View Full Version : Dennis - official notices and info
This Press Release is an important message from the Walton County Emergency Operations Center and the Public Information Office of Walton County.
Hurricane Dennis is being monitored and has the potential to make landfall in or near Walton County. The Walton County Board of County Commissioners has approved a Local State of Emergency in connection with Hurricane Dennis effective Thursday, July 7, 2005 to begin preparation for this storm. The Walton County Emergency Operations Center will be fully activate at 4 pm, Friday, July 8 to coordinate storm preparations and recovery efforts.
The following closures have been announced:
· Walton County Head Start program will close at 1 pm, Friday, July 8. The Walton County Summer Recreation program is closed until further notice.
· Walton County public beaches will be closed at 3 pm, on Friday to remove TDC beach services and prepare for the storm.
· All county offices and facilities will close on Friday, July 08, 2005 at 1 pm and will remain closed through Monday, July 11.
A mandatory evacuation of guests in the low lying areas, including those in RV parks or mobile home parks south of Highway 20 will begin at 12 pm on Friday. A mandatory evacuation for residents living south of Highway 20 will begin at 4 pm Friday. Everyone is reminded the Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge will be closed when sustained winds reach 40 m.p.h. When the bridge is closed to traffic there will be no means of leaving south Walton County because Bay and Okaloosa counties also close their bridges to thru traffic.
Freeport High School on U.S. 331 north of Freeport will be the nearest shelter for those evacuating. The Shelter will open at 4 pm. Persons evacuating should be aware that:
· Animals are not accepted at the shelters.
· People with special needs should bring a three day supply all their medicines, water and food, including special foods. They should also bring a list of their medical conditions and contact names and numbers for doctors, home health agency serving them, and an emergency contact.
· Red Cross cots will be the only available beds.
Remember the shelter is not a hospital or a clinic and should be used by those with medical conditions that have no other evacuation options. There will be no doctor, acute care nurses, specialty care nurses or caretakers at the shelter. Those who need assistance with activities of daily living must bring a caregiver as necessary for 24 hour care, because there will not be staff available to meet those needs.
Those reporting to the shelter should bring the following items:
ID
Sleeping bag or bedding
Special dietary items
Flashlight, change of clothing, rain gear
Infant needs, toys for children
Personal snacks
A good book
Alcohol is not allowed in the shelters.
The Emergency Operations Center is responding to events as they occur in connection with this storm. Emergency calls should be made to 911, all other calls can be directed to 892-8392 or 892-8394. Residents and visitors should stay tuned to local media for current news and developments on Hurricane Dennis.
Walton County Landfill will close at 4 pm on Friday and will not reopen until after Monday.
All garbage pickup will be suspended until after Monday as well.
Kurt:
Is there a time by which residents must be gone...or is it strictly a function of when winds reach 40MPH?
Kurt:
Is there a time by which residents must be gone...or is it strictly a function of when winds reach 40MPH?
I'm sure the official line is leave ASAP, mandatory beginning at 4PM today. But the bridge won't close until the winds on the bridge reach 40 mph. Check the traffic sticky for additional evac details. Remember that bridges to the east and west will close also, leaving no escape.
It's important for people to leave ASAP, so emergency personnel have free roads and access to facilities to batten down the hatches.
Smiling JOe
07-08-2005, 08:02 PM
I wanted everyone to see the latest Release by Walton County. This statement corrects my previous post, listing four shelters.
**********************************
NOTE: Only one Storm Shelter in Walton County.
**********************************
7/8/2005 2:50 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This 1 page Press Release is an important message from the Walton County Emergency
Operations Center and the Public Information Office of Walton County.
The only shelter planned at this time in Walton County for Hurricane Dennis will be at the
Freeport High School. The school is located north of Freeport on Highway 331. This shelter will
open at 4 pm on Friday, July 8, 2005.
The EOC has no plans to open a shelter in south Walton.
End of release
For more information, contact: Ken Little, Public Information Officer
Sara Comander, Public Information coordinator
Walton County Emergency Operations Center
75 S. Davis Lane, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
Public Information Phone and Fax: ( 850) 892-8680 litken@co.walton.fl.us
comsara@co.walton.fl.us
EOC Phone (850) 892-8065 Fax 892-4093
HURRICANE DENNIS NEWS RELEASE #6
Saturday, July 09, 2005 7:30 A.M.
An important message from the Walton County Emergency Operations Center and the Public Information Office of Walton County.
The Walton County Emergency Operations Center is activated to coordinate storm preparations and recovery efforts for Hurricane Dennis. Walton County is currently under a Hurricane Warning and a Flood Watch.
The following closures are in effect:
* The Walton County Head Start program and the Walton County Summer Recreation Program.
* All Walton County beaches are closed.
* All county offices and facilities are closed and will remain closed through Monday, July 11.
* The Walton County Landfill is closed though Monday and there will be no garbage pickup this weekend.
A mandatory evacuation order is now in effort for south Walton and south of Highway 20. A voluntary evacuation order has been issued for those living in low lying areas, RV parks and mobile homes for the remainder of Walton County. All persons in those areas are strongly encouraged to evacuate as soon as possible.
The Choctawhatchee Bay bridge will be closed when sustained winds reach 40 m.p.h. When the bridge is closed to traffic there will be no means of leaving south Walton County because Bay and Okaloosa counties also close their bridges to thru traffic. It is suspected that Tropical Storm Force winds will reach Walton County by 3 am on Sunday if Hurricane Dennis remains on its present projected course and speed.
Freeport High School on US 331 north of Freeport is open as a General Population and Special Needs Shelter. Persons evacuating should be aware that:
* Animals are not accepted at the shelters, except for service animals.
* People with special needs should bring a three day supply of all their medicines, water and food, including special foods. You should also bring a list of their medical conditions and contact names and numbers for doctors, home health agency serving them, and an emergency contact.
Remember the shelter is not a hospital or clinic and should be used by those with medical conditions that have no other evacuation options. There will be no doctor, acute care nurses, specialty care nurses or caretakers at the shelter. Those who need assistance with activities of daily living must bring a caregiver as necessary for 24 hour care, because there will not be staff available to meet those needs.
Those reporting to the shelter should bring the following items:
* ID
* Sleeping bag or bedding
* Special dietary items (3 day supply)
* Flashlight, change of clothing, rain gear
* Infant needs, toys for children
* Personal snacks
* A good book
* Alcohol is not allowed in the shelters.
Evacuating residents are requested to turn off electricity, water and gas to their homes if possible when leaving. In event of severe storm damage, this could alleviate further difficulties in clean up and recovery operations and aid the electric companies in restoring power.
Residents are also advised there is a shortage of gas in some areas of the county. It is strongly recommended automobiles have a full tank of gas.
Residents choosing not to evacuate should review their disaster kits, stock up on non perishable food items, water, ice and cash, battery operated radio and extra batteries, non electric can opener and a first aid kit. You need to be prepared to be self-sustaining for 3 to 5 days. Those who choose to remain are advised at a certain point before the main storm hits land, emergency response personnel will be unable to assist them.
Citizens may call the Emergency Operations Center Information lines at 892-8392 or 892-8394. Emergency calls should be made to 911. Residents should stay tuned to local media for current news and developments on Hurricane Dennis. Information is being posed to the Walton County web site at www.co.walton.fl.us (http://www.co.walton.fl.us).
dusty
07-09-2005, 01:43 PM
When they say the beaches are closed, what happens if someone walks on the beach? Do they issue tickets? Or is it a "at your own risk" kind of thing?
Smiling JOe
07-09-2005, 01:51 PM
When they say the beaches are closed, what happens if someone walks on the beach? Do they issue tickets? Or is it a "at your own risk" kind of thing?
