Fort De Soto Park fort, dog beach, fishing piers reopen

After extensive repairs and cleanup following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the historic fort, dog beach and both fishing piers at Fort De Soto Park reopened Monday, Jan. 6. These amenities had been closed to the public since September.

The park’s causeway, boat ramp, East Beach and Area 3 of the campground reopened late last year. Some areas of the park, including North Beach, remain closed. Visitors should exercise caution throughout the park as there may still be some storm debris in reopened areas.

Parking fees update: As of Jan. 1, 2025, daily parking fees at Fort De Soto Park, Sand Key Park, Fred Howard Park and county boat ramps increased to $6 per vehicle. This is the first increase in more than 14 years and establishes a flat rate across all paid parking areas managed by Parks and Conservation Resources. The prices for annual and six-month passes remain unchanged, offering a cost-effective option for frequent visitors.

Beach access: The County’s beach access parks at Madeira Beach and Redington Shores remain closed as they undergo extensive repairs. Indian Rocks Beach Access is also closed as storm-related repairs are underway. Updates regarding the reopening of these sites will be shared on the County’s official website and social media channels.

Other County park facilities: All other County parks have reopened, although some facilities may still be closed for repair, including some bathrooms at Fred Howard Park.

For more information about our County parks, preserves and beaches, visit pinellas.gov/parks.