Fort De Soto Park’s North Beach to reopen Monday

Fort De Soto Park's North Beach to reopen Monday

Fort De Soto Park's popular North Beach will reopen to the public on Monday, Feb.17, after months of repairs and cleanup. The reopening marks the full restoration of the park following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

"We appreciate the patience of our residents and visitors as we worked to bring Fort De Soto back to full operation," said Paul Cozzie, director of Parks & Conservation Resources. "This park is a cherished part of Pinellas County, and we are excited to welcome everyone back in time for the spring break season."

The storms caused flooding in park facilities, damage to boat ramps and fishing piers, and the loss of hundreds of trees. Thousands of tons of debris were swept across the park's beaches and campsites, requiring extensive cleanup efforts by County staff, partners and volunteers.

The largest park in the Pinellas County park system, Fort De Soto Park spans 1,136 acres across five interconnected islands. It features diverse ecosystems, recreational facilities and historical landmarks, including a fort built in 1898. Amenities include campgrounds, fishing piers, nature trails and pristine beaches, making it a popular destination that attracts more than 2.7 million visitors every year.

Residents and visitors may reserve campsites and shelters through the County's reservation system.

While the boat ramp is operational, amenities remain limited due to ongoing recovery efforts. Visitors are encouraged to use caution when accessing the facilities and to be courteous to others navigating the area. For more information about Fort De Soto Park and other Pinellas County parks, visit pinellas.gov/parks.