Posted on January 29, 2025
Slowly, but surely, Sanibel is putting the pieces back together.
In this case, the pieces are the island’s globally popular beaches, which have been damaged in various ways by hurricanes. First it was historic Hurricane Ian in 2022. Last year, it was two hurricanes in 13 days − Helene and Milton.
The relentless thrashing of the beaches has kept the City of Sanibel’s Department of Public Works and environmental experts busy.
But there’s been good news this month. The Blind Pass Beach parking lot is open again, as is Lighthouse Beach Bayside Parking Lot.
According to Joshua Holler, Superintendent of Streets and Parks for the City of Sanibel, in order to get the Blind Pass Beach parking lot open on Jan. 17, work by the DPW crews included: Sand removal, sign installation, install more pitshell, dead vegetation removal, parking bumper installations, design of an improved parking area for more accessibility and landscaping.
“The surge by Hurricane Milton (Oct. 9) brought in large amounts of sand, burying the entire parking lot,” Holler said. “However, the park has undergone significant improvements to enhance both accessibility and functionality for visitors. The parking lot has been redesigned, making it more accessible for all guests.”
Joel Caouette, an Environmental Biologist in Department of Natural Resources for City of Sanibel, said people returning to Blind Pass Beach shouldn’t see much of a difference environmentally − with one exception.
“In general I would say to the casual observer that the beach would probably look relatively unchanged with the exception of the dune system,” Caoutte said. “Hurricanes Helene and Milton which produced approximately storm surges of 4-5 feet and 5-6 feet respectively pushed large amounts of sand into the dune system which elevated the dune in most areas and smothered the dune vegetation. In time the vegetation will come back in most areas where the shifted sand is not too deep.”
The focus at Lighthouse Beach has been replenishing the sand. After Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton came along within 13 days of each other late in September 2024 and early October, photos were being posted on social media of the erosion of the beach in front of the historic lighthouse.
“The City recently completed a nourishment project at Lighthouse Beach Park which consisted of truck-hauled beach compatible sand to build the beach back as best as possible to pre-Ian conditions,” Caoutte said. “This work was completed in early January.”
City of Sanibel Public Works Department crews have been working hard to repair the island’s beaches after two hurricanes in the span of 13 days in 2024. This crew is working on Blind Pass Beach, which re-opened on Jan. 17, 2025.
It is anticipated that the remainder of the Sanibel beach repair work will be completed by Valentines Day (Feb. 14), if not before.
Holler had an important reminder for beach visitors.
“Whether you’re coming to relax on the beach or to enjoy a day in the sun, don’t forget to pay for parking to help maintain the park for future use,” he said. “Come out and experience the rejuvenated Blind Pass Beach Park −your perfect spot to soak in the sun and enjoy nature’s beauty!”
Beach parks currently open on Sanibel Island
Hurricane Helene pushed sand over the road at Blind Pass, just a year after a major renourishment project restored the damage done by Hurricane Ian.
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Sanibel Boat Ramp / Causeway Beach Park
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Bowman’s Beach Park
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Gulfside City Park (Algiers)
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Tarpon Bay Road Beach (Trost Parking Lot)
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Lighthouse Beach Parking Lot – Gulfside & Bayside
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Blind Pass Parking Lot
Beach parking lots closed on Sanibel Island
Turner Beach Parking Lot
