This subject is dear to me in a personal way because it is where my brothers and I spent much of our teenage years fishing.The Newport pier is the last remaining pier in Dade county and was designated a Historic Landmark in 1982 yet it remains closed since 2005 when Hurricane Wilma damaged it.The city has paid to have engineering firms study the damage to the pier but I for one am skeptical of the studies findings.
the pier as it looked back in the 1950's
My brother Jorge and a friend of ours Alex Mesa doing some after school fishing
My brother who practically lived on the pier when he was almost finished with High School poses with a small snook
Here I am fighting a fish on my surfrod from the north corner of the T
Alex w a nice Newport pier Bonita
A nice sized kingfish caught on the Newport pier
During the mackeral run everyone caught them on freelined bait
My two brothers and I after an afternoon on Newport pier
My brother Jorge and Alex after a typical mackeral run afternoon on the pier
Sunny Isles pier as it looks today -picture taken from the parking lot.Notice the sign reads "No fishing from the beach" by City and County ordinance.That's A Big Lie!!!!Maybe they mean no fishing from 8 to 6 when the bathers are in the water, but the impression is that there is absolutely no fishing allowed from the beach,,,,,,,,no,no,no too unsightly for the Millionaire condo owners to see fisherman on there beach.For God's sake!!I know the county definetly does not have a complete no fishing from the beach ordinance.
South side view of the pier.Do you see any evidence of structural damage?The beams are all there ,none is missing or falling into the ocean.From the T back to the surf line the pier is built of Steel I Beams encased in concrete and covered in thick white plastic to protect the beams from corrosion.My impression .
The view of the pier as seen from the north side.Again no evidence of major structural damage visible from this angle.Maybe some of the cross braces need to be replaced but for the most part the pier looks intact.I wonder what is really behind this declaration that "the structure is unsafe" is really all about?
The very small public parking lot provided for the pier patrons and pier raw bar . To the left you can see the huge Condo that has been built where the original pier parking lot used to be.To hell with fisherman ,,,,,selll every inch of land to the highest bidder.Something's not right here!!
On the right the original Newport Beach Resort still stands and to the left the new La Perla on The Beach condo tower.A concrete jungle looms to the North and South of the pier
A view of La Perla condo as seen from the entrance of the pier.
The entrance to the pier.
A view from inside the Restaurant at the entrance of the pier.
EMPTY BALCONIES ON THE CONDOS AND EMPTY TABLES IN THE RESTAURANT DECK.
BEAUTIFUL PLACES THAT VERY FEW CAN AFFORD TO ENJOY NOWADAYS
The sign with the name of the restaurant at the entrance to the pier.
The fence that blocks the entrance to the fishing pier and the sign that reads "Closed for Renovations"What renovations ?There is no work being done to the pier at all.I talked to the bar manager at the Raw bar restaurant and asked him when the pier is going to be fixed ?He told me he had no idea but that they were tired of waiting for the repairs to get under way .He stated that they were losing money because the pier still remains closed.He also told me that every single day they had to turn away atleast 10 people who would show up rods in hand ready to go out on the pier.
The view of the pier just beyond the fence.Notice the lumber for the repairs stacked up on the floor on either side of the pier, but no work crew in sight.What's really happening while the fisherman wait years for the pier to reopen?
The once little sleepy town of Sunny Isles has seen a complete transformation into one of the most developed pieces of oceanfront land in the country.The land between NE 163 street and NE 183 street has seen more 25 plus story towers condos built in the last 12 years since Sunny Isles became a City then any other piece waterfront coastline in the state.The tax base that those high rise condos has produced for the city coifers has allowed the city goverment to make improvements on everything from infrastructure (streets ,sewer,parks,storm drainage etc,etc)to buying up private properties to convert to City parks and that's great but what about the pier ?Why is there is there no interest in reparing it ?This city has fat pockets they recently entered into negotiations to purchase a shopping center owned by RK Associates VIII located at Sunny Isles Boulevard and NE 151 Street for 9 million dollars.This little city by the ocean sure has seen it's share of progress and thanks in large part by the wealthy tax payers who own the hundreds of expensive condos along the beach .Unlike most other cities in our nation that are having to deal with cutting there spending on city projects because of big deficits Sunny Isles is doing very well but not well enough to repair a historic landmark.Where is the truth as to why this is taking place ?What does Sunny Isles and it's goverment officials intend to do with the Historic landmark pier and it's parking lot?Why has the city dragged it's feet about getting the pier repaired?
