Are all Lee County beaches back after Hurricane Ian? What to know before summer starts

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

Get your swimsuits and sunscreen ready; summer is a month away and the beaches are coming back!

Eight months after Hurricane Ian ravaged the region and damaged the coastline, several Lee County beaches have slowly opened to the public after seeing extensive recovery efforts.

Officials announced back in February that a phased reopening of beach parks would take place with an overall goal of working alongside local, state, and federal partners to progress the reopenings as quickly as possible. As of now, 15 parks have returned to the community while four are still recovering.

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Here's what you need to know before you hit the beach this season:

What Lee County beaches are open?

These beaches have reopened since Hurricane Ian:

  • Alison Hagerup Beach Park (Captiva)

  • Andy Rosse Lane Park

  • Blind Pass Beach (Sanibel Island)

  • Boca Grande Beach Accesses

  • Bonita Beach Park

  • Bonita Beach Accesses #1-10

  • Bowman's Beach Park

  • Dog Beach

  • Estero Island Beach Assesses

  • Gasparilla Island State Park

  • Little Hickory Island Park

  • Lynn Hall Memorial Beach Park on Fort Myers Beach

  • San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve*

  • Tarpon Bay Road Beach (Sanibel Island)

  • Turner Beach Park

* The entrance of San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve will be closed every Tuesday and Wednesday to allow for state contractors to remove hurricane debris.

It is important to note that while some beaches are open, some amenities such as restroom facilities, piers, and walkovers have not been repaired or replaced at this time.

Debris may still wash onshore and quickly may be obscured by sand, so officials warn patrons to be careful when walking around. Debris can still be found in near-shore areas, such as dunes or mangrove-lined coastlines.

What beaches are still closed because of Hurricane Ian?

These beaches are still not open:

  • Bowditch Point Park - Opening soon

  • Causeway Islands (Sanibel)

  • Crescent Beach Family Park - Opening soon

  • Matanza Pass Preserve/Fishing Pier

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What does parking look like for Lee County beaches?

Parking may be limited and varies by location.

Parking is free right now at most locations but some still require payment. The cost typically is $1-$2 per hour (or $5 per day). Officials online recommend locals get a parking sticker and only pay once a year at most locations.

Residents can also park free and take the Trolley to the beach from Summerlin Square or Main Street Parking.

Fishing is free at these sites (but a saltwater fishing license may be required)

Are food or drinks allowed at Lee County beaches?

Yes, but alcoholic beverages and glass bottles are not allowed at private Lee County parks/beaches.

Can you walk on a Lee County beach at night?

Lee County beaches are open from dawn to dusk every day.

Is there red tide present right now at Lee County beaches?

According to Visit Fort Myers, there are isolated low to medium concentrations of Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide, in the area at this time.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Lee County beaches are back and reopened after Hurricane Ian's hit