When the beaches are closed, the Sheriff's Deputies can write tickets, but right now, they have better things to do, which I doubt would include hanging out at Hwy 98/283 and Hwy 98/395.
HURRICANE DENNIS NEWS RELEASE #7
This Press Release is an important message from the Walton County Emergency Operations Center and the Public Information Office of Walton County.
Update from the EOC:
* The Sacred Heart Hospital of the Emerald Coast is closed. The Destin Urgent Care Center on Highway 98 will close at 7 pm on Saturday. Healthmark Regional Medical Center located on Highway 331 in DeFuniak Springs will remain open.
* A general population refuge will open at Okaloosa Walton College, Building Two (2) on Highway 90 in DeFuniak Springs at noon on Saturday, July 09, 2005. This is not a certified hurricane shelter and is not manned by the Red Cross.
* Court hearings and trials scheduled for Monday, July 11th in the First Judicial Circuit, which includes Walton County, have been postponed until further notice.
* Walton County Animal Control will cease picking up animals at 4 pm on Saturday.
* Alcoholic beverages and liquor sales in Walton County will be suspended at 10 pm on Saturday.
* All non-emergency operations will cease when the winds reach 35 m.p.h. and all emergency operations, including fire, EMS and animal control will be suspended when the winds reach 45 m.p.h.
The Emergency Operations Center is responding to inquiries from citizens at 892-8392 or 892-8304. Emergency calls should be made to 911. Residents should stay tuned to local media or current news and developments on Hurricane Dennis. Information is also being posted to the Walton County web site at www.co.walton.fl.us (http://www.co.walton.fl.us).
Smiling JOe
07-09-2005, 03:05 PM
HURRICANE DENNIS NEWS RELEASE #7
[b]* Alcoholic beverages and liquor sales in Walton County will be suspended at 10 pm on Saturday.
More importantly, when will the suspension of such sales of be lifted?
Since the Hospital is closed, if you need immediate emergency care, I have a tad bit of training, bottle of vodka, and some bandage wraps.
From NHC:
A STORM SURGE OF 10 TO 12 FEET IS POSSIBLE NEAR AND TO THE EAST OF WHERE THE CENTER OF DENNIS CROSSES THE NORTHEASTERN GULF COAST ON SUNDAY.
DENNIS IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO
8 INCHES ACROSS THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE...SOUTHERN ALABAMA...AND SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI. ISOLATED TOTALS NEAR 12 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE NEAR WHERE DENNIS MAKES LANDFALL ALONG THE GULF COAST.
Good thing we're not relying on http://www.co.walton.fl.us
They're down just like during Ivan and they talked a lot afterward about not letting that happen again.
This Press Release is an important message from the Walton County Emergency Operations Center and the Public Information Office of Walton County.
The Tri-Village Fire Department that serves the Choctaw Beach area has relocated to the Freeport Fire station until after Hurricane Dennis passes through our area.
The Emergency Operations Center is responding to inquiries from citizens at 892-8392 or 892-8394. Emergency calls should be made to 911. Citizens are reminded 911 is for emergency calls only. Do not call 911 to report power outages, roadway blockage or other storm damage. Call the Citizens Information Lines at 892-8392 or 892-8394.
Residents should stay tuned to local media or current news and developments on Hurricane Dennis. Information is also being posted to the Walton County web site at www.co.walton.fl.us.
rbryan
07-10-2005, 05:30 PM
Kurt, maybe the county should hire you to run their site...I talked to them after Ivan and they assured my they'd be using some of our tax dollars to keep the site up and provide info to property owners during the storm. Looks like that didn't happen.
This Press Release is an important message from the Walton County Emergency Operations Center and the Public Information Office of Walton County.
Superintendent of Schools Carlene Anderson advises all school board offices and schools will be closed on Monday, July 11, 2005
The regularly monthly meeting of the Walton County School Board scheduled for Monday has been cancelled.
The Emergency Operations Center is responding to inquiries from citizens at 892-8392 or 892-8394. Emergency calls should be made to 911. Citizens are reminded 911 is for emergency calls only. Do not call 911 to report power outages, roadway blockage or other storm damage. Call the Citizens Information Lines at 892-8392 or 892-8394.
Residents should stay tuned to local media or current news and developments on Hurricane Dennis. Information is also being posted to the Walton County web site at www.co.walton.fl.us (http://www.mooncreek.com/cgi-bin/wmail/rlink.cgi?site=http://www.co.walton.fl.us).
This Press Release is an important message from the Walton
County Emergency Operations Center and the Public Information Office of
Walton County.
The following roads are closed in Walton County: Scenic Gulf Drive to
the Okaloosa County line, 30A at Oyster Lake and Fort Panic. Thompson
Road across from Bryan Road, Raley Road is closed at the pavement and
Bell Drive is closed off Caswell.
The Choctawhatchee Bay bridge is still closed at this time, however
residents of south Walton will be given access on Monday, if they have a
photo ID with their address.
The Walton County Landfill will open at 8 am on Monday and trash pickup
will resume in DeFuniak Springs. Waste Management will be at 70%
capacity on Monday and 100% on Tuesday. Storm related vegetative debris
pickup is pending and will be announced as soon as possible.
Residents returning to their homes are reminded to check for storm
related damage. Report any damage to the Citizens Information Lines at
892-8394 or 892-8392. People living in low lying areas should be aware
of the potential for flooding and should use extreme caution.
Due to a loss of pressure in a portion of South Walton Utilities water
system a precautionary boil water notice has been issued for that
portion of the water system located south of Scenic Gulf Drive. All
water used for drinking or cooking should be boiled. A rolling boil of
one minute is sufficient. This "precautionary boil water notice" will
remain in effect until the problem is been corrected and a
bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
For more information call Matthew Coleman at the Walton County Health
Department at 850-892-8031.
The Emergency Operations Center is responding to inquiries from citizens
at 892-8392 or 892-8394. Emergency calls should be made to 911.
Residents should stay tuned to local media or current news and
developments on the aftermath of Hurricane Dennis. Information is also
being posted to the Walton County web site at www.co.walton.fl.us (http://www.mooncreek.com/cgi-bin/wmail/rlink.cgi?site=http://www.co.walton.fl.us).
This Press Release is an important message from the Walton
County Emergency Operations Center and the Public Information Office of
Walton County.
Public Works and Engineering
Damage assessment teams from the county and the TDC will continue
assessing damage on Monday.
Residents returning to their homes are reminded to check for storm
related damage. Report any damage to the Citizens Information Lines at
892-8394 or 892-8392. People living in low lying areas should be aware
of the potential for flooding and should use extreme caution.
Power
Chelco and Gulf Power are also assessing damage and restoring power to
the remaining areas that are without power. People using generators
during the storm are reminded they should not be wired directly into
their homes, this could result in damage to the power lines and the
workmen.
Roads and Bridges
The following roads are closed in Walton County: Scenic Gulf Drive to
the Okaloosa County line, 30A at Oyster Lake and Fort Panic, and Bell
Drive is closed off Caswell.
The I-10 bridge is closed in Pensacola.
The Choctawhatchee Bay bridge is to residents of south Walton, and a
photo ID with a address will be needed before entry is allowed.
Emergency Services
All emergency services are operational and animal control complaints
will be handled after 8 am on Monday.
Food and Water
Distribution sites for food, water and ice are pending the results of
assessments.
Health and Medical
Due to a loss of pressure in a portion of South Walton Utilities water
system a precautionary boil water notice has been issued for that
portion of the water system located south of Scenic Gulf Drive. All
water used for drinking or cooking should be boiled. A rolling boil of
one minute is sufficient. This "precautionary boil water notice" will
remain in effect until the problem is been corrected and a
bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink.
