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TALLAHASSEE - In the wake of Hurricane Dennis, teams of engineers and
environmental managers from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
today began assessing beach erosion along the Emerald coast. Flyovers and ground
assessments will document the impact of the category three storm on the
Panhandle’s beaches, dunes and coastal communities.
"Florida’s beaches and dunes act as the first line of defense against storms
and high waves, providing a natural buffer for coastal habitats,” said DEP
Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “A thorough impact assessment will provide the
State with the needed information to restore damage to natural resources.”
Preliminary damage assessments will document coastal impacts from Wakulla to
Escambia County, which will identify needed local beach projects ranging from
dune restoration to beach restoration and nourishment. While many impacted beach
and dune systems will recover naturally with time, intermediate actions may be
necessary to accelerate the natural process and provide coastal communities with
storm protection.
Following last year’s four hurricanes, teams of DEP engineers and
environmental managers assessed erosion along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
Engineers completed close to 1,000 hours of aerial and ground assessments across
25 coastal counties, shooting 76 hours of video and more than 5,200 still
photographs to document hurricane impacts.
Florida’s beach and dune system acts as the first line of defense during
hurricane season. Wide sandy beaches reduce the impacts of storm surge and
provide wave attenuation. Beach restoration and nourishment can prepare the
coastline to better withstand the forces of hurricanes while providing
recreational and economic benefits. A 2003 Florida Atlantic University study
found that for every dollar invested in beach restoration, the State receives a
$6 - $8 economic return in state taxes from tourists.
State, federal and local governments invest millions of dollars annually to
restore and maintain critically eroded beaches along Florida’s coastline. Over
the last three years, Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Legislature has
appropriated nearly $206 million to restore Florida’s shoreline. To date, more
than 174 miles of beach has been restored and maintained through the State
program. For more information, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us.
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