Naples Pier rebuild excites locals, construction progress draws attention

NAPLES, Fla.—Construction on the Naples Pier has been underway for weeks, and the community is feeling the impact as progress continues. 

Temporary fencing and construction equipment now fill the area where the pier meets the beach, marking a significant transformation.

Nancy Rowe, a local resident, expressed her excitement about the ongoing work.

"I've been down to the beach a couple of times, and it's amazing to see how much progress is being made," said Rowe.

She shared that witnessing the activity at the pier site brings a sense of reality to the rebuild.

"To see it being rebuilt is just making my heart sing," said Rowe.

Hailey Andrews also commented on the efforts being made.

"The number of people who are working for it, it's just so heroic, and it's so cool," said Andrews.

Though the pier remains closed to the public, visitors continue to stop by to watch the progress. Many miss the ability to fish from the pier, a favorite pastime.

Jim Koutalakis, a visitor, reflected on the pier's past condition and his hopes for the future.

"Two years ago, when I started coming here, it was all destroyed, not accessible," said Koutalakis. "Last year, I was hoping to fish on it, but it wasn't ready, so now that she's finally getting some results and making some progress, I'm pretty confident next year it will be done."

For now, the community waits eagerly for one of its most recognizable landmarks to stand again.

"We've been coming for a very long time, and we missed the pier," said visitor Betty Koscinski. "This spot over here is where our friends and we have parked every single season for years and years. We're glad to see something finally happening down here."

WINK News will continue to provide updates as work progresses at the Naples Pier