Florida Construction News staff writer
Lee County is set to break ground Friday on a $14.4-million project to rebuild and expand the Fort Myers Beach Pier, nearly four years after the landmark was destroyed by Hurricane Ian.
The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Aug. 21 at Crescent Beach Family Park, adjacent to the pier site at 1100 Estero Blvd.
The new pier will extend approximately 1,000 feet and measure 12 feet wide, making it 70.85% longer and 50% wider than the structure destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September 2022.
The project has been in development since April 2024, when the Lee County Board of County Commissioners awarded a design contract for the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier.
Two months later, in June 2024, commissioners directed staff to rebuild the pier at 1,000 feet long and 12 feet wide. In April 2026, the board awarded a construction contract for the project.
The replacement pier will incorporate reinforced concrete piles, a concrete deck, aluminum railings, an entry gate and three shade structures. County officials said the new design will establish the pier as a durable community landmark.
Construction is expected to begin after all required permits have been received, with completion anticipated by late summer 2027, subject to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
The $14.4-million project includes both design and construction and is being funded through FEMA Public Assistance, Tourist Development Taxes and RESTORE Act grants.
The official groundbreaking ceremony will include remarks from Lee County commissioners, other elected officials and county staff.
There will be no onsite parking available for the event. The county is encouraging attendees to walk, cycle or use LeeTran to reach Crescent Beach Family Park, which is located near the base of the Matanzas Pass Bridge and Times Square.
To accommodate those attending the ceremony, LeeTran will waive the regular 75-cent fare on Beach Trolley Route 490 from 8 to 11 a.m. The route provides service between the Beach Park & Ride and Crescent Beach Family Park approximately every 30 minutes.
The ceremony will also be streamed on the Lee County YouTube channel and Lee County Facebook page.
