FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. — The Flagler Beach pier has been a constant presence in the city for almost 100 years.

After sustaining significant damage from recent hurricanes, the city has secured funding to fix the beach staple so it can stand for future generations to enjoy.

“Without these records, we’d have no way of knowing what has been the past and how important that is moving to the future,” Flagler Beach Mayor Patti King said. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Flagler Beach Pier received significant damage from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022
  • It remains closed to the public
  • Construction work is expected to start over the next 60 to 120 days to redevelop the pier for future generations to enjoy

King wears many hats in the city. She’s not only the mayor but also serves as the director of the Flagler Beach Historical Museum. 

Keeping history alive is a mission she strives for. That’s why she says the story of the Flagler Beach Pier must live on. 

It’s a staple in this community, one that never fails to draw a crowd. 

But hurricanes over time damaged the structure. Hurricanes Ian and Nicole being the two heavy hitters in 2022. 

Since then, the pier has been closed to the public.

“Pilings that go down into the Earth have been broken off. Structurally above ground, things have been snapped. Mother nature and her fury is remarkable,” King said. 

City Manager Dale Martin believes this is a project worth fighting for.

“FEMA will be paying 75% of it and then the state will be picking up the other 25%. So, no cost to local taxpayers, at least not directly through property taxes,” Martin said. 

Even though the pier is closed, renderings show what this could look like. 

Martin said they expect to start construction over the next 60 to 120 days. 

“The 100 feet will stay of wood, and then it will be elevated approximately 10 feet to be above the height of the waves, the most dangerous waves that would threaten the new pier,” Martin said.   

And this classic look is what city leaders say they’re trying to keep.

“The current pier is wooden pilings. So, it will be concrete pilings, with a concrete frame but overlayed with wood to give it that boardwalk appearance,” Martin said. 

While the area has seen impacts from many storms, King said they will always find the beauty in every moment.

“It gives us hope that there’s another day tomorrow. It will be a sunny day, and we’ll always come back to what we know and love,” King said. 

If all goes according to plan, they hope to open the pier for the 4th of July in 2026.