Fort De Soto Park Reopens Key Amenities After Recovery

News Summary

Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg, FL, has reopened its historic fort, dog beach, and fishing piers as of January 6, 2025, following extensive repairs after hurricanes Helene and Milton. While many attractions are accessible once again, parts of the park, like North Beach, remain under repair. The community is actively participating in recovery efforts, marked by new leadership and upcoming events facilitating support for residents affected by the storms.

Exciting Times at Fort De Soto Park: Reopening of Key Amenities!

St. Petersburg, FL – After a tough few months following hurricanes Helene and Milton, Fort De Soto Park is finally welcoming back visitors to some of its most beloved amenities! As of January 6, 2025, the park has reopened its historic fort, dog beach, and both fishing piers, providing locals and tourists alike with the chance to enjoy these attractions once again.

A Look Back at the Storms

Since the hurricanes wreaked havoc in September 2024, many parts of the park had been closed, leaving outdoor enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the green light to return. It’s been a long journey since then, but the reopening means families can once again stroll through the historic fort, let their furry friends play at the dog beach, or cast a line from the fishing piers. While this is fantastic news, it’s important to remember that some areas, such as North Beach, are still undergoing repairs and remain off-limits for the time being.

Park Accessibility and Ongoing Efforts

Before this recent reopening, other significant parts of the park had already opened for use, including the causeway, boat ramp, East Beach, and Area 3 of the campground, which were made available late in 2024. However, visitors should still proceed with caution, as debris from the storms may linger in some areas, reminding everyone that nature can be both beautiful and unpredictable. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, and county officials highlight the importance of a careful and thorough approach to ensure the park is safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Changes to Parking Fees

As part of the park’s recent updates, there has also been a shift in parking fees. Daily parking fees for Fort De Soto Park, as well as Sand Key Park, Fred Howard Park, and county boat ramps, have increased to $6 per vehicle as of January 1, 2025. This marked the first increase in over 14 years, but the prices for annual and six-month parking passes are staying the same, which is great for those who frequent these beautiful parks.

More Community News

In addition to the park news, there have been several other notable developments in the area. Adam Ross was sworn in as Pinellas County’s newest tax collector on January 7, 2025, bringing with him a solid background in finance and public service. Meanwhile, as the community works together to recover from the hurricanes, the Bay Area Apartment Association is hosting a Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair on January 22, 2025, aiming to assist those who lost their homes during the storms in finding adequate housing options.

Support and Engagement

The community is weaving a web of support, with notable events like a Q&A hosted by Pinellas County Property Appraiser Mike Twitty for homeowners affected by storms on January 16, 2025. Additionally, local governance received new leadership, with Copley Gerdes and Lisset Hanewicz taking on roles as city council chair and vice chair as of January 2, 2025. These guiding hands will surely support the recovery efforts in the aftermath of the storms.

Year-Round Farmer’s Market

For those looking for fresh produce and local goodies, don’t forget about the Gulfport Fresh Market, which now operates year-round from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday. With a diverse range of vendors to explore, it’s the perfect spot to find locally-sourced fruits, vegetables, and crafts while supporting small businesses in the community.

Conclusion

As Fort De Soto Park reopens its key amenities, the community shows resilience and unity in these trying times. With ongoing repairs, new leadership, and additional resources becoming available, there’s a spark of hope that St. Petersburg will bounce back stronger than ever. It’s a reminder that even after the toughest storms, bright sunny days and lovely parks await just around the corner!