Chadwick Park has been closed for over seven months following the damage caused by Hurricane Milton, and residents say they’ve waited long enough.
For locals like Jonathon Hile, the beach is more than a destination — it’s part of daily life. But despite other nearby beaches reopening after similar restoration efforts, Englewood’s most cherished spot remains fenced off and untouched.
The beach was used as a sand staging area until two months ago as part of a regional renourishment project. Since then, residents say there's been no visible progress.
In response, Hile and his wife launched a petition last Friday urging local and state officials to reopen the beach and parking lot. It quickly gained traction, reaching nearly 800 signatures in just a few days.
“It’s frustrating to see new parks and other beaches open while ours sits empty,” Hile said.
Local businesses are also feeling the impact. The Englewood Chamber of Commerce reports a downturn in revenue, particularly among restaurants and bars that rely on beach traffic. Staff layoffs and cut hours are becoming increasingly common.
“This affects the entire local economy,” said Doug Izzo, the Chamber’s executive director. “Some businesses may not survive.”
A peaceful protest is planned for this Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Chadwick Park, where residents hope to get the county’s attention.
Charlotte County officials say portions of the beach remain closed due to ongoing safety issues, but there are no updates for plans to open the park and access points at this time.
You can find the petition here .
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