Marco Island approves opening entrance, exit beach access points

Marco Island City Council approved opening two beach access points in a 4-3 vote Monday.

The council wants to open an entrance and exit for a beach area on the island beginning Monday, April 13. The plan includes limiting the amount of gear individuals can bring. And the access areas would be open from dawn until dusk.

This access point will be located at Maple Avenue and Collier Boulevard will be for entry only.

There will be one egress point located at Winterberry Drive and Collier Boulevard for exit only.

The City will have signs located at each of these pedestrian access points. There will be no beach parking lots open and no parking on residential streets.

The idea of the opening is to allow residents who are able to the ability to walk on the beach.

If visitors are considering coming to the beach, they should note that there will not be parking available.

Social distancing guidelines will still be enforced and the Marco Island Police Department will continue to monitor the beaches to ensure people are not congregating in groups.

The city said the following in a release on the beach access opening:

This is a highly stressful time for all, and being outside, exercising, and enjoying the beach is an outlet that can help many of our residents cope. That is the only motivation for allowing pedestrian access at this time. Public health is of the utmost importance and that priority will continue to inform our decision making as we go forward. Continued availability of access will be entirely dependent on adherence by beach-goers of all appropriate social distancing guidelines.