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