What that barge in the bay is doing
That barge off the bayfront is a $19.9 million project, and most people walking past it have no idea what it's for. FDOT is replacing the seawall along Avenida Menendez, from the Bridge of Lions to Charlotte Street. Per FDOT's published plans: the post-and-chain barrier is replaced by a solid 42-inch coquina wall, the raised walkway is rebuilt and lowered to street level, the timber pergolas are removed during construction and rebuilt, and work started in June with completion set for fall 2027.
The video below shows what the stretch near the Bridge of Lions could look like. It's an illustration based on FDOT's description, not an official rendering.