Hurricane Ian damaged protective dunes, displaced tons of sand, and buried debris in the sands of our beaches. The violent storm also swept dangerous debris, fuel, and other chemicals into our waters. The clean-up that has resulted from this storm is no small feat.

While Lee and Collier counties want to open all beaches as soon as possible, they must ensure public safety do so most cost-effectively. They must rigorously document all restoration projects in order to be reimbursed by FEMA and protect our taxpayer dollars. This involves having assessments completed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and FEMA.

Though we are all anxious to get back to our beloved beaches, it is easy to understand why the process is taking a little more time than some expected. Luckily, both Lee and Colllier counties have been working hard and have laid plans to reopen most beaches in the coming months.

Lee County Beach Reopening

Early March

• Dog Beach
• Boca Grande beach accesses

Mid-March

• Alison Hagerup Beach Park on Captiva
• San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve, south Fort Myers
• Bonita Beach Accesses 1, 4, 5, 6 and 9

Mid-April

• Lynne Hall Memorial Park on Fort Myers Beach
• Bonita Beach Park

May

• Bowditch Point Park on Fort Myers Beach
• Bonita Beach accesses 2,3, 7, 8 and 10, also known as Little Hickory Island Park
• Crescent Beach Family Park on Fort Myers Beach

For more information, visit www.leegov.com/parks/beaches

Collier County Beach Reopening

Currently Open in Collier County:

• Bluebill Beach Access – Parking available at Conner Park
• Clam Pass Beach Access – Parking available
• North Gulfshore Beach Access – Parking available
• South Marco Beach Access – Parking available
• Tigertail Beach Park – Parking available
• Vanderbilt Beach Main Access – Parking & restroom facilities are available at Vanderbilt Beach Parking Garage
• Vanderbilt Beach Access Points #1, #2, #4, #5, #6, and #7 – No parking available (Vanderbilt Beach Access Map)

Currently Open in The City of Naples:

• Horizon Way Access
• Via Miramar Access
• 1977 Gulf Shore Blvd N (Gulf Towers) pathway
• 7^th Ave North Access
• 4^th Ave North Access
• 1^st Ave North Access
• Central Ave Access
• 5^th Ave South Access
• 8th Ave North Access
• 9^th Ave South Access
• Broad Ave South Access
• 12^th Ave South (Pier) only 100-feet west of stairs, includes 12th Ave S parking
  • No Fishing Allowed on Pier
• 13^th Ave South Access
• 17^th Ave South Access
• 1900 Gulf Shore Blvd S Access
• Lowdermilk Park

 

Currently Closed in Collier County:

• Barefoot Beach Access
• Barefoot Beach Preserve
  • Collier County has stated that Barefoot Beach will not open until at least 2024 
• Vanderbilt Beach Access Point  #3

Currently Closed in The City of Naples:

• 2^nd Ave North (Temporarily Closed)
• 8th Ave. S. Access
• 10th Ave. S. Access
• 14th Ave S. Access
• 15th Ave. S. Access

For more information, visit www.collierparks.com/newsalert/beach-access-facilities-news-alert/

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and like our Facebook page to be the first to know what’s happening in SWFL.