Marco Island backtracks on plan to reopen beach access after residents voice concerns

Marco Island announced Monday that they had voted to open one public beach access for entrance and one for an exit.

The idea was meant to give residents the ability to walk on the beach for exercise and some fresh air.

However, the concern residents had was that it would give a reason for more people to come into the area, putting residents at a higher risk.

On Wednesday morning, the city decided not to reopen the area, as the safety of their residents is their highest priority.

“It is clear that the social cost and community-wide anxiety triggered by the opening of even a single pedestrian beach access point is not worth the few walks on the beach it would provide for our residents,” the City said in a statement Wednesday.