SANIBEL, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation is reminding beachgoers this Fourth of July that the beaches along the Sanibel Causeway are closed.

The area along the Causeway is an active construction zone. Parking and stopping is not allowed, and using the area as a private beach is considered trespassing.

Marsha Skinner is visiting Sanibel from Georgia. She was shocked to hear people considered the debris-filled shoulder a relaxing place to spend the day.

“I think it’s not safe, said Skinner. “It’s not as comfortable as it used to be and you know it would be like a lot of traffic confusion.”

Dana Souza, the City Manager for Sanibel Island, said he’s not sure why anyone would prefer to stop at the Causeway instead of going to the real beaches on Sanibel.

“Sanibel has some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida and all of our beach parking areas are now open for public use”, said Souza. “All of our beach parking is available for patrons who want to come enjoy the beach here on July 4th or any other day.”