For generations, the Sanibel Pier was more than a place to fish.
It was where kids learned to cast a line, families watched the water, visitors made memories, and residents stayed connected to one of the most recognizable parts of the Sanibel shoreline.
Since Hurricane Ian, the damaged pier has remained one of the island’s most visible reminders of what was lost — and what still needs to be brought back.
Now, a community effort is underway to restore the Sanibel Pier, reopen it to the public, and eventually create a stronger, more resilient pier for the future.
In our latest Sanibel Captiva Guide podcast, we sat down with Richard Birney, who is helping lead the restoration committee.
We talk about why the pier matters, what it will take to reopen it, and how residents, visitors, and supporters of Sanibel can be part of the effort.
Why the Sanibel Pier Matters
The Sanibel Pier has always been one of those simple places that meant different things to different people.
For some, it was a favorite fishing spot. For others, it was a peaceful place to watch the water, take photos, or spend time with family. It also provided shoreline access for people of all ages, including those with mobility challenges.
The pier helped connect people to the water, to marine life, and to the slower, quieter rhythm that makes Sanibel special.
That is why its loss after Hurricane Ian has felt so significant. The pier was not just a structure. It was part of the Sanibel experience.
Hurricane Ian’s Impact on the Sanibel Pier
Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage across Sanibel, and the fishing pier remains one of the most visible pieces of unfinished recovery.
Located in one of the island’s most visited areas, the damaged pier is a daily reminder of what the island went through. Its absence has also affected the community in practical ways.
The loss of the pier means fewer places for families to gather, fewer opportunities for accessible fishing, and less activity in a popular area of the island.
According to the restoration effort, the pier’s closure also represents the loss of more than $200,000 in annual bait and tackle sales that are no longer being generated.
Bringing the pier back is about more than repairing wood and railings. It is about restoring a familiar gathering place and helping another important piece of Sanibel feel whole again.
The Two-Phase Plan to Restore the Sanibel Pier
The current restoration plan is moving forward in two phases.
Phase 1: Reopen the Existing Pier
The first phase is focused on reopening the existing Sanibel Pier as soon as possible.
This phase will be funded through private donations and will include the repairs needed to safely welcome the public back onto the pier.
Phase 1 includes:
- Replacing decking
- Repairing railings
- Restoring the accessibility ramp
- Making safety improvements
The current target for reopening the existing pier is the fourth quarter of 2026.
Phase 2: Build a More Resilient Pier
The second phase looks farther ahead.
Lee County Commissioners have secured $2.15 million for the long-term pier project. This phase will involve planning, approvals, regulatory review, and construction of a stronger, more resilient pier designed for the future.
The current target for completion of the long-term resilient pier is 2028.
Why Private Donations Are Still Needed
One of the biggest questions people have is simple: if Lee County has already approved funding for the long-term pier, why are private donations still needed?
The answer comes down to timing.
The county funding is intended for the long-term resilient pier, but that project still has to move through planning, approvals, permitting, and construction. That process takes time.
Private donations are what make it possible to reopen the existing pier sooner, while the longer-term project continues to move forward.
The fundraising goal for Phase 1 is $300,000, and donations are being processed through the Charitable Foundation of the Islands, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Sanibel Pier Restoration Timeline
Here is the current project timeline:
- April 2026: Council approval of drawings
- June 2026: Construction company selected
- July 2026: Construction begins
- Fourth Quarter 2026: Target reopening of the pier
- 2028: Target completion of the new resilient pier
As with any public project, especially one involving coastal infrastructure, timelines can depend on approvals, permitting, construction conditions, and funding.
But the important takeaway is that the process is moving.
Watch Our Conversation with Richard Birney
To better understand what is happening, we spoke with Richard Birney, who is helping lead the restoration committee.
In the video, we talk about the history and importance of the pier, why the project is being handled in phases, what still needs to happen, and how the community can help bring the Sanibel Pier back.
This is one of those projects that touches longtime residents, seasonal visitors, families, fishermen, photographers, and anyone who has ever stood near the water and felt why Sanibel is so special.
How to Help Restore the Sanibel Pier
There are a few ways to support the restoration effort:
- Donate directly to help fund Phase 1 repairs to reopen the existing pier.
- Help spread the word.
- Purchase the Sanibel Pier Restoration Pendant from Congress Jewelers, where half of all proceeds support the Sanibel Pier Project.
Support the Pier Through Exclusive Jewelry
There is now another meaningful way to support the Sanibel Pier restoration effort.
Congress Jewelers has created a special Sanibel Pier Restoration Pendant inspired by the original pier silhouette. The piece was designed as a symbol of resilience, renewal, and community — a wearable reminder of what the pier has meant to generations of Sanibel residents and visitors.
Even better, half of all proceeds from the pendant support the Sanibel Pier Project, which helps fund the effort to rebuild this historic island landmark.
For anyone who loves Sanibel, this is a unique way to support the cause while owning a piece of jewelry tied directly to the island’s story.
Shop the Sanibel Pier Restoration Pendant
Explore More Sanibel and Captiva Fishing Spots
While the Sanibel Pier remains closed during the restoration process, there are still plenty of great ways to enjoy fishing around the islands. From shoreline fishing spots to local charters and marinas, Sanibel and Captiva continue to offer options for anglers of all experience levels.
For more ideas, check out our guide to the best Sanibel and Captiva fishing spots.
A Step Toward Bringing Back a Piece of Sanibel
The Sanibel Pier has always been one of those places that felt simple, familiar, and deeply connected to island life.
It was a place to fish. A place to gather. A place to teach kids about the water. A place to pause for a few minutes and remember why people fall in love with Sanibel in the first place.
Restoring the Sanibel Pier will not erase what Hurricane Ian did. But it will bring back a piece of the island that many people have missed.
And for Sanibel, that is a meaningful step forward.
- Nick & Lori
