State reopens Don Pedro Island for beach access
The island section of Don Pedro Island State park reopened officially March 6, 2026.
However, the dock and facilities are unavailable, so there is only access by private craft or kayak. The island has a one mile sandy beach, as well as a 100-acre land base.
The park is served by land base at 8450 Placida Road, just across Placida Road from the Ace Hardware store, the home of the park concessionaire, SUP Englewood.
A new draft management plan for Don Pedro includes several elements. The plan includes replacing boat slips and paddle craft landing, repairing on-grade access paths between the visitor dock and the Gulf beach; providing visitors with sheltered space and interpretive element(s); and removing a restroom on the island side. It also includes the possible removal of the Lemon Bay docks there. It does not include bathrooms on the island section.
The plan includes:
- Improving the mainland parking area to better accommodate visitors and provide access to the park.
- Stabilizing pathways to improve pedestrian access and support park operations.
- Replacing culverts as needed to maintain water flow and support healthy mangrove habitat.
- Repairing and replacing boat slips, paddlecraft landings and access paths on the island damaged by recent hurricanes to improve water-based recreation.
- Developing interpretive elements to enhance the visitor experience.
- Constructing a maintenance facility with storage, ranger residences and volunteer sites on the mainland to support park operations.
Currently, the state Department of Environmental Protection is working on a draft management plan for all the State Parks in our region, including Don Pedro, Gasparilla Island, Charlotte Harbor Preserve, Cayo Costa and Stump Pass. This is a periodic review that updates park offerings, and is part of a public process.
