- February 4, 2025
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Repairs for the Cassen Park pier will soon be underway, as the city has accepted a contract bid for the project totaling $759,125.
The pier sustained extensive damage due to Hurricane Irma in 2017, demolishing about 6,600 square feet of decking and framing, according to a city document. Only the pilings remained after the storm. The City Commission authorized staff to advertise a bid for the repair project in early August.
The contract was awarded to Brothers Construction Inc., a company from Stuart who recently repaired the fishing pier at the Dunlawton Bridge in Port Orange, which was also damaged Irma. The project entails tearing down all of the existing pilings and rebuilding it completely. City Engineer John Noble said in an email that construction should start sometime in December or January.
"We won’t know for sure until we have our pre-construction meeting with the contractor," Noble said. "The contractor has 180 days (6 months) once he starts work to complete the project."
The city is paying for this project primarily with FEMA funds; those will cover 75%. A city document stated that state grants will cover an additional 12.5% and money from the city's general fund will be used for the remaining balance.
The new pier will be designed to withstand a category 2 storm and an eight-foot surge with wind load of 110 mph, Noble said. In addition, it will also feature ADA accessible fishing stations, a fish cleaning station and new lighting.
"The pier is a multi-purpose amenity that provides not only for fishing but is used by walkers and joggers and for general sightseeing," Noble said.
This is the latest pier repair project for the city. Repairs to the Fortunato Park pier began in August. The pier at Bailey's Riverbridge Gardens was repaired earlier this year.
