Fort Myers Beach pier rebuild ahead of schedule

Fort Myers Beach is moving forward with plans to rebuild its pier, destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Lee County put the million project out for bid this week, marking a major step toward construction. Awaiting a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers, work is expected to begin early next year after and finish by early 2027, more than a year ahead of schedule. The Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency approved construction during sea turtle nesting season to avoid delays. The new 16,000-square-foot pier will be 12 feet wide, include three shade structures and use concrete decking and stronger pilings. Lighting will be mounted on handrails to reduce wildlife impacts, and officials may repurpose old pilings into an artificial reef.