Several of the many huge towers that are part of the scene along Sunny Isle beach
A view looking north on Sunny Isles blvd (Collins Ave)and the concrete jungle on the beach side of the street
The view looking south along Sunny Isles blvd
The pier is currently owned by the Newport Operating Group the same organization that owns the Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort.The Newport Group owners president Dr Robert Cornfeld has plegded 2 million dollars for the restoration of the pier in an agreement with the city goverment that gives Sunny Isles control of the pier and all it's matters including construction of a proposed large restaurant at the entrance to the pier.The city has proposed up 3 million dollars for the work.Ask yourselves if this pier looks like it needs 5 million dollars for renovations.The parking lot in front of the pier only has spaces for 12 cars so how can the city of Sunny Isles be so blind as to propose building a big restaurant on the pier when there is no parking for the fisherman who would use the pier let alone for restaurant patrons.Again the fisherman get the shaft in the name of progress. Dade county residents that have enjoyed the pier for close to 80 years sure would like a fishing pier back.Ask yourselves does this city really need another source of revenue by building this restaurant??????They certainly don't need the money .Are the mayor and commisioners so out of touch with the economic reality the rest of the world is dealing with right now ?These historic places are so very important in these difficult times because they remind us of our past when more simple times were the true essence of American life. As a historic landmark this pier has such deep roots and shared memories for the people of south Florida that it should be cherished and preserved for all to enjoy.It's destiny should not be in the hands of such short sighted ,greedy, so- called public servants who many times are self serving, and corrupt.We see it in the news almost daily.What do you think? This historic treasure should be owned by all the people of the land not just the residents of a very small wealthy community.A national designation as a historic place by the Federal goverment might help it get the protection and attention it deserves. The city of Sunny Isles it's Mayor and it's commisioners don't give a damm about the pier or the fisherman they are only worried about the money the pier might generate.I hope I'm wrong .How Very Sad that would be!!!How much has this country changed when our history can be sold to the highest bidder,,,,,,when the only thing that matters is the money.If they had a little wisdom they would understand the need to preserve these historic places that provide a place where families can share memorable times?How can those in Sunny Isles goverment turn a blind eye to the History attached to this pier that sits right in there front yard?To me it seems they really don't care about anything other then selling the little land that becomes available to the highest bidders willing to build the tallest million dollar condos to increse the tax base of the City. Bringing new construction to any city is important and I believe in progress as much as the next guy but not if it means ignoring the value of historic places.There must exist a balance between progress and preserving important places for our children to one day enjoy and feel a part of.
Another beachside lot where an affordable hotel once stood now awaiting the construction of another high rise condo tower for the rich.Do we need another tower on
the beach?Can't Dade county goverment or the federal goverment step in and say for every 5 high dollar buildings you build on the beach you must retain or keep one affordable to the working class American?I think we can work on such legislaton.
THE PIER AND IT'S HISTORY
THIS PIER BUILT IN 1936 BY CITY PIONEER/DEVELOPER HARVEY BAKER GRAVES IS A BIG PART OF SUNNY ISLES HISTORY YET IT REMAINS IGNORED ,FORGOTTEN AND LEFT TO THE ELEMENTS,,,,,,,,WHAT A SHAME!!!
One of a few articles that I was able to find on the internet.
http://activerain.com/blogsview/316780/ ... o-repairs-
MUCH MORE TO COME ,,,,,,SOON
SOUTH FLORIDA SHARK CLUB -President SFSC-Founding Member est 1983 SFSC-Website Administrator BIG HAMMER SHARK TOURNAMENT -Founder Rene Memorial Sharkathon -Founder NMFS Shark Tagger
William,
Din't they just move some house last year to a new spot,where is the national historical society.no where to be found,how about we make the walk of famous fisherman and they each get a plank with their name on the pier.there was a time when men fell in love with the sea,the time of fight mano a mano.(they call me ishmael and the old man and the sea).it's funny how the same people who now don't give a damn about our dream's,can't seem to remenber what got them through their night's.OUR DREAM'S.
Well Hllelujah !!!!
I just got great news!!!I started this thread one afternoon that i was feeling down and decided to drive around to remember the many places that brought me joy when i was a young man growing up in North Miami Beach .I drove down Collins Avenue asnd by the Newport pier and was sadly reminded that it stood empty ,closed and decaying into the Atlantic and at that moment i looked around and noticed how much the beach had changed since i was a kid and it made me angrry and sad that the world i was recognized had forever been changed by the hand of time and progress and a cities desire to build high places that i could not identify with or hope to ever possibly reach.So I took out my handy little digital always by my side and had the Idea to write a report to document some of the pier's ,rich history and to find answers as to why the pier is not being repaired .
It now seems I might not of been fully aware of some very important things going on behind the scenes.In the course of my internet based research for the report I found the name of Dr Robert Cornfeld who many years ago bought and still owns the Newport Resort and pier . So I Googled the name and came up with several different phone numbers of Organizations that Dr Cornfeld is involved with or owns and The first one i called I asked to please speak with Dr Cornfeld and in no time was on the phone with the owner of the pier.
