Has Bird Key Park reopened following hurricane damage?

Bird Key Park, located at the base of the John Ringling Causeway Bridge, is still temporarily closed due to the destruction from hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.

The city of Sarasota noted that these repairs haven’t had a quick turnaround due to the long process of receiving federal reimbursement through FEMA. Additionally, the city needed state and federal permits, since the park is located near sensitive coastal areas.

The city also wrote on its website that some delays in the recovery process were due to the partial government shutdown earlier this year.

Construction in Bird Key Park is expected to start early next year, with an estimated completion date by early 2028.

Other local parks have also had construction permits approved. Repairs at Bayfront and Whitaker parks are expected to be completed by early next year, while construction at Ken Thompson Park is projected to finish by early 2028.