Dennis - Beach Accesses - post here

[Seahorse]

Seaside access at Roly Poly is no longer closed to the general public.

Eastern Lake access (on the east side of the outfall) has steps now and the outfall has been moved to the east by digging a new trough and piling up sand. It is easy to get to the beach there.

Makeshift steps have been erected at One Seagrove access.

Photos to come.

Awesome! Kurt, I only know you from this website, but thanks so much for all the great information you post. It is incredibly helpful. It was such a landfall find, this message board. We are back there next week for a while so it's great to know what's happening before we get there! linda

[Seahorse]

The flags are GREEN !!!!!!!!!! Just checked for the latest update and they are GREEN, GREEN, GREEN !!!

Oh, and this just made my entire week!!!!!! My little four year old boy is going to be so happy! Thanks again for all the info!

[kurt]

Thanks for the info. Where is this in relation to Beachcrest?

A couple of blocks I think.

[mchames]

We are heading down tomorrow 7/23 and are staying in the Old Florida Cottages. Can anyone tell me where the closest open beach access is? From the map our owners sent us it looks like the one near Goatfeathers is the closest. Is that access open yet? Thanks for your help. I have to go finishing packing now!

Thanks.
Mary

[dmiller29]

This site is wonderful!

We've never vacationed at Seagrove until this year. We check in on Saturday, July 30, and are staying in Seashore Village. Can you tell me if the beach access for this community is open?

Thank you very much.

[kareshack]

We just returned from the beach today and I have to put fears to rest, the beach is open and great. They built 3 beach access while we were there for one week and we got up and down all day and every day. We stayed in seagrove west next door to the beachcrest condos- there was an access at our neighbors house and they were kind enough to let us use it. They built a public access our last day and two more were going up down the way. The access is on Montgomery and Dothan and it is probably up and running now. Have a great time- we sure did.

[SGB]

Our guests this week at our rental house in Seagrove Beach said that they have been able to get to the beach via the Seaside access without any problem.

We spent the afternoon on the beach in Grayton and it was wonderful. White sand and clear water!

[Jayne Graves]

how are the beaches at "Dunes of Seagrove" does anyone know?

[MG]

I just wanted to say "Thanks" to Beaches of South Walton. We have just returned from our best vacation of our lives! We stayed in Seagrove Beach. The weather was great! The water was a little rough, but we still had fun without incident. Our boardwalk was not repaired, but our neighbor's was and they graciously let us use it. Many boardwalks were being rebuilt while we were there and lots of sand was being replinished. Everything was wonderful, beautiful, fantastic! We saw dolphins, rays, jellys, but no sharks.. If you have a vacation planned, I suggest that you go ahead with your plans. We are already looking forward to next year!

[Ocean Lover]

Glad you had a good vacation! We have 19 days and counting until we arrive in SoWal. I don't think the August heat will bother us too much with the weather we've been having lately up here. 95 degress today in Ohio. :oops:

[irish9697]

dmiller29, We just returned Saturday from a week at Seashore Village (we stayed in Bella Breeze on Seashore Circle) and our walkover was up and ready for us by our first night there, Saturday the 16th, so you are all set! Have a great time!!!

[dmiller29]

IRISH9697

Thank you so much! I'm ready to hit the road!

[rskim70]

Is the Roly Poly access the only beach access currently open in Seaside? Thanks.

[Suncat]

Is the Roly Poly access the only beach access currently open in Seaside? Thanks.

I just returned home from 10 days in Seaside about 30 minutes ago! Yes, as of today, the only access is a "sand ramp" behind Roly-Poly. A Seaside employee is sitting there with a clipboard off and on, but he seems to only be making sure everyone gets up and down the ramp OK. Some trucks have gone down with boards that look like they are to be used to rebuild the steps.

[kurt]

how are the beaches at "Dunes of Seagrove" does anyone know?

I haven't been over there since right after the storm, but they were looking good then. Their walkover was in pretty good shape so they might have it repaired by now. People were using the walk on access on the adjacent east side.

[rskim70]

I just returned home from 10 days in Seaside about 30 minutes ago! Yes, as of today, the only access is a "sand ramp" behind Roly-Poly. A Seaside employee is sitting there with a clipboard off and on, but he seems to only be making sure everyone gets up and down the ramp OK. Some trucks have gone down with boards that look like they are to be used to rebuild the steps.

Thanks, Suncat. Looking at the NOAA satellite photos that were posted earlier, it looked like the pensacola walkover had been repaired as well. Thanks again for the info.

[kurt]

Thanks, Suncat. Looking at the NOAA satellite photos that were posted earlier, it looked like the pensacola walkover had been repaired as well. Thanks again for the info.

Nope. Those aerials were from a few days after Dennis.

[kurt]

any more word on the access behind Goatfeathers? Still a 15' drop?

No - a cut through the dunes on the east side of the missing walkover has been created from foot traffic.

[Suncat]

[QUOTE=rskim70]Thanks, Suncat. Looking at the NOAA satellite photos that were posted earlier, it looked like the pensacola walkover had been repaired as well. Thanks again for the info.[/QUOTE


I only saw the sand ramp...You could walk up to the top of the pavillions that overlook the beach, but there were barriers where the steps used to be. The beach was a little shocking to see if you have been there before, but the water was beautiful and after getting down there it was fine. Weather was HOT with only very brief thundershowers occasionally.

[amylouky]

Anyone know if Beachside condos access is back up? Our rental agency said it was supposed to be done this week...

[Cork On the Ocean]

Beachwalk for Seacrest Beach is open!

[Sheila]

Beachwalk for Seacrest Beach is open!

Thanks!

[TooFarTampa]

Beachwalk for Seacrest Beach is open!

I second those thanks!!!

