Beach connector road reopens

Park staff completed the removal of large deposits of sand from the J. Earle Bowden Way (SR 399) and reopened it and Parking Lot 1.

The road was closed Sunday due to heavy flooding and sand deposit from Tropical Storm Lee.

Visitors are reminded to drive on the roadway with extreme caution because of the loose sand. In the Santa Rosa Area, Parking Lots 9, 10, and Opal Beach are still closed but are expected to reopen before the weekend.

Until all work is completed by the contractor, the Fort Pickens Area will remain closed. Crews cleaned out picnic and restroom facilities that were flooded or covered in sand; shoveled sand from boardwalks; and removed trees that fell over hiking trails.

The Perdido Key Area remains open from the west gate to the main parking lot and lifeguards are on duty from 10 am to 6 pm.

For more information about the status of the Fort Pickens Campground call 850-934-2621, for general park information contact the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center 850-934-2600, or the Fort Pickens Road hotline number at 850-934-2656.