Debris Removal
May 5, 2026

On May 5, Shoreline Foundation Inc. (SFI) began a month-long diving initiative to remove debris, including buried pilings from the 1990s (pictured), to ensure safe installation of the new pilings.

Trestle Assembly
June 17, 2026

SFI began assembling and installing the trestle (a bridge-like walkway) on the south side of the pier, which will allow construction to continue even when weather conditions require the offshore barges to take shelter.

SFI completed the first concrete pour for the bents (a series of vertical or angled pilings capped by a crossbeam), placing approximately 20 yards of concrete into a rebar and specialized-plywood mold. In total, the project will require around 602 yards of concrete.

Press the play button to see the "pour" in action!

In Fiscal Year 2025–2026, the CRA Board approved funding to begin designing and permitting much‑needed infrastructure upgrades for 5th Ave S and Sugden Plaza. These improvements include better stormwater management, updated utilities and irrigation, enhanced landscaping and streetscape features, new placemaking elements, and general safety upgrades.

In March 2026, the project consultant, Kimley-Horn, determined that the project qualifies for the Economic Development Administration Disaster Supplemental (EDADS) grant program, a federal funding opportunity that offers approximately $1.45 billion to help communities recover from disasters and rebuild stronger.

Since then, City staff has been working closely with Kimley-Horn to prepare the grant application, gather economic impact data with the 5th Ave S Business Improvement District (BID), and secure support letters from the community and state legislators.

As of June 1, the grant application was successfully submitted for consideration. If awarded, the grant would significantly offset project costs and bolster lasting protections for one of the City's most significant and recognizable economic drivers.

Also in March 2026, and reaffirmed in June, the CRA Board unanimously agreed to prioritize major infrastructure renewal projects in the River Park neighborhoods.

The projects will address resiliency challenges outlined in the Kimley‑Horn Multi‑Basin Assessments Report, including the neighborhoods' vulnerability to severe weather, frequent flooding, and interruptions to essential services. By rebuilding dated sewer, water, fire hydrant, and stormwater systems - and adding new pump stations - the projects will strengthen critical infrastructure, reduce flood risks, and extend the lifespan of these important networks.

In a recent milestone, Governor DeSantis approved the City’s $600,000 appropriation request in the state’s Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget. This funding covers half of the estimated $1.2 million needed for design services and enables the City to begin the progressive design-build process at the 10% phase for what is projected to be (or exceed) a $26 million initiative.

The CRA has approved a consultant agreement with Pape‑Dawson to design street, utility, and stormwater improvements for portions of 1st Ave S, 12th St S, and 10th St. These improvements support both the CRA Redevelopment Plan and the Naples Design District Master Plan, which help guide revitalization and infrastructure investments to support future redevelopment.

To help shape the designs, Pape‑Dawson gathered public feedback through stakeholder meetings, a project website, and a public information session.

On June 11, 2026, the 60% design plans were presented to the CRA Board for discussion, where Board members focused closely on stormwater and drainage, parking options, and pedestrian safety. View a replay of the discussion by clicking the link below (agenda item 7A, time stamp 1:24–1:46:47).

The 100% design plans are currently in development, incorporating feedback from that June discussion, and are expected to be completed in December 2026.