Turner Beach, one of the most popular beaches located on Captiva Island in Florida, has reopened to the public after being closed due to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Ian. The beach was closed for three long months for restoration efforts. The storm caused significant erosion on the island, uprooting trees and destroying beach amenities. Now, visitors can enjoy the beach again, with several precautions and guidelines in place to ensure the safety of visitors and staff alike.
Turner Beach Reopens Safely: A Welcome Relief for Islanders
Residents and visitors of Sanibel Island, Florida can rejoice as Turner Beach reopens after months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors can once again enjoy the crystal-clear water and sunsets at one of the island’s most popular beaches. The reopening comes after the recent approval of the city’s beach reopening plan in line with CDC guidelines.
An Overview of the Beach
Turner Beach, also known as Blind Pass Beach, is located in a serene setting between Sanibel and Captiva Island. The beach is famous for its exquisite shells, making it a hub for shell collectors. Visitors can walk along the beach’s shallow shoreline picking up sand dollars, starfish, and shells. The beach is a popular spot for tourists, fishers, and surfers alike who come to enjoy the natural beauty of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Reason for Closure
The beach was closed in early 2020 as part of efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure was part of a wider effort to curb the number of cases in Florida, which saw a rapid increase. Beaches and other public facilities were closed to maintain social distancing and reduce the spread of the virus.
The closure was a necessary move, but it had significant impacts on the island’s economy. Sanibel Island relies on tourism, and the closure saw a decline in visitors, which affected businesses that depended on tourism. Equally, residents missed the opportunity to enjoy their beautiful coastline and its amenities.
Beach Reopening Guidelines
Sanibel Island officials developed a plan to reopen beaches while prioritizing public safety. The plan was developed in line with CDC guidelines and aimed to maintain social distancing measures while also ensuring visitors could return to the beach.
The plan requires visitors to adhere to social distancing guidelines by keeping a distance of six feet from others. Beachgoers must also wear masks in enclosed areas and should refrain from gathering in large groups. Visitors are also encouraged to bring their sanitizer and avoid using public water fountains.
Beaches are now open from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The plan allows for four-hour cleaning sessions that begin daily after the beach closes. The cleaning involves sanitizing public amenities such as restrooms, showers, and trash cans.
Preparing for Your Visit
Visitors have been advised to prepare for their visit to Turner Beach. Those traveling should ensure they are healthy and free from any COVID-19 symptoms. Visitors should pack their masks, sanitizer, and avoid bringing glass containers to the beach. If you’re planning a trip, it’s advisable to check local updates to ensure that the guidelines are still in place.
Conclusion
The reopening of Turner Beach is a welcome relief for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. The city has put in place guidelines that ensure the safety of visitors while also enabling them to enjoy the beautiful beach. It’s exciting to see Sanibel Island return to some level of normalcy, even if we remain vigilant and cautious to keep our community safe. Visitors will undoubtedly enjoy this long-awaited reopening and can now enjoy spending time in one of the island’s most beautiful locations: Turner Beach.
