Dennis - Beach Accesses - post here

[kurt]

click here for Beach Access Map pdf

Open Beach Access Points as of 7/19/05:

• Dune Allen Regional Access: Located on 30-A; west of Oyster Lake at Fort Panick Rd.
• Ed Walline Regional Access: Located at the intersection of Hwy. 30-A and County Rd. 393.
• Grayton Beach Regional Access: Located at the end of DeFuniak Street in Grayton Beach.
• Inlet Access: Located at the end of Lakeshore Drive, one block east of Orange St.
• Walton Dunes: - Located at the end of Beach Front Trail east of Eastern Lake adjacent to Dunes of Seagrove.
• Sugar Dunes: – Off of Sanroy Rd., east of Eastern Lake in Lakewood Community
• Area east of Pompano Joe’s off Scenic Gulf Drive
• Area east of Whales Tale off Scenic Gulf Drive

Here's what I've seen or heard - I will post official stuff above. The county is still evaluating accesses and should start cleanup ASAP but they are dealing with the larger issue of damaged houses I'm sure.

Inlet Beach at Walton Lakeshore Drive - the drive on access is also a good place to walk on but not any parking.

Rosemary Beach has an access open at Western Green.

Seaside has access behind Roly Poly at Perspicacity market in the center of town.

Seaside will have walk on access behind roly poly at wedding pavillion.

WaterColor brought in a removeable metal WO after Arlene and they were able to remove it before Dennis and it is already back in place. It is main access behind beach club.

WaterSound - plenty of places to walk on if you're staying there.

Grayton - walk on, drive on with 4wd and permit.

Ed Walline at 393 - walk on beside WO.

Fort Panic Dune Allen - walk on beside WO.

Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill State Park have walk on access, Deer Lake has no access.

[Smiling JOe]

I'm not sure about the one behind goatfeathers but I saw some wet people walking north from it.

I posted picks somewhere in all of those photos. It was a 15'drop.

[wetwilly]

Anything close to the West side of Eastern Lake? South Gulf Street? If not, looks like Seaside may be the closest for the Eastern Lakers? Our pool maintenance gal said that she saw people using the one at S. Gulf at Eastern Lake today but I know from last week before Dennis that it was washed out since Ivan and there was a 3-4 ft drop (again before Dennis). Any status on that walk over would be great!

Will the county post anything official anywhere about what is open or closed for renters? I don't want to tell someone to use one that is not official open or safe....

[Smiling JOe]

Anything close to the West side of Eastern Lake? South Gulf Street? If not, looks like Seaside may be the closest for the Eastern Lakers? Our pool maintenance gal said that she saw people using the one at S. Gulf at Eastern Lake today but I know from last week before Dennis that it was washed out since Ivan and there was a 3-4 ft drop (again before Dennis). Any status on that walk over would be great!

Will the county post anything official anywhere about what is open or closed for renters? I don't want to tell someone to use one that is not official open or safe....

Typically the Tourist Development Council, TDC post the opened public accesses after they assess them for damage.

[kurt]

Anything close to the West side of Eastern Lake? South Gulf Street? If not, looks like Seaside may be the closest for the Eastern Lakers? Our pool maintenance gal said that she saw people using the one at S. Gulf at Eastern Lake today but I know from last week before Dennis that it was washed out since Ivan and there was a 3-4 ft drop (again before Dennis). Any status on that walk over would be great!

Will the county post anything official anywhere about what is open or closed for renters? I don't want to tell someone to use one that is not official open or safe....

The eastern lake access was boarded but last year a lot of people used that one because there's no bluff.

Yes the county will have a list. I expect the first list to be a walk on list since no walkovers survived. After Ivan they released a priority list telling us which ones would be rebuilt first.

[Rather B Paddlin]

Our renters have gone down the area next to the walkover behind Goatfeathers. Hard to get down. Almost impossible to get back up.

