Naples Pier Rebuild Moves Forward With $11.4 Million FEMA Grant

NAPLES, Fla. — More than three years after Hurricane Ian tore through Southwest Florida and left one of Naples’ most cherished landmarks in ruins, the rebuilding of the Naples Pier is officially moving forward.

The City of Naples has been awarded an $11.4 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to fund the reconstruction of the historic pier. The obligation of funds was announced in mid-December 2025, clearing a major hurdle that had delayed progress and allowing the long-anticipated project to advance.

Hurricane Ian devastated the pier in September 2022, destroying large sections of the structure and rendering it unusable. Once a gathering place for residents, visitors and fishermen alike, the pier became a visible symbol of the storm’s destructive force and the community’s prolonged recovery.

City officials say the rebuilt pier will honor its historic character while incorporating modern engineering designed to withstand future storms. Reconstruction plans include thicker and stronger supports, a higher deck elevation, and the use of more durable, storm-resistant materials. Despite the upgrades, officials emphasize that the pier’s iconic appearance will be preserved.

“The goal is to rebuild the Naples Pier so it looks like the pier everyone knows and loves, but stronger and more resilient than before,” city leaders have said.

The pier’s importance extends beyond its physical presence on the shoreline. For generations, it has served as a cultural centerpiece, a tourist draw and an economic driver for nearby businesses. From sunset strolls to community events, the structure has long been woven into the identity of Naples.

Local residents have repeatedly described the pier as more than a structure — it is a symbol of continuity and connection to the city’s coastal heritage. Its reconstruction is widely seen as a milestone in Naples’ broader recovery from Hurricane Ian.

As planning and construction move forward, city officials say the project represents not only rebuilding what was lost, but reclaiming a shared sense of place.

For Naples, the return of the pier signals resilience, renewal and the enduring strength of a community determined to restore one of its most defining landmarks.