Hurricane Updates

Damaged beach boardwalk.

NPS

Hurricanes Ian & Nicole in October & November 2022 reshaped much of the dune system within Fort Matanzas National Monument. Our Oceanside boardwalk once again fell victim to the storm surge.

 

Damage to the Visitor Center dock from Hurricane Irma

NPS

The ferry service has resumed. Repairs have been completed for both beach boardwalks and the Vehicle Ramp. Due to St. John's County Regulations, this ramp is used as Exit only.

Updated: June 30, 2020

Scroll down for more information.

In 2017 Hurricane Irma caused significant damage to the visitor center ferry dock making it unsafe for visitors. Repairs to the dock took some time. Both ferry boats also received some damage. Repairs were completed and tours to Fort Matanzas resumed in May 2018.

 

Pictured here is the ocean side boardwalk.  Days before the arrival of Hurricane Irma work crews were repairing damage caused from Hurricane Matthew less than a year earlier.  Irma washed away all the progress and much more.

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Serious damage throughout the park grounds

Having made significant progress recovering from Hurricane Matthew, Hurricane Irma caused more damage throughout the National Monument. The dune system has been drastically re-shaped once again, and both beach boardwalks were damaged. The ocean beach boardwalk remained closed for some time.

Even with the boardwalks and dock damaged, the park visitor center and surrounding grounds remained open while repairs were competed.

Be on the look out for special events with park staff and re-enactors by clicking here for our calendar of events.

 

The new riverside boardwalk

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Beach Boardwalks

Both Hurricanes Matthew & Irma caused serious damage to the park's beach boardwalk access. Repairs have been completed as of August 2018.

 

Top: Area around the Visitor Center before the storm
Bottom: Area around the Visitor Center after the Storm

Google Earth

These two images show just how much the park has changed as a result of recent hurricanes. Matthew in 2016 & Irma in 2017. Not only did the storms damage the ferry dock, boats, and beach boardwalks. We lost many trees due to the strong winds.