[wetwilly]

Thanks for the info. Again, you guys are great. The TDC site says that beaches of SoWal are "closed". I understand that any remaining dunes are unsafe (and should not be walked on anyway at anytime) and the gulf front houses and condos are dangerous too but will they enforce the closing? In other words, will they kick people off of the beach if people go on them? If really closed and enforced, how long will they stay closed typically? BRSW website says that they are prepared to honor guests starting this week (7/16). Just want to make sure I tell my renters the straight scoop since they are driving 2 days to come down to SoWal.

[geauxfl]

We still have no info on Hidden Dunes. By the looks of the photo on their site, their WO seemed very steep, anyone know? Anyone know of the damage there?

[kurt]

Thanks for the info. Again, you guys are great. The TDC site says that beaches of SoWal are "closed". I understand that any remaining dunes are unsafe (and should not be walked on anyway at anytime) and the gulf front houses and condos are dangerous too but will they enforce the closing? In other words, will they kick people off of the beach if people go on them? If really closed and enforced, how long will they stay closed typically? BRSW website says that they are prepared to honor guests starting this week (7/16). Just want to make sure I tell my renters the straight scoop since they are driving 2 days to come down to SoWal.

A lot of people were on the beaches today - well not a lot comapred to a normal July day.

They are CTA for liability reasons and yes there is some real danger. Also there were some septic tanks uncovered here and there so they want the water to clear for a few days before allowing swimming.

[sunsetdunes]

The county park at Inlet Beach at Orange Street has lots of parking and about a 10 foot drop with a ladder that people are using. it may be boarded off by the county.

Rosemary Beach has startes repairs on the central WO at western green and should be done in a few days.

Our house is on South Wall Street in Inlet Beach, about a block from Rosemary. After Hurricane Ivan, the closest access to us that was restored quickly was at Rosemary Beach Eastern Green. If anyone knows when that will be restored, I would be interested in knowing.

My neighbor, who lives in Inlet Beach, reported to me that currently the only safe public access at Inlet Beach is at the end of South Walton Lakeshore, because there is no dune there (so they never had a walkover), but there is no parking there. The closest parking is at South Orange Street, but there are not very many spaces. (Several are handicapped spaces.)

Here is a map that we placed on our web site to help our renters.

http://www.sunsetdunesgetaway.com/beachaccessmap.htm

Janet

[Passatfish]

How far is the beach access for the Cottages at camp Creek?

[Sea Turtle]

Anything close to the West side of Eastern Lake? South Gulf Street? If not, looks like Seaside may be the closest for the Eastern Lakers? Our pool maintenance gal said that she saw people using the one at S. Gulf at Eastern Lake today but I know from last week before Dennis that it was washed out since Ivan and there was a 3-4 ft drop (again before Dennis). Any status on that walk over would be great!

Sadly- there is NO PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS FROM EASTERN LAKE RD
The 2 public accesses, at Ramsgate and at Eastern Lake on Gulf Dr are both CLOSED.

PLEASE do not try to use them. There are gulf front homes near them that have sustained serious damage (even if you don't see it) They will be further damaged by people illegally walking to the beach through their property. It was difficult to keep people off the dunes before, now it will be even harder. Already last night there was a family trampling one home's damaged vegetation to get to the beach, then let their kids play in what was left of the dunes!

The HOA at Summer's Edge is directing the owners and guests and others in the area to use the Lakewood Drive Beach Access. This is off Lakewood Drive just to the east of the lake. It is open.

This is a temporary condition! The accesses will be rebuilt soon and it will again be easy to reach the beautiful emerald water.

For now, educate your guests and neighbors. This will help keep them safe, the homes safe and avoid any unhappy confrontations with the sherriff who has been notified to remove trespassers who may be endangering themselves or the homes along the coast.

[jamesc09]

Is it correct then that the access @ Lakewood Dr. and Beachside Villas is usable and open?

