by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The Sanibel Pier, severely damaged in Hurricane Ian, has so far been a lower priority for the City because of other expenses faced in the wake of the storms. Public Works engineers estimate the cost to repair the pier at $651,000; to replace the pier would cost $1.2 million. The pier was not insured.
City Manager Dana Souza reported that citizen Robert Stern of the Sanibel Fishing Club is willing to raise money to fund the repair. The fundraising would be based on repair costs. Demolition would have cost $223,000, which is considered to be a low estimate. The City will contribute the demolition cost, leaving some $428,000 to be raised in this public/private partnership effort.
“The pier is near and dear to people’s hearts and something that’s missing from their lives on a daily basis,” said Souza. “The fishing pier is just one of those iconic structures on the island.”
Souza explained it might be possible to get FEMA reimbursement for the demolition costs. If so, that money would be put in a maintenance fund for the pier.
City Council voted unanimously in favor of moving forward with this public/private fundraising effort.
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