Lee County has set up a safe passage for beach goers on Fort Myers Bear for navigating the construction site for the new pier.
Provided by Lee County
USA TODAY Network, Reuters
It’s beginning to look a lot like … season.
This means snowbirds are starting to arrive and not too far behind we will start seeing the tourists coming here to escape the cold temperatures up north.
A good place to warm up will be Fort Myers Beach where a massive and historic project is underway to build a new pier. In September 2022 historic Hurricane Ian slammed the SW Florida coast and destroyed the beloved pier known for its sunsets and fishing.
Residents, part-timers and visitors to Fort Myers Beach are all interested in the progress of the pier. With the annual arrival of more people in the market, Lee County is taking a proactive approach to remind everyone about safety measures that are in place and need to be followed regarding the pier construction site.
In a press release, Lee County said keep in mind these do’s and don’ts:
Do remain outside all construction fencing, barriers and restricted work areas.Do follow all posted signs, detours and directions from construction personnel.Do remember that the water surrounding the pier is an active construction zone.Don’t swim, wade, fish, boat or operate personal watercraft near active construction operations.Don’t look directly at welding activities, as welding arcs can give off harmful ultraviolet rays.Don’t attempt to walk through a closed portion of the beach or construction area.
In addition to the do’s and don’s, Lee County said when access near the pier is restricted, pedestrians should exit the beach through Times Square, use the sidewalk along Estero Boulevard to travel around the construction area and re-enter the beach on the far side of Lynn Hall. Those traveling in the opposite direction should follow the same route in reverse.
Fort Myers Beach construction: What’s next?
As a reminder, Lee County said crews will soon begin installing the new concrete piles. A 150-foot safety perimeter will be established around active operations and may temporarily affect nearby beach access.
Pile driving will include periods of noticeable vibration and loud, repetitive construction noise. Crews anticipate installing approximately three piles per day, weather and field conditions permitting, beginning landside and progressing toward the end of the pier.
Mark H. Bickel is the Audience Development Director for The News-Press & Naples Daily News. Reach him by emailing mbickel@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: As season starts, it’s safety first for Fort Myers Beach pier project
Reporting by Mark H. Bickel, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Progress on the removal of the destroyed iconic Fort Myers Beach pier continues on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. A new pier is replacing the old one that was decimated in Hurricane Ian in 2022. Andrew West/Fort Myers News-Pres USA TODAY Network, Reuters
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This story was originally published October 6, 2026 at 8:07 AM.