Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges

Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife RefugesFriends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife RefugesFriends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges

Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges

Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife RefugesFriends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife RefugesFriends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges
  • Home
  • The Refuges
    • Egmont Key
    • Passage Key
    • The Pinellas Refuges
  • Get Involved
    • Bird Surveys
    • Bird Stewards
    • Guardhouse Docents
    • Refuge Cleanups
    • Membership
    • Event Calendar
    • Donate
  • Resources
    • Hurricane-Recovery-Update
    • Releasing a Hooked Bird
    • Bird Rescue Organizations
    • Egmont and The Seminole
    • Friends Matter Newsletter
    • Volunteer Forms
  • Shop our Store
  • Save Egmont Key
  • Contact Us
  • More
    • Home
    • The Refuges
      • Egmont Key
      • Passage Key
      • The Pinellas Refuges
    • Get Involved
      • Bird Surveys
      • Bird Stewards
      • Guardhouse Docents
      • Refuge Cleanups
      • Membership
      • Event Calendar
      • Donate
    • Resources
      • Hurricane-Recovery-Update
      • Releasing a Hooked Bird
      • Bird Rescue Organizations
      • Egmont and The Seminole
      • Friends Matter Newsletter
      • Volunteer Forms
    • Shop our Store
    • Save Egmont Key
    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • The Refuges
    • Egmont Key
    • Passage Key
    • The Pinellas Refuges
  • Get Involved
    • Bird Surveys
    • Bird Stewards
    • Guardhouse Docents
    • Refuge Cleanups
    • Membership
    • Event Calendar
    • Donate
  • Resources
    • Hurricane-Recovery-Update
    • Releasing a Hooked Bird
    • Bird Rescue Organizations
    • Egmont and The Seminole
    • Friends Matter Newsletter
    • Volunteer Forms
  • Shop our Store
  • Save Egmont Key
  • Contact Us

Egmont Key Hurricane Recovery Update

Egmont Key Hurricane Update - Opening Notice and Moving Forward

The US Fish & Wildlife Service would like to offer a sincere thanks to all of our partners and concerned citizens who have offered support and assistance with recovery efforts after the devastating effects of hurricane Helene. The Refuge is now open, though all structures in or near the lighthouse area and within the private property of the Pilots Compound remain off limits. Significant damage and debris remains throughout the island so please exercise caution while visiting the refuge and obey all posted warnings.  


Thus far, staff have worked to: 

  • open trails
  • clean debris
  • recover salvageable equipment
  • mitigate electrical and hazardous materials concerns
  • re-post regulatory signs and buoys protecting the critical bird nesting and wildlife protection areas


Recovery funding has been allocated by Congress and contracting efforts are underway for:

  • large scale debris removal from refuge beaches
  • clearing and restoration of interior trails
  • replacement of the access dock and Service work facility
  • necessary repairs to the historic Guardhouse


Given the amount of work to be done, all of these projects may take some time and we look forward to the island being completely restored to a pristine condition.  In the interim, please visit safely and remain cognizant of the importance of Egmont Key as critical habitat for Tampa Bay's wildlife.      


-USFWS, 05-01-25


Copyright © 2025 Friends of the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges - All Rights Reserved.


FL DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES REGISTRATION CH27597

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE (800-435-7352) OR AT WWW.FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COM.

REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

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  • Hurricane-Recovery-Update

Check Out Our New Respect The Refuge Apparel!

Show your support for the Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges by purchasing a t-shirt, a tote bag, or a hat! A portion of the proceeds for each and every sale goes directly to refuge support programs. Thank you!


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