Is Fort Myers Beach open to the public after Hurricane Ian?


Is Fort Myers Beach open to the public after Hurricane Ian? Although there has been a tremendous amount of clean-up done, most public beaches throughout Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Captiva Island are still currently closed. Beach access currently is limited to Gasparilla Island State Park, Blind Pass Beach Park, and Tarpon Bay Road Beach access area.


Was Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach destroyed?

Margaritaville Resort's waterfront location is the perfect spot for vacationers seeking fun in the sun, but in the aftermath of the hurricane, the island was completely underwater. While the resort did not escape unscathed, much of the structure remained standing after the storm passed.


Why is Fort Myers Beach Pier closed?

The Fort Myers Beach pier, among other landmarks, was destroyed last year by Hurricane Ian. Now, there are plans to rebuild the beloved pier. Digital renderings of a new pier were presented by Allen Shanosky and other dedicated Fort Myers residents during the Wednesday night town council meeting.


When can people go back to Sanibel?

By consensus, the Sanibel City Council supported the decision to end the requirement for reentry passes on January 2, 2023. The City of Sanibel asks that non-residents respect and understand the fact that Sanibel is still actively working to recover from Hurricane Ian.


Are Captiva beaches open after Ian?

At least 13 beaches in the Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva area are already open, and two more parts of Fort Myers Beach are expected to open this month, Bowditch Point Park and Crescent Beach Family Park. We're getting there, Visit Florida CEO Dana Young said about the area's recovery.


Is Fort Myers Beach still destroyed?

Visitors of Fort Myers Beach can see the town is in the process of recovery, as onlookers can still see destroyed structures, debris and abandoned areas. The resilient residents of Fort Myers Beach are still in the process of rebuilding following Ian.


Where did Ian do the most damage?

The hurricane stormed Lee County barrier islands with winds approaching Category 5 speed, followed by storm surge of up to 18 feet. Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Pine Island, Captiva Island sustained the most damage, with officials saying not one structure escaped damage.


Are Sanibel beaches open after Ian?

The City of Sanibel is excited to announce that all public access beach park locations in Sanibel are now open to the public. The city announced on Thursday that the following areas are set to open Friday, June 30: Bayside parking lot at 110 – 153 Periwinkle Way for Lighthouse Beach Park.


Is Fort Myers Beach ready for tourists?

Fort Myers Beach is open and inviting travelers to support our community after the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Many of our restaurants, attractions, activities, and accommodations have reopened and are ready to welcome guests back to our beach town.