Is Fort Myers beach open to the public since 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.



Yes, as of March 2026, Fort Myers Beach is fully open to the public, though the landscape continues to evolve through its long-term recovery phase. Following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Ian in 2022, the town has made monumental strides in rebuilding. The world-famous white sands are accessible, and major beachfront parks like Bowditch Point Park and Lynn Hall Memorial Park have resumed operations with restored facilities. While some iconic landmarks were permanently lost, many new, elevated resorts and restaurants have opened their doors, often featuring "storm-hardened" architecture. Visitors in 2026 will still see ongoing construction projects, particularly for residential homes and the massive Big Carlos Pass Bridge, but the commercial heart of the island—the Times Square area—is vibrant and welcoming tourists. Public parking remains somewhat limited due to construction staging, so utilizing the "LeeTran" trolley system is highly recommended for beach access.

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