Fort Myers Beach pier reconstruction is set to begin next year with a new expected completion date.
"The good news is we've been trying to promote staff to work on the permitting acceleration because we have a lot of not happy residents, including myself, that would like the pier back sooner," said Commissioner David Mulicka of the 3rd District of Lee County.
With Tuesday's announcement, we're now expecting a completion date of August 2027.
"We're talking August of '27 instead of August of '28, so we're chipping away at this, and I'm optimistic that we can hopefully find additional steps to improve on that if possible," Mulicka said.
"I think this is fantastic news. Certainly, Lee County wants to see that pier rebuilt as soon as possible. It's the first thing that you see when they come over the bridge onto Fort Myers Beach. They take all their pictures there. They send them back up north, and they let everybody know what a great time they're having here, so we want that pier back as soon as possible," said Commissioner Brian Hamman of the 4th District of Lee County.
Residents and tourists shared their joy for the update with Gulf Coast News anchor Elyse Chengery.
"That's hopeful news. I mean, I've been coming here since a little kid. The rubble is creating an eyesore. It's been down quite a while, so I think them getting to it is the best-case scenario," said Nicole O'Conner, who vacations on Fort Myers Beach yearly.
"That's awesome. I'm surprised it's going to take that long. It's been 2 1/2 years already. The pier is a central part of central Times Square. The clock is back; let's get the pier done," said Jamie Bedell, a Lee County resident.
"It's something that's always been here. You know, people look forward to coming here, going to Times Square in this area to see it," Maloney added.
Gulf Coast News has been on top of this timeline since Hurricane Ian. Last year, the county chose a design firm to rebuild it.
There are still permits to get done for construction to start next year on what will cost an estimated $17 million, which is mostly coming from the Lee County Tourist Development Tax reserves.
"Let's expedite it. Let's get it done. It's a big part of Fort Myers Beach, and leave La Ola alone," said a local resident.
The new pier will come with changes. It will be double the width, so 12 feet wide, and it will be longer with more amenities.