Is Fort Desoto still closed?

Fort De Soto Park is partially open as of early 2026, with major areas like North Beach, East Beach, the dog beach, the fishing pier, and the campground currently open to the public following repairs from 2024 storm damage. Some areas, including specific sections near the seawall and East Loop, may still have limited access or ongoing restoration work.

Why was Fort De Soto closed?

Fort De Soto Park's North Beach is now back open to the public. The stretch of white sand along the shore had to be closed for four months after damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall. “The amount of debris that showed up on the beach was really unfathomable,” said Park Manager David Harshbarger.

Is Fort De Soto Gulf Pier open?

Address: Fort Desoto State Park has 2 Fishing Piers, the Bay Pier and the Gulf Pier. Hours: Both Fishing Piers are open from 6:00am - 11:00pm 7 days a week.

Can you drive to Fort De Soto beach?

No motorized vehicles allowed.

Is it safe to swim at Fort De Soto?

Current Water Quality Status

Water quality is good for swimming and recreational activities.

The little-known history of Fort De Soto Park

Why is there fecal matter in Florida beaches?

The presence of enteric bacteria can be an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage. If they are present in high concentrations in recreational waters and ingested or enter the skin through a cut or sore, they may cause disease, infections, or rashes.

Is Fort DeSoto worth it?

It's perfect for birdwatching too—there are plenty of ospreys that call this park home. Whether you're biking, exploring, or just soaking in the scenery, Fort De Soto makes for an excellent day trip and is absolutely worth the visit.

What parts of Fort De Soto are open?

Important note: Fort De Soto Park is undergoing revitalization efforts after two storms in late 2024. However, many parts of the park are now open, including East Beach, the dog beach, the fishing pier, causeway, boat ramp and Area 3 campground. North Beach remains closed. Kayak rentals are not available at this time.

What is the new beach law in Florida?

The law reversed the customary use doctrine that gave local governments the right to grant the public access to historically used beaches without having to go to court. Before 2018, the onus was on beachfront property owners, who had to prove in court that they were allowed to kick people off the sand.

Can you drink alcohol at Fort De Soto?

Belleair Beach - No alcohol is permitted. Indian Rocks Beach - No alcohol is permitted. Fort De Soto Park - No alcohol is permitted.

How much does it cost to get into Fort de Soto?

Fort De Soto Park is open year-round from 7 a.m. to sunset. However, the camping area is always open. There is a $5 parking fee collected at the park entrance, but visitors can avoid that fee if they enter the park on foot or by bicycle.

Which beach is better at Fort de Soto?

There are three beaches within Fort De Soto Park; North Beach, East Beach, and the Dog Beach. The larger and more popular of the two is North Beach. If white sand melting into the turquoise blue water is your idea of paradise, look no further.

Can you swim in La Jolla Shores beach?

La Jolla Shores is a mile-long crescent of prime sand beach favored by active beachgoers of all interests. Anchored by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography pier, this is a busy swimming area popular among families and surfers alike.

Why was DeSoto discontinued?

The advanced design of the De Soto Airflow body shape was a poor seller and abandoned after three model year runs, 1934-1936. Pictured here is a 1935 De Soto Series SG Airflow 4-door Sedan, of which 6,262 units were sold. Simply stated, the American car buyer wasn't ready for advanced aerodynamics in the mid-1930s.

Was Fort De Soto affected by the hurricane?

Project Overview. In Fall 2024, Fort De Soto Park suffered significant damage from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

What to do in Fort De Soto?

Explore Beautiful Fort De Soto Park

• Editor's note: The park's boat ramp amenities are currently limited due to ongoing restoration work. ...
• Fort De Soto Park's Paved and Natural Trails. ...
• Paddling Fun at Fort De Soto Park. ...
• Dog Beach & Paw Playground. ...
• Fishing Spots. ...
• Gift Shop & Snack Bars Have Everything You Need.

Can you legally sleep on the beach in Florida?

In Florida, you can sleep in a tent on the beach in certain designated areas, typically within state parks and campgrounds. It is essential to follow specific rules and regulations, as camping directly on the beach is often prohibited in most locations to protect the environment and wildlife.

Can I smoke a joint on the beach?

Although having a medical cannabis card generally entitles patients to consume in private residences, most states have regulations in place that ban smoking in public. As a result, smoking weed at the beach, even for registered medical cannabis patients, is illegal.

Why do you have to pay to go on the beach?

These fees go toward maintaining the beach, boardwalk and pier areas.

Can you visit Big Basin right now?

Public access to Big Basin has been severely impacted by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire and ongoing fire recovery work, but the park is now open for limited day-use access.

Is Fort De Soto worth visiting?

Fort De Soto is a great uninhabited park to get away from the packed popular beaches along the west coast of FLA. Parking was easy, the weather was perfect, and there was plenty of room to have some privacy. I saw the most sand dollars along the shore. Lots of shells!

Why is Natural Tunnel Pool closed?

Then, in 2022, it was announced that the swimming pools at Natural Tunnel and two other state parks would not open for the summer after an engineering analysis of each pool found “significant code issues and safety concerns.” The Natural Tunnel pool facility includes a snack bar and water slide.

How long until Florida is unlivable?

By 2100, large swaths of coastal land in Florida will be permanently submerged. In the shorter term, rising seas will increase the frequency and severity of coastal flooding. Statewide, three feet of flooding puts at risk: Future sea level depends on greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric / oceanic processes.