Naples Pier reconstruction officially begins with groundbreaking ceremony

NAPLES, Fla. —

Naples city officials have begun the long-awaited reconstruction of the iconic Naples Pier, which has been out of use for more than three years due to damage from Hurricane Ian.

The pier was severely damaged when the hurricane struck the Gulf Coast, with strong winds and storm surge ripping away over 30 pilings and sending nearly 140 feet of the structure crashing into the Gulf.

After Monday's groundbreaking ceremony, the project is expected to take 18 months and cost $23.5 million.

Before reconstruction could begin, the city had to complete emergency stabilization, secure federal disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and undergo multiple environmental and engineering reviews. With these approvals now in place, construction may begin.

City Manager Gary L. Young said that this project will take approximately 18 months, starting today. The demolition should be complete in the first four months. Initially, the remaining parts of the pier will be torn down and any debris in the Gulf will be cleared. Some of this debris will be repurposed for an artificial reef.

The 14 months of reconstruction following the demo include installing larger and stronger pilings and raising the pier at least 3 feet higher than before. The goal is to enhance safety and resiliency while maintaining its traditional look.

Naples residents are eager to see this historic landmark restored. Javier Fernandez, a local resident who grew up in Naples, expressed his excitement.

"It's a monument," Fernandez said. "That pier has always been a place to go and relax and fish."

Anne Santogatta from the Naples Walking Club shared her enthusiasm.

"We enjoy walking down the pier, watching the early fishermen, some early people having coffee on the pier," Santogatta said. "It's always been part of our walk and such an enjoyment."

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