In anticipation of the reopening of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park on Monday, locals are delighted at the prospect of once again having complete access to a cherished local shoreline. Despite the damage caused by Hurricane Ian, volunteers, and visitors responded with resiliency and generosity to ensure that the community was prepared to embrace their state park with pleasure.
Residents of Naples rejoiced as the gates of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park reopened on Monday, almost eight months after Hurricane Ian caused extensive damage. Wendy Seremet was first in line, having been inspired to ready herself for the occasion when she learned of the park’s reopening through a Facebook post. With the beach once more accessible, Gene Donato expressed his joy: “We are just really thrilled that Wiggins is back open again. It’s just awesome.”
Despite the destruction wreaked by the Category Four storm, officials and park rangers have implemented new guidelines to ensure the safety of visitors while allowing them to enjoy the park’s beauty. Those areas most affected remain closed, yet the website provides multiple alternatives. For instance, visitors can park at Connor Park and take a free shuttle or walk in. Regardless of their choice, park-goers will surely experience the same delight that Wendy and Gene felt on the reopening day.
Christine Cannistra, who regularly runs the accessible Naples Park and Beach shuttle between Delnor Wiggins and nearby North Naples, said, “It’s both sad and amazing to see what has been done. Everybody loves this beach. It’s been hard to tell them it was wiped out, but I strongly encourage them to come down and see it now. All I can see is the good that came from this.”
The Florida Department of Emergency Management has posted signage to remind visitors of potential storm-related debris on the beaches. Beachgoers are also asked to avoid roped-off areas and sea turtle nests. In addition, honor boxes have been installed throughout the park to collect donations which will go toward rebuilding and reopening the rest of the park.
Seremet is eager to get back to experiencing the beauty of the Delnor-Wiggins State Park. After being closed due to storm damage, the park is now open again during its regular hours, Monday-Sunday, from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. The Florida Department of Emergency Management has taken measures to remind visitors of potential storm-related debris on the beaches while encouraging beachgoers to avoid roped-off areas and sea turtle nests. To further aid in rebuilding, honor boxes have been installed throughout the park to collect donations.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park has remerged from the damage caused by Hurricane Ian and is back open for exploration. Residents like Wendy Seremet and Gene Donato were thrilled to once again step onto their beachside paradise and share it with others. New regulations have been instated for the safety of guests while still allowing them to enjoy their beautiful surroundings. Christine Cannistra encourages visitors to come down and witness all the hard work that has gone into restoring the State Park to its idyllic state. The beach and nature embrace of Delnor-Wiggins allows you to reassure your belief in the resiliency of the land and its lovely people calling Naples home indefinitely!
