Posted on October 15, 2025
When Hurricane Helene made landfall in 2024, it dealt a heavy blow to Fort Island Gulf Beach.
The popular spot for cookouts, evening walks and fishing was left heavily damaged. Storm surge tore up the boardwalk, destroyed the fishing pier and picnic pavilions, and pushed sand deep into the parking lot.
The dock and floating launch platform at the boat ramp were also lost.
The public restroom facility – already weakened by Hurricane Idalia in 2023 – was completely destroyed. In the aftermath, little was left of the beach’s familiar landmarks.
More than a year later, Fort Island Gulf Beach is gradually rebuilding. The focus isn’t just on replacing what was lost, but on creating stronger, elevated structures with improved designs to better withstand future storms.
The good news: the first look at the new raised, standalone bathroom facility is in. It’s designed specifically to weather high winds and prevent water damage.
Citrus County is responsible for only a 5 percent deductible and will seek reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).
County commissioners voted unanimously last Tuesday to let staff move forward with the design and cost estimate of the bathroom.
“We are in the permitting phase for sand restoration and replacing the fishing pier and boardwalk,” said county spokeswoman Jamie Ang. “Replacement beach shelters will also be constructed to finish the beach rebuild and restoration.”
The next steps include developing restroom design drawings, securing permits, and finalizing construction plans. Ang estimates the full scope of restoration could take 12 to 24 months, with federal approvals needed for some permits.
Until the new bathrooms are complete, portable restrooms will continue to service the beach, she said.
