Vanderbilt Beach project nears end; locals worry about access issues

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. - The beach renourishment project along Vanderbilt and Pelican Bay beaches is nearing completion after months of work.

Construction is set to resume soon, but beachgoers are expressing concerns over limited access and parking constraints, which they say are causing safety and traffic issues, especially during busy holiday weeks.

Blocked beach access points are the biggest concern, particularly for drop-off and pick-up areas. The only public parking garage available fills up quickly, leading to traffic backups and few safe places to pull over.

Local business owner Holly Kuntz said a shuttle service is helping relieve some of that pressure.

"This beach renourishment has been going on for about a month, and I think it's anticipated to go on through the end of or middle to end of January," Kuntz said. "So avoid all of this chaos out here. There's a blinking light. There was nowhere to pull up. Just let us do the work. We'll come get you, bring you, drop you off, unload your beach gear."

The beach renourishment project began in late October and is now in its final phase. Work is temporarily paused for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, but is scheduled to resume on Jan. 5. The entire project costs about $7.5 million, with the Vanderbilt Beach portion funded primarily through tourist development tax dollars, while the Pelican Bay section is privately funded. When work resumes, crews will operate six days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with county officials aiming to finish quickly while limiting disruptions.

To help ease traffic and parking concerns, shuttle services like Breeze Beach are stepping in. Officials are asking beachgoers to be patient and consider using shuttle services to help keep traffic moving and access safe while construction continues.

Vanderbilt Beach Road will remain partially closed until the project is complete.