For more information call Matthew Coleman at the Walton County Health
Department at 850-892-8031.
Price Gouging Hotline
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has a
request that residents report price gouging to 1-800-435-7352.
The Emergency Operations Center is responding to inquiries from citizens
at 892-8392 or 892-8394. Emergency calls should be made to 911.
Residents should stay tuned to local media or current news and
developments on the aftermath of Hurricane Dennis. Information is also
being posted to the Walton County web site at www.co.walton.fl.us (http://www.mooncreek.com/cgi-bin/wmail/rlink.cgi?site=http://www.co.walton.fl.us).
GraytonBound
07-11-2005, 11:25 AM
KURT- can we get across the bridge with our condo owners insurance policy? Of course it shows a Tennessee address but proves we're property owners
:idontno:
KURT- can we get across the bridge with our condo owners insurance policy? Of course it shows a Tennessee address but proves we're property owners
:idontno:
Bridge is now open to all traffic.
This Press Release is an important message from the Walton County Emergency
Operations Center and the Public Information Office of Walton County.
UPDATE:
Curfews and Restrictions
The county-wide curfew has been lifted and the alcohol sale and consumption ban has been lifted.
County Offices
All county offices including the Walton County Courthouse, South Walton Courthouse Annex, libraries and constitutional offices will be open on Tuesday.
School Board
The Walton County School Board office and school offices will open on Tuesday morning at 8 am. The workshop and meeting scheduled for Monday at 3:30 and 4:30 have been rescheduled for Tuesday at 3:30 and 4:30 pm. The School Board meeting is scheduled for 6 pm in the meeting room at the Tivoli Complex in DeFuniak Springs.
The Emergency Operations Center is responding to inquiries from citizens at 892-8392 or 892-8394. Emergency calls should be made to 911 only.
One of their press releases says 30-A is closed at Ft. Panic. This is an area that has very little dune protection (never really has, even before Ivan). I am guessing there was some significant wash-over there?
lollygal
07-11-2005, 02:24 PM
Kurt -
Any problems coming in 331S to 98 and east to Rosemary Beach? DOT says 331 open to normal traffic. Just making sure we can get in later tonight.
Thanks!
JustBeachy
07-11-2005, 03:06 PM
the alcohol sale and consumption ban has been lifted.
Oh boy..
This Press Release is an important message from the Walton County Emergency Operations Center and the Public Information Office of Walton County.
Food and Water
Ice and Water distribution sites are being set up at the following locations and will be open at 3 pm Monday, July 11, 2005.
* In Paxton at the Paxton Airport located at the intersection of County Road 147 West and 331 North.
* In DeFuniak Springs at the old Wal-Mart (Cowboys) on U. S. 331 South.
* In south Walton at the South Walton Courthouse Annex on U. S. 331 South.
* Freeport High School on US 31 South in Freeport
These sites are for water ice only and will remain open until power is restored area where they are located.
Roads and Bridges
The Clyde B. Wells Bridge over the Choctawhatchee Bay is open to all traffic.
Curfews and Restrictions
The county-wide curfew has been lifted and the alcohol sale and consumption ban has been lifted.
Beaches
All Walton County beaches are closed and double red flags are posted.
Red Cross
For help call 1-866-get-info (1-866-438-4636)
Organizations
The Council on Aging will resume serving meals at all meal sites home delivery service on Tuesday.
Hospitals
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast has reopened.
Health and Medical
The boil water notice for residents living south of Scenic Gulf Drive is still in effect.
The Emergency Operations Center is responding to inquiries from citizens at 892-8392 or 892-8394. Emergency calls should be made to 911 only. Residents should stay tuned to local media for current news and developments on the aftermath of Hurricane Dennis. Information is also being posted to the Walton County web site at www.co.walton.fl.us (http://www.co.walton.fl.us)
sunsetDreamin
07-11-2005, 07:06 PM
Will beach access be open in the next two weeks or so? We are coming on the 23d.
firepar1
07-11-2005, 07:10 PM
I've read a few of these posts. Could anyone tell me if electric is on in Santa Rosa Beach area. We hope to come down there from this Thursday to next Saturday. Should we????????? What are the beaches like, pools, etc. Would appreciate your responses. Thank you
Will beach access be open in the next two weeks or so? We are coming on the 23d.
I will post beach access info after they have been evaluated.
sunsetDreamin
07-11-2005, 09:46 PM
that was a stupid question :oops:
thanks
Hurricane Dennis News Release 23
Update
Food and Water
Ice and water distribution sites in Paxton and Freeport will be
discontinued at noon today, Tuesday, July 12th.
The distribution site in DeFuniak Springs will close at 7 pm today.
The site at the South Walton Courthouse Annex will remain open until
further notice.
The Council on Aging will resume serving meals at all meal site
locations and will make home delivery for "Meals on Wheels" customers
starting today.
Schools and Summer Programs
Tri County Head Start Summer Program resumes at the OWC Chautauqua
Center today.
The Walton County Summer Recreation Program will resume at all sites on
Wednesday, July 13, 2005.
U.S. Senator Bill Nelson will hold office hours in DeFuniak Springs on
Friday, July 15 from 9 to 10:30 am at the Walton County Courthouse, 571
Highway 90 East in DeFuniak Springs.
The Emergency Operations Center is responding to inquiries from citizens
at 892-8392 or 892-8394. Emergency calls should be made to 911 only.
Residents should stay tuned to local media for current news and
developments on the aftermath of Hurricane Dennis. Information is also
being posted to the Walton County web site at www.co.walton.fl.us (http://www.co.walton.fl.us).
To report power outages:
Gulf Power: 1-800-GU-POWER (487-6937)
Chelco: 1-800 342-0990, locally 892-2111 or 892-506
CHELCO reports 985 outages remaining in south Walton County and 390 in north Walton County. The number of consumers out in South Walton has increased slightly as people who evacuated return home and report their power out. Members who still do not have power need to call in. The numbers to call are 800-342-0990 or 892-2111. CHELCO offices have reopened for regular business today.
Gulf Power reports Walton County outages at 7,697 as of Tuesday morning, July 12. This is considerably different from the 385 previously reported on this site. The difference was included in the Okaloosa County outages due to Gulf Power’s service areas. South Walton County is covered by the Fort Walton Beach area’s office. Customers in the Inlet Beach area are covered by the Panama City office. Northern parts of Walton County are the responsibility of the Crestview and DeFuniak Springs offices. All customers remaining without power are encouraged to report power outages to (800) GU-POWER (487-6937) if they have not already done so.
A brief update from the BCC Meeting last night. The Agenda Items were postponed to provide an Update on Hurricane Dennis.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
CHELCO and Gulf Power still working to get power to residents. Anticipate 3 weeks but should be less than that.
Scenic Gulf Drive is only road closed in the County.
TDC
Request to get Beach Survey and update Design products for Beach Re-nourishment.
Currently 11.3 miles of beach critically eroded after last storm and DEP will re-evaluate after this storm
The County won the Judgment to continue the Beach Re-nourishment but will have to file for eminent domain to obtain easements to cross private property on the 5 persons who opposed.
PLANNING
DEP has issued n Emergency Order Authorizing work to repair, replace, restore, and certain other measures made necessary by Hurricane Dennis.
Walton County Building Dept is open 7 am to 7 pm in both North and South Annex’s for Building Permits. Fees are waived for 120 days for damage from the Hurricane.
Walton County is trying to get DEP to collocate with them possibly in the SWA to issue permits needed.
