Lido Beach Remains Closed After Hurricane Damage: Sarasota Officials

SARASOTA, FL — Lido Beach remains temporarily closed to the public after sustaining extensive damage caused by back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton, Sarasota officials said in a news release.

City crews are working to restore the Lido Beach Pavilion and parking lot to a condition that is safe for visitors to return.

The beach has been closed since Sept. 25 when Hurricane Helene damaged the concession area and public access points, including buckling sidewalks and walkways, creating hazardous conditions, officials said.

The area was damaged further when Hurricane Milton made landfall in the area on Oct. 9.

“We’re working hard to get Lido Beach to a point where it can be reopened,” Jerry Fogle, parks and recreation director, said. “We’re just not there yet. Public Works crews have removed mountains of sand as high as 4-feet from Ben Franklin Drive just to get to the pavilion and uncover the sidewalks, walkways and public access points.”

Once the sand was cleared, workers found that some walkways and access points have “significant safety hazards,” he added.

The restrooms, which were affected by storm surge, also need to be restored before the beach can reopen.

No reopening date for the beach was provided by the city.