ANNA MARIA, Fla. — The Rod & Reel Pier restaurant on Anna Maria Island was swallowed by the Gulf of Mexico in the whipping winds of Hurricane Milton, which made landfall Wednesday night in Siesta Key.
The restaurant has been around since 1947 and has been a staple in the community for generations.
As news spread about the restaurant disappearing into the vast Gulf waters, patrons took to social media to express their sadness.
“Anna Maria Island and the Rod & Reel Pier were a special place for me since my first visit there at the age of 12, and it has seen my 2 kids grow over the years,” Facebook user Eike Freese posted on Friday.
The restaurant had already taken a hit from Hurricane Helene and had organized a GoFundMe to make repairs.
“This is not just about rebuilding a restaurant – it’s about preserving a piece of Anna Maria Island’s history, restoring a community gathering place, and helping over 40 employees regain their income,” the GoFundMe page reads.
Emerald Morrow is an investigative reporter with 10 Tampa Bay on assignment for Hurricane Milton. Like her on Facebook and follow her on X. You can also email her at emorrow@10tampabay.com.