Lee County to break ground on Fort Myers Beach Pier on Friday
Lee County will begin work on rebuilding the Fort Myers Beach Pier next Friday, Aug. 21, with a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. The pier was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
The project is expected to take a year. The cost is being covered by FEMA and Lee County Tourist Development Tax dollars.
The event will happen in the adjacent Crescent Beach Family Park, which recently reopened at 1100 Estero Blvd. and affords a view of the pier site. The park is near the base of the Matanzas Pass Bridge and Times Square. There is no onsite event parking. Attendees are encouraged to walk, cycle or ride LeeTran. (See details below.)
The replacement will extend the pier to roughly 1,000 feet long and 12 feet wide, or more than 70% longer and 50% wider than the pier destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The pier will incorporate reinforced concrete piles, a concrete deck, aluminum railings, an entry gate and three shade structures, establishing the pier as a durable community landmark.
Project completion is anticipated for late Summer 2027, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting. Lee County is funding the $14.4 million project (design and construction) using FEMA Public Assistance, Tourist Development Taxes and RESTORE ACT grants.
Additional information is available:
Website: go.leefl.gov/FMBPierProject
Frequently Asked Questions: FMB_Pier_FAQ_20260803.pdf
Design renderings of the pier: Fort Myers Beach Pier Replacement Renderings
The official groundbreaking event will include brief remarks from Lee County Commissioners, other officials and Lee County staff. Attendees are encouraged to wear appropriate outdoor footwear and sun-protective attire.
Attendees are encouraged to ride LeeTran from the Beach Park & Ride, 11101 Summerlin Square Drive. The Beach Trolley Route 490 provides convenient transportation from the Beach Park & Ride – with direct service to Crescent Beach Family Park – about every 30 minutes. The regular fare of 75 cents each way will be waived from 8 to 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, to accommodate groundbreaking ceremony participants.
Departure times from the Park & Ride to Crescent Beach Family Park prior to the event are 7:55, 8:24, 8:53, 9:22 and 9:51 a.m. The ride takes about 15 minutes.
Departure times from Crescent Beach Family Park to the Beach Park & Ride after the event are 10:05, 10:34 and 11:03 a.m.
Photos by Nathann Mayberg
