Collier opens more beach access just in time for the holidays

Liz Freeman, Naples Daily News
·2 min read
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Two more popular beach access points in Collier County are opening Friday just in time for the holidays.

Clam Pass Park Beach access at 465 Seagate Drive and Vanderbilt Beach, including the parking garage at 100 Vanderbilt Beach Road, will open, according to Collier County’s parks and recreation department.

More:City Council gives approval to rebuild Naples Pier

Numerous beach accesses have been closed for two months after Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida on Sept. 28 and created dangers for beachgoers.

Road leading to Vanderbilt Beach, Delnor Wiggins State Park and other Collier County venues remained closed Friday afternoon Oct. 14, 2022 in Hurricane Ian's aftermath. Donations are being accepted at delnorwiggins.org to help pay for the wrecked Wiggins' restoration, which officials say will take one to two years.
Road leading to Vanderbilt Beach, Delnor Wiggins State Park and other Collier County venues remained closed Friday afternoon Oct. 14, 2022 in Hurricane Ian's aftermath. Donations are being accepted at delnorwiggins.org to help pay for the wrecked Wiggins' restoration, which officials say will take one to two years.

Clean up and walkway repairs are ongoing. Lowdermilk Park remains closed. It's being used as a staging area for beach grading by the county.

The tram service on the Clam Pass boardwalk offered by Naples Grande Beach Resort also resumes with the beach re-opening.

Annotation of what Naples Pier might look like.
Annotation of what Naples Pier might look like.

“As an icon for the community, both residents and visitors will once again be able to enjoy the trolly ride through the mangroves and enjoy a sun-filled day at one of our most popular beaches,” said Paul Beirnes, executive director of the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

The tram service takes guests directly from the resort to the beach.

In October, the county opened the beach accesses at Bluebill, South Marco, and Tigertail Beach.

That was followed last month by the reopening of North Gulf Shore and Vanderbilt Beach Access #2, 4, and #6.

Please be aware there could be dangers hidden under the water and in the sand still left over from Ian. That could include glass, metal, wood and plastic in the water and in the sand that can be difficult or impossible to see.

The state Department of Health in Collier still has posted a red tide advisory on its website and recommends against swimming when there are dead fish in the water. The algae bloom can worsen chronic respiratory ailments.

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The city of Naples has reopened a limited number of beach accesses and a small section of the Naples Pier.

Below is the list of opened beach access points in Naples:

  • Horizon Way

  • Via Miramar

  • 1977 Gulf Shore Blvd N (pathway - no parking)

  • Central Avenue

  • 5th Ave South

  • 9th Ave South

  • Broad Ave South

  • Pier - only 100-feet west of stairs, includes 12th Ave South parking.

  • 13th Ave South

  • 17th Ave South

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Collier County beaches: Two more beaches will open to public