Just shy of eight months after Hurricane Ian, another Naples beach reopens today. That beach is Delnoir-Wiggins State Park in North Naples. Like many Southwest Florida beaches, this one was devastated by Ian on September 28th, 2022 and has been closed since. However, just because the beach is open does not mean it is back to business as usual here.
Things to know about the beach reopening
Fist of all, parking is much more limited than before the storm. However, Collier County officials are offering a little help here. They have initiated a free beach shuttle service so you don't have to worry about finding beach parking. Instead, simply pull into Conner Park and hop on the shuttle. Conner Park is at nearby Bluebill Avenue and Gulfshore Drive. If you arrive on a bicycle, you wont have any problems getting into the park and beach.
Next, don't expect all areas of the beautiful park to be open for exploration. The damage from Ian was widespread. Clean up and repairs are ongoing. Read the signs and adhere to any and all warnings. If you see a rope fence, do not cross it. They are protecting the dunes to help vegetation grow back.
The picnic areas have not been rebuilt yet and portable grills are not allowed as of now so leave them at home. Load up those coolers. However, take extra care not to leave anything behind. If you need facilities, porta potties are available in parking lots one and two. In addition, the rest rooms and showers are open at the park's Bluebill entrance.
Finally, the boat ramp is operational once again and fishing can resume in designated areas. It's another great sign of recovery as yet another Naples Beach reopens today. You can get on the beach as early as 8am and stay until sundown.
Businesses That Have Reopened On Sanibel And Captiva Since Hurricane Ian
When Hurricane Ian hit SWFL Florida in September, Sanibel and Captiva were devastated, but businesses are starting to reopen on the islands.
I love supporting local businesses and I think now more than ever they need our help. It's so sad to see what the storm did to our islands. While it'll take a long time for things to look like they did pre-Ian, I love to see businesses starting to get back on their feet. We live in paradise, so whatever we can do to support our local economy is important.
I've been spending my weekends either at Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel and it makes me so happy to see so many people out enjoying the beach. Almost like nothing ever happened. Also great to see some new things have opened or relocated and even some make-shift bars and ice cream stands (on Fort Myers Beach) set up.
If you want to go out to the islands, whether it's for a staycation, a beach day, or to grab a bite to eat, you have options! SanCap Chamber put together a list of the businesses that have reopened on Sanibel and Captiva. You can check out the full list here, but below we'll have restaurants, lodging, shopping and fun things to do.
Businesses that have reopened on Sanibel & Captiva:
Island Inn
3111 W Gulf Dr
Tween Waters Island Resort and Spa
15951 Captiva Dr
Jensen’s “On the Gulf"
15300 Captiva Dr
Rachel Pierce Art Gallery and Market
1500 Periwinkle Way
Nannys of Sanibel
1700 Periwinkle Way
The Island Store
11500 Andy Rosse Lane
Whitney’s Bait and Tackle
1554 Periwinkle Way
Jungle Drums
11532 Andy Rosse Lane
Traders
1551 Periwinkle Dr
Cielo Restaurant
1244 Periwinkle Way
Jerry's Food
1700 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel Deli and Coffee
2330 Palm Ridge Road
The Shack
1219 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel Grill
703 Tarpon Bay Road
Mudbugs
1473 Periwinkle Way
Blue Giraffe Food Truck
2075 Periwinkle Way
Captiva Island Pizza
11513 Andy Rosse Lane
Tutti Pazzi
1200 Periwinkle Way
Timbers
703 Tarpon Bay Road
New Wave Eco Charters
15951 Captiva Dr
YOLO Watersports, Inc.
11534 Andy Rosse Lane
Captain Brian On The Water
11401 Andy Rosse Lane
Adventures In Paradise Cruises
634 N Yachtsman Dr
Salty Wheels
11513 Andy Rosse Lane
Captiva Cruises
11401 Andy Rosse Lane
