Panama City Beach's "Russell-Fields Pier" is officially open for business.

The 8-million dollar project across the street from Pier Park, has been under construction for a year and a half.

It opened to the public around dawn this morning.

The reactions were all pretty much the same, people were happy to have this pier reopen.

The old one closed to the public about 3-years ago because of damage from several hurricanes.

So, today's grand opening was highly anticipated.

The old Dan Russell pier had its share of damage through the years.

The city of Panama City Beach decided to rebuild the pier from scratch, and this is what visitors can now enjoy.

Guy Smith said, "It seemed like a lot of people enjoyed it this morning, from the older folks, the kids enjoyed it also, I saw some kids catching some fish. It was a real nice experience."

The new pier, now named the Russell-Fields pier, is 15-hundred feet long, nearly 30 feet longer than the original.

It's 17 feet wide with an observation and fishing deck at the end of the pier.

At a cost of almost 8 million dollars, visitors we talked with think the money was worth it.

Blair Gresens added, "It's really impressive what they put out here. I thought it was a lot of money for a pier but it's been terrific."

The new pier will give visitors and residents one of the best views on the beach, and a great place to make a big catch.

Benny Scott said, "This is nice. This one is clean and nice the other one was old and nasty. This is nice, couldn't wait to get here."

Some say the new entrance fees are a bit pricey, compared to the old rates.

It's 2 dollars a day to walk on the pier, 6 dollars to fish and 180 dollars for an annual pass.

That money will go toward running the pier and its up keep.

"I had a ten year pass years ago, now I guess it's going to be 160, but it's a great value. You get to see the beach from an angle that just can't see it any place else."

This pier won't be the only show in town come next year.

Bay County is building an identical pier at M.B. Miller park giving the area the two longest piers on the gulf.

The county pier should be completed by next summer.

There were several dozen people out on the pier today enjoying the view and catching some fish.

And you can probably expect larger crowds, now that there is actually a pier right across the street from the appropriately named pier park, which is probably the most visited spot on the beach.

The city isn't wasting any time putting the pier into good use.

Tomorrow night they'll use it for the annual fireworks show at 9 p.m. To celebrate independence day.