by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
City Council approved engineering and construction management services related to the Fishing Pier Replacement Project, in the amount of $278,344.00, with Stantec Consulting Services for Hurricane Ian-related replacement of the Sanibel Fishing Pier.
The Sanibel Fishing Pier sustained significant damage as a result of recent hurricanes and coastal storm events. Due to the extent of the damage and the importance of the pier as a valued recreational and community asset, the City has been actively pursuing both temporary and long-term solutions to restore public access and functionality. A temporary repair project is underway to allow the existing pier to reopen safely for public use while plans for a permanent replacement structure are developed.
Construction for the temporary repair project is anticipated to commence in the summer of 2026 and is being funded through generous community donations and related funding efforts. These temporary repairs are intended to extend the operational life of the existing pier until construction of the new replacement pier is complete.
City staff recommended that the City retain Stantec to provide professional engineering services for the Fishing Pier Replacement Project. Stantec has extensive experience with coastal infrastructure, marine structures, permitting coordination, and public waterfront facilities. Their services would include, but are not limited to:
• Project design and engineering
• Environmental and regulatory permitting
• Coordination with state and federal agencies
• Bid and construction document preparation
• Limited construction administration and project management services
• Public coordination and stakeholder engagement support
As part of the replacement project, staff recommended relocating the new fishing pier from its current location to the west side of the Lighthouse property on the bayside, just north of the small overflow parking lot or just west of the existing location. Relocating the pier to the overflow lot offers several operational and logistical advantages, including improved site access, enhanced resiliency, and the ability to maintain public fishing access during construction.
With the proposed relocation, the existing fishing pier can remain operational and available for public use while the new pier is being constructed. Upon completion and opening of the new facility, the existing damaged pier would then be demolished and removed. This phased approach minimizes disruption to residents and visitors while maintaining one of the City’s most iconic waterfront amenities throughout construction.
In addition to improving resiliency and long-term operational sustainability, the proposed relocation provides opportunities to integrate the pier replacement project into the broader Lighthouse Beach Park improvement initiatives currently under evaluation. This includes future considerations for parking, circulation, drainage improvements, shoreline resiliency, and enhanced public amenities on the Lighthouse property.
The city is currently under a Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services for engineering services related to Hurricane Ian recovery efforts, extending through September 30, 2028. The estimated cost for the necessary professional services is $278,344.00.
Why destroy the repaired pier when the new one is constructed? Wouldn’t two piers make the beach there even more resilient by having another structure to impede wave action?
Instead of wasting money on studying the roundabout, the fishing pier would already be built.