Fort Myers Beach pier reconstruction delayed by government shutdown

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. —

The reconstruction of the Fort Myers Beach pier has been delayed due to a government shutdown, leaving residents and officials frustrated over the lack of progress more than three years after Hurricane Ian destroyed it.

Todd Substad, a Fort Myers Beach resident, expressed his disappointment, saying, "This is one of our go-to spots now, yeah. We miss the old pier, but this is our go-to now. That's unfortunate. It seems like some time ago we heard plans were in the works and things were happening."

However, a government shutdown occurred on Oct. 1, 2025, lasting 43 days. Then again, this past February and continuing today, delaying the permitting process.

Lee County Commissioner David Mulicka confirmed that a contractor has been hired for the project.

"That permit would have been issued, and we would have been under construction right now," Mulicka said.

He also mentioned that Commissioner Brian Hamman is going to Washington, D.C., next week to meet with the Army Corps of Engineers in person.

Todd Crutchfield, another Fort Myers Beach resident, emphasized the need for the government to reopen.

The county says once the plans are approved, the hired contractor is expected to have the pier built in 12 months.

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