Riley Hazel / Beach dunes stand in Lovers Key State Park before Hurricane in September 2022. Copyright Pineisland Eagle | https://www.pineisland-eagle.com | 10700 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia, FL 33922 | 239-283-2022, Lee County operations adjust schedules for Independence Day. We always have a lull this time of year, so its hard to know, she said. Parks and recreation staff is dedicated to cleaning debris off beaches daily. (updated 3/25). Biking through Boca Grande in southwest Florida. By using this site, you agree to the No large crowds of people from areas with beaches closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak made their way to Lee County beaches as the holiday weekend began Lee County did experience a huge spike of Vibrio vulnificus after Ian - there were 26 cases and eight deaths in Lee County in October, according to state data. Building permits are not currently impacted. Under Sanibel's agreement with the county, which runs until 2034, the city operates the beaches on county land but must follow Lee County policies. FDOH Offices will be closed Monday, July 3, 2023, and Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in honor of Independence Day. This includes operations at the Household Chemical Waste Collection Facility, 6441 Topaz Court, the Resource Recovery Facility on Buckingham Road and the Lee/Hendry Regional Solid Waste Disposal Facility. I had a lot of beach to cover, almost all of it to myself. The lobby will open intermittently throughout the day only for Greyhound ticket counter needs. However, County leaders could not. It's hard to look at it now, Wagner said. Effective March 19, LeeWay Service Center closed to the public. As a safety precaution, cash payments are discouraged at any of the Solid Waste facilities. Sand will also be sent to parts of Blind Pass Beach where a severely eroded quarter-mile beachfront threatens the Sanibel Captiva Road evacuation route. Dr. Larry Antonucci, chief executive officer of the Lee Health system, reiteratedFriday he is "very concerned" about a sharp spike in the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the Lee hospital system. The pier was decimated by Hurricane Ian, but has attracted a large population of pelicans and other birds enjoying the view of the water without any human interference. A list of closed . By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our, While Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach recover, check out these alternative Southwest Florida destinations, Overnighting in old Florida, at Pine Islands Tarpon Lodge, Exploring downtown Fort Myers, an alternative waterfront destination in Southwest Florida, Rebuilding Fort Myers Beach: Hurricane Ian prompts debate over islands future, Sanibel Island after Ian: Causeway reopens to public Jan. 2, but recovery will take years. The map helps people better understand whats open, whats partially open and what remains closed, Welton stated. Applications and reservations for ADA (Passport) service will be conducted over the phone by calling (239)533-0300. Medical experts werestill concerned about Saturday, when large crowds could contribute to alarming increases in the spread of the coronavirus. The following amenities at all Lee County locations will remain closed: Playgrounds Pavilions Recreation centers Soccer, lacrosse and football fields Basketball courts By Staff | Dec 23, 2022 PHOTO VIA leegov.com Lee County's Lakes Regional Park, which has been used for recovery operations since Hurricane Ian made landfall, will reopen to the public soon after the New Year's holiday weekend. Check www.leeparks.org for the list of open locations, hours and amenities. On this visit, however, I was focused on the sand. The county's holiday schedule adjustments are as follows: Solid Waste All garbage, recycling and yard waste collections in unincorporated Lee County, the City of Bonita Springs, the Village of Estero and the Town of Fort Myers Beach, will take [] Interested parties, stakeholders and the public will receive notification when the hearing is rescheduled. The Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande in early December, about a week before its Dec. 15 reopening date. However, there is a curfew from . San Carlos Bay Bunche Beach Preserve. While Nash played in the sand and water, their two other sons Jack and Sawyer, raced each other down the beach. The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Hopefully, a sense of familiarity will be brought back.. Recording documents may be dropped off. The nonprofit center in Lee County is using a loan for the project that could run to about $1.5 million. . In addition, the entrance to San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve, 18201 John Morris Road, will be closed every Tuesday and Wednesday beginning March 7, to allow the states licensed contractor to safely remove hurricane debris along the preserves coastline. It was not even 7 a.m., but twoqueues of cars were in line awaiting entrance to CenturyLink Sports Complex on Six MileCypressParkway in south Fort Myers. Please refer to the Twentieth Judicial Circuit. