Sunday, November 13, 2005
Sunday Beach Chat
The Retreat:
Way more dune in front of us than most developments in S. Walton.
I have read that a typical setback from the Gulf/Ocean would be based on a 30 year average of erosion. So if we lose 6 feet a year on average then the setback would be 180 feet. A typical structure's lifetime is also factored in. The number I keep seeing is approx 70 years. This time period works for most folks.
In other words , It's not a matter of if the Gulf is going to take your Gulf front property, It's simply a matter of when.
This view is at the very least a realistic expectation.
Recently, people laughed when it was said that if we have 10 years without a major Hurricane then the dunes will come back. Of course this is exactly what happened after Opal in 1995. On the other hand if we are truly entering into a decade or more of increased storm intensity then we had better start studying up on the concept called "managed retreat". This is where you actually retreat or gradually pull back from the coastline over time rather than trying to stop the force of nature.
If the Government and or the Insurance companies adopt this logic to cut their losses then a tremendous amount of wealth will be lost.
The Government could also increase the required set back to say 300 feet.
That would give new meaning to the term "Gulf Front Home".
What is the cost of a lot that needs 100 yards in front of it that cannot be built on?
Gulf Dunes: It appears that the last 180 feet or so of the Geo-Tubes on the east side remain exposed.
It seems that the Gulf itself has blocked access to the Geo-Men and their equipment.
And it's a long way around to come from the east....It does look like they are trying to get back on the job.
Vizcaya: The Geo-Men have now begun digging a trench in front of this beach.
Old Florida Beach: Tons of sand in front of this neighborhood.
Also: The Public Beach Walkover down from Goatfeathers is back in action.
Way more dune in front of us than most developments in S. Walton.
I have read that a typical setback from the Gulf/Ocean would be based on a 30 year average of erosion. So if we lose 6 feet a year on average then the setback would be 180 feet. A typical structure's lifetime is also factored in. The number I keep seeing is approx 70 years. This time period works for most folks.
In other words , It's not a matter of if the Gulf is going to take your Gulf front property, It's simply a matter of when.
This view is at the very least a realistic expectation.
Recently, people laughed when it was said that if we have 10 years without a major Hurricane then the dunes will come back. Of course this is exactly what happened after Opal in 1995. On the other hand if we are truly entering into a decade or more of increased storm intensity then we had better start studying up on the concept called "managed retreat". This is where you actually retreat or gradually pull back from the coastline over time rather than trying to stop the force of nature.
If the Government and or the Insurance companies adopt this logic to cut their losses then a tremendous amount of wealth will be lost.
The Government could also increase the required set back to say 300 feet.
That would give new meaning to the term "Gulf Front Home".
What is the cost of a lot that needs 100 yards in front of it that cannot be built on?
Gulf Dunes: It appears that the last 180 feet or so of the Geo-Tubes on the east side remain exposed.
It seems that the Gulf itself has blocked access to the Geo-Men and their equipment.
And it's a long way around to come from the east....It does look like they are trying to get back on the job.
Vizcaya: The Geo-Men have now begun digging a trench in front of this beach.
Old Florida Beach: Tons of sand in front of this neighborhood.
Also: The Public Beach Walkover down from Goatfeathers is back in action.
