Postcards from Sanibel: 10 reasons why we love Lighthouse Beach

Mark H. Bickel, Fort Myers News-Press
·2 min read

Friday (June 16) will mark another milestone in Sanibel Island's and Southwest Florida's comeback from Hurricane Ian.

At 9 a.m. community officials, residents and visitors will gather at Lighthouse Beach Park for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the reopening of the popular and historic shoreline, which is also the home of one of this region's most famous landmarks, the Sanibel Lighthouse.

No one has been able to enjoy Lighthouse Beach Park- the sand, the seashells or the amazing views - since Sept. 28, 2022. That is when Hurricane Ian struck Sanibel, causing catastrophic damage to the island. Beaches have slowly reopened as they were declared to be safe from debris. Lighthouse beach is the last one to reopen on Sanibel.

There is still work to be done. The Fishing Pier was destroyed as well as the historic structures at the base of the lighthouse. The lighthouse lost on if its legs during the hurricane but it remained standing. Restoration on the structure is underway. There is no timeline for when the leg will be reattached.

What to know about Sanibel's Lighthouse Beach Park reopening:

  • PARKING: People planning to go the beach should use the Gulfside Parking Lot. The Bayside Parking Lot remains closed.

  • PARKING FEE: $5 per hour.

  • HOURS: Lighthouse Beach Park is open from dawn until dusk.

  • SERVICES: Limited. There are no bathrooms and regarding trash, what you carry in you need to carry out.

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Reason No. 1 why we love Sanibel's Lighthouse Beach Park: Sunsets

The sun sets behind the Sanibel Lighthouse on Tuesday Dec. 17. 2019. Photographed from Bunche Beach. The famous lighthouse was completed in 1884 and is the location of a park and beach for visitors and residents alike.
The sun sets behind the Sanibel Lighthouse on Tuesday Dec. 17. 2019. Photographed from Bunche Beach. The famous lighthouse was completed in 1884 and is the location of a park and beach for visitors and residents alike.

Reason No. 3 why we love Sanibel's Lighthouse Beach Park: Seashells

Visitors to Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel look for shells on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2021.
Visitors to Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel look for shells on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2021.
Sunbathers enjoy the beach at the Sanibel Lighthouse.
Sunbathers enjoy the beach at the Sanibel Lighthouse.
The rarely seen junonia is a sea snail known for its cream-colored shell with brown spots.
The rarely seen junonia is a sea snail known for its cream-colored shell with brown spots.

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Reason No. 4 why we love Sanibel's Lighthouse Beach Park: Wildlife

Reason No. 5 why we love Sanibel's Lighthouse Beach Park: The sky

Reason No. 6 why we love Sanibel's Lighthouse Beach Park: It's pet friendly

A visitor to Sanibel's Lighthouse Beach and his canine companion.
A visitor to Sanibel's Lighthouse Beach and his canine companion.

Reason No. 7 why we love Sanibel's Lighthouse Beach Park: It's a great place for a walk

A beach goer strolls the beach at Lighthouse Point Beach on Sanibel Island on Friday, August 14, 2020.
A beach goer strolls the beach at Lighthouse Point Beach on Sanibel Island on Friday, August 14, 2020.

Reason No. 8 why we love Sanibel's Lighthouse Beach Park: The awesome power of mother nature

Waves lash the beach at the Sanibel Lighthouse as the outer bands of Hurricane Eta lash the coast on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.
Waves lash the beach at the Sanibel Lighthouse as the outer bands of Hurricane Eta lash the coast on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

Reason No. 9 why we love Sanibel's Lighthouse Beach Park: The magnificent lighthouse

A relighting ceremony of the Sanibel Lighthouse was held on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023 morning. Members of the community showed up for the 6 a.m. event. The light was turned on a few minutes after six. The lighthouse has been dark since Hurricane Ian slammed into Southwest Florida. One of the legs was washed away and the cottages were destroyed in the storm. The leg is being repaired.
A relighting ceremony of the Sanibel Lighthouse was held on Tuesday, Feb.28, 2023 morning. Members of the community showed up for the 6 a.m. event. The light was turned on a few minutes after six. The lighthouse has been dark since Hurricane Ian slammed into Southwest Florida. One of the legs was washed away and the cottages were destroyed in the storm. The leg is being repaired.

Reason No. 10 why we love Sanibel's Lighthouse Beach Park: It will be open again on June 15

There will no longer be a fence or materials and other debris from Hurricane Ian to threaten a safe experience. The beach will open again for all to enjoy. Welcome back!

Lighthouse Beach has been closed since Sept. 28, 2022 because of the damage caused by Hurricane Ian. The beach is reopening on June 16.
Lighthouse Beach has been closed since Sept. 28, 2022 because of the damage caused by Hurricane Ian. The beach is reopening on June 16.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Sanibel Island Florida's lighthouse beach safe for visitors after Ian