FLAGLER BEACH, Fl.

After nearly three years of waiting, debating, and planning, the long-anticipated demolition of the iconic Flagler Beach Pier will officially begin Monday. The historic structure—first built in 1928 and beloved by locals and tourists alike—was irreparably damaged during Hurricane Ian in 2022. Its replacement, a modern and storm-resilient concrete pier, is projected to open within two years.

A Milestone in Flagler Beach History

“This is a moment of both closure and renewal,” said Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin, who has overseen the project’s complex path through design revisions, grant applications, and community input. “We’re saying goodbye to something that means a great deal to this city, but we’re also ensuring that Flagler Beach remains a destination for generations to come.”

The wooden pier had become structurally unsound after Hurricane Ian’s massive surf ripped apart sections of the deck and weakened the foundation from below. Drone footage in the aftermath showed splintered pilings, gaping holes, and debris strewn along the beach—grim visuals that highlighted the pier’s vulnerability.

Now, with federal funding secured through FEMA and additional state support, Flagler Beach is ready to take the next step: demolition.

A New Pier for a New Era

The new structure will be a dramatic upgrade—not only in materials but also in storm resilience and overall size. The concrete pier will stretch 800 feet into the Atlantic, nearly doubling the length of the current one, and it will be five feet wider. Importantly, it will also rise to 28 feet in height, which engineers say will protect it from the devastating wave action associated with 500-year storm events.

“That height will take it out of reach of waves that tend to hit the underside and pop the deck up,” Martin explained. “This design is all about long-term survivability.”

Demolition: How It Will Happen

The demolition will be methodical and deliberate. The first step is to construct a trestle—essentially a temporary work pier that allows crews to access the structure by sea and land without damaging surrounding infrastructure.

“First, they’ll build a trestle,” Martin said. “Basically, they build a pier to then use that pier to dismantle the existing pier and build the new one.”

This innovative, over-water approach minimizes beach disruption and allows for more efficient equipment access. Once the trestle is in place, demolition of the old pier will begin in earnest. Sections will be carefully dismantled, and pilings removed. Afterward, construction of the new pier will commence from the shoreline outward.

The full construction timeline is estimated at 18 to 24 months, with the goal of completion in mid to late 2027.

Funding and Forward Momentum

The pier replacement is part of a broader coastal revitalization strategy in Flagler Beach, including the Beachwalk and Promenade project, which will update the boardwalk and surrounding amenities. While that project has encountered its own challenges—including design criticisms and budget overruns—the pier rebuild is finally locked into place.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is funding the $16 million pier replacement through disaster recovery allocations. The city has also leveraged support from the Florida Legislature to close funding gaps, and will contribute a smaller portion from its reserves.

Preserving the Pier’s Legacy

Despite the excitement for a new structure, the emotional weight of saying goodbye to the original pier has not been lost on the community.

“It’s not just a fishing pier—it’s part of Flagler’s soul,” said longtime resident Barbara Kline, whose family has lived in the area since the 1940s. “I learned to fish there with my dad. My kids did the same. It’s hard to see it go, but I know we need something stronger.”

The first 100 feet of the original pier, which include the iconic A-frame entrance, will be preserved as part of the redesign. That commitment was made early on to honor the pier’s historic identity and maintain continuity for future visitors.

The Road Ahead

In the coming weeks, residents can expect to see heavy machinery arriving, crews preparing the beach for staging, and fencing around demolition zones. Public access to the pier will be restricted throughout the project, and some parts of the adjacent A1A corridor may experience temporary detours or closures.

Still, the overall mood in Flagler Beach is cautiously optimistic. After years of temporary fixes, restricted access, and uncertainty, the city finally has a path forward.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Mayor Suzie Johnston. “We’ve fought for this funding, we’ve worked hard to preserve our small-town charm while planning for the future, and now we’re ready to move.”

As the surf pounds the shore this summer, it will do so with the sounds of progress overhead—jackhammers, cranes, and concrete pouring into place. And for Flagler Beach, that noise won’t be seen as disruption, but as the long-overdue signal that its most iconic landmark is finally getting the upgrade it deserves.

Demolition of Iconic Flagler Beach Pier Set to Begin After Hurricane Ian Devastation

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