$250 million St. Pete Pier expansion revealed with underwater manatee viewing pods, amphitheater
/Underwater manatee viewing pods are planned for the St. Pete Pier as part of a $250 million expansion | Blue Current Development Group
A new unsolicited proposal is making waves in downtown St. Petersburg—literally.
According to documents recently submitted to the city and obtained by St. Pete Rising, California-based Blue Current Development Group, is pitching a “Phase 2” expansion of the St. Pete Pier, building on the waterfront destination that opened in 2020.
The concept is positioned as a complementary addition rather than a replacement, extending beyond the existing pier while preserving its current layout.
The focus, according to the proposal, is on immersive experiences that bring visitors closer to Tampa Bay—most notably, underwater manatee viewing pods.
The centerpiece of the plan features a series of submerged, glass-enclosed observation rooms anchored below the water’s surface.
Accessible via a gently sloping walkway and elevator, the pods would allow visitors to sit several feet beneath the bay and observe marine life in real time.
Renderings show circular rooms with panoramic glass walls and low lighting designed to avoid disturbing wildlife.
The $250 million expansion of the St. Pete Pier will include underwater manatee viewing pods, a floating tidal park, a lazy river, an amphitheater, and a marine discovery loop | Blue Current Development Group
The pods would be placed in areas known for frequent manatee activity, offering what the development team describes as a “front-row seat” to the animals.
According to the proposal, the structures would also gently warm the surrounding water to create conditions that naturally attract manatees, particularly during cooler months.
“We looked at the pier and asked how we could bring people closer to the water without changing what already works,” said Manny T. Waters, CEO of Blue Current Development Group. “This is about creating new ways to experience Tampa Bay that feel natural to St. Pete.”
Notably, Manny T. Waters’ brother, Wade E. Waters, announced plans last year to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District as a large-scale water park.
Beyond the underwater elements, the St. Pete Pier expansion proposal includes a floating “tidal park” made up of connected platforms that rise and fall with the bay.
Plans call for shaded seating, small food and beverage concepts, and a saltwater wading lagoon using filtered bay water.
Underwater manatee viewing pods would give visitors a front-row view of marine life in Tampa Bay | Blue Current Development Group
The proposal also introduces a slow-moving “lazy river” loop integrated into the expansion, using filtered bay water and a series of floating barriers to create a gentle current.
Framed as a passive recreation feature, the concept would allow visitors to float through portions of the pier while taking in views of the surrounding waterfront at a pace that mirrors St. Pete’s laid-back vibe.
“We wanted to create something that feels uniquely St. Pete,” Waters added. “It’s not a theme park—it’s a place where you can spend an afternoon, whether that’s floating through the bay or just watching the sunset.”
Another feature is a “marine discovery loop,” an elevated walkway extending beyond the current pier head before curving back toward shore.
The path would include interactive exhibits focused on seagrass restoration, marine habitats, and coastal resilience.
Plans also call for a small waterfront amphitheater built slightly below grade into the pier deck.
A 250-seat waterfront amphitheater is proposed as part of Phase 2 of the St. Pete Pier | Blue Current Development Group
The space would be oriented toward the bay, with tiered seating designed to frame sunset views while hosting small-scale performances, community events, and educational programming.
The proposal also outlines a limited expansion of retail and dining, with a handful of waterfront concepts designed to complement existing pier tenants. Early ideas include a raw bar and a small café situated on floating platforms.
According to the submission, the total project cost is estimated at $250 million, with funding envisioned through a mix of private capital, sponsorships, and potential public infrastructure partnerships.
The development team describes the concept as “light-touch and environmentally responsive,” with an emphasis on education and passive recreation rather than large-scale commercial development.
City officials confirmed receipt of the proposal but noted it is still in the early stages of review.
“The city has received an unsolicited concept related to a potential pier expansion,” a spokesperson said. “As with any proposal, it will go through an initial evaluation process before any decisions are made.”
The “marine discovery loop” will include interactive exhibits focused on seagrass restoration, marine habitats, and coastal resilience | Blue Current Development Group
Unsolicited proposals allow private groups to bring forward ideas for city-owned land, though moving forward typically requires a broader competitive process.
While some elements of the proposal are more unconventional than others, the idea of expanding the pier has been a recurring topic as the destination continues to draw strong crowds.
For now, the plan remains conceptual. But it offers a glimpse into what a next phase of the pier could look like—even if it includes watching manatees from beneath the surface or floating through the bay on a lazy afternoon.
Disclaimer: This article is an April Fools’ joke and is purely satirical. No real plans exist for an expansion of the St. Pete Pier (at least, not yet!). Additionally, AI was used to generate parts of this story and accompanying images. Thanks for playing along — Happy April Fools’ Day, St. Pete!
