Description
Egmont Key is back open for visitors after months of cleanup and recovery from back-to-back storms last year.
The state park, which is only accessible by boat, is a "living piece of Florida history and an important wildlife refuge," according to a Facebook post.
The remote and beloved island, located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, quietly opened on Friday.
Officials say there is plenty to explore in the area such as the iconic lighthouse and remains of Fort Dade. Some areas still remain closed, so officials are reminding visitors to respect all postage signage and follow park staff instructions.
They also remind visitors to come prepared with plenty of water, food and sunscreen since the island is "truly off the grid."
St. Pete Clearwater's website says several boats offer snorkeling excursions to the island and visitors can enjoy seeing wildlife such as sea turtles and gopher tortoises.
Just north of Egmont Key is Fort De Soto State Park, home to North Beach, which also reopened in February after withstanding damage from the hurricanes.
Fort De Soto Park is the largest park in the county spanning over 1,100 acres across five interconnected islands. Amenities include campground, fishing piers, nature trails and beaches attracting more than 2.7 million visitors every year, officials said.
In the before and after pictures from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tons of sand was seen left behind after Hurricane Helene.