JC

[Smiling JOe]

[QUOTE=Sea Turtle]

Anything close to the West side of Eastern Lake? South Gulf Street? If not, looks like Seaside may be the closest for the Eastern Lakers? Our pool maintenance gal said that she saw people using the one at S. Gulf at Eastern Lake today but I know from last week before Dennis that it was washed out since Ivan and there was a 3-4 ft drop (again before Dennis). Any status on that walk over would be great!
QUOTE]

Sadly- there is NO PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS FROM EASTERN LAKE RD
The 2 public accesses, at Ramsgate and at Eastern Lake on Gulf Dr are both CLOSED.

PLEASE do not try to use them. There are gulf front homes near them that have sustained serious damage (even if you don't see it) They will be further damaged by people illegally walking to the beach through their property. It was difficult to keep people off the dunes before, now it will be even harder. Already last night there was a family trampling one home's damaged vegetation to get to the beach, then let their kids play in what was left of the dunes!
...
This is a temporary condition! The accesses will be rebuilt soon and it will again be easy to reach the beautiful emerald water.

For now, educate your guests and neighbors. This will help keep them safe, the homes safe and avoid any unhappy confrontations with the sherriff who has been notified to remove trespassers.

Sea Turtle, I feel for you. I wonder where you can buy razor wire to keep those folks out? I guess the Bay Front properties, which usually fair well if not built on the ground, will soon become the hottest commodity in real estate. Plus, no one tramples through your yard to get to the Bay.

[RiverOtter]

I posted picks somewhere in all of those photos. It was a 15'drop.

Base Jumping?

[Sea Turtle]

[QUOTE=Smiling JOe]

Sea Turtle, I feel for you. I wonder where you can buy razor wire to keep those folks out? I guess the Bay Front properties, which usually fair well if not built on the ground, will soon become the hottest commodity in real estate. Plus, no one tramples through your yard to get to the Bay.

Thank you, Smiling Joe. (for ALL you do! )

We don't want to appear mean but it is a fine line to walk between keeping folks happy and keeping our homes safe!

[Sheila]

Base Jumping?

That's a good plan for the trip down. What about the trip back up though?

[VJM123]

We are coming down the 2nd week of August. We stay off 30A at Summer's Edge - Amazing Place. My question is this: will the beaches and businesses be back to some sort of normalicy or should we reschedule our trip?

I'm still waiting from the property owner on how the house held up.

Thanks from St. Louis

[kurt]

We are coming down the 2nd week of August. We stay off 30A at Summer's Edge - Amazing Place. My question is this: will the beaches and businesses be back to some sort of normalicy or should we reschedule our trip?

I'm still waiting from the property owner on how the house held up.

Thanks from St. Louis

Yes, everything is basically normal now except beach accesses.

[Camp Creek Kid]

How far is the beach access for the Cottages at camp Creek?

Walton Lakeshore at Inlet Beach is about a 5 min. drive east; Lakewood Drive is about a 5 min. drive west.

[kareshack]

Hi we are staying at seagrove beach on Periwinkle Lane- does anyone know anything about access here. We are coming and will have a blast regardless- but this would just kill my curiosity

[beachbunny]

If anyone knows the best access in blue mountain beach ,it would be appreciated.I am afraid to just go down the hill where the public access was.

[kurt]

If anyone knows the best access in blue mountain beach ,it would be appreciated.I am afraid to just go down the hill where the public access was.

There is not one in old BMB, you will need to go east or west to find the closest one. Grayton or Dune Allen.

[JustBeachy]

Yep..we're here, and the best access is Dune Allen or Grayton. And be prepared to walk a ways! We had kids sliding down what was left of someones bluff to get to the beach last night

I sat out there until they came back up and patiently explained why that wasn't a good idea. I was gifted with the middle finger salute.

Our neighbors directly across the street lost a great deal of sod and their back yard, but the foundation of the house is secure..the house on the other side of the beach access is not that luck, and my 'dream house' (the $4.5 million green stucco) will probably have to be condemned..it looks bad!!

Still, I'm glad to be back 'home'!

