If you live in Flagler Beach, you will soon have the chance to weigh in on the reconstruction of one of the area's most popular spots.
- Public meeting for Flagler Beach Pier repairs
- Meeting is 5 p.m. Tuesday at Flagler Beach City Hall
- City has approved about $900,000 for the repairs
Business and beachgoers want the Flagler Beach Pier, which was damaged by Hurricane Matthew, to be more stable.
Erin O'Brien stared at the front of the Funky Pelican's new menu. She saw the picture of the pier and how it has changed over the years.
"It was sad at first," said O'Brien, who is the general manager of the restaurant, which is at the pier. "Now, it's like wondering when they'll be out there to work on it."
O'Brien said the pier is part of visitors' joy when they sit down to eat at her restaurant. She said many businesses in the community rely on the pier to help bring people to the area.
"It's like an anchor to the community — absolutely, it brings in the traffic," O'Brien said.
The Funky Pelican restaurant sits right next to the pier, and customers keep asking when it will reopen. The city of Flagler Beach a few weeks ago approved a company to begin more than $900,000 worth of repairs. The city is now looking to get the public's input on how to repair the damages.
"There's been a lot of talk about concrete, which would be much more stable for future storms," O'Brien said. "It's not the first time we've lost part of the pier. Something a little more structurally sound."
Fred Harich, who used to fish at the pier several times a week, said improving the pier's strength is important.
"Make the pier strong, make it presentable looking and as comfortable as possible," Harich said. "Have shelters when it rains or protect you from the sun."
Some of the pier's pilings and about 200 feet disappeared during Hurricane Matthew.
The public meeting is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday at Flagler Beach City Hall. The pier remains closed.
"It's home," O'Brien said. "It's our home."