JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — The Jacksonville Beach Pier holds special memories for some Jacksonville families.
“My son always fished here growing up," Stacie Carter said. "It was a big part of his life."
It’s now closed and will stay that way for two years during an almost $10-million project.
Bigger equipment is starting to get here at the pier. We’ll give you a live look at the work already underway and share what we’re learning from the city on what the upgrades will entail on CBS47 at Noon @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/ejxuf2PiDl
— Brittney Donovan (@brittneyANjax) November 25, 2019
Repairs are needed after Hurricane Matthew wiped out the end of the pier and caused other damage.
The city tells Action News Jax the debris left at the end of the pier will be cleared and the middle section demolished.
The new pier will gradually increase in height an additional 8 feet as you walk toward the ocean with it ending in a T-shape.
The project also means closures in the adjacent parking lot.
The City of Jacksonville Beach said about 1/3 of the south end of the lot will be used to store equipment. The spaces in the north part will stay open.
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The closure of the pier came as a surprise to some families. Action News Jax watched as a handful of them walked up to the gate Monday morning.
We asked the City of Jacksonville if families were warned it was closing Monday.
A spokesperson said the city didn't make an announcement but to check with the pier management company and City of Jacksonville Beach.
We did, and they said they didn’t either because they were leaving any notices to the city.
Carter says she's just glad the work is getting done.
“However long it takes, it will be nice for people to come back here,” she said.
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