Sanibel fishing pier project moves forward with city, county
Plans are proceeding for temporary repairs to and a full replacement of the Sanibel Fishing Pier.
At its April 21 meeting, the Sanibel City Council voted 4-0 to approve temporary repairs to the pier pending its full replacement, along with a donor agreement between the city, Charitable Foundation of the Islands and a citizen-led Fundraising Committee — similar to its Roots in Resilience agreement.
City staff reported that the pier has been unavailable for public use since Hurricane Ian damaged it.
As staff and residents worked to refine the scope of work and cost estimates for the repairs, residents proposed dividing the project into two phases. Phase 1 would consist of necessary top-side repairs and access improvements at an estimated cost of about $200,000. It would allow the pier to reopen for use while the Phase 2 permanent repairs are designed and permitted.
In January, the council voted to proceed with the city-citizen partnership model for the Phase I work.
Staff reported that using donated private funds of about $30,000, Public Works contracted with Shoreline Engineering for the design, permitting and bidding of the proposed repairs. Public Works is managing the engineer, reviewing deliverables and collaborating with the Sanibel Fishing Pier Committee to review the design plans.
Staff continued that environmental permits through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will be required for the temporary repairs project, which is estimated to take several months. Once sufficient private funds are raised, staff will issue an invitation to bid for the repair work.
On a related note, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve an interlocal agreement between the county and city to fund the full rebuilding of the pier at its April 21 meeting.
The project will be paid for with about $2.1 million in Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue.
The county reported that the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) administers the TDT funding for beach and shoreline projects. The tax is paid by visitors staying in short-term lodging.
It noted that the vote was the result of the following prior steps:
– Commissioner Kevin Ruane discussed a funding request from the city at the Feb. 3 meeting.
– The commission approved a transfer of about $2.1 million from the TDT Common Reserve at the March 3 meeting, along with a related budget amendment to the fiscal year 2025-26 Beach and Shoreline budget. It also directed staff to develop the interlocal agreement with the city.
The agreement authorizes the city to perform the work and the VCB to reimburse eligible expenses.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email