beach restoration update

[Smiling JOe]

Using Kurt's figure of 170 permits, multiply that times an average lot size of 75' (Gulf-front)(this is probably conservative since it will include condos on larger parcels) and you get 12,750 linear feet, which equates to 2.414772727272727 miles of seawalls, at a minimum. The real number is probably closer to four miles. I bet the owners to whom Kurt refers regarding extending the seawalls beyond their own property line, pull only one permit.

 

[John R]

but aren't the seawalls only a 90 day temporary fix? or, am i getting my seawalls/retaining walls mixed up?


jr

 

[Smiling JOe]

but aren't the seawalls only a 90 day temporary fix? or, am i getting my seawalls/retaining walls mixed up?


jr

The seawalls/retaining walls are one in the same. The permits issued are temporary permits which will be overlooked, and the walls will remain after the permits expire.

 

[John R]

The seawalls/retaining walls are one in the same. The permits issued are temporary permits which will be overlooked, and the walls will remain after the permits expire.

was that the plan from the begining, or it it just business as usual in sowal? seems kind of ludicrous to me.

 

[Smiling JOe]

was that the plan from the begining, or it it just business as usual in sowal? seems kind of ludicrous to me.

I guess it depends on who you ask. My understanding is that the temporary permits for the seawalls was to prevent homes from collapsing - an emergency type situation. For those issued the temp. permits, they would have to apply for a permanant permit from the DEP in order to keep them. To my knowledge, no one has been issued a perm. permit, and the temps expire at the end of May '06 (I think). I am not as knowledgeable as I would like to be regarding the seawalls and permits.

 

[John R]

thanks joe, that's what i thought.

jr

 

[Kurt]

SJ is right - they were emergency and temporary permits for structures that were in danger of collapsing. It seems that was interpreted loosely to mean "properties that would be in danger from another storm". The owner was to apply to the state within 60 days of the original permit if a permanent wall was desired.

The county is working on a blanket take permit to allow all walls to be declared permanent. This may involve some type of mitigation of habitat loss. Although I don't know how you can create alternative habitat for dune-dwelling critters. I guess it doesn't have to be like-kind habitat.

Seawall, beach structures, and sand rules.

 

[Smiling JOe]

One of the requirements of the "emergency seawalls" should have been that the property owners should be required to weld the parcel ID onto every piece of the seawalls, so that they could bill the homeowners for the clean-up that is sure to come. It will look worse than the beaches of Normandy. You just thought there was a lot to clean up after Hurricane Ivan ripped apart and scattered the walkovers. You ain't seen nothin' yet.

 

[John R]

thanks for the link kurt, interesting read. i'm sure county code enforcement is right on top of compliance.

joe, great idea, you know some of that stuff will eventually end up in LA and Texas. be good if owners were to be responsible for their own 'stuff'.


jr

 

[Sally]

Western Walton County beach restoration project timetable

The Western Walton County Beach Restoration Project is entering the construction phase of the project. After more than six years of studies and permitting, the project has been awarded to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company. More specific information will be provided as the project continues and beach construction can be better estimated.
Week of Jan. 23

? Delivery of equipment to project site

? Installment of submerged pipeline leading to the beach
Week of Jan. 30

? Dredge Liberty Island arrives

? Construction is expected to begin at the Sandestin Resort approximately 1,000 feet west of Finz restaurant. The project will be moving eastward toward the Sandestin Hilton
Week of Feb. 6

? Construction is expected to continue eastward within the vicinity of the Sandestin Hilton and Tops?L Resort
Week of Feb. 13

? Construction is expected to continue eastward within the vicinity of Tops?L Resort and the western portion of Four Mile Village For continually updated information visit www.protectwaltoncountybeaches.com, the Web site will be updated weekly beginning Jan. 23.