Marking a major milestone in the recovery of coastal Tampa Bay communities from hurricanes Helene and Milton, significant federal funding was delivered to help rebuild the iconic Dunedin Pier, which was twisted and torn apart by Hurricane Helene’s destructive storm surge.

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, who worked to secure more than $800,000 in vital federal funding, presented a check for the funds to representatives from the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) and the City of Dunedin. The funds will specifically reconstruct the portion of the pier used by PSTA’s Clearwater Ferry, creating a permanent dock for the ferry service, which serves as an important transportation and tourism link to other Pinellas County communities.

“After the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, rebuilding the Dunedin Pier is about more than infrastructure; it's about restoring the heart of this community,” said Rep. Luna. “I was proud to help secure this funding to ensure Dunedin comes back stronger, safer, and ready to thrive again.”

Bringing Vital Service Back

PSTA’s Clearwater Ferry has made stops at the Dunedin Pier since 2018, connecting the city with Clearwater Beach and Downtown Clearwater. When Hurricane Helene ripped apart the pier on September 26, 2024, the Dunedin portion of the ferry service was halted for more than a year.

The stopped service cut off a flow of visitors to Downtown Dunedin’s businesses, as well as a popular way for Dunedin locals to get to Clearwater Beach.

In October 2025, service to Dunedin resumed with a small temporary dock. Because of the new funding, that stopgap measure will be replaced by a full, permanent dock in the months ahead.

“We sincerely thank Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna for her support and championing these funds for our community,” said PSTA’s CEO Brad Miller. “With the Dunedin line being the most popular Clearwater Ferry route, in terms of ridership, this funding will restore a critical transit link that will support tourism, workforce mobility, and congestion relief along the beach communities.“

The funds presented by Rep. Luna will be coordinated with funding from FEMA, the State of Florida’s Disaster Fund, and the city’s general fund to bring the pier back to life. Construction is now underway, with completion expected by the end of this year, according to officials.