After nearly five months of closure due to storm damage, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park has officially reopened to visitors. The park near Immokalee Road in North Naples sustained significant storm surge damage from Hurricane Milton and Tropical Storm Helene in September 2024.
The back-to-back storms eroded beach dunes, damaged restrooms and parking lots, and destroyed portions of the park’s roadway, according to Collier County. In the months after Hurricane season, independent contractors, Collier County crews and the local volunteer group Friends of Delnor-Wiggins worked to restore the shoreline and facilities. Collier County has replaced approximately 35,000 cubic yards of sand — equivalent to 11 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Despite the reopening, some areas remain under construction. Parking lots 3, 4 and 5 are still closed as crews continue restoration efforts.
“Between 9 and 5, I would say 95% of my rides [are to Wiggins] ... This is my favorite beach. If I get a call from somebody, I always recommend this beach," said Christine Cannistra, owner of Naples Park Shuttle .
“There are so many people here right now, and there’s twice as many parking areas still closed ... But it’ll come back. These plants will come back. The water’s still beautiful," said John Grabiel, a local artist.
On its first official day back, the beach saw large crowds, with visitors eager to enjoy the long-awaited reopening. Officials say work will continue in the coming months to fully restore the park’s infrastructure.