Advertisement

After Hurricane Ian, Collier County beaches slowly re-opening. In Lee, one has opened

Visitors hang out on Fort Myers Beach  on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022.  The area was slammed by Hurricane Ian almost two months ago.
Visitors hang out on Fort Myers Beach on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. The area was slammed by Hurricane Ian almost two months ago.

Nearly two months after Hurricane Ian ravaged Southwest Florida, some area beaches are reopening, but many remain closed.

In Lee County, all but one beach – Gasparilla Island State Park – as well as accesses are closed "until further notice as we continue to work diligently to remove storm debris and make these areas safe," according to the county. "We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding."

And beaches no longer off limits may still present hazards, officials say. Even after clean up from Hurricane Ian that caused widespread coastal damage with debris, there still could be “dangers hidden” under the water and sand, Collier County officials say.

ADVERTISEMENT

“There is the possibility of glass, metal, wood and plastic in the water and sand that can be difficult or impossible to see,” according to a Collier news release.

Latest beach conditions: Heading to the beach this weekend in Collier? Four more beaches open, but be cautious

Florida beach water quality map: See test results for your favorite beach

“Please remember, there is still debris in the water and buried 6-inches or more under the sand,” the city of Naples website says. “Beachgoers should wear protective footwear and are advised not to swim.”

Beyond storm-related risks – debris, raw sewage and gas from swamped boats and marinas –  red tide has intensified along the coast in recent weeks. The saltwater harmful algal bloom can cause respiratory and neurological woes and health departments in both Lee and Collier counties are warning people to be careful.

Footsteps on Fort Myers Beach  on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022.  The area was slammed by Hurricane Ian almost two months ago.
Footsteps on Fort Myers Beach on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. The area was slammed by Hurricane Ian almost two months ago.

So while going for a stroll in the sand might be fine (provided the red tide’s not bad) it’s probably not the time to take a dip.

Though it’s always a good idea to double-check before going, here’s a list of some area beaches that are open as of Friday.

Collier County beaches open

Open:

  • 1977 Gulf Shore Blvd. N. (pathway, no parking)

  • Central Avenue, Naples

  • Naples Pier - only 100 feet west of stairs, includes 12th Avenue South parking. No fishing allowed on the pier

  • 13th Avenue South, Naples

  • 17th Avenue South, Naples

  • North Gulf Shore, Naples

  • Vanderbilt Beach access points No. 2, 4 and 6.

  • Bluebill Avenue, Naples

  • Tigertail Beach, Marco Island

  • South Marco Beach, Marco Island

Closed:

  • Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park

Lee County beaches open and closed

So far, the news isn't good. On its website, the county says "Beach parks are closed at this time due to Hurricane Ian damages. Please check back for updates."

Visitors spend a morning at the Gasparilla Island State Park Boca Grande Lighthouse beach on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Scientists have tested the waters around Boca Grande and have found low levels of red tide.
Visitors spend a morning at the Gasparilla Island State Park Boca Grande Lighthouse beach on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Scientists have tested the waters around Boca Grande and have found low levels of red tide.

Open

  • Gasparilla Island State Park, south of Boca Grance

More: Are our beaches open? Some are, for some people; but most of the coast is closed to the public

More: Want to know what's open on Fort Myers Beach, the barrier islands? Here's what has returned

Closed

  • Bonita Beach Park, Bonita Springs

  • Bowditch Point Park, Fort Myers Beach

  • ​Bowman's Beach Park, Sanibel

  • ​Causeway Islands, Sanibel Causeway

  • ​Crescent Beach Family Park, Fort Myers Beach

  • ​Little Hickory Island Beach Park, Bonita Springs

  • ​Lynn Hall Memorial Beach Park, Fort Myers Beach

  • ​Matanzas Pass Preserve, Fort Myers Beach

  • San Carlos/Bunche Beach Preserve, south Lee County

  • ​Turner Beach Park, Sanibel

  • Alison Hagerup Beach Park, Captiva

  • Andy Rosse Lane Park, Captiva

  • Boca Grande Beach Accesses, Gasparilla Island

  • Bonita Beach Accesses, Bonita Springs

  • Estero Island Beach Accesses, Fort Myers Beach

  • ​Dog Beach Park, Bonita Springs

  • ​Matanzas Bridge Fishing Pier, Fort Myers Beach

  • Cayo Costa State Park

  • Lovers Key State Park

Visitors hang out on Fort Myers Beach  on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022.  The area was slammed by Hurricane Ian almost two months ago.
Visitors hang out on Fort Myers Beach on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. The area was slammed by Hurricane Ian almost two months ago.

Sanibel city beaches are open to residents only and its beaches are closed to nonresidents, even to those arriving in boats.

— Naples Daily News reporter Liz Freeman contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: After Hurricane Ian, Collier County coast re-opening, Lee opens one beach