Updated 3/7/23
The greater Fort Myers area, including Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva Islands are recovering and rebuilding from the impact of Hurricane Ian. Some Southwest Florida attractions, restaurants, parks, and businesses may be closed, operating at lower capacity or reduced hours and amenities. Please check with individual businesses for their status.
Most Fort Myers and the city of Fort Myers businesses have re-opened!
Most Sanibel and Captiva Island businesses are closed. View a list of open Sanibel and Captiva businesses here.
Lee County plans a phased reopening of its beach parks beginning in March 2023.
Visitors are urged to use caution as debris continues to wash onshore and may be obscured by sand. Beach shoes should be worn at all times. Some amenities such as restroom facilities, piers and walkovers have not been repaired or replaced at this time.
The Sanibel Causeway is open to the public. However, the City of Sanibel reminds the general public that Sanibel is still actively working to recover from Hurricane Ian. While the requirement for reentry passes will no longer be necessary, they are discouraging visitors.
Open Sanibel Beach Park Access:
The City of Sanibel is excited to open these beach areas as the island continues its recovery from the impacts of Hurricane Ian.
Beachgoers should be aware that the City and its residents continue to recover from the storm and ask that people only access the beach through the following public beach access locations and that you do not attempt to access any private property areas.
Sanibel beach parking and public access to the beach will be provided at the following locations:
Parking by City of Sanibel beach parking permit and paid hourly parking ($5/hr).
Trost Parking Lot on Tarpon Bay Road, which serves the Tarpon Bay Rd. Beach access area. There are 76 general parking spaces. Restrooms are available at the parking lot and beach access area.
Blind Pass Beach Park – There are 23 general parking spaces and 6 spaces for A or B City of Sanibel beach parking permits. Portable toilets are available at the parking lot and beach access area.
Bowman’s Beach Park, 1700 Bowman’s Beach Road. There are 220 general parking spaces.
Gulf Side City Park, 2001 Algiers Lane. There are 46 general parking spaces.
The following locations will be open for patrons with a City of Sanibel A or B beach parking permit:
East Gulf at Colony beach access – 2 spaces (A permit).
Beach Road beach access – no defined parking stops but approximately 13 spaces (A or B permit).
Nerita Street beach access – no defined parking stops but approximately 6 spaces (A or B permit).
Bock Peace Park (located north end of Dixie Beach Blvd) – 6 spaces (A or B permit).
Bayview Park (located north end of Bailey Road) – 10 spaces (A or B permit).
Sanctuary Overlook – 2 spaces (A or B permit).
Click here to view a map of the City of Sanibel beach parking locations.
Click here for City of Sanibel beach parking permit application and requirements.
Click here to view information on City of Sanibel NEW hourly beach parking mobile pay system.
* The City’s Beach Parking staff will be at the Trost Parking Lot and Blind Pass Beach Park to assist patrons in using the NEW mobile pay system beginning February 4, 2023.
Parking without a City of Sanibel Beach Parking Permit or, parking without paying may result in a $150 fine.
Headed to the beach on Sanibel? Here’s what to expect:
· Hurricane debris may still be present on the beach, in the water, or buried beneath the sand.
· Shoes are recommended.
· Uneven terrain.
· Swim at your own risk. Please stay current with the Florida Department of Health’s beach updated for bacteria & red tide information. Current Lee County beach health info.
· Trespassing on private property is prohibited.
· Respect posted wildlife areas and dune vegetation.
· Park only within the areas open for beach parking. Failing to do so may result in a $150 fine.
Sanibel Fishing Pier is closed.
Sanibel Boat Ramp is now open to permit holders only on weekends and Holidays. On weekdays it is open to the public (non-permit holders) for a $40 daily fee. There is no beach access at the Sanibel Boat Ramp at this time. Commercial use of the boat ramp is prohibited. Fines for violations at the boat ramp are $250.
Most Sanibel and Captiva Island businesses are closed. View a list of open Sanibel and Captiva businesses here.
To help ensure the safety of visitors and staff, some Florida State Parks are fully or partially closed due to Hurricane Ian. Please visit Storm Updates for more information.
How You Can Help
Support Hospitality Workers in the Greater Fort Myers Area through The SWFL Relief Fund.
Thank you for your support of Southwest Florida!
