Construction is moving forward on a longer, wider — and less expensive than expected — fishing pier on Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian destroyed the previous structure in September 2022.
Lee County commissioners on April 7 awarded Panama City-based RJ Gorman Contracting LLC an $11.7 million contract to demolish the remaining pilings and build a new pier.
The winning bid came in $4.2 million lower than the next lowest proposal and more than $5 million below earlier cost estimates. Plans call for a 1,000-foot-long, 12-foot-wide pier with reinforced concrete piles — about 70% longer and 50% wider than the previous structure.
Funding for the project includes $7 million in tourist development taxes and $4.7 million from the Florida Division of Emergency Management through its Legislative Appropriation Program. The county also is pursuing additional funding through the RESTORE Act tied to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Debris and damaged structures surround the former Fort Myers Beach pier site after Hurricane Ian. The county is moving forward with rebuilding the landmark.
Lee County government
Two public speakers raised concerns about the low bid during the meeting, including whether the contractor has sufficient experience and whether costs could increase later through change orders.
County staff said RJ Gorman was vetted during the bidding process and determined to be a qualified, experienced contractor. The firm has previously been awarded a contract to rebuild the Mexico Beach pier in the Panhandle.
The new Fort Myers Beach pier will be about 12 feet wide, increasing capacity for pedestrians and fishing activities along the waterfront.
Lee County government
Commissioner David Mulicka said any change orders of $100,000 or more will require approval from the Lee Board of County Commissioners.
A lengthy permitting process continues to delay the project. While the state and town of Fort Myers Beach have approved construction, the Army Corps of Engineers has not yet completed its review. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also is conducting an environmental planning and historic preservation compliance review.
A pavilion is included in plans for the new Fort Myers Beach pier. The project is designed with upgraded materials to improve durability and resilience.
Lee County government
Once permits are secured, construction is expected to take about a year, weather permitting.
Commissioner Brian Hamman said he discussed the permitting timeline with Army Corps leadership in Washington, D.C., noting delays tied in part to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
“The shutdown is affecting us and slowing this process down,” Hamman said.