Fort Myers Beach Pier reconstruction begins after Hurricane Ian damage

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK) — The Fort Myers Beach Pier moves one step closer to being rebuilt, but construction hasn't officially started just yet.

WINK News was at the pier where crews are now in the very beginning stages of the project. With fencing blocking off the pier, Lee County says construction has not started yet, but crews are now moving equipment and materials into place.

These are some of the first signs of activity as the Fort Myers Beach Pier reconstruction project gets underway. Lee County says crews are currently focused on pre-construction work, including establishing the work area, installing site fencing and mobilizing equipment.

The next big step will be demolishing what remains of the existing pier. People who come here often say they are happy to see the looming reminder of Hurricane Ian finally get rebuilt.

"We do enjoy coming down here often enough that when it was out of service for us, it was really sad to see," Tammy McClung said.

There's a lot of excitement to see work happening. Lee County says the project is still on schedule with construction.

For McClung and her husband, they just want to continue seeing Fort Myers Beach bounce back.

"We are always happy to see that, and the work they have put in has been incredible every time we come. We were here like three weeks, and it looks different even then, so the constant work and happy to see the pier come back," McClung said.

While the new pier won't pop up overnight, this is the start of a major milestone for the project. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.