Beach restoration via bringing in sand is authorized except scraping of sand per the permit currently. The Walton County BCC is requesting beach scraping of the DEP and possibly Gov Bush.
If bringing in sand on the beach a sample will need to be provided for approval prior to bringing in the sand. A request with the parcel ID number, address, description of work to be performed (i.e. restore dune w 50 cy of sand), and sample of sand.
Flood Insurance will need a letter from the County for claims just coordinate with Building Dept and they will inspect and issue a letter.
PUBLIC WORKS
Approved to do the following
Eastern Lake - shift the outfall back onto the County Easement
Oyster Lake - clear debris from the outfall
All Coastal Dune Lakes review for needed debris removal (Camp Creek Lake was mentioned and appears to be a log jam at the outfall)
sunsetdunes
07-13-2005, 05:46 PM
-----Original Message-----
From: Sara Comander
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 9:52 AM
Subject: FW: Hurricane Dennis News Release 25 Please note correction
Correction: The beaches are reopening on Thursday, July 14, 2005
-----Original Message-----
From: Sara Comander
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 10:45 AM
Subject: Hurricane Dennis News Release 25
For Immediate Release
The Walton County Board of Commissioners will hold a Special Meeting on
Thursday July 14, 2005 beginning at 11:00 AM at the South Walton
Courthouse Annex located at 31 Coastal Centre Blvd, Santa Rosa Beach,
Florida.
The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the issue of sand
coloration on the beach.
The beaches are reopening on Thursday, July 14, 2005, but double red
flags are flying and water activities are prohibited until the water
clears.
Representatives from U. S. Senator Bill Nelson will hold office hours on
Friday, July 15, 2005 from 9 to 10:30 am at the Walton County
Courthouse, 571 Highway 90 East in DeFuniak Springs.
End of release
Sara Comander
Public Information Coordinator
Events Coordinator
312 College Avenue, Unit B
DeFuniak Springs, Fl 32435
(850) 892-8065, ext 262 (EOC)
Fax: (850) 892-8069 (EOC)
Email: comsara@co.walton.fl.us
Office phone: 850-892-8530
We have completed our assessment of beach damage due to Hurricane Dennis. All 56 dune walkovers are damaged and we’ve suffered severe beach erosion. Current estimates show we lost 1.5 – 2 million cubic yards of sand, which is comparable to 75,000-100,000 dump truck loads. We lost approximately 3-5 feet of beach in vertical erosion and the lost dune width up to 35 feet in some places. On-going dune erosion should be expected as the cliffs begin to form a gradual incline. The dunes become a blessing and a curse as they did their job in protecting the upland infrastructure but now are steep cliffs and limit visitor’s and resident’s ability to access the beach.
Our beaches are open effective 7 am, Thursday, July 14. A double red flag condition remains in effect to advise beachgoers to stay out of the water due to floating storm debris that may still be washing ashore. The beaches will re-open for swimming when conditions permit. The flag poles that advise on water conditions were destroyed by the storm, so we must advise beachgoers about beach conditions through other means including the local media and visiting http://www.swfd.org/ (http://www.swfd.org/).
WHAT NOW?
Access to the beach:
Since one of the biggest concerns is access to the beach, the TDC is approaching an existing contractor to expedite repairs to dune walkovers. Regional beach accesses will be repaired first. Repairs will be limited to stairs only. ADA ramps can not be repaired at this time due to the extensive vertical erosion, which prohibits construction. Miramar Beach Access will not be rebuilt until after the upcoming renourishment project slated to begin this fall.
In the meantime, we will be directing visitors and residents to accesses that do no require a walkover to reach the beach including Grayton, Ed Walline, Dune Allen, and Walton Lake Shore Drive at Eastern Lake.
We understand this is not an ideal scenario, however, living in a coastal community we must be prepared for the impacts of Mother Nature. We ask for your support in guiding visitors to appropriate beach accesses, while we work diligently to repair walkovers.
Repairing the Beach:
For individual restoration efforts, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued an emergency order regarding which repairs are permissible, which includes bringing in sand from inland quarries. A DEP field agent will be at the Walton County Planning office in the South Walton Annex this Thursday – Saturday (July 14-16) to answer specific questions. All projects require DEP and Walton County permits. For permits and additional questions, please contact the Walton County Planning Office at 850-267-1955.
The county met with FEMA and DEP to determine what restoration activities will be permitted on a county wide basis. Walton County has requested permission to conduct beach scrapping once beach levels begin to restore. At this time, it is not permissible.
Sand will be replaced along Scenic Gulf Drive to protect the road from future storms. The TDC continues to work with the state for the large scale renourishment project for a 4.8 mile stretch of critically-eroded beach in Western Walton County. Since Hurricane Ivan and recent storms, new DEP-recognized, critically eroded areas have been identified and the TDC continues to explore options for additional large scale renourishment projects throughout the county.
Debris Removal:
A debris contractor has been hired by the County to remove beach and roadside debris. Debris removal will begin at regional accesses and will then proceed from the west to the east end of the County. The contractor will be conducting three passes through Walton County beaches within 30 days.
dusty
07-14-2005, 08:29 AM
Quote: Walton County has requested permission to conduct beach scrapping once beach levels begin to restore. At this time, it is not permissible.
Scraping: I thought this was part of the problem?
Quote: Walton County has requested permission to conduct beach scrapping once beach levels begin to restore. At this time, it is not permissible.
Scraping: I thought this was part of the problem?
It depends on who you talk to.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
11:00 AM Board of County Commissioners Special Meeting
The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the issue of sand coloration on the beach.
South Walton Courthouse Annex, 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard, Santa Rosa Beach - Dede Hinote, Administrative Assistant, 892-8155
Topic of discussion is relaxing the White Sand Ordinance Standards for Sand on the Beach.
Quote: Walton County has requested permission to conduct beach scrapping once beach levels begin to restore. At this time, it is not permissible.
Scraping: I thought this was part of the problem?
BIG mistake, IMO. There is nothing left to scrape.
katie blue
07-14-2005, 11:57 AM
:pissed: :idontno:
i obviously don't get it. how can you scrape hard pack and peat? would it not take years for the sand to replenish itself enough to scrape a dune together? one post just said the DEP says there's "no sand for dregding" ...again, could that be true, didnt it just go offshore just a bit?
what a crazy catch-22 this is. to save gulffront properties from falling, dredging & shoring up the dune may be the only short term option. but in the long run, these measures only seem to promote future erosion. i'd love to be party to an informed debate about this issue. i wonder if the county will be holding any symposiums.
The State reps are here now evaluating the beaches. The county wants to do as it did after Opal, which was to scoop sand from just beyond the water's edge, creating a 3 foot parallel trough and then taking that sand back to the dune line. In the following 24-72 hour period the trough filled back in and was scooped again several times.
The BCC just approved a variance in the white sand ordinance, allowing homeowners to bring in sand that is considerably less white than is normally allowed.
This sand is from intracoastal dredging and is about 1/3 the cost of white sand. There apparently is not enough white sand available for the large need.
Brad Pickel's recommendation was that all the white sand should be used first, rather than use the darker sand.
At the regular board meeting of the Walton County Commissioners on
Tuesday, July 12, 2005, the board approved a contract with Crowder-Gulf
to pickup trash and debris resulting from Hurricane Dennis. The contract
is for sixty days and started on July 12, 2005.
The debris pickup by Crowder-Gulf will be south of the Choctawhatchee
Bay and south of the intercoastal waterway. Four crews will be removing
debris. Two will work east to west and two will work west to east. They
will be picking up debris along county roads and private roads but
cannot enter private driveways.
