Maybe not much, but it's our beach

It’s a long week when I get to Thursday and the tank is empty.

This week felt like a month. Heavy government stuff. I had a blog about a particular subject planned for Thursday but delayed it because I knew it would bring a slew of debate. I’m all about that, but we need to pace ourselves.

Then came word that Fort Island Gulf Beach had reopened, and I couldn’t get over there fast enough.

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Funny thing about our little beach. It’s, I don’t know, just ours. I’m not describing this well but you’re all nodding.

I’m a big fan of “iconic” when the word describes something truly, well, iconic. (Look. I told you…the tank is empty.) Lu the hippo is iconic to Citrus County. People hear about Lu and say, “You have a hippo in a Florida wildlife park?” and we smile knowingly. Yes, we do.

Fort Island Gulf Beach is iconic. It’s not known for anything other than being our little beach. Beautiful drive. Breathtaking sunsets. Little to no wave action. Pushy seagulls.

Just the way we like it.

So, for today, some photos of our reopened beach.
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Man, I give Community Services Director Eric Head and county workers credit for getting this thing open again after Hurricane Helene.

Their goal was immediate: Do what is necessary to allow public access to the beach, even if we need to drag all the damaged stuff, like restrooms, out of there. And that’s exactly what we have: a sandy beach, porta restrooms, and the parking lot. That’s it, for now.

Keep that in mind when venturing out there.
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The boat ramp is still closed, and I’m sure the county is busting its tail to get that opened.

The Roger Batchelor Pier, however, doesn’t look so well. Frankly, I’m not sure what’s going to happen to the pier. There’s a lot of cool history with that pier, and it’s dedicated to a very popular commissioner.

But…look at it. I’ll be interested to hear the county’s plans for the pier.
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OK, this has nothing to do with the beach. But it’s been in my phone since January and I want to get it out of my head. Two questions for readers:

— Where is this sign located? That shouldn’t be too difficult.

— There is a significant difference between the welcome to Citrus County signs on county roads vs. state roads. What is that difference? Hint: I just gave you the answer. (Zip it, county workers!)

I’m ready for the weekend. Enjoy yours, friends.

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