Ariel W.
Yelp
The Naples pier is located on the Gulf of Mexico at the West end of 12th Avenue South. It was built for the first time in 1888 by newspaper man, Walter N. Halderman, the founder of Naples, and Captain James Canty. The 600 foot T shaped dock in 18 feet of water was a place where passenger and freight could arrive from Punta Gorda aboard the steamship Fearless and disembark in Naples. Naples first hotel was built in 1989 near the pier. Before the Tamiami Trail was completed in 1928, the only way people could get to Naples was by boat arriving at the Naples Pier. The pier soon became a popular destination not just for visitors but also for locals who enjoyed recreational activities such as fishing, watching sunsets, and hanging out with friends.
The first time the Naples Pier experienced reconstruction efforts was in 1906, after it sustained hurricane damage. In 1910 it sustained further hurricane damage and was repaired again, made a 100 feet longer, and two wings forming a V were added. A post office was added but burned down along with most of the pier in a fire caused by a discarded cigarette in 1922. The Naples Pier was rebuilt in 1924, keeping the original double-deck construction with wings and V shape at the end. It was extended another 400 feet to make it 1,000 feet in total. After the hurricane of 1944 the pier was completely rebuilt to sturdier standards. It was made 100 feet longer in 22 feet of water. The pier was used for recreation with dancing, fishing and sunset viewing. During category 5 Hurricane Donna in 1960, the Naples Pier collapsed and was rebuilt 10 months later. In all the pier has withstood six major hurricanes.
On July 6, 2015 a 2.2 million dollars reconstruction begun by Naples city government officials and the Manhattan Construction Company. The new deck was constructed out of Brazilian ipe, a walnut wood that can last up to three decades. The pier also got larger restrooms and sea turtle friendly lights. The reconstruction of the Naples Pier lasted four months and reopened on November 1, 2015.
On September 10, 2017, Hurricane Irma came ashore at Naples as a category 3. The 1,000-foot structure's concrete pilings remained secure and undamaged although wind and wave split and snapped timbers, deck boards and railings. The wooden railing at the far end of the pier fell into the ocean but the main damage was below the water. The pier had to be closed for three months for repairs. The west end of the pier which is the most popular part for fishing and sunset watching has been closed since the hurricane. It was supposed to reopen in August but with delays due to the corona virus that may not be possible. The Naples beach is currently closed because of the virus.
One million tourists visit the pier each year and for many a vacation to Naples wouldn't be complete without at least one trip to the historic pier.
It is the premier place in Naples to fish, sunset watch, and people watch.
Unfortunately you can't even park anywhere near the pier right now. i parked two blocks away on 3rd street and walked up. The city employee parked in front of the pier allowed me to snap a few pictures as long as I didn't cross the barrier. Although the pier may be closed for now, not a hurricane or a virus cannot keep this storied pier from eventually reopening. I hope to one day walk to the end as generations of people have before me.