Naples Pier rebuild reaches 40% as tourists recall hurricane shock and devastation

Construction crews are making steady progress on the Naples Pier rebuild, with city officials reporting the project is now 40% complete and expected to be finished by July of next year. Tourist Cristal Fournier, who has visited Naples every summer for the past decade, shared her reaction to the hurricane’s impact on the pier. "We were kind of really shocked, I mean, by the violence of the hurricane. And we came like six months after the hurricane, and we were devastated," Fournier said. Her family has cherished memories of the pier, which was destroyed four years ago. The new pier will be elevated an additional three feet to better withstand storm surges, feature 18-inch-wide concrete piles, and extend 805 feet into the Gulf. Naples City Manager Gary Young explained the importance of monitoring construction progress during hurricane season. "Once we make it through hurricane season and we know the progress of the construction at that point, then you're in position to have a conversation if we are ahead or behind," Young said. Residents and visitors are eager to see the pier completed. "It's really exciting to see them making progress. So, we're really looking forward to the new pier being built," Naples resident Leslie Alford said. "Hopefully they can get it done before the projected date," Naples resident Robert Panetta said. For Fournier and her family, the pier holds special significance. "It's like a family vacation landmark, for sure. So we're very willing to see it back to life next year," Fournier said. City officials remain optimistic that the new pier will be ready by July 2027. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.