The City of Naples has received a significant boost in its hurricane recovery efforts, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officially obligating more than $11.4 million in funds dedicated to rebuilding the iconic Naples Pier.
This funding marks a critical step forward in restoring the 137-year-old landmark, which suffered catastrophic damage during Hurricane Ian in September 2022.
A “Christmas Gift” for the Community FEMA notified the Florida Congressional Delegation on December 12 regarding the advancement of the project through the Department of Homeland Security.
“This is truly a wonderful Christmas gift for our residents and for everyone who treasures the Naples Pier,” said Mayor Teresa Heitmann. “The obligation of these funds brings us one step closer to restoring a landmark that reflects the heart of our city. We are grateful for the dedicated work of our partners and staff who have moved this project forward.”
Timeline and Construction City officials are on track to issue a Notice to Proceed on January 5 to the project contractor, Shoreline Foundation Inc. The Broward County-based company was awarded the $23.45 million construction contract, which includes a $1.17 million contingency allowance.
The restoration timeline is projected as follows:
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Demolition: Expected to take approximately nine months.
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Construction: Followed by 1½ years of rebuilding.
A Stronger, Resilient Future This project represents the seventh resurrection of the historic pier. The new design focuses on resilience, creating a structure that is stronger and higher to withstand future storms. The total project cost, including design and engineering, is estimated at $26 million.
Funding the Vision The rebuild is supported by a diverse mix of funding sources:
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Federal: ~$12.66 million (including the $11.4M FEMA grant).
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Local Bonds: $11 million.
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Tourist Development Taxes: $2 million.
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Donations: Contributions from the Naples beach fund and public donations via the Collier Community Foundation.
City officials credited the collaborative efforts of local and federal leadership, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, for coordinating the federal review process.
For project updates, visit naplesgov.com/PierRebuild. To contribute to the project, donations are being accepted through the official city channels.
