Samantha Neely
Fort Myers News-Press
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
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.
What is the parking situation?
There will be no charge for beach parking until further notice.
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.