The Citrus County Division of Parks and Recreation reopened the Fort Island Gulf Beach on Saturday, October 1st, 2016.  The park received extensive damage due to Hurricane Hermine the first weekend of September and has been closed to the public since then.

Beginning Saturday, October 1st patrons will be able to enjoy the beach area, fishing pier, and pavilions.  Unfortunately, there is still work to be done to restore the picnic tables and boardwalk that connects the beach to the fishing pier through the wooded area.  Providing your own chairs would be highly recommended.

Due to the extensive damage to the boat dock; the launch is still not able to be re-opened.  Boaters will not be able to launch their boats at this facility.  Fort Island Trail Park is still accessible to launch boats.

Citrus County Road and Grounds Maintenance crews have been working diligently to complete some additional details such as signage, placing trash cans, sanitizing restrooms, raking of the beach, and building the wall around the septic station to get the park operational.  Facilities Management and the Utilities Division also assisted in getting things on site fixed as quickly as possible in order to reopen the beach. The projected cost of repairs to the beach area is over $150,000.