A beloved piece of Sanibel’s history is taking its first concrete steps toward recovery. The City of Sanibel announced it will utilize $24,000 in citizen donations to fund an engineering study, a critical move to determine if temporary repairs can be made to the Sanibel Fishing Pier.
Closed since suffering extensive damage during Hurricane Ian, the pier has remained an “eyesore” and a reminder of the storm’s toll. However, a new partnership between the City and determined residents aims to restore access.
The Financial Challenge Because the pier was not insured, the full cost of repair or replacement falls on the City and other funding sources.
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Repair Estimate: $651,190
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Full Replacement Estimate: $1,232,966
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FEMA Support: While the City sought reimbursement, FEMA has indicated it is prepared to obligate only $145,000—a figure significantly lower than even the estimated demolition cost.
Acknowledging that investment in the pier was initially a lower priority due to widespread infrastructure damage, City Manager Dana Souza noted, “It’s going to take a long time to get the funds to do the work.”
A Phased Approach to Reopening To accelerate the timeline, City staff and residents—led by fundraising organizers Robert Stern and Richard Birney—have developed a two-phase plan. The City Council has authorized moving forward with Option 1, which allows residents to raise private funds for the design and construction.
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Phase 1 (Top-Side Repairs): Estimated at $200,000. This phase focuses on necessary top-side repairs and access improvements to get the pier open to the public sooner. Permitting is expected to take six months or less.
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Phase 2 (Permanent Repairs): Estimated at $451,190. This involves in-water work, including pile installation. Permitting could take up to a year.
Funding the Fix The financial roadmap relies on a mix of public and private support:
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City Contribution: The City is prepared to provide $233,000 toward the pier’s future (roughly equivalent to the cost of demolition).
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Citizen Fundraising Target: The community goal is to raise approximately $600,000 to cover the remaining costs for both phases.
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) will handle the collection and disbursement of funds, which will be held at Bank of the Islands. A dedicated citizens committee will lead the fundraising charge.
Next Steps With the $24,000 in hand for the design phase, an engineer will now prepare the specifications for the repairs. Once the design is complete and sufficient private funds are raised, the City will issue an Invitation to Bid for construction.
As the Citizens’ Committee noted in their presentation, “The Sanibel Pier is a key part of our island legacy.” This project aims to transform a symbol of loss back into a vibrant service for islanders and visitors alike.
