Beaches

Placement of sand for the Sanibel Hurricane Ian Beach Recovery Project is expected to begin in mid-November helped by $23 million in state and FEMA funding authorizations for the project.

Shell beds, shell benches, shell piles. The colorful rows of shells extending for quite some distance are a natural phenomenon seen along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida.

Lee County spends tens of millions of dollars to replace sand Hurricane Ian washed away

Hurricane Ian decimated Southwest Florida beaches last September, but it does not bother sea turtles this summer: the nesting season is on track to be one of the best in recent years

many media accounts were telling of the thousands of tons of smelly, brown algae set to wash ashore on Southwest Florida’s beaches any day: Didn't happen.

Charlotte County business owners and tourism experts explain how red tide impacts the bottom line.

Bird breeding season has begun, and it’s time for Southwest Florida to protect the birds who nest on beaches. Birds that lay their eggs along the shoreline perceive people and dogs as threats. This can cause them to abandon their colonies. Collier County has limited access to some beaches and boating areas like Big Marco CWA, Morgan Beach, and Dickman’s Point. They have temporarily closed Second Chance Wildlife Area. Audubon Florida, a member of the Florida Shorebird Alliance, advises residents and beachgoers to respect posted areas, pick up trash to avoid bird predators, and keep dogs on a leash and away from restricted areas. In the event of dive-bombing from the birds they suggest moving away carefully because it likely means there is a nest nearby.

A Sanibel beach parking permit or a $5/hour parking fee, is required to park at one of the beach access parking areas.

Those looking to head to the four reopening Lee County beach parks locations are reminded that they have not been restored to pre-Hurricane Ian conditions. There will be no charge for beach parking until further notice.