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Times Square pier replacement approved by LPA pending Corps permit; county has FDEP approval and job out for bid
Summary
The LPA approved a special exception for the Times Square fishing pier replacement, allowing a generally larger pier (widened to 12 feet, approximately 16,000 sq ft) with shade structures and lighting; county said it has an FDEP permit and expects 12 months of construction once Corps approval and contracting are complete.
The Local Planning Agency approved SEZ20250208, a special exception to rebuild the Times Square fishing pier that was destroyed in Hurricane Ian. The proposal calls for about 16,000 square feet of pier area, widening the pier to 12 feet, adding three shade structures (including a roughly 1,000‑square‑foot terminal platform shelter), controlled lighting and accessories such as a fish cleaning table.
Jason Smalley, senior planner, said the replacement pier would be similar to the old structure but generally larger, with new piles and upgraded materials; the pier elements will reach approximately 32–36 feet above mean high water for the elevated structures, roughly 12–15 feet above the deck elevation. He told the LPA staff recommends approval with conditions, and the county asked the LPA to remove a staff condition that barred construction during turtle season if the county obtains the required state permit and performs daily monitoring.
Lee County construction management reported that it already has the FDEP permit for the pier and has the job out for bid; the Corps of Engineers permit was still pending. County staff said they expect to issue a notice to proceed early next year if the Corps permit is granted. County estimates the pier construction duration at about 12 months once construction begins.
The LPA passed the motion to approve the special exception and to remove the turtle‑season prohibition contingent upon the applicant obtaining the applicable DEP permit. The vote was unanimous.
Why it matters: The Times Square pier is a city landmark and major tourism asset; rebuilding it involves state and federal environmental permitting, lighting and wildlife protections, and coordination among town and county staff.
