The new pier being constructed across from Pier Park has been the recipient of great weather lately, putting the project weeks ahead of schedule. Will it open sooner than the July 4th target date? We'll keep you posted.

Here are two pictures of the Pier that I took yesterday from my balcony.

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Thanks for the pics LB!

Any word on the pier? I will be down the week of sept 21-25th.

Should be open by the Bowhunter... from the road it appears to be very near completion.....

According to the June newsletter from PCBeach.com, the grand re-opening is scheduled for the July 4th weekend.

Also, a local posted the following on another forum:

Gulf Power is holding up the works with being late with the power transformer. All that is left is the handrails and lighting. It will be some time in July when it opens. If nothing else, the fireworks will be shot off the end of the pier. The county pier is running about 12 months behind the City Pier. Seems now they know what they are doing and appear to be able to move faster.

Thanks for the update gagirl!

You would think they would have hired a company who has put these up many times before like they do with Wal Marts, hotels, and other commercial/public structures. These things would have been done already, and making some sort of money.

Here's the latest on the Pier, courtesy of The News Herald:

Officials hopeful for July Fourth city pier opening (see PHOTO GALLERY) - The News Herald

I read on another forum site it opened July 3rd. Cannot wait to go back on it, I love walking out on that pier. Will be down there August 29th through Sept. 5th. I do have a question though, it used to be called the Dan Russell pier, now it is called the Russell-Fields pier, who is Fields?

Looks like it was named after longtime pier supervisor Elgin "Popeye" Fields Jr. according to this article.

And here's a photo of him if you want to put a face to the name!

The new pier has been renamed to honor both Dan Russell (the city's first mayor) and Elgin “Popeye” Fields Jr.

Fields was the longtime supervisor at city pier, who loved both fishing and people, making him a memorable pier fixture. Fields was known to help untangle fishing lines, jump in after rods, and even stay late for anyone needing a listening ear. Fields passed away in 2001, but will be forever connected to the pier that he felt so passionate about.

You can read the full article by clicking on the link below:
http://www.tripsmarter.com/travelinfo/panama-city-beach/russell-fields-pier-now-open

Great article Miranda - thanks!

And welcome to the Tripsmarter team, btw!

What an interesting article, and a great picture. He looked like someone anyone would like. Thanks Shawn, obviously, I need to learn how to type. I just noticed I typed Dept. instead of Sept. How embarrassing. Anyway, cannot wait to be there.