Lee County (State?) Beach Parks Question (Fort Myers, Bonita Springs: parking, money, area)

[tmozer]

Questions about the State Parks along the Lee County strip between Ft. Myers Beach and Bonita Springs:

It appears the dog beach is totally free (to park and to enter). Correct?

I am a little confused about some of the other areas. For instance, the "nature" trail and beach area just over the bridge from Ft. Myers Beach..... I checked it out on an early January afternoon to walk the trails. It appeared that you needed a sticker to park (I do not have one and parked anyway). There was a table to collect an entrance fee but no one manning it. There looked to be a box to drop money in, but I did not have any dollar bills. I parked, entered, walked around for about 45 minutes and left. No one bothered me. What is the correct protocol for that and the other park areas?

After tomorrow I will be a Collier County resident. What do we need to do to take advantage of the above parks located in Lee County?

[kroeran]

dog beach is free. If you dont like walking through 3" water to get there, go at lower tide.

I think you were at lovers key...maybe before park staff show up at 8?

I seem to recall reading that some of the beach access parking in the south end of Fort Myers beach were free? not sure. Otherwise, I think $2 an hour generally.