[beachbunny]

This may be a problem ,my dad is elderly and has a defribulator .He can't walk very far,and this is his first trip to the ocean since my mother passed away last year.We may need to rethink this if there is no close beach access.

[sunsetdunes]

Walton Lakeshore at Inlet Beach is about a 5 min. drive east; Lakewood Drive is about a 5 min. drive west.

Just remember there is no parking at South Walton Lakeshore.

[Camp Creek Kid]

Just remember there is no parking at South Walton Lakeshore.

Sorry. You are correct. How about a 10 min. bike ride?

[Jennifer Steele]

Just heard from Seaside's head of security that the one open beach access (behind Roly Poly) will only be open to Seaside homeowners and registered guests.

[sunsetdunes]

And here is the notice of when the beaches "officially" reopen.

-----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


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

[irish9697]

We arrive on the 16th at Seashore Village, that's the east side of Seagrove, just before the 30A/Eastern Lake Road turn. Any idea on the best beach access for us? Will we need to drive to Seaside? And, if we did that, would they let us on there? Might there be something closer? I am more familiar with western Seagrove/Seaside than the east side.

I am so excited, though! We were there in May but since we knew we were coming back in July, we didn't say our proper "goodbye for a year" to the area...so, I'm dying for The Seagrove Village Market Cafe, Goatfeather's, Shades, Pickles, bike rides, long walks on the path, the Red Bar...

I will continue checking this site, Seaside's site, and the TDC's site, but any help would be greatly appreciated!

By the way, I am thrilled at Emily's supposed path. Don't get me wrong, I adore the Yucatan Peninsula, but I am just so thrilled that she's supposedly not headed this way. I hope she dies out quickly and causes minimal harm. Statistically, I know we should be safe for a while, but obviously Dennis proved those statistics wrong...

[kurt]

We arrive on the 16th at Seashore Village, that's the east side of Seagrove, just before the 30A/Eastern Lake Road turn. Any idea on the best beach access for us? Will we need to drive to Seaside? And, if we did that, would they let us on there? Might there be something closer? I am more familiar with western Seagrove/Seaside than the east side.

I am so excited, though! We were there in May but since we knew we were coming back in July, we didn't say our proper "goodbye for a year" to the area...so, I'm dying for The Seagrove Village Market Cafe, Goatfeather's, Shades, Pickles, bike rides, long walks on the path, the Red Bar...

I will continue checking this site, Seaside's site, and the TDC's site, but any help would be greatly appreciated!

By the way, I am thrilled at Emily's supposed path. Don't get me wrong, I adore the Yucatan Peninsula, but I am just so thrilled that she's supposedly not headed this way. I hope she dies out quickly and causes minimal harm. Statistically, I know we should be safe for a while, but obviously Dennis proved those statistics wrong...

For the next couple of weeks I feel pretty sure that access will be limited to walk on spots. Except for the private walkovers that had relatively minor damage and/or can move quickly with materials and labor.

After Ivan, people made their own accesses by climbing down a few feet or more, or cutting through beside accesses, etc. Seaside should be fine as they are pretty laid back and have never been harsh with visitors, whether you're staying there or not.

The accesses at Fort Panic in Dune Allen and Ed Walline in Santa Rosa Beach have plenty of parking and are walk on beside the walkover.

Don't forget about the State parks.

[PrincessKel]

We are staying in West Seagrove, 1 block from Seaside... where is the best/safest beach access
So very excited to be there on Saturday!!

Thanks for all the great information everyone has provided.

[kurt]

We are staying in West Seagrove, 1 block from Seaside... where is the best/safest beach access
So very excited to be there on Saturday!!

Thanks for all the great information everyone has provided.

At Seaside behind Roly Poly if you want to walk or bike, otherwise there will be several you can drive to.

[kurt]

Open Public Beach Access Points as of 7/13/05:

• Inlet Beach Drive (one block east of Orange St.)
• Lakewood
• Sugar Dunes
• Grayton
• Ed Walline
• Dune Allen
• Walton Lake Shore Dr. ( Eastern Lake)

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.

