While two of the city of Sanibel's beach parking lots are now open those that Lee County are responsible for that line the Sanibel Causeway remain closed while work in the active construction zone continues.
The Bayside parking lot at 110-153 Periwinkle Way used for the Lighthouse Beach Park, and the Causeway Beach parking lot at 888 Sextant Drive next to the boat ramp, reopened Friday.
With the opening of the Lighthouse Beach Park lot and the Causeway Beach lot, all public access beach park locations on Sanibel are now open to the public.
The fishing pier near Lighthouse Beach Park remains CLOSED.
All Sanibel beach park locations require a beach parking permit or hourly paid parking.
Click here for beach parking FAQ's.
Click here for beach parking application.
Click here for information about the mobile beach parking system.
In anticipation of Independence Day weekend, Lee County reminds residents and visitors that the Causeway Islands Park on the Sanibel Causeway remains closed to watercraft, pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
The causeway islands are an active construction zone. Motorists should use caution and some activities are prohibited while the project is underway.
The project contractor is driving sheet pile – which will be covered as work is completed – to protect the causeway from future storms. The Florida Department of Transportation is coordinating with Lee County, the Federal Highway Administration and permitting agencies for the permanent repairs.
The speed limit has been reduced to 20 mph due to reduced lane and shoulder widths. Bicyclists are encouraged to use another form of transportation over the causeway. Pedestrians are not permitted on the causeway or Causeway Islands at this time. Causeway Island beaches are not open, so do not plan picnics or stopping on the islands.
Also, the use of non-motorized vessels for windsurfing or kiteboarding is suspended on the Causeway Islands and surrounding waterways. Motorized vessels may not pull up along the shoreline or stop in adjacent channels due to the construction activity.
Lee County created a video for residents and visitors on the county’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@LeeCountyFLBOCC/videos. Or visit the video directly here: https://youtu.be/sl2oPAgaF3I
The Sanibel Causeway was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in Lee County on Sept. 28, 2022. As a part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s Emergency Restoration of the Sanibel Causeway, crews continue work on McGregor Boulevard and the Sanibel Causeway from Port Comfort Road to Sanibel Island. Visit www.swflroads.com/SanibelCauseway for additional information.
For your holiday weekend water activities and beach days, don’t forget to check out Lee County Parks & Recreation’s Hurricane Ian Progress Map to verify which county parks and beaches are open before you leave home. Please follow safety guidelines and be respectful of your neighbors so all park patrons have their best celebrations. You can navigate to the Hurricane Progress Map by visiting www.leegov.com/parks or get their directly here.
To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.
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