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Fort Myers Reopens Two Hurricane-Damaged Piers with Enhanced Resilience
The Riverside Pier and Tarpon Street Pier feature new storm-resistant elements and recreational amenities.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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The city of Fort Myers, Florida has reopened two community piers that were destroyed by Hurricane Ian over three years ago. The rebuilt Riverside Pier and Tarpon Street Pier now include enhanced structural elements designed to better withstand future storms, as well as new recreational features like a kayak launch area. The $75 million project was fully funded through FEMA reimbursement and is part of the city's broader efforts to expand public amenities along the waterfront.
Why it matters
The reopening of these two iconic Fort Myers piers represents an important milestone in the city's recovery from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian. By rebuilding the piers with enhanced resilience, Fort Myers is demonstrating its commitment to protecting critical community infrastructure and preserving public spaces that are integral to the city's identity and appeal for residents and visitors.
The details
The reconstruction projects for the Riverside Pier and Tarpon Street Pier required extensive coordination between city staff and federal agencies to ensure full FEMA reimbursement. The new piers feature improved structural elements to better withstand future storms, as well as new amenities like a kayak launch area at the Riverside Pier. The city also has plans to develop Tarpon Street Park adjacent to the Tarpon Street Pier and construct a new public boat ramp next to the Riverside Community Center.
- Hurricane Ian struck the Fort Myers area 1,228 days ago, causing extensive damage to the two piers.
- The piers have been closed to the public since Hurricane Ian hit the region.
- The rebuilt piers officially reopened to the public on Monday.
The players
Kevin Anderson
The mayor of Fort Myers, who emphasized the community's resilience during the reopening ceremony.
Elgin Hicks
The Fort Myers Director of Parks and Recreation, who stated that the new piers "represent not only recovery but resilience."
Catherine Montalvan
A local resident who regularly walks the area with her parents and dog, and expressed enthusiasm about the pier reopening.
What they’re saying
“These piers represent not only recovery but resilience.”
— Elgin Hicks, Fort Myers Director of Parks and Recreation
“We're building back bigger, better and stronger.”
— Kevin Anderson, Mayor of Fort Myers
“It's very nice, very peaceful and very happy. Every time when I come here, I walk with my dad and we have fun walking the dogs.”
— Catherine Montalvan
What’s next
The city plans to develop Tarpon Street Park adjacent to the Tarpon Street Pier, and is currently in the permitting process for a new public boat ramp next to the Riverside Community Center.
The takeaway
The reopening of Fort Myers' hurricane-damaged piers with enhanced resilience features demonstrates the city's commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure that can better withstand future storms, while also preserving important community spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.
