Traffic Alert: Temporary Road Closures Announced for Doc Ford’s 7K Race
If you are planning to travel around the west-central portion of the island this Saturday, you will want to adjust your route and timing accordingly. The City of Sanibel has announced temporary road closures to accommodate the second annual Doc Ford’s National Yucatán Shrimp Day 7K Race on May 23.
To ensure the safety of all participants, portions of Tarpon Bay Road and Island Inn Road will be completely closed to vehicular traffic during the morning hours.
At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we want to make sure our neighbors and visitors navigate the weekend smoothly. Here are the specific road closures and time frames you need to know before you head out.
Affected Streets and Closure Times
The following closures will take effect on Saturday, May 23, starting at 6:30 AM. Please note that all times are approximate and rely entirely on how quickly the runners and walkers safely clear the racecourse.
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Tarpon Bay Road Closure (6:30 AM – 10:00 AM): Tarpon Bay Road will be closed from Sanibel Boulevard to the Trost Parking lot. This closure includes access to the Bailey Tract parking lot.
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Island Inn Road Closure (6:30 AM – 10:00 AM): Island Inn Road will be closed from Tarpon Bay Road all the way to the gate.
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What Remains Open: The Trost Parking Lot will remain open and accessible throughout the entirety of the event.
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES (6:30 AM - 10:00 AM)
[ Sanibel Blvd ] -------- ( CLOSED: Tarpon Bay Road ) -------- [ Trost Lot ]
| (OPEN)
|
( CLOSED: Island Inn Rd )
|
[ Gate ]
Tips for Island Motorists
The city advises all drivers to expect local traffic delays and plan travel routes accordingly. If you must drive through this area on Saturday morning, keep the following in mind:
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Stay Alert: Watch closely for an increased volume of pedestrians, runners, and spectators navigating the roadsides.
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Follow Directions: Carefully follow all instructions provided by local law enforcement officers stationed along the route, as well as temporary event traffic signage.
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Race Information: If you are participating or looking for last-minute event details, you can visit the official Doc Ford’s 7K RunSignup Page.
For immediate traffic concerns or non-emergency updates regarding the closures, you can contact the Sanibel Police Department directly at 239-472-3111.
Once the roads reopen at 10:00 AM, the party moves over to Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille (2500 Island Inn Road) for the post-race festivities! Drive safely, stay patient, and enjoy the holiday weekend on the islands.