The contractors can be identified by a white 2x2 sign on the driver's
side of the truck or trailer. The sign will be marked "CG" and a number.
A county truck will also be following the Crowder-Gulf vehicle.
Motorist and pedestrians are urged to use caution when approaching
and/or passing these vehicles.
The crews will make three passes down each road and the public will be
informed again before the second and third passes are made.
Residents living north of the bay can call Walton County Public Works at
892-8108 to have storm debris removed.
To facilitate the removal process residents must place piles of debris
next to the curb but away from electric poles and mailboxes. Trash
should be placed in three separate piles: One for limbs and debris from
trees, another for metal objects such as appliances and another for
shingles, carpet and other construction debris. Debris will be picked up
from along the side of roads only. The trucks cannot come on private
property or private driveways.
The DEP's Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems has developed the following table to provide property owners with a concise explanation of activities that are authorized seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL):
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/beaches/publications/pdf/dhandout.pdf
Sea Turtle
07-15-2005, 07:51 AM
Thank you for the info !
Do you have some names and numbers of firms that bring in sand? We need some fast! In another thread I saw someone may have called Sterling Building Specialist but I wasn't clear if they were engineers or sand sellers.
Thanks.
.
Thank you for the info !
Do you have some names and numbers of firms that bring in sand? We need some fast! In another thread I saw someone may have called Sterling Building Specialist but I wasn't clear if they were engineers or sand sellers.
Thanks.
.
I don't have numbers but these guys will:
Building Permits and Construction - Billy Bearden, building official, (850) 892-8157, (866) 892-1955, beabilly@co.walton.fl.us (beabilly@co.walton.fl.us)
Planning & Development - Pat Blackshear, Director, (850) 267-1955, (866) 892-1955, blapat@co.walton.fl.us (blapat@co.walton.fl.us)
dune 70
07-15-2005, 08:58 AM
I posted and they are a building service contractor, managed by Silva's Consolidated Interest, Inc. The man we met with drew out plans and was very knowledgeable about sea walls (what we really need, but as yet Walton County will not allow), so I would imagine they are at least afflilated with engineers. He also told us exactly how much dune we had lost, we are still waiting our firm bid. Hope this is helpful.
Here's a status list of properties and agencies with contact info on the TDC site:
http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/Post%20_Storm.asp
Note - if you see a "100%" operational", that doesn't necessarily mean everything is perfect. It is more likely to mean "we are renting 100% of our units". Contact properties directly to get the scoop.
For instance - one condo listed as 100% has 2 pools. One is fine and one is closed. And they have no direct beach access.
Cork On the Ocean
07-15-2005, 10:42 AM
The BCC just approved a variance in the white sand ordinance, allowing homeowners to bring in sand that is considerably less white than is normally allowed.
This sand is from intracoastal dredging and is about 1/3 the cost of white sand. There apparently is not enough white sand available for the large need.
What a drag. Destin is already putting out beautiful white sand. I was teasing my friend that lives there that the reason we need to use dark sand is because Destin has hogged up all the white stuff. :lol: Have a call out to the Seacrest Beach assoc. to see if they've made a decision yet on what we're gonna be putting out there.
Will also check the Rosemary Walkway today. Should be nearly done.
What a drag. Destin is already putting out beautiful white sand. I was teasing my friend that lives there that the reason we need to use dark sand is because Destin has hogged up all the white stuff. :lol: Have a call out to the Seacrest Beach assoc. to see if they've made a decision yet on what we're gonna be putting out there.
Will also check the Rosemary Walkway today. Should be nearly done.
The variance is for shoring up imperiled residential structures only. Hopefully that won't be expanded.
Brad Pickel's recommendation was that all the white sand should be used first, rather than use the darker sand.
Seems to me it should be just the opposite. Use the darker sand to shore up structures along the dune line, then come in with the white sand on top and for re-plenishment of the beach.
I would rather seem them do nothing than to change the color of the beaches.
Seems to me it should be just the opposite. Use the darker sand to shore up structures along the dune line, then come in with the white sand on top and for re-plenishment of the beach.
I would rather seem them do nothing than to change the color of the beaches.
I was unclear. There is a belief that at some point the availability of white sand would get tight. Brad wants them to use only white sand, and knows that if you let people use darker, cheaper sand they will use that instead. So he said it would be foolish to leave available white sand unused. He wanted people to continue using the white sand, and then if it became unavailable, bring in darker samples to get approved.
I was unclear. There is a belief that at some point the availability of white sand would get tight. Brad wants them to use only white sand, and knows that if you let people use darker, cheaper sand they will use that instead. So he said it would be foolish to leave available white sand unused. He wanted people to continue using the white sand, and then if it became unavailable, bring in darker samples to get approved.
*If* there was to be a full-scale dredging project, would this not provide whiter sand than sand taken from inland areas? Sugar-white, powdery beaches are the trademark of the west/central panhandle. It is no doubt among the prettiest beaches in the world. Anything and everything should be be done to to try and keep these beaches looking as they always have. IMO, it's the main allure of the area and what initally attracted people here in the early 20th century.
And again, why not use rip-rap to repair the especially vulnerable areas, then cover with white sand and sea oats on top of that? It would utilize much less sand, provide better stabilzation, and no one would be able to tell the difference once the project was completed.
Travel2Much
07-15-2005, 03:58 PM
... And again, why not use rip-rap to repair the especially vulnerable areas, then cover with white sand and sea oats on top of that? It would utilize much less sand, provide better stabilzation, and no one would be able to tell the difference once the project was completed.
That's exactly what the variance is intended to do. There is a big story about it in the NW Fla. Daily News today. Don't know if it is available on line. Basically, the variance to the white sand ordinance was to allow slightly darker sand of 6 or higher on the Munsell color scale (whatever that is) rather than the usual 8 or higher. It is temporary, and to shore up houses that are endangered. And, residents are encouraged to use the white stuff first.
The article also says they are starting beach scraping next week, if DEP approvals can be secured. :?: :?: :?:
The article also says that one of the leading opponents in the on-going legal feud b/w the county and western county residents about that restoration project has "changed his mind" about property owners rights. What a surprise.
The article also says that 90% of beachfront properties have suffered damage from erosion.
*If* there was to be a full-scale dredging project, would this not provide whiter sand than sand taken from inland areas? Sugar-white, powdery beaches are the trademark of the west/central panhandle. It is no doubt among the prettiest beaches in the world. Anything and everything should be be done to to try and keep these beaches looking as they always have. IMO, it's the main allure of the area and what initally attracted people here in the early 20th century.
And again, why not use rip-rap to repair the especially vulnerable areas, then cover with white sand and sea oats on top of that? It would utilize much less sand, provide better stabilzation, and no one would be able to tell the difference once the project was completed.
It depends on where you dredge and how deep. The State identifies pockets of white sand that are suitable, like underwater sandpits. Also, you can be dredging in a good spot, bringing up white sand, and a wave trough can cause your barge and therefore your intake tube to go to deep and you can get the brown stuff.
Any manmade item like rip rap placed within reach of a storm (which is a very long reach we are finding) will eventually be uncovered. Imagine 26 miles of rocks, concrete, aluminum, etc. uncovered at once and you get an ugly picture.
That's exactly what the variance is intended to do. There is a big story about it in the NW Fla. Daily News today. Don't know if it is available on line. Basically, the variance to the white sand ordinance was to allow slightly darker sand of 6 or higher on the Munsell color scale (whatever that is) rather than the usual 8 or higher. It is temporary, and to shore up houses that are endangered. And, residents are encouraged to use the white stuff first.
The article also says they are starting beach scraping next week, if DEP approvals can be secured. :?: :?: :?:
The article also says that one of the leading opponents in the on-going legal feud b/w the county and western county residents about that restoration project has "changed his mind" about property owners rights. What a surprise.
