As spring break nears, several major beach parking lots remain closed.

Visitors hoping to park at Madeira Beach and Treasure Island sections report difficulties finding available spots due to the closure of large lots.

With improving weather drawing more visitors to southwest Florida, securing beach parking is becoming increasingly challenging.

In regions hit hard by consecutive Hurricanes Helene and Milton, these large beach parking lots are still not operational.

At Madeira Beach, the primary beach parking lot near the snack shack at the end of 150th Ave, known as ‘Archibald Park’, has been shut since Hurricane Helene. This lot is undergoing construction with an expected reopening by April 1, according to the city, which cites necessary repairs to the curbing, asphalt, and wall for safety reasons. Tom & Kitty Stuart Park also remains closed due to significant hurricane damage.

Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks suggests alternative parking options at John’s Pass or the limited spaces at 131st Ave, 132nd Ave, 133rd Ave, 134th Ave, 135th Ave, and 155th Ave for those wanting beach access in Madeira Beach.

Just south of Madeira Beach, another significant beach parking lot at 14400 Gulf Blvd is also closed. This one is managed by the county and is awaiting repairs to the seawall.

In the northern part of Treasure Island, the beach parking lot at 112th Ave is fenced off and closed. This lot, although in Treasure Island, is managed by the City of St. Pete. According to Communications Manager Alizza Punzalan-Randle, “The City of St. Petersburg operates the municipal beach parking lot in Treasure Island at 112th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard. The parking lot and the adjacent building containing a concession stand and public restrooms were significantly damaged by surge and flooding following Hurricane Helene. The building is a total loss, and the parking lot is unsafe due to erosion and multiple holes in the asphalt. The City is evaluating its rebuild options and will alert the community once a determination has been made.”

Meanwhile, all city-managed lots in St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island are currently open.

Further south, the county-managed Fort DeSoto North Beach parking lot remains closed.

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(Image credit: Angie Angers/Bay News 9)