City of Gulfport celebrates reopening of Ken Combs Pier

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- A Gulfport landmark is officially back and stronger than ever.

City leaders cut the ribbon on the newly restored Ken Combs Pier on Wednesday, a project years in the making after Hurricane Zeta caused major damage in 2020.

The pier has been rebuilt with smart upgrades to weather future storms.

Hurricane Zeta’s high winds and storm surge left the popular waterfront destination heavily damaged in 2020. Through a partnership with FEMA and a comprehensive hazard mitigation plan, the city didn’t just rebuild, they built smarter.

The new pier now features concrete pile caps replacing timber components, providing greater structural strength against lateral forces.

Traditional wooden boards have been swapped out for a flow-through deck design, allowing water to pass through more easily during storms and reducing pressure from surge and waves.

Throughout the structure, corrosion-resistant stainless-steel hardware has been installed, ensuring long-term durability along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

With the ribbon cut, the pier is now open once again and ready for fishing lines, sunsets, and family memories.