Hurricane Ian caused extensive damage to Florida in late September 2022. As Florida’s parks and reserves reopen, Lovers Key Beach Weddings wants to provide the supportive community with updates on Lovers Key’s recovery. Here, we’ve rounded up the latest developments relating to this beloved park.
Lover’s Key Beach Weddings: Currently Closed Until Further Notice
Lovers Key’s recovery is still a while off due to hurricane damage. Progress has been slower here than in some other parks because of the sheer extent of the damage.
Thankfully, a letter on the Friends of Lovers Key website indicates that recovery is well underway. The park’s staff and volunteers are pulling out all the stops to make this beautiful location safe for visitors again. In the meantime, they are grateful for donations to accelerate the park’s reopening.
Effective February 8, 2023
According to a message from Lovers Key Park Manager Katie Moses:
The Bayside Use Area of Lovers Key State Park is open for limited day use activities. Fishing and picnicking are available along beautiful Estero Bay at the Bayside Use Area. The main and north entrances, beaches, trails, paddling trail and boat ramp with remain closed. Please adhere to all posted signs and avoid closed areas.
Florida Park Service is actively working to restore access to the closed areas of Lovers Key State Park. We look forward to welcoming guests again as soon as conditions allow.
Lovers Key State Park Before Hurricane Ian
As the park’s name suggests, this location has been a perfect romantic getaway for years. As the park was previously only accessible by boat, the state built a road to the 712-acre land in 1965.
Lovers Key State Park has housed several popular amenities since 1983, including:
- Beaches
- Boat ramps
- Picnic pavilions
- Showering stations
- Canoe and kayak launches
- Concessions and restaurants
With these perks, it’s no wonder why the park is a popular wedding spot.
What Now?
While Lovers Key recovery takes place, we suggest visiting the nearby Lakes Park. This park’s staff has safely reopened most of the park’s events and amenities to the public. Some beaches in the area have reopened. However, traveling North or South to locations less impacted will take pressure off the local roadways while recovery is still underway.
Visit or contact Florida State Parks or Friends of Lover’s Key for the most up-to-date information. You can also call Lovers Key Weddings & Events at (239) 765-7788 for more information.
