That’s what Lee County Commissioner David Mulicka told Beach Talk Radio Tuesday when it was announced that permits from the Army Corps of Engineers for the Fort Myers Beach pier arrived this week.
The Fort Myers Beach pier, which is owned by Lee County, was completely destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September of 2022. It has been closed ever since.
The new pier will be 1,000 feet long and 12 feet wide. That’s 71% longer and 50% wider than the pier destroyed by the storm. The Board of County Commissioners approved over $17 million to build the longer and wider pier back in June of 2024. $11 million for the project will come from Tourist Development Council reserve funds. The balance will be paid by FEMA.
Lee County says pre-construction efforts include coordination meetings, final review of the contractor’s project schedule and construction submittals, and coordination with regulatory agencies and project stakeholders. Lee County is working closely with its consultants to facilitate meetings with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to ensure all environmental, safety, operational, permitting, and regulatory requirements are satisfied before construction begins.
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Exciting! One more step forward 😊
Great News!
One thing is certain: if the rebuilding of the pier were left to the town council, approval of a final design would be in discussions until 2030.
Amen to that and would be ten ft long because we can’t go to big. We’d block the view of the water.
It will be nice. It’s not what I go to FMB for. Been visiting since 1979. I have endless memories of this pier and i have been on the island more than a few times since Ian. I think it’s a bit much, but I do hope it contributes to the fun and prosperity of the the island.
That is great news. I am glad that they took in consideration what the people wanted. I can’t remember the name of the man that toured many piers after Ian and gave a great presentation but I am sure he and the residents had a lot to do with the length and width increase of the pier. I can’t wait to see it.
Commence the whining crybabies of the town who think nothing should change.