The article also says that 90% of beachfront properties have suffered damage from erosion.
Can you post a link to the article?
There has always been a very strict law against bringing in anything but white sand south of 30-A, because of the fear that it will eventually mix with natural sand and degrade the quality on the beaches. You can't even use non-white sand as fill in your yard, 1/2 mile from the beach in Grayton.
It was said in the meeting yesterday and I think most there accepted that covering non-white sand with white wouldn't keep the non-white hidden after the first rain and certainly not after the next storm.
Travel2Much
07-15-2005, 04:24 PM
Can you post a link to the article?
There has always been a very strict law against bringing in anything but white sand south of 30-A, because of the fear that it will eventually mix with natural sand and degrade the quality on the beaches. You can't even use non-white sand as fill in your yard, 1/2 mile from the beach in Grayton.
It was said in the meeting yesterday and I think most there accepted that covering non-white sand with white wouldn't keep the non-white hidden after the first rain and certainly not after the next storm.
Well, you are running into one of my many idiosyncracies here. The darn online version requires registration AND lots of personally identifiable information, with no indication of how it will be used, and I refuse to register for sites that that. Here's the web page:
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/index.shtml
The article is in section C (Local/State news), p.1 in today's paper, headlines "Darker Fill Sand is OK", byline Heather Civil.
katie blue
07-15-2005, 04:37 PM
Here's the text:
SANTA ROSA BEACH — More than 100 panicked property owners breathed a collective sigh of relief Thursday when the Walton County Commission voted to allow them to use dark sand to shore up homes and businesses endangered by severe beach erosion.
At an emergency meeting, the commission decided to loosen the county’s existing white sand color restrictions so that property owners can repair damage from Hurricane Dennis before another storm comes.
“Our biggest enemy here is time,” County Commissioner Scott Brannon said.
White sand has a high price tag and is harder to come by than darker sand.
That has created problems for property owners in need of a fast way to reinforce foundations, said county Planning and Development Director Pat Blackshear.
“Many homeowners are having a hard time finding a source to stabilize their homes on a temporary basis that meets the standards,” she said.
About 90 percent of the beachfront properties along the Walton coastline have suffered damage from stormrelated beach erosion, Blackshear said.
Walton County’s white sand requirement allows only granules that fall at an 8 or higher on the Munsell color scale, which ranks color on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being whitest.
The county is temporarily allowing the use of darker sand that rates a 6 or higher on the Munsell scale to be used as fill under endangered structures.
Storm surge from the hurricane sliced through sand dunes like a hot knife through butter, destroying some homes and leaving hundreds of others teetering at the edges of unstable sand cliffs.
Hugh Lambert worries that his property in Four Mile Village may fall victim to the erosion.
Dennis’ impact on the beaches there impressed him so much that he has reversed his stand against beach renourishment and fully supports the use of dark sand for repairs.
Lambert is not a party to the ongoing lawsuits on the issue but has been a vocal opponent.
“I was wrong,” he said. “I’ve changed my mind.”
Walton County is close to two sand mining pits that provide white sand: Owl’s Head Sod Farm in Freeport and the Sikes Highway 20 Sand Pit in Chipley.
Brad Pickel, director of beach management with the Walton County Tourist Development Council, urged property owners to exhaust all possible sources of white sand before using the darker granules.
“If there’s good beach quality soil there, it’s a bad idea to leave it sitting in a pit,” he said.
Those in search of white sand could run into problems, however.
Owl’s Head provides sand only to certain contractors, and the Sikes pit has limited supplies of sand readily available.
The cost of white sand could also hinder speedy repairs.
White sand averages about $22 per cubic yard. Darker sand, which is more available, starts at around $4 per cubic yard.
The county planning department is currently compiling a list of sand sources for beachfront property repairs.
The county will allow the use of dark sand at least until a beach scraping program begins next week.
The scraping project involves moving sand from the shoreline up the beach to reinforce structures and dunes.
The county is waiting on the Department of Environmental Protection to issue a permit for the scraping.
State Sen. Charlie Clary assured commissioners that he is working with the DEP to speed up the permitting process if possible.
Commissioner Ro Cuchens made an emotional plea to the DEP to expedite the permit approval.
“These people are hurting,” he said. “These are their homes … everything they’ve worked for.”
10
http://www.coloracademy.co.uk/Subjects/Munsell/Value.jpg
1
OhioBeachBum
07-15-2005, 05:00 PM
Here's the text:
Brad Pickel, director of beach management with the Walton County Tourist Development Council, urged property owners to exhaust all possible sources of white sand before using the darker granules.
---snip---
The cost of white sand could also hinder speedy repairs.
White sand averages about $22 per cubic yard. Darker sand, which is more available, starts at around $4 per cubic yard.
$18/yd difference, guess which will get used. :(
'course, if I had 2-3M ready to slide onto the beach, hard telling where my head would be. Still, I budget about 1% of home value (and that's on a brand new place) annually for maint & update. Would expect that equation to hold elsewhere. Owning beachfront entails risk, and as the saying goes, if you can't afford to lose, don't bet...
OhioBeachBum
07-15-2005, 05:01 PM
10
http://www.coloracademy.co.uk/Subjects/Munsell/Value.jpg
1
So 6 is pretty gray?
luvthebeach
07-15-2005, 05:22 PM
Well, you are running into one of my many idiosyncracies here. The darn online version requires registration AND lots of personally identifiable information, with no indication of how it will be used, and I refuse to register for sites that that. Here's the web page:
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/index.shtml
The article is in section C (Local/State news), p.1 in today's paper, headlines "Darker Fill Sand is OK", byline Heather Civil.
If that doesn't work, try this link http://www.epaperedition.com/Daily/Skins/NWfDailyNews/Navigator.asp
Same instructions as above - click on Local/State News and it'll take you right to the first page.
I have an online subscription, but I think anyone should be able to get to this site with the above link (hopefully)
Have a great weekend all!!! :clap_1:
Travel2Much
07-15-2005, 07:27 PM
If that doesn't work, try this link http://www.epaperedition.com/Daily/Skins/NWfDailyNews/Navigator.asp
Same instructions as above - click on Local/State News and it'll take you right to the first page.
I have an online subscription, but I think anyone should be able to get to this site with the above link (hopefully)
Have a great weekend all!!! :clap_1:
Cool :cool: Righteously cool.
The only reason I find the variance even remotely stomach-able (and it nauseates me) is that the number of houses involved impact the community at large. And, given that some of these gulf-front owners are good folk, well we need to help them out.
The owners who carp & whine & moan incessantly about their property rights and rights to future accretions who suddenly change their minds and demand all sorts of things from the county and its taxpayers when they discover the "future accretion" nature has in mind for them have no sympathy from me. Sue mother nature for her regulatory taking, would be my response.
Hopefully this is limited and short term. Hopefully, too, those who want to build too close to the gulf will not be permitted to do so in the future.
It depends on where you dredge and how deep. The State identifies pockets of white sand that are suitable, like underwater sandpits. Also, you can be dredging in a good spot, bringing up white sand, and a wave trough can cause your barge and therefore your intake tube to go to deep and you can get the brown stuff.
Any manmade item like rip rap placed within reach of a storm (which is a very long reach we are finding) will eventually be uncovered. Imagine 26 miles of rocks, concrete, aluminum, etc. uncovered at once and you get an ugly picture.
When I speak of rip-rap, I am thinking of the gray boulders, no less than 12 inches in diameter - uniform, clean and easy to transport. The kind you see used on jetties. Use them to shore up the dune line in critical areas, completely cover them with white sand and then plant sea oats. Even if another storm hits, the rip rap ain't going anywhere. It would make future restoration projects more manageble and conserve replacement sand.
