Beach parking fee waivers extended to help Lee businesses recover from algae crises

It’s not too late to score free parking at a Lee County beach.

Through the end of this month, local governments are extending parking fee waivers that have been in place at selected beaches since late August.

Red tide persists in the Gulf; however, the shoreline symptoms most obnoxious to humans have significantly abated.

Businesses along the coast and near the Caloosahatchee River have sustained huge revenue losses from the red tide and blue-green algae. They hope local residents will take the lead in coming back to play, shop and dine.

Now through Sept. 30:

Fort Myers Beach: Parking fees waived at Lynn Hall Memorial Park, 950 Estero Blvd., and at Bowditch Point Park, 50 Estero Blvd.

Town-controlled parking outside these parks also will be free through September.

Sanibel Island: Beach parking fee wavers continue throughout the island.  The city also reports that over the past week, beach conditions have continued to improve.

Captiva Island: Free parking continues at Alison Hagerup Beach Park.

More:Fort Myers Beach restaurants: 21 delicious reasons to go to the beach

More:Lee County asks locals to spend more in areas hard-hit from red tide, algae crisis