, for the first time since the hurricanes tore through here, folks can finally step back onto part of Pier 60,” said visitor Bobbie Zuelke. “I’m really glad that Clearwater is rebuilding it again. Because a lot of places, they don’t rebuild. So, I’m very thankful that they’ve opened back up to fishing.” The newly reopened section runs from the pier’s bait house out to the “T” at the far end. Anglers say that deeper water makes a big difference. “I fished here the first time and the next time they closed it,” said fisherman Denzel Gomez. “And today, it feels good to be back out here.” The bait house is also back in business, with fishing supplies, sundries, and restrooms. The return follows months of costly repairs after the hurricanes tore away railings, washed out utilities, and even shifted massive concrete slabs. “It gives me hope that we’re going to have a good season and that things are kind of back to normal,” said visitor Hugh Bullock, who called the pier’s closure “very sad” for locals and longtime fishermen. At the far end, the “T” fishing stand remains closed while crews make temporary fixes. Permanent repairs are still awaiting approval. Vendors say even a partial reopening is a big boost. “It’s really important, because it definitely brings out the tourists, brings out the locals,” said Pier 60 vendor Reign Wilson. “The more people here, the more we get to engage, the more we get to create a healthy happy space for them to be in.” Others simply welcome having one of the area’s most recognizable gathering spots back. “We really have missed it,” Zuelke said. “It’s just a go-to place when we didn’t have anything to do, when we wanted to get out and enjoy the day. It’s nice to have it open again.” City officials say long-term plans to reinforce Pier 60 against future storms are still being discussed. For now, admission is free until access gates are reinstalled. After that, it will cost $10 per person per day.