Information About the Recovery Efforts of Hurricane Ian

Updated 1/6/24

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!

View a list of open Sanibel and Captiva businesses here.

Lee County beaches and parks are open. 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 including restroom facilities, piers, and walkovers have not been repaired or replaced at this time. 

Lee County Beach Front Park Access and Re-Opening Information (includes Fort Myers Beach and surrounding areas)

New pay-by-plate parking system at select Lee County beaches

Lee County launched a new parking payment system on Oct. 2, 2023 at select beach locations in Bonita Springs, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, and Captiva Island.

Text2Park is a cashless pay-by-plate system using your mobile device. Beach visitors will no longer need to visit a kiosk or display a parking receipt on the dashboard of their vehicle. Directions will be displayed on each parking space sign at the select beach locations.

Parking is $2 per hour, with the ability to add additional time.

Lee County parks staff will be available throughout the rollout of this system to assist guests and a video explaining the new pay-by-plate process can be found here.

Lee County beaches with pay-by-plate parking system:

Bonita Beach Park, 27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs.

Bonita Beach Access #1, 27890 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs.

Bonita Beach Access #10, 26082 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs

Bowditch Point Park, 50 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. 

Lynn Hall Memorial Beach Park, 950 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. 

San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve, 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers.

Open Sanibel Beach Park Access:

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). Parking at Sanibel beaches is by mobile payment system only. Learn more here.

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.

Sanibel Lighthouse Beach.

Turner Beach.

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.

Parking without a City of Sanibel Beach Parking Permit or, parking without paying may result in a $150 fine. 

Headed to the beach? 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.

· 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.

See this interactive map for up-to-date information on additional openings and available amenities, and to learn more about specific locations.