In Flagler Beach, Florida, the demolition of the cherished Flagler Beach Pier is poised to commence this week, initiating a significant project aimed at replacing the weathered wooden structure with a more resilient concrete version. This transformation marks the end of an era for a beloved landmark that has long been a part of the community’s coastal landscape.

City officials made the announcement on social media on Monday, indicating that demolition crews will start dismantling portions of the pier closest to the shore, near the recognizable A-frame structure, before progressing towards the ocean. This systematic approach ensures a smooth transition as the old gives way to the new.

Preceding the demolition, extensive preparations took place, including the erection of a temporary trestle adjacent to the existing pier. This structure is crucial for supporting both the demolition and the subsequent construction activities, demonstrating the thorough planning involved in this ambitious project.

The pier, originally constructed in 1928, has stood for nearly a century but suffered significant damage in 2022 when Hurricane Ian struck. The hurricane obliterated much of its seaward end, leading to its closure and hastening the decision to replace the aging wooden pier—a plan that had been discussed for several years.

In an update released in December, city officials highlighted the extension of the trestle along the pier, designed specifically to assist in both the removal of the old structure and the building of the new one. They emphasized that this temporary setup will be dismantled once the construction is completed, underscoring its role as a means to an end in this transformative endeavor.

“First, they’ll build a trestle,” Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin said earlier in the process. “Basically, they build a pier to then use that pier to dismantle the existing pier and build the new one.”

In 2021, city leaders voted to replace the wooden pier with a concrete design meant to better withstand powerful storms and rising seas.

Plans call for the new pier to stand about 28 feet high and stretch about 800 feet — roughly twice as long as the remaining structure — and to be about five feet wider. Federal funding helped make the reconstruction possible after years of planning, according to city officials.

The full reconstruction is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.