Local

Visitors: Timeline too long for Fort Clinch pier replacement

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — The fishing pier is one of the major draws at Fort Clinch, with families coming from across the state to see it.

Visitor Richard Gainey said, “It’s a very quiet, peaceful, historical area that we always enjoy visiting. The pier is part of it.”

Hurricane Matthew washed away portions of the pier.

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Now, signs are posted to keep people off the unsafe structure.

“I think there would be more families that would be out here if they had the chance to be on the pier,” Fort Clinch visitor Kathleen Mank said.

Park management recently revealed that the existing pier will be torn down and replaced, but it could take up to 10 years.

Park regulars tell Action News Jax that timeline is too long.

“We were hoping it would be rebuilt, but apparently it’s going to be torn down completely. A new pier may be going up but it will be over the decade,” Gainey said.

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According to the outline of park repairs, the pier will be replaced as state funding becomes available.

Visitors say the pier is an important element of the park that should be a top priority.

“I think it’s a loss for this area,” Mank said.

Public comment on the plans is being accepted through March 30.

To voice your opinion, fill out the form found at this link.