New Pier to have $79M impact

St. Petersburg's new Pier project and its amenities are expected to generate $79.5 million in new dining, retail and hotel sales after the city attraction opens late in 2018, according to a new study.

City consultant Lambert Advisory LLC says the new Municipal Pier also will result in 1,080 new jobs and produce $33 million a year in total wages.

The new Pier is also anticipated to bring in 715,000 out-of-area guests each year, who will spend $40 million and generate $15 million in new hotel expenditures and $935,000 in new bed tax.