Jacksonville, FL — After suffering extensive damage from Hurricanes Matthew and Irma, help is on the way for the Jacksonville Beach pier.
The City of Jacksonville, which owns the pier, has now awarded a $9.8 million contract to Hal Jones Contractor LLC to repair and rebuild the structure.
Fisherman Michael Covington tells our partner Action News Jax he's excited to see the pier return to its full potential.
"Before, when I used to be out here it used to be full of fishermen. Now we only have a little small spot when it’s low tide," says Covington.
He says he would like to see major upgrades, besides repairs, including a bait shop and restaurant.
[ Construction is slated to begin this November and last about two years. ]