I am admittely far from an environmental engineer, but it just makes good sense to me.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, through consultation with other state and federal agencies, has granted Walton County permission to perform beach scraping along all 26 miles of Walton County beaches.
This permit only grants Walton County permission and NOT individual home
and property owners. Walton County is mobilizing crews to begin beach
scraping by Monday morning, July 18.
This action is a tribute to the ongoing support and assistance of our
state and federal partners, primarily the Bureau of Beaches and Coastal
Systems of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
In other Hurricane Dennis events, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency will open a Disaster Recovery Center in south Walton County on
Monday, July 18. This center will be located at the Coastal Branch
Library in the South Walton Government and Education complex.
Walton County has been declared a federal disaster area because of
Hurricane Dennis. Citizens are eligible to apply for individual
assistance from FEMA. This may be done in person at the Disaster
Recover Center, or by phone at (800) 621-3362.
nolda
07-18-2005, 11:28 AM
When I speak of rip-rap, I am thinking of the gray boulders, no less than 12 inches in diameter - uniform, clean and easy to transport. The kind you see used on jetties. Use them to shore up the dune line in critical areas, completely cover them with white sand and then plant sea oats. Even if another storm hits, the rip rap ain't going anywhere. It would make future restoration projects more manageble and conserve replacement sand.
I am admittely far from an environmental engineer, but it just makes good sense to me.
I couldn't agree with you more JB. :idea: That makes the most sense and not sure why anyone hasn't done it before. As a person from a family in the boulder industry, I do know that the cost to ship all the rock in is expensive but I can't imagine that it would be more than the cost of the damage to the beaches and homes from every hurricane that comes in.
Beach Runner
07-18-2005, 12:49 PM
When I speak of rip-rap, I am thinking of the gray boulders, no less than 12 inches in diameter - uniform, clean and easy to transport. The kind you see used on jetties. Use them to shore up the dune line in critical areas, completely cover them with white sand and then plant sea oats. Even if another storm hits, the rip rap ain't going anywhere. It would make future restoration projects more manageble and conserve replacement sand.
I am admittely far from an environmental engineer, but it just makes good sense to me.
That must be what I was speaking of in the erosion thread regarding Fripp Island, SC. The last time I was there, the boulders were not covered with sand. Not a pretty sight, but if I had beachfront property, pretty wouldn't be foremost on my mind. Like I said, no matter what the powers that be decide (and I guess they decided on beach scraping), there will be some who will strongly disagree.
That must be what I was speaking of in the erosion thread regarding Fripp Island, SC. The last time I was there, the boulders were not covered with sand. Not a pretty sight, but if I had beachfront property, pretty wouldn't be foremost on my mind. Like I said, no matter what the powers that be decide (and I guess they decided on beach scraping), there will be some who will strongly disagree.
I wouldn't be opposed to scraping, provided there was something to scrape. If folks think the exposed peat was bad after the Ivan scraping, just wait until this one. The beaches will look absolutely horrific.
Color me shocked that the TDC has elected to go this route. IMO, they will live to regret it.
Beach Runner
07-18-2005, 03:54 PM
I wouldn't be opposed to scraping, provided there was something to scrape. If folks think the exposed peat was bad after the Ivan scraping, just wait until this one. The beaches will look absolutely horrific.
Color me shocked that the TDC has elected to go this route. IMO, they will live to regret it.
Who *is* in favor of beach scraping? It seems that the conventional wisdom is that not only did it not help the beaches in dealing with Dennis, but it might have actually hurt them. If the decision has been made not to let Mother Nature take her course, then should something more substantial be done? I'm just asking questions because I'm concerned - I have no expertise in this area and thus am not trying to make any suggestions.
wetwilly
07-18-2005, 03:56 PM
I would expect that the scraping just approved is for the immediate situation to just get something in place for the remainder of the summer and early fall season. It would seem to be the "quickest, easiest and cheapest" way to do something (my guess).
Like others that have posted, I hope they don't make any bad short term decisions that compromise their ability to preserve as well as restore. I just hope that they know what they are doing and look at the risks/rewards of their short term decisions along with their long term decisions.
What is the "advertised", described, or desired results of scraping? In other words, what do they expect to accomplish by scraping?
Miss Kitty
07-19-2005, 07:07 AM
I would expect that the scraping just approved is for the immediate situation to just get something in place for the remainder of the summer and early fall season. It would seem to be the "quickest, easiest and cheapest" way to do something (my guess).
Like others that have posted, I hope they don't make any bad short term decisions that compromise their ability to preserve as well as restore. I just hope that they know what they are doing and look at the risks/rewards of their short term decisions along with their long term decisions.
What is the "advertised", described, or desired results of scraping? In other words, what do they expect to accomplish by scraping?
Great question! I am having a hard time visualizing this process. Are there any photos out there?
Great question! I am having a hard time visualizing this process. Are there any photos out there?
A search of the gallery for "scraping" turns up 10 photos.
OhioBeachBum
07-19-2005, 08:50 AM
A search of the gallery for "scraping" turns up 10 photos.
So, looks like heavy equip comes in at low tide, skims off wave action beach deposits, and move that up more or less to dune line?
So, looks like heavy equip comes in at low tide, skims off wave action beach deposits, and move that up more or less to dune line?
That's right. After Opal, backhoes were used to dig sand out of the water in a 3-foot parallel trench, and in the following days wave action would fill the trench. This was done in several passes. This is what the county was asking to do this time. I haven't got confirmation if they were permitted to do that.
Miss Kitty
07-19-2005, 09:16 AM
Thanks Kurt. Now I get it!! Is this considered a "quick" fix?
OhioBeachBum
07-19-2005, 09:46 AM
Was less than enthusiastic about a new thread on this (or resurrecting the old one from end of June)... Local resident (Niceville) friend of in-laws dropped by old 98 area (west walton county line vicinity) yesterday - doing a remote eyes-on for us. Aside from the obvious that has been mentioned here (water & beach trashed up and so on), they said news has been full of helo-view video in that area of lots of those up-the-food-chain-from-us critters milling around quite close to the shoreline - much, much closer than typical. Talking heads postulating (for what that's worth) that due to Dennis wiping out natural barriers (sand bars?) that tended to keep said critters further out. Know nobody's supposed to be in water now anyhow, but any "notices" recently along those (forget the avoiding a wave lofted 2x4 in the head, look out for the critters!) lines?
Beach Runner
07-19-2005, 09:49 AM
Check out http://alt.ngs.noaa.gov/dennis/DENNIS0000.HTM which has aerial photos after Dennis. Just zero in on your area of interest by clicking on the square that contains the property of interest to you. Unfortunately, some locations aren't clearly visible due to clouds.
Sorry to be repetitive if this has been posted elsewhere on this mb. I couldn't find it in new posts.
sarawind
07-19-2005, 12:42 PM
Don't have pictures of actual work being done scraping the beach but look under Sarawind in the Members Photos under Photo Gallery and there are several pictures of the beach scraping results after Ivan and before Dennis. You have to be registered to view member photos.
This Press Release is an important message from the Walton County Emergency Operations Center and the Public Information Office of Walton County.
The double red flags have been lifted from all Walton County Beaches and yellow "caution" flags are now in effect. All the flag poles on the TDC beach accesses are down and visitors are urged to call the South Walton Fire Department at 267-1298 or go to their web site www.swfd.org (http://www.swfd.org) for updated information.
Beach goers are urged to use caution and protective foot wear when on the beach and in the water. Debris from Hurricane Dennis may be just beneath the sand on the beach and the shoreline.
