More Gulf Islands Seashore areas opened

GULF BREEZE, Fla. (WALA) - Gulf Islands National Seashore announced Sunday that additional areas within the Seashore have been reopened.

In the Florida district, Fort Pickens Road remains closed due to high quantities of sand on the roadway. Crews have begun to remove the sand, but initial estimates are that it could take more than a week to get the road open. The Santa Rosa Area, including Opal Beach, is expected to remain closed for an indefinite period due to significant damage to Highway 399.

“We are pleased to be able to reopen the Davis Bayou area and all the islands in the Mississippi district with the exception of West Ship Island,” said Superintendent Dan Brown.

Below is a listing of areas within the Gulf Islands National Seashore and their status as of Sunday, September 2, 2012:

• Naval Live Oaks Area on Hwy 98, reopened on Thursday, August 30.
• Fort Barranacas Area, within Pensacola Naval Air Station reopened on Thursday, August 30.
• Perdido Key Area, Johnson Beach, - The main parking lot and pavilion reopened on Friday, August 31.
• Santa Rosa Area - Extensive damage to the westbound lane of J. Earle Bowden Way – Route 399) necessitates closure of this area until repairs can be made.
• Fort Pickens area remains closed. The condition of Fort Pickens Road will be assessed after the removal of several feet of sand covering the road is completed.
• The Davis Bayou area in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship Islands and portions of Cat Island managed by the National Park Service will reopen on Sunday, September 2nd. West Ship Island remains closed.

Superintendent Brown reminded visitors “that although these areas are open to the public, visitors to the Seashore should exercise caution as storm debris and hazards may be present in local waterways.”