ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, FL — The St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier is officially clocking out for repairs, leaving beachgoers, anglers, surfers, and people who simply enjoy walking somewhere dramatic over water to make other plans until November.

St. Johns County announced the pier will temporarily close beginning May 13 for a construction project to repair and strengthen the pier pilings. The project is expected to run through the end of November 2026.

During the closure, visitors may see minor parking impacts near the pavilion area, because no local improvement project would be complete without parking being invited to suffer quietly in the background.

The northern St. Augustine Beach access point will also be closed for the duration of the project. Beachgoers will need to use the south entrance for safe beach access while crews work on the pier.

Access under the pier will be restricted, and surfers and swimmers are being asked to stay 500 feet away from the structure during construction. This is less of a suggestion and more of a “please do not become part of the repair project” situation.

Permitted events and activities at nearby Ocean Pier Park are not expected to be impacted, and the Pier Gift Shop will remain open and accessible throughout the work.

County officials say the repairs are needed to maintain the safety and longevity of the pier, which is government language for “wood, saltwater, and time have been holding a meeting.”

At publishing time, the pier had not commented publicly, though several fish were reportedly exploring their short-term rental options.