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. The funds from the grant allotted for beach and dune sand replacement were divided equally to the four most impacted Florida counties: Lee, Collier, Flagler and Volusia. Some Lee County beaches will be getting a new look to repair Hurricane Ian's effects. For their two-year-old son Nash, its his first time in the ocean, she said. That could include roofing nails and sharp-edged chunks of aluminum. There will be no charge for beach parking until further notice. Lee County in Southwest Florida will close county-owned beaches The Town of Fort Myers Beach is closing all public parking, public beach access points, and commercial activity The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Its beach parking was nearly half full by mid-morning. While there are no restrictions for beaches, the Lee County Sheriff's Office will be monitoring those areas to ensure people follow CDC guidelines. She found a wrench, Mangen said of their beach experience. as well as the Kent County YMCA beach in Warwick. Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Antonucci called on "every single person in Southwest Florida" to help reverse the coronavirus surge. Marriage licenses will beprovided if wedding is in the next 60 days.Process must be started. If you have questions regarding the status of private events presented by Lee County non-profits,clubs or religious services in Lee County due to COVID-19 please contact those organizations directly via their web page or phone for the most current and accurate status. In Collier County and on Sanibel, beaches were officially or effectively closed to dampen the opportunity for the virus to spread among people in close quarters on crowded beaches. C, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 | 239-463-4421, Lee Countys beach parks on Fort Myers Beach are closed, The signs at the parking entrances to the beaches have been up for some time, but staff members have to replace the signs from time to time because the signs are ripped down,, County-owned beach park closures include both the parking lot and the beach,, Signs are posted in areas where beach-park patrons typically enter the sites., Debris in the water and buried in the sand at the waters edge creates a safety hazard. Im hoping [the project] will bring everybody back together, Wagner said. The county is working alongside state and federal agencies to clean and remove the debris so that beaches are safe for visitors. Parks and recreation staff is dedicated to cleaning debris off beaches daily. Please call (239) 533-7387 to schedule. March 20 updates:24 cases in Collier and 13 in Lee; state total hits 520 In case you missed it:Collier County to close beaches; Naples extends state of emergency Beach entrance locations, the . Mrs. Sommerlot visited when she was in college. Animal Services, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, will be closed for the holiday on Tuesday, July 4, but will resume regular business hours on Wednesday, July 5. Customer service will be offered through a 24-hour drop box at the LeeWay Service Center, mail & fax. The US Army Corps of Engineers ( USACE) has announced the closing of the Dam Site Lake Island swim beach on Beaver Lake until further . Global Coronavirus Tracker:See map hereData from The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Visit your institutionswebsite to learn more about cancellations or elearning opportunities. The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel is an additional resource for beach information. High concentrations of these bacteria may indicate the presence of microorganisms that could cause disease, infections, or rashes. Find Us On Social Media: Where to stay: The Gasparilla Inn has extremely limited availability through the season, with rates starting at about $500 per night. Crowds were lower than anticipated Friday, drawing new attention to the potential for crowded beachesSaturday. Programs, Organized Sports and Rentals are cancelled as ofWednesday, March 18. Copyright FORT MYERS - Beach Observer and Beach Bulletin | https://www.fortmyersbeachtalk.com | 19260 San Carlos Blvd, Bldg. LEE COUNTY, Fla. Lee County commissioners unanimously voted to reopen beaches and parks during an emergency meeting Tuesday. Bowditch Point Park and Crescent Beach Family Park also remain closed. The city of Sanibel closed the parking lots to its beaches,from Friday through Monday, to keep crowds down. Photo by Nathan Mayberg Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Former Fort Myers Beach Mayor Anita Cereceda said she recently went on the beach and saw shards of broken glass in the sand about 40 steps away from a home. Newton Beach park ofers; Pavilions, Restrooms. On Estero Island and elsewhere, crowds were not as large as some anticipated. Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. The park is home to two lighthouses, including the oldest building in Lee County the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, a beautiful two-story frame dwelling with a cupola on top, built in 1890 at the entrance to busy Charlotte Harbor. I hope that this project is done in a timely and efficient manner to address these needs.. The beach remains dangerous with debris in the sand and water, according to Lee County Government spokespersons. The beach is being filled as a way to regain the storm protection and other benefits that come from healthy beaches, Timothy Engstrom, Lee County government communications specialist, said. New sand will be delivered to a section of Lovers Key State Park where a breach threatens the access bridge. Copyright 2023 Waterman Broadcasting of Florida, LLC, Lee County announces beach openings as spring break takes off, Floridas permitless concealed carry law takes effect July 1, Dog surrounded by blood and feces found dead near Naples home, Sean Martinelli: Its time for