Extreme caution should be used around the heavy equipment being used to scrape the beaches and shore up the homes and structures.
Debris removal is currently underway along Walton County beaches. Crowder-Gulf was hired to remove the debris from the beach by the County Commission on July 12 and they are underway with clean-up. They must be completed with three passes by the end of August.
Six walk-on beach accesses remain open to the public after damages from Hurricane Dennis. A plan to repair additional dune walkovers is underway and boardwalk repairs are scheduled to begin with regional beach accesses by the end of this week.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has issued the first emergency order for reconstruction efforts. Similar to Hurricane Ivan, certain activities will not require a state FDEP permit; however ALL activities require a permit from Walton County. Individuals wanting to conduct individual activities must contact the Planning and Building Department at (850) 267-1955.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has also issued a permit for a one time beach scraping project. This permit is for all Walton County beaches and will be conducted by Chandler Construction and Ammons Dozier. They have begun in the Blue Mountain and Seagrove areas and are moving as expeditiously as possible. A resolution was passed by the Board of Commissioners requesting additional scrapings from the FDEP and we are awaiting their response. If additional scrapings are authorized, Walton County will move quickly to re-scrape all areas.
DEP OPENS FIELD OFFICE IN WALTON COUNTY -OFFICE PROVIDES DEDICATED SERVICE TO HELP HURRICANE DENNIS RECOVERY
SANTA ROSA BEACH - The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
today opened a field office in Walton County to assist with the recovery
efforts from Hurricane Dennis. Staffed by DEP employees, the office
will provide emergency field permitting support for area residents and
assist local governments by providing technical assistance with
hurricane recovery efforts.
The DEP field office is located at:
South Walton Courthouse Annex
31 Coastal Centre Blvd., Suite 100
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459
Telephone: 850-267-1955
Fax: 850-622-9133
Under the 60-day Emergency Final Order signed by DEP on July 11, 2005,
residents and local governments in Monroe, Bay, Franklin, Wakulla, Gulf,
Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton and Okaloosa counties can repair or restore
the following structures to the authorized configuration without a DEP
permit:
* Public roads, utilities, and beach access ramps.
* Components of major structures such as windows, roof sheathing,
studs and roof trusses.
* Minor ancillary structures and service utilities associated
with existing habitable structures, such as access stairways, stair
landings and on-site utilities.
The Emergency Final Order authorizes local governments to issue permits
for activities seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line to
private and public property owners to temporarily secure structures,
remove safety hazards and prevent further damage or collapse of
foundations. Property owners should contact the building department of
their local government to obtain permits.
A contract was awarded on Wednesday, July 27 to Crowder Gulf to
remove debris from eleven of the fifteen coastal dune lakes in Walton
County after Hurricane Dennis. The contract requires the work to be
done within sixty days. The work will begin in Little Redfish Lake
because of the septic tank debris blown into that lake by the storm.
Other lakes to be cleaned are Stallworth Lake, Allen Lake, Oyster Lake,
Draper Lake, Big Redfish Lake, Alligator Lake, Western Lake, Eastern
Lake, Deer Lake, and Camp Creek Lake.
The contract stipulates removal and disposal of all debris on the surface
or visible from the surface of the water, and up to and including the high
water line of the specified coastal dune lakes.
Residents living on or near coastal dune lakes should be aware of
Crowder Gulf workers operating in the lakes to clear the debris and not
impede their efforts. They will be clearing debris that was deposited by
the storm up to the high water mark around the dune lakes, but will not
be allowed to proceed further than the high water line of the lakes onto
private property.
Because of the urgency of this cleanup, the workers will begin work
early each day. They are authorized to work during visible daylight
hours only, and may work seven days a week to accomplish the job.
The coastal dune lakes are a globally rare natural resource. The
Coastal Dune Lake Advisory Board appointed by the Board of County
Commissioners has provided debris removal guidelines as a part of the
contract to emphasize the high priority of protecting these lakes. The
guidelines provide for minimal access points to reduce disturbance to
shoreline vegetation, minimizing fuel and oil leaks from machinery, and
storage of the removed debris away from the shorelines.
Walton County's contracted debris removal company, Crowder Gulf,
plans to begin the second pass for roadside debris removal on
Monday, August 1. Crowder Gulf began on July 13 with the first pickups
on highways and roads south of the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Residents of south Walton County who are still clearing storm debris
should place it at the roadside by August 1 for pick-up.
Debris placed by the roadside should be segregated into three piles:
vegetative matter such as tree limbs and branches, construction debris
such as boards and broken concrete, and metal -- appliances, metal
lawn furniture. This will make the pick-up more efficient.
Beach debris pickup is making good progress, but somewhat slower
than the roadside pick-up. This is because of the amount of debris
deposited on the beach by the storm, and the difficulty of removing it
from the beach without creating further erosion problems. The workers
have completed the first pass to gather the debris into piles on the
beach for efficient pickup. Homeowners who have kept storm debris in
place for insurance adjustment purposes should get their debris to
these piles as soon as possible. The crews are now working from west
to east with equipment to pick up the piles and remove them to the
disposal area.
Beachgoers are urged to remain clear of all equipment and work crews
on the beach -- for their own safety, as well as to allow the workers to
complete their work in a safe and timely manner. Extra beach patrol
personnel have been approved by the Board of County Commissioners
to help ensure the safety of the public as this work progresses.
South Walton citizens with questions regarding roadside or beach
debris removal may call the Finance Office at 892-8470. The Finance
Office is managing the contracts for debris removal. Residents living
north of the Choctawhatchee Bay should contact the Public Works
Division at 892-8108 or 892-8109 to arrange for pick-up of storm
debris. Debris north of the Choctawhatchee Bay will be picked up by
county public works employees.
Hurricane Dennis report by Florida State DEP:
http://bcs.dep.state.fl.us/reports/dennis.pdf
Excerpt:
The entire coast of Walton County sustained major beach and dune erosion (condition IV) and major damage to numerous structures from the impact of Hurricane Dennis. The erosion impact was comparable to the impact of Hurricanes Eloise (1975), Opal (1995), and Ivan (2004). The impact of Dennis exacerbated the severe erosion conditions which had not recovered from last year.
Major structural damage was sustained along Walton County’s coast and was related to storm surge and waves undermining dwellings supported on foundations that do not conform to current building code standards. Major damage to nonhabitable understructure enclosures and appurtenant structures was also due to storm surge and waves. Wind damage to structures was not observed. In addition, many older dwelling
structures that are located at the top of the steep, eroded dune bluff are in imminent danger of structural damage as the soil beneath the concrete slab foundations slips down the unstable slope. Along several areas, the dune bluff recession leaves many pile supported dwellings sited on the beach.
Erosion now threatens the upland access and utility connections to these gulf-front properties, as well as the upland public infrastructure. Dana Beach (R116-R119) and Rosemary Beach (R119-R121) were critically eroded and could have been damaged more had the underlying peat strata not
been present.
A total of 11 single-family dwellings and seven nonhabitable major structures (six swimming pools and one garage) were destroyed. All these structures were sited seaward of the established CCCL. Another 13 single-family dwellings and 2 multifamily dwellings sustained major damage to their nonconforming foundations. These structures were also sited seaward of the CCCL. Additionally, 25 dwellings supported on nonconforming foundations are in imminent danger of structural damage as the soil beneath the concrete slab foundations slips down the unstable slope of the eroded dune bluff. In addition, a total of 19 habitable structures sustained moderate to major damage to nonhabitable understructure enclosures. Also, 400 feet of retaining walls were destroyed or sustained major damage.
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