Lee County to reopen 4 beaches Saturday, nearly six months after Ian. What we know

Samantha Neely, Fort Myers News-Press
·3 min read
6

Get your swimsuits, towels and sunscreen ready; the beaches are coming back!

Lee County officials announced Friday that Lynn Hall Memorial Park, San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve, Bonita Beach Park and Bonita Beach Accesses 1-10 will reopen to the public on March 4.

This newest announcement from the county comes after Boca Grande Beach Accesses and Dog Beach reopened on the first of the month. A previous release had these locations slated to reopen later this spring.

Our last beach reopening updateWhat we know: Several Lee County beach parks predicted to reopen by May

A firsthand look at red tide in SWFLA miserable walk on the beach: This is what red tide carnage looks like in Southwest Florida

“We are thrilled to announce the reopening of our beach park facilities after the devastation of Hurricane Ian. It is heartening to hear from our residents and visitors how eager they are to once again enjoy these amenities, and we are grateful for their patience during the rebuilding process,” said Brian Hamman, chairman of Lee's Board of County Commissioners. “I would also like to commend the county staff for their hard work and dedication in getting these facilities back up and running. These efforts have helped to restore a sense of normalcy and community pride to our area.”

Here is what we know about these newest reopenings and what residents need to be aware of before hitting the beaches this summer:

What is the current state of Lee County beaches?

According to officials, Hurricane Ian damaged Lee County’s beaches and the sensitive ecosystems with storm debris, pollution and the removal of healthy, safe sand and dune vegetation. The county is ensuring that the many elements of the beach restoration process are being rigorously documented to support full reimbursement through federal funds.

Toxic red tide, a type of harmful algal bloom, is also causing major concerns for beachgoers. Levels from Tampa Bay to Marco Island range from around 10,000 cells per liter to more than 1 million cells per liter, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

News-Press reporter Chad Gillis, wrote on March 1 that levels of red tide have been going strong in the county for week, impacting the Southwest Florida coast at a time of year when it should actually be waning. These levels have been spreading into Collier County, with reports of dead fish.

Red tide impacting SWFL. What we knowRed tide numbers strong as fish kills reported throughout Naples, Collier County

What the other parks in Lee County?

Boca Grande Beach Accesses and Dog Beach opened on March 1. Alison Hagerup Beach Park on Captiva is anticipated to open March 10.

Bowditch Point Park and Crescent Beach Family Park remain closed as work to reopen them continues.

What is the parking situation?

There will be no charge for beach parking until further notice.

The entrance to San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve, 18201 John Morris Road, will be closed every Tuesday and Wednesday beginning March 7, to allow the state’s licensed contractor to safely remove hurricane debris along the preserve’s coastline.

To ensure safety, the contractors need to keep the road and beach area closed and clear of all pedestrian and motor traffic while the debris is moved off the beach.

What should I know before I head to any beach post-Ian?

Residents and visitors are currently advised that:

  • Beaches and beach parks have not been restored to pre-Hurricane Ian conditions.

  • Some amenities such as restroom facilities, piers and walkovers have not been repaired or replaced at this time.

  • Debris continues to wash onshore and quickly may be obscured by sand.

  • Beach shoes should be worn at all times.

  • Debris can still be found in near-shore areas, such as dunes or mangrove-lined coastlines.

  • Check for any beach or water advisories from the Florida Department of Health-Lee County at lee.floridahealth.gov. FDOH-Lee on Feb. 20 issued a red tide alert for portions of the coast in Lee County.

  • Closure signs are posted where necessary, and www.leeparks.org has status updates.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: 4 Lee County beache to reopen nearly 6 months after Hurricane Ian