a referendum on rankings, Waterspout spotted off the coast of Naples. GPS 26 28'46.91" N 81 58'03.10" W. ( Entrance to preserve ) This preserve located on San Carlos Bay is over 700 acres, and is considered a natural, "Old Florida" area. Staff will continue to feed and clean the shelter. These locations are open. The island is connected to the mainland via the 2 -mile-long Boca Grande Causeway, which is $6 per car (entering the island only); Sun Pass and EZ Pass not accepted. So I headed to Gasparilla Island for my oceanfront fix, where a state park beach is open to visitors. Small claims cases for the next 8 weeks are canceled and will be rescheduled. Three Suffolk County Beaches Close to Bathing. Panhandle Bay County: Some beaches closed The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce reported all sandy beaches within the city limits are closed at least through noon on April 24. Lynn Hall Memorial Park remains closed though beachgoers have been hitting the beach there for weeks. Playgrounds and Pavilions at all Lee County Parks and Preserves are closed effective Wednesday, March 25. We were very fortunate in our store we had no damage.. Photo by Nathan Mayberg. Thirteen beaches throughout Lee County are sampled and monitored weekly for enterococcibacteria. The goal of the program is to prevent waterborne illness by advising Florida residents and visitors against recreating in waters potentially contaminated with human pathogens. There will also be county staff will make hash marks on the walkways at high-use tennis and pickleball courts and other areas to help guide the public of social distancing if there is a waiting line. Well, you can't not lawfully anyway as many beach. Other amenities that will remain closed at county parks include . Find Us On Social Media: Debris in the water and buried in the sand at the waters edge creates a safety hazard. Subsequent tests allowed for the reopening of Scarborough Beach South in Narragansett and Easton's Beach in Newport. The program involves the monitoring of salt or brackish water beaches and issues health advisories if beach waters fail to meet required standards. All Florida State Parks are closed to the public. The . I found a few pieces of glass. Sign In. The Florida Healthy Beaches Program provides a map of Lee County beaches and sample data from each beach location. They read This Beach Monitored as Part of the Healthy Beaches Program. Meanwhile, there were expectations that large crowds would flock to the beaches here because so many other counties had placed restrictions on them but that didn't happen. There's nothing to do right now in Cape Coral because the beaches have been taken away. Get a Parking Sticker and only pay once a year at most locations. While there are no restrictions for beaches, the Lee County Sheriff's Office . 28 Jun 2023 15:42:07 Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 7/1/2023). As the first day of a holiday weekend saw fewer-than-expected visitors toSouthwest Florida beaches, a top local public health expertwarned that large gatherings may mean hitting "critical mass" in the resurgence of cases of COVID-19. Collectionswilltake place via Transponder and Toll-by-Plate. Bonita Beach Park, onethe most accessible of the Leebeaches,a couple of miles west ofU.S. 41, drew crowds at a faster pace than other facilities. Closure signs are posted where necessary, and www.leeparks.org has status updates. Parks and preserves will open with regular hours beaches open from dawn to dusk. I think we all are ready for some relaxation, especially as we approach summer.. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Lee County beaches will reopen Wednesday and remain open as long as the public observes social distancing requirements . To address existing debris on the beach, the county will verify that the sand placement will not bury any debris. Red tide information: Red tide, a naturally occurring harmful algal bloom, has flared along Floridas southwest coast in the weeks since Ian. ", More: Lee County may draw huge crowds on holiday weekend as beaches remain open, More: Coronavirus in Florida: What you need to know Friday, July 3. There are also house and condo rentals on the island, available via numerous rental agencies and booking sites. Officials claim that Hurricane Ian caused harm to Lee County's beaches and delicate ecosystems through storm debris, pollution, and the eradication of safe, healthy sand and dune vegetation. A A LEE COUNTY, Fla. Four beach parks and multiple accesses toward Bonita Beach will open Saturday, March 4. Events usingCounty property willl not be permittedfor the next 30 days. Here's why, Five new members named to FSW District Board of Trustees. For those looking to return to Lee Countys beaches, the county is working alongside state and federal agencies to clean and remove debris so that the beaches are safe for visitors. Fort Myers, FL 33908. Parking may be limited and varies by location. Offices and recreation centers are closed Tuesday, July 4, and will reopen Wednesday, July 5. Gasparilla Island Light, one of two lighthouses on Southwest Florida's Gasparilla Island. No beaches are under apost-hurricane Irma advisory. I definitely understand all the damage done to the surrounding area, but beaches are what Florida has to offer. Lee County Officials advise residents and visitors of the parks conditions. COVID-19 Lee County Information . Police activity in #LeeCounty on SR-80 / Palm Beach Blvd East, at 1st St. All lanes closed. Im really