Do We Beach House

Fort Myers Beach is about to get its most recognizable landmark back. Lee County will break ground on the rebuilt Fort Myers Beach Pier Friday, Aug. 21 at 10 a.m., with a ceremony at Crescent Beach Family Park — the freshly reopened park at 1100 Estero Blvd. that overlooks the pier site.

The original pier was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The replacement will run roughly 1,000 feet long and 12 feet wide — more than 70% longer and 50% wider than the pier it replaces — with reinforced concrete piles, a concrete deck, aluminum railings, an entry gate, and three shade structures. Lee County is funding the $14.4 million project through FEMA Public Assistance, tourist development tax dollars, and RESTORE Act grants. Work is expected to take about a year, with completion anticipated in late summer 2027.

For visitors, this is the latest milestone in an island that keeps rebuilding stronger. The new pier is designed to be a durable community landmark for decades — a longer, wider version of the postcard view from the sand. There’s no event parking on site, so the county is running free LeeTran Beach Trolley rides from the Beach Park & Ride between 8 and 11 a.m. for anyone who wants to watch the ceremony.

Source: Fort Myers Beach Observer.