GREAT NEWS
What a nice man ,a senior statesman,a wise down to earth ,simple ,elegant ,mild mannered ,sincere man was the impression I got and still have of this man who has been involved in so many difgferent ventures throughout his life.I introduced myself as a man who grew up fishing the pier and who valued it highly and told him that I represent a large group of people interested in the well being of the old historic fishing pier.Dr Cornfeld told me that as of 3 weeks ago Sunny Isles finally got the EPA permits to go ahead with the planned renovations of the pier.He informed me that the old pier will be demolished and a new modern design will take it's place.The new pier will have higher pilings and deck to avoid being destroyed during the storm surges associated with large storms and hurricanes.He told me that the City of Sunny Isles and it's Mayor have been very dilligent in there efforts to get the pier renovations under way.My sincere apologies to the Mayor and the commisioners for mis judging your intentions.Dr Cornfeld told me that by next year the new pier should be completed ,,,,,it will be the same length as the existing pier with a much better construction.It will cost him 2 million dollars and the city is putting up the rest of the money 3 million dollars to get the job done .The city will run the pier and split the profits evenly with his company.It just goes to show if you dig deep enough you find what you are looking for.Thanks Dr Robert Cornfeld for being who you are and how you are- A great man and a true Visionary!!!!
SOUTH FLORIDA SHARK CLUB -President SFSC-Founding Member est 1983 SFSC-Website Administrator BIG HAMMER SHARK TOURNAMENT -Founder Rene Memorial Sharkathon -Founder NMFS Shark Tagger
hey willy ty for the storys and picture you put up from the old days in newport pier 
for you that you found out about it beeing to be replaced instead of beeing demolish i am glad that you spoke for all of us as a team leader maybe next year we can all go fishing there and have lots of fun like we used to in the old days when it was still open it will be real 
to go there againg
i know for me i cant wait for them to open the pier back up
just so dania can go back to the way it was
now u cant turn your back on your gear to many lil gits trying to steal your stuff
you know when newport use to be open when i was a bit younger i watched 2 guys get into a fight over a bluerunner i caught an just droped on the pier
i couldnt beleave it 2 grown men fighting over a trash fish
wow thats great!!! you think we can shark fish there??? caught a 40 lb cuda on 12lb test there !!! ran an fought him on the beach!!!
SFSC -East Coast Events Coordinator
This is going to be great when this opens again, me and my dad are pumped! First place I ever fished in Miami!!!
I grew up around newport pier as well, I believe i got my first decent jack there, ive always wanted to fish there now, i hope it reopens, i would go there all the time!
Just an average fisherman.
I got my first Shark there a 2ft bonnet head it was a memorable one because it was the day that i got my pacifier taken from me and my parents told me a shark ate it so you can probably guess what happened when i caught it ( I attacked it and we ended up cutting it open but my pacifier wasn't there 
)
I got my first Shark there a 2ft bonnet head it was a memorable one because it was the day that i got my pacifier taken from me and my parents told me a shark ate it so you can probably guess what happened when i caught it ( I attacked it and we ended up cutting it open but my pacifier wasn't there
LMFAO 
,,,,that's gotta be a CLASSIC "HOW I GOT STARTED SHARK FISHING STORY" rite ther!!!
momma momma wher's my pacifier??? ,,no now be nice son de nice little sharky ate it be nice and share!!!LOL
SOUTH FLORIDA SHARK CLUB -President SFSC-Founding Member est 1983 SFSC-Website Administrator BIG HAMMER SHARK TOURNAMENT -Founder Rene Memorial Sharkathon -Founder NMFS Shark Tagger
Does anyone have an update on the status of the pier??
Here was a news article about renovation start: http://www.communitynewspapers.com/sunn ... hing-pier/
But has it been finished? No photos online yet.
Here was a news article about renovation start: http://www.communitynewspapers.com/sunn ... hing-pier/
But has it been finished? No photos online yet.
Wow! Thanks for the update!
Almost two years though, and no updates... Can't wait until its done.
The Newport pier is currently in the demolition phase by Shoreline Foundation inc and hopefully will be built and completed in 2012 .Every time I go to Haulover docks to get shark bait from the charter boats I drive by the front of the pier and can see that the demolition phase is taking longer then normal but have no Idea why.I was told they could not work during turtle nesting season but I stopped at the site and spoke to the construction supervisor who flatly denied it.Since 2005 when Hurricane Wilma damaged the last pier in Dade County (Miami)it has been condemned and closed by local officials and it seems the city or the contruction company are dragging there feet and not in any hurry to complete the project.Hopefully we'll be fishing Newport pier by Christmas 2012 but don't bet on it.
here's a link with up to date pics of the construction
http://shorelinefoundation.com/jobs/new ... shing-pier
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SOUTH FLORIDA SHARK CLUB -President SFSC-Founding Member est 1983 SFSC-Website Administrator BIG HAMMER SHARK TOURNAMENT -Founder Rene Memorial Sharkathon -Founder NMFS Shark Tagger
Will it's great you're staying on top of this. Sunny Isles was the first spot my dad started taking me fishing when I was a little kid, I think Miami is in need of a fishing pier again.