Fort Myers Beach pier rebuild moves forward after permit approval

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK)—Lee County received permit approval to begin pre-construction work on the Fort Myers Beach pier rebuild.

The permit approval allows Lee County to move into pre-construction work, including meetings with contractors, finalizing construction plans and coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. County leaders say there may not be visible activity just yet, but crews are working behind the scenes to make sure the project starts safely and efficiently.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach says a few administrative steps still remain, including congressional FEMA appropriations and contractor mobilization. WINK News has been covering the ups and downs of this pier rebuild for years.

Many people who visit or live on the island say the destruction from Hurricane Ian makes it hard to look at the pier, a looming reminder of what happened to the island. But knowing the rebuild is close is giving them hope.

"It's been a long time coming, so I am excited to see the progress as it moves forward," said Deanna West, a beachgoer.

Many people on the island say this pier rebuild is a giant step to moving the island forward.