leery of the water.. Search site. I also biked between them, along a section of the islands 6.5-mile multi-use path, which runs nearly the entire length of the island. Motorists should plan for an alternate route. All Rights Reserved. For decades, the railroad serviced the busy shipping port on Gasparilla, which served as a transfer point for phosphate from the mainland that was sent throughout the world. Wagner, 21, is eager to return to what she calls her home. All library locations will be closed on Tuesday, July 4. Explore Our Beaches Stay up-to-date on the current open beaches in the Fort Myers area. @leecountyflbocc The library is always available online at www.leelibrary.net/online. Spencer Sommerlot and Jenny Sommerlot flew in last Monday from Minnesota to be on Fort Myers Beach with their three sons. The following six beaches will remain closed for the time being: Third Beach (Middletown) Peabody's Beach (Middletown) . Home News Local Lee County Precautionary swim advisory reissued for Lee County beaches. County parks and preserves, including all beaches and beach access points, parking lots, and free-standing bathrooms, reopen Wednesday. We all just want to know when they will be back. Lynn Hall. It is easy for local or non-locals alike to assume the park is open. She expected island activity to pick up later in December, after the Gasparilla Inn reopened. People can sunbathe, exercise, bring coolers and chairs, but groups must be less than ten people and should practice social distancing. Lee County officials announced a phased reopening of beach parks on Tuesday with an overall goal of working alongside local, state and federal partners to progress the reopenings as quickly. The exception is theCounty Administration Lobby is open with an information table for the Lee Clerk of Court's Office to assist with remote services. This is an effort to renourish the area made possible by Lee commissioners accepting a $5 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at a recent meeting. Adoptions and fostering are suspended at this time, as aminimumnumber of animals remain due to thecommunity response. Fort Myers Beach Fire District gets new rescues to serve the community. While the sight of beachgoers hitting the water and lounging around with umbrellas may be a welcome scene for some, those doing so on county property at Lynn Hall Memorial Park are actually doing so at a park that is closed. The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Lee County is reissuing a county-wide precautionary swim advisory for all public beaches. Watch Now. According to Florida health officials, debris from Hurricane Ian remains on Lee County beaches, and some of it can not be immediately seen. Its sad to see all of the destruction but its kind of good that people are starting to come back and breathe some life into it, she said. Business will be conducted through, Deadlines suspended in Lawyer regulation cases. If high concentrations of pathogenic organisms are ingested while in recreational waters or enter through an open cut or sore, they may cause human disease or infections. Park status: See a map of Lee County's progress on parks after Hurricane Ian's passage. She found a wrench,, The county encourages residents to visit a special GIS-based map that was created post-Ian. The map helps people better understand whats open, whats partially open and what remains closed,, Think about all of the homes that were destroyed and how many mirrors were in them,, Its sad to see all of the destruction but its kind of good that people are starting to come back and breathe some life into it,. A spokeswoman for the county said there was no timetable for reopening the beaches, given ongoing concerns with parking, beach access and other issues related to visitor safety. 1:07 Been waiting to take that canoe trip to the northern reaches of Estero Bay, or a stroll along one of Southwest Florida's beaches? For all Clerk court-related services, please call the Clerk of Court at (239) 533-5000 prior to visiting the building or visit, Public Safety (Emergency Management) (EMS), Strategic Resources & Government Affairs Office, Learn more at the Lee County School District, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Updates from the Office ofGovernor DeSantis, Read more about the Business Damage Assessment. Much of the bikeway is along the right of way of the former Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railway, which operated on Gasparilla Island from 1907 to 1981. That's the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, built in 1890, in the distance. Under normal conditions No Water Quality Advisory at this Time will be displayed. . The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) posts beach warning signs at public beaches and participates in the Florida Department of Health's Healthy Beaches Program. Lee County's beach parks on Fort Myers Beach are closed By Nathan Mayberg - Editor | Jan 18, 2023 Lynn Hall Memorial Park remains closed though beachgoers have been hitting the beach there for weeks. The following beaches are closed to bathing due to the finding of bacteria at levels in excess of acceptable criteria: Gold Star Battalion Beach in Huntington and Ronkonkoma Beach in Islip have reopened. Cape Coral and South Fort Myers branch offices are closed. Lee County residents and tourists are missing out on educational opportunities, recreational activities and business interactions the more that these parks are closed, Wagner said. CARROLL COUNTY, Ark. Jury duty cancelled through April 17. All Lee County boat ramps as closed as well. But a survey of beaches during the day Friday revealed the size of the crowds built slowly. The Utilities Lobby located at 7391College Parkwayis closed as of Wednesday, March 18. All rights reserved (About Us). Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard to the bridge also will be closed at that time. Fort Myers Beach Town Council on Thursday afternoon took a similar action, banning any person from accessing the beach, or sand, on its beachfront, including all private and public property along the beach. The county asks park patrons to remember no alcohol is permitted in county parks. The added sand will help provide storm protection and recreational benefits along heavily-used beaches eroded by Hurricane Ian. Cape Coral could adopt a similar ordinance Monday. Beaches will reopen when further testing reveals that the bacteria have subsided to acceptable . Getting there: Unless youre traveling by boat, Gasparilla is a bit of a haul to get to, 90 minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport -- although maybe thats part of its charm. Regular collection schedules resume on Monday, July 10. Im definitely ready to be back, Wagner said. Admission is free but parking fees may apply. Check for any beach or water advisories from the Florida Department of Health-Lee County at, Closure signs are posted where necessary, and. No beaches are under a post-hurricane Irma advisory. Park FREE & take the Trolley to the beach from Summerlin Square or Main Street Parking. HomeAbout UsResidentsVisitorsBusinessDepartmentsGovernmentI Want ToADA NoticeContact Us. Privacy Policy. "At our current rate, Lee Health hospitals will be completely full by the end of the month. Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel have adopted a rule calling for wearing face protection in public. The Lee County Parks and Recreation Department maintains Bowditch Point Park, Crescent Beach Park , Lynn Hall Pier and Memorial Park, and Matanzas Pass Preserve, which are in the Town of Fort Myers Beach. There will be no charge for beach parking until further notice. Antonucci told reporters Friday that the spread of COVID-19 is at a crucial point, not only for the health of those who may be infected, but for the stability of the Lee Health system. Should a warningbe issued based upon the results of the sampling, the reflective metal sign will be changed to indicate a recommendation not to swim, and large yellow signs will be posted that reads ADVISORY Health Department Recommends Not Swimming. This story was produced by Democracy Watch, a news service provided by Florida Gulf Coast University journalism students. Lee County commissioners unanimously voted on re-opening beaches and parks during an emergency meeting Tuesday, but there are some guidelines youll need to follow. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Beach cleaning has already been completed at the receiving parcels. Mangen said she thought the appearance of the dolphin was a good sign for the health of the water. The Lee Health CEOwarned a COVID-19 surge being watched by expertscould worsen unless there is a return to the hygiene and safety standards that reined in the coronavirus just a few months ago. The signs at the parking entrances to the beaches have been up for some time, but staff members have to replace the signs from time to time because the signs are ripped down, Lee County Government Communications Director Betsy Clayton said. PublishedJanuary 24, 2023 at 8:05 AM EST, SAG-AFTRA agrees to contract extension with studios as negotiations continue, Kamala Harris says fundamental freedoms are at stake with the Supreme Court rulings, France is roiled by protests after police killed a teenager. document.write((new Date()).getFullYear());Lee County, FL. It was a minor concern during my visit, with a small number of dead fish on the Gasparilla beach and a slight odor. Lee County Pocket Guide to Emergency Assistance, Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida, SalusCare -Southwest Florida Addiction Services, ACCESS Florida (Public Assistance Benefits), Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement, CDC - Centers fo Disease Control and Prevention, Annual Regulatory PlansFlorida Department of Health (pdf). and last updated 4:38 PM, Oct 26, 2022 FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. Lee County has cleaned up more than 73,000 cubic yards of dirty sand since Hurricane Ian. The county encourages residents to visit a special GIS-based map that was created post-Ian. Until the test results are made available, any water contact at public beaches can pose an increased risk of sickness. Debris can still be found in near-shore areas, such as dunes or mangrove-lined coastlines. City Park (Warwick) Conimicut Beach (Warwick) Kent County YMCA (Warwick But its long strip of territory provides some distance for social separation more than some other county facilities. A Kindergartener from Sanibel who attends San Carlos Park Elementary School, Tammy was excited to see dolphins in the shallow water. Learn More Beach Parking Fees for Sanibel & Captiva Islands Beach Parking Fees for Sanibel & Captiva Islands Signs are posted in areas where beach-park patrons typically enter the sites.. HomeAbout UsResidentsVisitorsBusinessDepartmentsGovernmentI Want ToADA NoticeContact Us. "Between our hospitals and skilled nursing units we are treating 327 COVID-19 patients," Antonucci said.
