UPDATE: Sanibel refuge to close in advance of storm
UPDATE: Tarpon Bay Explorers reported that it will be closed starting on Aug. 29 until further notice in advance of Tropical Storm Idalia.
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ORIGINAL (Aug. 23, 2023):
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported that due to preparations for pending Tropical Storm Idalia, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will be closed on Aug. 29 and will remain closed until further notice.
Visitors and partners are urged to also take appropriate precautions for the storm.
Tarpon Bay Explorers, the official refuge concessionaire, will be closed for the month of September and will reopen on Oct 2.
A safety assessment will be conducted post-storm. The refuge will reopen as soon as it is practically possible. The USFWS reported that further announcements will be made at that time.
To confirm the refuge’s hours, call 239-472-1100 or check the refuge’s official Facebook page for the most current information at https://www.facebook.com/dingdarlingrefuge/.
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel.