Fort Myers Beach, Fla. — As Naples celebrated the groundbreaking of its pier on Monday, many people on Fort Myers Beach were left wondering when their own iconic pier would return.
The Fort Myers Beach Pier was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September 2022, leaving a visible gap in the heart of the island’s Times Square district. While progress has been made behind the scenes, official construction looms.
According to signage posted by Lee County on Fort Myers Beach, construction on the pier is expected to begin in the summer of 2026, once federal permits are approved. The build is expected to take about a year, with a potential completion in the summer of 2027. All dates are estimates according to the county.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach unanimously approved Lee County’s reconstruction plan in October, clearing a key local land-use step. However, the project remains in the design and federal permitting phase.
Lee County owns and is rebuilding the pier as part of its broader hurricane recovery and resiliency efforts. The project is funded in part by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Lee County Tourist Development Council.
Renderings of the new pier show a structure that will be wider and longer than the original, stretching about 1,000 feet with ADA access, bench seating, and turtle-friendly lighting designed to protect wildlife.
For many residents and longtime visitors, the wait has been difficult, but the anticipation remains strong.
“To get the pier back is seriously the heart of Times Square,” said JD Bedell, who has been visiting Fort Myers Beach for decades. “I couldn’t be happier. The three years since Ian hit, it’s unbelievable what’s been accomplished so far. I can’t wait.”
Others say that while the process feels slow, they understand the scale of the rebuild.
“It’s frustrating seeing it still like this, but I’m glad it’s coming back,” said Jack Doxy. “I think it’ll bring people back down here.”
Fort Myers Beach Town officials say they have not received any new updates from Lee County since approving the project in October, but plan to share information publicly as it becomes available.