Grassroots campaign raising funds for repairs to pier
An island community effort is raising funds for temporary repairs to the Sanibel Fishing Pier.
Working with the city and the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI), the Sanibel Fishing Pier Citizens Committee has started a fundraising campaign to get the pier operational again for the public.
Committee Chair Richard Birney reported that a group of residents approached the city last year asking about a restoration timeline for the pier, which has been closed since Hurricane Ian damaged it in 2022. The city explained that infrastructure projects had to be prioritized first, such as water, sewer and roads.
“The pier was kind of at the bottom of the list because it was recreational,” he said.
Birney continued that the group knew the pier is important to community, so it raised the question about if the funding to repair the pier could be raised privately, could the city get it open again.
“There’s a lot of people who use the pier and appreciate it,” he said. “It was one of the only accesses, if not the only access, for people in wheelchairs to fish or for little kids — and not everybody has access to a boat.”
As a result of the conversations that followed, the group eventually set up the citizens committee, entered into a donor agreement with the city, and created a tax-deductible fund with the help of CFI.
“We knew it would be another two to three years to get on that pier,” Birney said, referring to the complete pier replacement project that the city is working on with the county. “We agreed we would go ahead and raise money to refurbish this so it was safe and usable until we get the long-term pier.”
The fundraising goal for the temporary repairs project is $300,000.
“We’re about halfway,” he said of the donations raised as of May 1.
The repairs will focus on top-side and access improvements.
“The main thing is to adjust a couple of the pilings that sunk underneath,” Birney said, adding that the surface of the pier will be repaired and the pier railings and access ramp will be repaired or replaced.
He noted that they would also like to get electric and water added and maybe some benches.
The city has contracted with Shoreline Engineering for the design, permitting and bidding of the temporary repairs. The city council is expected to consider and vote on the contractor bids in June.
Birney reported that based on the anticipated timeline, construction is expected to begin in July and take about two to three months to finish. They are aiming for completion in the fourth quarter.
“We’re targeted to have the pier open and accessible to people again this year,” he said.
Birney noted that the project is proceeding because of the support from the community.
“We’ve had a lot of support from different organizations. We’re thankful for all of the clubs who have supported us,” he said, adding that City Manager Dana Souza and his staff have been super. “We’re very impressed with the breadth of support we’re receiving.”
Birney pointed out that over 80 individuals have donated to the fund.
“It’s the grassroots citizens that are really going to make this thing happen,” he said, noting that those who have donated are excited to get involved. “And they’re the ones who will benefit the most.”
As for the full pier replacement project, the Lee County Commission recently signed an interlocal agreement with the city and allocated $2.1 million in Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue.
The big project’s current target date for completion is 2028.
“I think what has impressed me is just the number of individuals who stepped up when I put out the call, the number of individuals who have signed up to help,” Birney said. “It’s been amazing. I couldn’t ask for a better community spirit to try to pull something like this off.”
Donations need to be received by June 15.
The community is encouraged to take part.
“The grassroots effort reflects the community’s strong connection to the pier and its shared desire to see it restored as a place for fishing, gathering and enjoying Sanibel’s waterfront,” the city shared. “The temporary repairs will provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to once again experience this cherished landmark.”
To donate or for more information, visit https://sanibel-captiva.org/restore-sanibel-pier/.
For questions about the project, contact Birney at birneyre@gmail.com.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email