Beach Status

Most public beaches located throughout the Islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers (Lee County) are currently closed. Currently, Gasparilla Island State Park is the only open beach. Last Updated: 1/30/2023

Within Lee County, some beaches are owned and managed by municipalities and the state. Please visit the following websites for more information:

• Sanibel Island
• Town of Fort Myers Beach
• Florida State Parks

Red Tide Update

Although most Lee County beaches are currently closed, medium to high concentrations of Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide, have been detected in our area.

The most recent Red Tide Report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission can be seen here.

The Red Tide Respiratory Forecast Tool from the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) can be seen here.

See a map from Mote Marine Laboratory with current beach conditions here.

See a map where water quality samples were taken by clicking here. TIP: Click on a specific point on the map to see date the sample was taken. We encourage all beach goers review this daily sampling map prior to visiting their preferred beach park facility.

Beach Conditions & Water Quality

Current Beach Conditions (MOTE Marine Laboratory) - Map with beach conditions from select beaches in Southwest Florida

Red Tide Current Sampling Map - Updated bi-weekly by The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commissions (FWC)

Florida Healthy Beaches Program (Florida Department of Health) - Map with beach samples & advisory status

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF)- A local foundation dedicated to the conservation of coastal habitats and aquatic resources on Sanibel and Captiva islands and in the surrounding watershed.

Algal Bloom Sampling Status - Interactive dashboard allows public to see where algal blooms were occurring in Florida. It features real-time updates, photos and information. Users can search by specific address, ZIP code, city or place. The tool includes quick links to other resources such as public health information. 

Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) - This is an experimental forecast of potential respiratory irritation that may occur because of airborne toxins produced by the red tide organism Karenia brevis. It indicates a greater or lesser likelihood of negative conditions based on predicted wind and ocean currents. Please NOTE: This experimental forecast is currently being tested for efficacy and is not yet an official forecast. Daily availability of the product cannot be assured.

 Lee County's Water Quality Information