Naples City Council to consider $5 million FWC funding for pier rebuild

NAPLES, Fla. —

The Naples Pier, a beloved landmark, was left in ruins after Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Visitors expressed their longing to walk down the pier again soon. "I actually watched the pier get washed away. So the camera quit with the waves over the top of it," said Al Kleinhuizen, a frequent visitor.

Now, three and a half years later, visitors, including Kleinhuizen, say the wait has been too long.

"So it just really robs a lot of the locals and nonresidents to come down here, enjoy it," said Kleinhuizen.

Tomorrow, city leaders are set to approve an agreement to accept $5 million in state grant funding to help demolish what’s left and rebuild the Naples Pier. The new design promises a stronger, more storm-resilient structure. This funding from Florida Fish and Wildlife will cover part of the $23.5 million price tag. The city will pay up front and be reimbursed through the grant later.

"I think anything that speeds it up is great. I'm glad the state sees it as kind of a tourist draw beyond just the Naples community," said Brent Anslinger.

For visitors and locals alike, the hope is simple: to see the heart of Naples come back soon.

"First year we came was when we had a newborn baby boy, 1974, and we came to see my parents and have loved it and come back almost every year since," said Jeannie Anslinger.

City council is expected to approve the funding tomorrow.

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