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Cape San Blas Road Open

Published on September 15, 2008 by Sherri Dodsworth under Beach Renourishment, Business, Cape San Blas, Forgotten Coast

This morning traffic is flowing freely in both lanes on Cape San Blas Road through Stumphole. The surf has finally quieted back down, and except for the few homes on the southern portion of the Cape which were damaged by the storm, a couple quite severely, life is getting back to normal for most of us.

The only damage I have seen has been in areas where beach renourishment has yet to reach. Some of the worst damage was done to the Sunrise Sunset townhouses; several of the pilings on the northernmost set have slipped and the buildings are sloping downward towards the water.

2 Comments on 'Cape San Blas Road Open':

sdodsworth on 09/17/08:

I am so sorry for all the stress you've been going through with your beach home. People just don't realize how challenging it can be to live in this area we love so much, and you are so right about the government leading the assault to stand between us and our property. They always say they're just trying to protect us. I have looked DEP reps straight in the eye and told them we really don't know how much more "help" from the government we can survive. DEP is absolutely the worst. It's so bad that when I see a DEP tag on a car if I possibly have the time I follow it to see where it's going so I can find out what they're up to, because where they go trouble follows. It's awful to feel that way about your own government, and the really bad part is we can't vote these agencies out of office because they're unelected. Here is the info I got from the beach renourishment team oas to why the renourishment started north and worked its way southward: It was basically because the project was delayed due to the Nicholson lawsuit that held the project up 6 months. The permit required us to be out of the state park by May 1 due to the beginning of turtle season. We then were granted an extension to our original permit to work through nesting season outside of the park only. So the only way not to create a further delay and/or possibly breaking up the project into two seasons (breaking for turtle season) was to begin in the park and work south. Not necessarily the best case, but it the best of the two options we had 1) pump from the park south in one season or 2) pump north, stop from May 1- Nov 30, resume working. The second option was much more expensive as well because of the cost of a second mobilization and demobilization of the equipment, labor and fuel cost would not have been secured under out original contract either. I don't know what I can do to help you but be your eyes and ears here but please feel free to let me know if there is. I'll keep all of you Sunrise Sunset owners in my prayers.

Meg on 09/16/08:

Sherry, I really appreciate your information and pictures. That's my home up there, Sunrise Sunset, B4. We were so close to being safe and sound with a new beach. But thanks to delayed permits, equipment failures, Hannah, Gustav & Ike, now our building might not make it. It is so difficult to comprehend. I know we were taking a chance on beachfront property; we've been very lucky to enjoy it for 7 years without major damage. So now in about 2 months, give or take a month or two, there will be a renourished beach out there but who knows if the B complex will still be standing. We have to wait for insurance adjustors to make decisions and then go from there. It is just so difficult when anyone, single person or committee, takes on a renovation or whatever project, and everything takes so long. Permits from county, state, city, DEP and then permits expire and start all over again. The hold-out homeowner who held up the original permit to get the beach renourishment started is one of the worst. Permits, weather, government agencies rules, unreliable construction workers (I'm thinking of the A complex 2004 renovation in regards to the workers), all these factors cause a project that would take 2-4 months at least 6 months in Gulf County. If only the DEP had allowed the project to start from south to north, where the area was critical, that would have made a huge difference also. But the people making that decision don't live in Gulf County, or work there or own property there. It's a shame. Cape San Blas is such a beautiful place to live and visit; we have enjoyed it so much, but the trials and tribulations are beginning to outweigh the benefits now. If the above B complex doesn't fall and we all decide to repair, that will take at least 12 months, more likely 18 months. At least Cape San Blas Rd is open again and the weather is gorgeous and visitors can return to the beach, at the northern end, since there's no beach in the south! Thanks for your website & pictures.

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