Hurricane-Ravaged Humphris Park Remains Closed in Venice

City leaders explore options to repair and reopen the popular park, but face bureaucratic hurdles.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Humphris Park at the South Venice Jetty has remained closed since Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused catastrophic damage in 2024. The city of Venice is exploring ways to reopen the park, but the process is complicated as the South Jetty and its bulkhead are owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, requiring their approval which could take up to two years. Congressman Greg Steube is working to secure $15 million in funding for repairs, but the community remains frustrated by the prolonged closure.

Why it matters

Humphris Park is a beloved community landmark in Venice, Florida, offering access to the South Venice Jetty and scenic views. Its closure since the 2024 hurricanes has been a significant loss for local residents who enjoyed visiting the park regularly. The prolonged closure highlights the challenges cities face in restoring public spaces damaged by natural disasters, especially when multiple government agencies are involved in the approval process.

The details

The South Venice Jetty and its bulkhead are owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, meaning any improvements or work to reopen the park must be approved by the federal agency. This approval process could take up to two years. The hurricanes left significant damage, including a 6-to-8-foot ravine where the parking lot once stood, exposure of the jetty's bulkhead, and the loss of the walkway to the jetty. Reopening just the park could cost millions, and the city says any improvements they make would likely have to be removed once the Army Corps begins restoring the South Jetty.

  • In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed Humphris Park.
  • More than a year and a half later, the park remains closed.

The players

Humphris Park

A popular community park located at the South Venice Jetty in Venice, Florida.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency that owns the South Venice Jetty and its bulkhead, and must approve any repairs or improvements to the area.

Congressman Greg Steube

A U.S. Representative working to secure $15 million in funding for repairs to the South Jetty.

Nick Pachota

The mayor of Venice, Florida.

Dot Diehl

A Venice resident who used to visit Humphris Park regularly.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I used to come down here and ride my bike three times a week.”

— Dot Diehl, Venice resident (fox13news.com)

“I'd like to see it at least partially reopened, the park anyway. Maybe not the jetty, but at least access some of it. Come down here to sit and watch the boats come by.”

— Dot Diehl, Venice resident (fox13news.com)

“Work is not paused; we were not actively involved in a project out at the jetty prior to putting it on the agenda to direct staff to investigate this project.”

— Nick Pachota, Mayor of Venice (fox13news.com)

“I don't think people have a good understanding that we are talking about maybe $4M to bring in all that material and even make it just a turnaround for cars. Which then, the sand could get washed away or it might be a situation where we have to come and take it out and remove it, which all that money would be wasted.”

— Nick Pachota, Mayor of Venice (fox13news.com)

“Nobody anticipated the terrible surge that was going to be generated. It's definitely Mother Nature ran its course; however, we as a community are stronger than that. I would just love for it to come back somewhat. It shows the strength in the community when it comes back, I think it's really, really important.”

— Sheree Anderson, Venice resident (fox13news.com)

What’s next

Congressman Greg Steube has been working to secure $15 million in funding for repairs to the South Jetty and its bulkhead. The city of Venice has submitted letters in support of any funding to help reopen the park and the South Jetty.

The takeaway

The prolonged closure of Humphris Park highlights the challenges cities face in restoring public spaces damaged by natural disasters, especially when multiple government agencies are involved in the approval process. Despite the community's desire to see the park reopened, the bureaucratic hurdles and high costs have stalled progress, underscoring the need for more streamlined disaster recovery efforts.