[PrincessKel]

At Seaside behind Roly Poly if you want to walk or bike, otherwise there will be several you can drive to.

Thanks so much! We know exactly where the Roly Poly is. I am SOOOOOO excited!

[bennifer]

Thanks so much! We know exactly where the Roly Poly is. I am SOOOOOO excited!

The shape I am in I feel like a "roly poly" so that will be easy to remember.

Princesskel and I will be the ones with the bigges grins as well!
SEAPRIZE! Jen

[beachma]

Is there a map of Seagrove that shows the beach accesses by name...even after 15 years of trips to the area...we still get confused!

[physes]

I read somewhere on this board that Seaside security had said that only Seaside owners and registered guests will be able to use the Seaside access?
Does anyone know if that it so.

[Paula]

I read somewhere on this board that Seaside security had said that only Seaside owners and registered guests will be able to use the Seaside access?
Does anyone know if that it so.

I've heard that the one beach access behind Roly Poly is officially a public access, but that's only by rumor. Perhaps some of the locals can clarify this.

[Beach Girl]

Is there a map of Seagrove that shows the beach accesses by name...even after 15 years of trips to the area...we still get confused!

Good idea!

[OhioBeachBum]

Miramar Beach Access will not be rebuilt until after the upcoming renourishment project slated to begin this fall.

Any idea whether the access across from GWE (http://www.destin-condo.com/GulfWindsEast.htm) is included in the above? I'm not sure whether this location is considered Miramar or Seascape or in between. I know the structure (in the picture) was blown away. Camco (who manage property) person told me on phone yesterday they were replacing structure (with a temporary) PDQ - but then she wasn't on site. Sister-in-law lives further east inland, but couldn't check 'cause 98 in that area was still closed, so I don't know how bad off that beach area is - personal risk type home structure damage issues east & west of the accces point - so I don't even know if this (above) is a stoopid question or not.

[TooFarTampa]

Anyone know if the Rosemary Beach walkover is technically a public access, even if they don't want you to know that? I know people can't park there or use the pools, but I've heard the access itself is public and was wondering how to find out if that is true.

[kurt]

Is there a map of Seagrove that shows the beach accesses by name...even after 15 years of trips to the area...we still get confused!

click here for Beach Access Map pdf

[Just_In_Thyme]

I just got back from Seaside. They have posted that the walkoveris for Seaside residents and guests only. They had a couple of guys posted there, but no one said anything to us when we walked down.

[irish9697]

According to Garrett Realty, there should be a walkover up at Seashore Circle in East Seagrove by Saturday.

[Snapper Grabber]

Seaside does have security posted at the access behind Roly Poly and will only let owners and renters use this access. It seems to me that this is a time when we all should pull together and share rather than be a stingy gut. Even though I do not reside in Seaside, I own a home nearby and patronize all Seaside restaurants and shops.

[beachma]

click here for Beach Access Map pdf

Thanks sooooooooooooooooooooooooo much Kurt! What a great map! You're the best!!!!!!!

[beachbunny]

We are still coming,and we are staying in Blue mountain beach area.I guess the best access would be at grayton?We do have until the 23rd ,I know things will improve.Everyone has voted and we still want to go to this paradise in any condition.

[Paula]

click here for Beach Access Map pdf

Thanks, Kurt. I saw that Inlet beach is a regional access which is great for people on the eastern side of 30A. Can anyone tell me about the Inlet beach access? Reasonable parking and bathrooms? We'll see for ourselves in a few days, but it's good to get a preview if possible. It will be interesting to explore the different open beach accesses next week when we're there. (We usually don't do as much exploring...).

Thanks.

[kurt]

We are still coming,and we are staying in Blue mountain beach area.I guess the best access would be at grayton?We do have until the 23rd ,I know things will improve.Everyone has voted and we still want to go to this paradise in any condition.

Grayton to the east or Gulfview Heights or Ed Walline to the west.