Bridgeport’s Facebook page reports the shutting down of Pleasure Beach for remainder of the season prompted by an outbreak of tick species including the dreaded Asian longhorned tick
The announcement has caused quite a stir in responses both pro and con in the comments section where just about anything goes in the cause of free speech on a government page.
Release from the city:
We regret to inform everyone that Pleasure Beach will remain closed to the public for the 2025 summer season. This decision comes after extensive consultation with state environmental experts following the discovery of multiple tick species on the island—including the invasive Asian longhorned tick. In the interest of public health and environmental safety, the City will be conducting a series of treatment and containment efforts throughout the area.
Additionally, the City has observed a significant increase in protected Audubon bird species nesting on the island, further reinforcing the need to reduce human interference and allow conservation efforts to continue uninterrupted.
Please note: The fishing pier at Pleasure Beach will also remain closed during this period.
Given the island’s sensitive ecosystem, managing the risks of cross-contamination requires deliberate, long-term planning. The City will continue to monitor conditions with the goal of reopening Pleasure Beach for public enjoyment in summer 2026, once it is safe to do so.
We thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize the safety of our residents, visitors, and the natural environment.
Sampling of comments:
Biagio Castorina
Such bullshit. The birds can find plenty of places to live throughout that marsh area. Blatant government Thievery of that island.
Geoff Stone
Bunch of ignorant people that think the city wants its closed the damn place is covered in multiple species of ticks that will take multiple treatments to even make it remotely safe last year barely got off the boat and had a tick on my arm. You couldn’t pay me enough to go over there
Phil Schmidt
Put some turkeys on the island. They love ticks.
Keep deer off it. Problem solved.
Gregv Fodorv
I can go there by Jetski, and I can walk at low tide! Are they gonna have a cop there in a tick infested zone
Frank Vitti
Put some guinea hens on the island. As long as there’s no foxes coyotes on the island. I don’t know how big the islands is I’d start with 50.
Gail Skinner
Keep it closed forever. Just imagine the wildlife and flowers and plants that would thrive there!!!
Aimee Bosco
If there’s ticks there there’s ticks at Stratford and seaside beaches. They’re All connected
Elmar Manny Rivera
Look, just say you don’t want anyone on that island. Since 96?! Only a few shuttled there?
Elizabeth Ingham
Show of hands: who wants to take a flamethrower to the beach to help with the efforts of tick control? Lol
Ted Bell
If Bridgeport couldn’t get ready for the 25 summer season, what will be different in 26?
Sandy Brown
Same ticks all over CT! Sheffield Island covered but it’s still being visited .
James Carusone
Do the tax payers get a refund for the shuttle boats???
Albert K Bender
Well, most of us have lived without it since childhood years. So let Nature thrive !
Joann Ference
When I think of environmental areas in the state, Bridgeport doesn’t come to mind.
Sonya Mia Marie
At some point they’ll sell it to some ultra rich person from you know down by Greenwich maybe Long Island and they’ll have it as their personal place
Diane Vulcano
Seems like a drastic decision to me. I really hope they are not doing further damage to that beautiful area by releasing toxic chemicals to kill the ticks! Where do we find out exactly what the protocol will be for eradicating the infestation??
Paul Poissant
Just spray for ticks and open it already is it that hard
Jodie Quaglia
Thank you for protecting the wildlife and environment!
Kevin Paul
It would be the perfect place for an amusement park
Jeremy Burns
Plum Island at it again. Yeah we can just blame it on the birds I guess
Michael Wozniak
Awesome, so all these ticks will get on these birds and get spread all over the place…can’t wait!
Barbara Zwally
I like it that someone is paying attention. Yeah, Bridgeport.
Maur Silv
That is too bad. Enjoyed a day on the beach last summer.
The golf cart operator (“T”) was a wonderful driver & spoke with us about the history of Pleasure Beach during the drive.
“City Facebook page”: Who wrote the message and perhaps was part of the oversight and decision making process? Afraid of feedback, perhaps? How many citizens who have enjoyed that beach area and know something about the habits of endangered nesting birds and the history of Bridgeport on the land are a part of this oversight?
Do we have an Environmental Commission? Or a functioning Fair Housing Commission? Or an effective Youth Commission who can see that more than 100 or so Bridgeport youths get water skills and water safety training annually? Where is a group that studies Energy resources, alternatives, and can speak broadly and wisely for the City? Many questions like the above go along without answers. But we are coming to primaries and an election in fall 2025. Time will tell.
how about spraying??? you can spray for mosquitos but not ticks??