Following the damaging impact of Hurricane Ian in 2022, Lee County plans a phased reopening of Fort Myers beaches.
Lee County Natural Resources is overseeing the restoration of the natural elements while Lee County Parks & Recreation is overseeing the beach parks restoration.
Since the storm, the area has been in recovery mode and the community has been at the heart of its regrowth.
Many hotels, restaurants and key transport connections, such as Sanibel Causeway, have already reopened.
For the next stages, Lee County plans the phased re-opening of beaches as follows:
Early March
Dog Beach, Boca Grande beach access
Mid-March
Alison Hagerup Beach Park on Captiva,
San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve,
Bonita Beach Accesses 1, 4, 5, 6 and 9
Mid-April
Lynne Hall Memorial Park on Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Beach Park
May
Bowditch Point Park on Fort Myers Beach,
Bonita Beach accesses 2,3, 7, 8 and 10, known as Little Hickory Island Park
Crescent Beach Family Park on Fort Myers Beach
Officials say Fort Myers beaches and beach parks have not yet been restored to pre-Hurricane 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 beach shoes should be worn at all times.
