Gloucester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism found itself without a sponsor this year of the blanket permit at Gloucester Point Pier that allows individuals to fish there without having to possess an individual permit.

However, two local businesses—N-Out Food Mart at Gloucester Point and Neal’s Hunting & Fishing Supplies at White Marsh and Gloucester Point—stepped forward recently to sponsor the license. Sharing in the license expense is Park Partners, a group that supports Gloucester PRT, said Chris Smith, superintendent of parks.

Smith said Feb. 27 that he expects the county will receive its state license within the next week or two. Until then, he said, a sign has been posted at the pier alerting anglers they must carry an individual fishing permit.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission requires either a blanket permit or an individual permit for fishing from a pier, Smith said, with the Point pier license having had several...