Sanibel fishing pier closed after hurricane damage, community seeks funds for temporary fishing pier

SANIBEL, Fla. —

The Sanibel fishing pier is closed due to hurricane damage, and the community is working to raise funds for temporary repairs to reopen it by Christmas.

Marc Wiersun, who has been fishing in Sanibel twice a year for the last 12 years, shared his thoughts on fishing at the pier.

"Yeah, it's a mixed bag. We used to come here when there was the pier and fish off the pier. It can get a bit more crowded and it can attract a certain crowd with broken beer bottles," Wiersun said.

The city is raising money to repair the pier, which is a cherished spot for both residents and visitors.

"The fishing pier is an excellent example of the generosity of our community," said Dolly Farrell, executive director of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands.

Farrell explained that the county commissioners have committed $2.1 million to rebuild the permanent pier, but the foundation is currently fundraising $300,000 for a temporary fix.

"We've been really lucky. The county commissioners has come forward to rebuild the permanent pier $2.1 million. But what we're trying to fundraise for right now, the citizens, is $300,000 for the temporary fix," Farrell said.

The temporary repairs will include replacing the deck, fixing the railings, restoring the accessibility ramp, and ensuring everything is safe and up to code.

The foundation hopes to raise the funds by June 15, which would allow the temporary pier to open by Christmas. The permanent pier is expected to take about three years to complete.

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