The bulldozers and backhoes are cranking at the head of the St. Pete Pier.
The inverted pyramid, constructed in the early seventies, is still there, mind you, so those of the opinion that the building is an icon can go pay their last respects. Mayor Rick Kriseman's office on Wednesday announced an event that will honor the structure before it's rendered unrecognizable.
The event will take place Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Spa Beach, which is at the base of the Pier.
Kriseman will give a presentation in which he will give each member of the Pier selection committee a piece of etched glass from the inverted pyramid.
On a first-come, first-served basis, attendees will be given brick pavers, also Pier relics, with the inverted pyramid emblazoned on them. Postcards printed with the original watercolor of the Pier by Milton Howarth will also be available.
Residents will also have a chance to have their farewell to the Pier videotaped, or they can write theirs down on a banner.
Construction of the new pier, Pier Park, is expected to be complete in 2018.
This article appears in Aug 13-19, 2015.