Ask anyone who spent a summer on Fort Myers Beach before 2022, and they’ll tell you about walking out on the pier over the Gulf at sunset, fishing line in hand, waves rolling in below the old wooden planks.
The pier at Lynn Hall Memorial Park was as much a part of the island as the sand itself, until Hurricane Ian tore it apart in a single night. The good news is, after four long years, the Fort Myers Pier project has been approved and has received the required federal funding to begin reconstruction.
While the rebuild takes shape, the rest of Fort Myers Beach is very much open for business. In fact, it’s one of the top tourist destinations on the Gulf Coast.
Coastal Vacation Properties has beachfront and waterfront homes across the island, many just steps from Lynn Hall Memorial Park and the beach it sits on. Browse our full collection of Fort Myers Beach rentals and start planning your stay, pier or no pier.
Here’s exactly where the pier reconstruction stands, when it’s expected to reopen, and what the new structure will look like.
Quick Facts: Fort Myers Pier Rebuild
Photo Credit: AMCImagery
- Status as of September 2026: Construction contract awarded; groundbreaking begun
- Contractor: RJ Gorman Contracting LLC
- Cost: $11.7 million construction contract
- Expected opening: Late summer 2027 (estimate, subject to change)
- Location: Fort Myers Beach, at Lynn Hall Memorial Park
What Happened to the Fort Myers Beach Pier?
Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov
The original fishing pier stood at Lynn Hall Memorial Park in the heart of Times Square, the walkable hub of shops and restaurants, and the lifeblood of the north end of Estero Island.
Extending about 560 feet into the Gulf, it had been a go-to spot for sunset views, surf fishing, and an easy stroll over the water for generations of visitors. Hurricane Ian tore the decking away when it made landfall in September 2022, leaving little more than pilings behind.
Because the pier sits on public land and required federal disaster funding, environmental review, and a full redesign, the rebuild has taken time to move from planning into an actual construction schedule. It’s been four years since the storm, but as of right now, the pier can officially begin its rebuild.
Locals often describe the old pier as the unofficial heart of Times Square, a spot where multiple generations of the same family would fish side by side on any given evening. Losing it was one of the more emotional parts of the island’s recovery, even as more visible damage elsewhere was rebuilt first.
Hurricane season in the Atlantic south extends from June to November. It’s still a good time to visit and try your hand at some Fort Myers Beach fishing, as long as you keep your eye on the weather.
Where the Rebuild Stands Right Now (September 2026)
As of September 2026, the project is finally underway after a groundbreaking ceremony took place on August 21.
Lee County awarded the $11.7 million construction contract to RJ Gorman Contracting LLC in April 2026, a bid more than $4 million below the next competitor.
That $11.7 million figure covers construction only, and it’s being supported through a mix of tourist development tax revenue, a state emergency management appropriation (FEMA), and federal disaster assistance.
The county’s most recent progress update says the project remains on schedule for completion in late summer 2027.
For more on what’s already open and running on the island while the rebuild finishes up, our guide to the Town of Fort Myers Beach is a great place to start.
Fort Myers Pier Rebuild Timeline
As with all construction projects, the timeline for the Fort Myers Pier is fluid. A fishing pier is far easier to construct than many of the other large structures that were damaged during Hurricane Ian on Ft Myers Beach, so we can assume it will proceed relatively close to schedule.
Here’s an overall timeline of events to follow.
- September 2022: Hurricane Ian destroys the original pier.
- 2024: Lee County awards a design contract to Stantec Consulting Services.
- September 2025: The design reaches 100% completion, and Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection approves the project’s environmental permit.
- October 2025: The Town of Fort Myers Beach unanimously approves Lee County’s reconstruction plan.
- April 2026: Lee County awards an $11.7 million construction contract to RJ Gorman Contracting LLC.
- August 2026: Groundbreaking ceremony is held by the Lee County government.
- Late summer 2027: Targeted completion and reopening.
When Will the Fort Myers Beach Pier Reopen?
Lee County’s most recent update keeps the project on track for a late summer 2027 opening.
This is subject to change; construction projects can face delays for various reasons, such as poor weather conditions.
What to Expect From the New Pier
The rebuilt Fort Myers fishing pier will be considerably bigger than the one Hurricane Ian took out. The rebuilt pier will be roughly 1,000 feet long and 12 feet wide, making it about 70% longer and 50% wider than the old structure.
It will sit on reinforced, prestressed concrete pilings with a concrete deck and aluminum railings, built to withstand future storms of even greater strength.
The pier is being reconstructed in its iconic original spot near Times Square. The adjacent Lynn Hall Memorial Park restrooms are also being rebuilt, but this is a separate project, so not everything will be built on the same timeline.
Once the new pier is completed, the planned amenities will include a shaded pavilion, bench seating along the walkway, and an entry gate at the base.
The design also calls for wildlife-safe lighting to protect sea turtles that nest on the nearby beach, along with ADA-accessible features to make the pier easier to enjoy for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
Other Things to Do in Fort Myers Beach Before the New Pier Opens
Photo Credit: Carol Mellema
The pier isn’t the only reason to love Fort Myers Beach, and the rest of the island will keep you busy while the pier is closed.
First, spend some time hanging out on some of the best beaches in Fort Myers Beach, even if it’s just to snap some pictures of the sandy shores. Pack a cooler from your rental’s kitchen, and you’ve got the makings of a full beach day without needing the pier at all.
You can also go fishing! You don’t need a beach fishing pier to land a great catch. There are lots of Gulf of Mexico fishing charters and yachts around Sanibel Island, some of which offer deep sea fishing excursions. Alternatively, you can just cast a line straight from the shore.
Next, spend some time exploring the island’s local businesses. Times Square has the same mix of ice cream shops, souvenir stores, and beach bars that made it a favorite stop before Ian.
If you’re traveling with picky eaters or serious foodies, save our guide to the best restaurants in Fort Myers Beach, which covers everything from casual seafood shacks to waterfront dinner spots with a view.
Once the sun starts to set, a handful of laid-back beach bars along Estero Boulevard are worth a stop, whether you’re after a cold drink, live music, or just a spot to watch the colors change over the Gulf. Nothing beats watching a stunning sunset Fort Myers style. Find a spot that lets you look west over the Gulf’s horizon.
Beyond the boardwalk, the island offers kayaking through the mangroves and shelling at low tide. You can also venture to the mainland of Fort Myers, Florida, for further restaurant and photo opportunities.
Plan Your Fort Myers Beach Florida Getaway With Us Today
The pier rebuild is the final hurdle that Ft Myers Beach has to conquer before it is fully recovered from Hurricane Ian, and we’re thrilled that the project is finally underway.
Lynn Hall Memorial Park and the beach alongside it are still open and walkable from most of the island’s north end, so there’s no need to wait for the new pier to open before you start enjoying the iconic beach Fort Myers Beach is known for.
Ready to book your stay? Browse our full collection of Fort Myers Beach rentals and start planning your next island getaway. We’ll keep this page updated as the pier construction progresses toward its 2027 opening.
