Fort De Soto Park suffered significant damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with storm surges flooding nearly the entire park. Despite the extensive destruction, Pinellas County officials are diligently working to clean up the park and prepare it for reopening.

The park is currently bustling with contractors, volunteers, and employees, all dedicated to restoring the area. Ranger David Harshbarger, who has been visiting the park his entire life, surveys the ongoing operations, describing Fort De Soto as a rare, undeveloped barrier island stronghold.

READ: Ft. DeSoto Park Manager Details ‘Catastrophic’ Hurricane Damage and Recovery Efforts

Remnants of the hurricanes’ impact are still evident. Harshbarger noted, “That campers’ day room had 2-3 feet of debris just jammed inside of it. Picnic tables washed away, grills washed away.” Much of the debris has been moved to junk piles, awaiting removal. However, hidden dangers like nails and other sharp objects still lurk on the sandy beaches, necessitating ongoing cleanup efforts.

There is no definitive timeline for when the park will be safe for visitors, but members of the Pinellas County Commission are hopeful it could reopen by Christmas, contingent on safety assessments. The extensive recovery work underscores the commitment to making Fort De Soto Park a safe and enjoyable place for the community once again.

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(Image credit: Scripps News Service)