Sanibel begins plans to rebuild hurricane-damaged pier

Sanibel city leaders are approving a $278,000 contract with Stantec Consulting Services to design a new fishing pier and replace the old structure damaged by Hurricane Ian.

Andy Wilkes, who has been visiting Sanibel from the United Kingdom with his family for over 35 years, shared his fond memories of fishing at the pier.

"We fished here for 30 years, and it's a good thing you come down early in the morning. Loads of people here," Wilkes said.

Wilkes expressed his enthusiasm for the new pier, calling it a vital part of the island.

"It's a major point on the island. You can see it from over there when you're coming on, and everyone loves it," he said.

One option under consideration would move the new pier slightly west of the original location, allowing fishing to continue from the existing pier while construction is underway.

Eric Jackson, Sanibel’s public information officer, outlined the timeline and community efforts surrounding the project.

"The hope would be that 12 to 18 months from now, we would have a new pier. But while that is going on, there's been an outstanding community effort to get temporary repairs to the existing pier that is there that will hopefully be open much sooner than that so people can enjoy having to be back out on the water while the new pier is being constructed," Jackson said.

Wilkes had a simple message for city leaders as they move forward with the project.

"Just get on with it," he said, laughing.

Once the new pier is completed, the city plans to demolish the old structure, removing the reminder of the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian.