Fort Myers Beach Pier to Get a Major Upgrade - Wider, Longer, Sturdier
Lee County Allocates $17.1 Million for Reconstruction Post-Hurricane Ian
by Richard Luthmann
The Fort Myers Beach Pier is set to be a shining symbol of resilience and renewal for the community. Lee County Commissioners have approved funding to rebuild the Pier, which was destroyed by Hurricane Ian nearly two years ago. The new pier will be longer, wider, and sturdier than the original, marking a significant investment in the community’s recovery and tourism infrastructure.
The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted last Tuesday to rebuild the pier to 1,000 feet long and 12 feet wide. This new structure will be nearly twice as long as the original 585-foot pier and 50% wider than its predecessor. The selected plan, option 3, costs $17.1 million.
Vice Chairman Kevin Ruane championed the forward-looking plan, noting that the new pier, even at 1,000 feet, would still be shorter than the 1,400-foot pier in St. Petersburg.
“St. Pete is 1,400 feet long. So, just FYI, I look at the attraction. This is still 400 feet shorter than St. Pete’s current pier,” Ruane said.
Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass expressed concerns about the project’s timeline but ultimately supported the decision. “I hate the timeline,” he said. “But it’s worth the wait.”
Commissioner Brian Hammond echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for transparency with the public.
“The timeframe does not sit well with me,” Hammond said. I think we should place updated signage at the pier site to let people know something is coming.”
About $11.6 million of the $17.1 million cost will come from over $40 million in Lee County Tourist Development Tax reserves, supplemented by FEMA reimbursement. The total estimated construction cost for rebuilding the pier to its original dimensions would have been about $5.6 million, fully covered by federal reimbursement. However, the commissioners saw the value in a more substantial investment.
The design and permitting process for the new pier is expected to take up to 36 months, and construction is projected to take an additional year to 18 months. This timeline includes examining the Gulf floor where the extended pier will be built.
Commissioners discussed the three proposed options’ cost, project length, and community value. They considered phasing the construction to expedite the project but ultimately decided on a single, comprehensive rebuild.
The decision to rebuild the pier in its original location was met with enthusiasm from community leaders. Fort Myers Beach Council Member Scott Safford praised the effort.
“I think it is fantastic news. The Pier committee led by Allen Shanosky should be commended for their hard work and collection of data. Karen Woodson should be commended as well for her tenacity in getting the project funded with the county. Our county commission listened to us, and this ends up being a big win for everyone,” Safford said.
FMB Council Member Karen Woodson, another key advocate for the project, expressed her excitement. “I am beyond excited and thankful for the Lee County Commissioners’ vote to support a longer and wider FMB pier! This is another step forward in the rebuild progress of our beautiful island and the first step for Times Square,” Woodson said.
Allen Shanosky, who led the pier committee and advocated for many benefits, including environmental sand reclamation in Matanzas Pass, also voiced his approval. “It’s great to know that our county leaders have the vision and foresight to invest in the county’s largest tourist attraction. They truly have our community’s back with regard to this important part of our island. Although there is a long way to go, rest assured, the FMB pier committee will maintain our engagement with the county to ensure our residents’ concerns are brought to the forefront of this very special project.” Jacki Liszak, President of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the project’s significance. “This is an important milestone in the recovery. It gives the entire community a spiritual boost.”
Local business owners and residents also celebrated the news. Joe Orlandini, a local real estate developer and expert, stated, “I’m extremely happy and looking forward to the starting date. The county knew the value of the pier and did the best possible outcome for the community and the long-term financial stability of Southwest Florida. I’m looking forward to seeing a packed Times Square and a pier full of people with pockets full of money to spend.”
Peter Ennis, a restaurateur and operator of Snug Harbor Restaurant and Wahoo Willie’s, said, “I think it’s great it got approved. I’m sure Lee County, Fort Myers Beach, and all visitors can’t wait to see it completed. It was one of the biggest tourist destinations in Southwest Florida. I just wish they could move the process along quickly. FMB needs reasons for people to visit and stay.”
Ennis and others may very well get their wish from Lee County Chairman Mike Greenwell, who said efforts will be made to expedite the process, potentially starting work earlier. “I know bigger isn’t always better, but I think in this circumstance, it is,” said Greenwell. “I think it will be well worth it because the pier will be here for a long time.”
Lee County Chairman and Commissioner Mike Greenwell
While the project might take an additional eight months to a year, Greenwell believes the result would be a Pier designed to last and withstand future hurricanes.
The rebuilt Fort Myers Beach Pier will be a prominent feature of the area, attracting tourists and benefiting local businesses. Adjacent sites like Lynn Hall Park and Crescent Beach Family Park will also complement the new Pier, enhancing the overall appeal of Fort Myers Beach and the Times Square area.