[SoWalSally]

The Board of County Commissioners dealt with ongoing beach issues at the July 26 meeting.

The board approved the repair of 21 of the 56 beach accesses destroyed during Hurricane Dennis, which made landfall July10.
“We need to get 20 boardwalks up to get visitors to the beach,” Titus said.
Titus explained the necessity of the repairs was due to a large number of properties that cannot be rented without beach access. Titus estimated the repairs will cost the county approximately $400,000.
Commissioner Cindy Meadows suggested sand as an alternative measure, considering the walkovers are damaged in every storm.
“To put compatible sand down is way, way expensive,” Titus responded.
Titus said the TDC would investigate alternative boardwalk technology for the future.

[Beach Runner]

How much does a simple private (as opposed to the more substantial public access) beach walkover cost to build?

[Beach Runner]

My neighbor replaced their simple stairway to the beach after Ivan to the tune of 16 thousand dollars. House next to theirs was 14 thousand. My Sister in Sand Cliffs subdivision paid even more. We were lucky as only the last section of our walkway needed to be replaced and it was around two thousand. Not so simple is it?

Wow! I can't believe they're that expensive.

[Rather B Paddlin]

Kurt,

Nice picture. That is Mr. and Mrs. Paddlin under the two green and white beach umbrellas. The water is just incredilble right now. It is as clear as I have ever seen it. Some visitors have added wood to the path to the sand.

[tallard]

how are the beaches at "Dunes of Seagrove" does anyone know?

My family is coming down next Saturday from the Belleville area and we are staying at the dunes of seagrove. According to Resort Quest - beach access and beach service is operating at 100%.

[groveral]

Any info on access across from Andalusia? If not open, any time known to re-open?
Thank you for all of this information....

[Kim Smith]

Kurt,

Does anyone have any information on what acceses made the top 21 list and also an update as to which accesses are now complete?

[kurt]

Kurt,

Does anyone have any information on what acceses made the top 21 list and also an update as to which accesses are now complete?

I haven't seen a list but will look for one.

The official list of open accesses are in the first post of this thread and kept updated. Things are moving slowly, however there are more accesses than shown on the first post, just not rebuilt.

[indy]

My family and Inlaws will be coming down to on Sunday (8-7-05) . We are staying at Blue Mountian Beach...We've never stayed there before. What is the current condition of beach access & the Blue Mountain Beach area in general?

Thanks.

[Smiling JOe]

From http://partners.beachesofsouthwalton...ach_Access.asp

Open Beach Access Points as of 7/22/05:

• 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 Whale’s Tail off Scenic Gulf Drive.

[indy]

From http://partners.beachesofsouthwalton...ach_Access.asp

Open Beach Access Points as of 7/22/05:

• 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 Whale’s Tail off Scenic Gulf Drive.

So can I assume that this means there is no access in Blue Mountain? I don't know the area that well.

[kurt]

So can I assume that this means there is no access in Blue Mountain? I don't know the area that well.

There is walk down access at the main access on hwy 83. there is a lot of construction and equipment there though. There are a few others nearby that are an easy drive or bike ride.

[beachma]

Any new access rebuilt in Seagrove in the area close to One Seagrove Place or in the Seagrove area in general?

From http://partners.beachesofsouthwalton...ach_Access.asp

Open Beach Access Points as of 7/22/05:

• 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 Whale’s Tail off Scenic Gulf Drive.

[luvthebeach]

Any new access rebuilt in Seagrove in the area close to One Seagrove Place or in the Seagrove area in general?

Temporary steps have been erected at One Seagrove. Check out this thread:

SoWal Beaches Forum - View Single Post - Dennis - Beach Accesses - post here

[amylouky]

Can anyone tell me if the beach access at Beachside Condos has been rebuilt yet, or is at least in the process of rebuilding?

[Ocean Lover]

Is there any construction going on? I haven't heard of any new walkovers for a while. Looks like we'll be driving. If we go to Grayton...what if better...the state park or walk on access?

[bhilyer]

We just got back from staying in Seagrove. We were able to access the beach easily at the San Juan access. There is a cut in the dune to the left of the walkover with a rope for help getting up. Our four year old had no trouble going up or down. Actually, the kids thought it was cool.

If you would rather use stairs, the small neighborhood to the right has a walkover that has been repaired and we (the adults) used it, too. We didn't until one of the residents insisted. This was right there at the SanJuan access. There is some parking for cars and bicycles.

[Smiling JOe]

We just got back from staying in Seagrove. We were able to access the beach easily at the San Juan access. There is a cut in the dune to the left of the walkover with a rope for help getting up. Our four year old had no trouble going up or down. Actually, the kids thought it was cool.

If you would rather use stairs, the small neighborhood to the right has a walkover that has been repaired and we (the adults) used it, too. We didn't until one of the residents insisted. This was right there at the SanJuan access. There is some parking for cars and bicycles.

Obviously Bhilyer has not been reading how pissed off everyone is at folks like her/him for helping to further damage property. (and thinks it is cute that her kids find it fun.)
Wake up! or leave at once!
Maybe we can switch out the rope for razor wire. What do you think? Would that make people use the stairs?

[Ocean Lover]

Yikes, those dragonflies can really sting. I'm going to assume Bhilyer doesn't know about the dunes.(walking on them is extremly damaging, please look for other threads regarding the dunes) I think we could inform rather than berate.

Thank you for your response Bhilyer...I'll be using a walkover...hopefully the San Juan one is close to us. Good to hear there's parking available there also.

[Ocean Lover]

I just wanted to add one thing. I think it is awesome that SJ is so passionate about SoWal beaches and dunes. I just know there are a lot of ignorant tourists out there and if there's not a sign or a fence telling them to stay off then they are probably clueless. Being a really conscientious person myself, I would want to know. I would hate to unknowingly hurt the environment.

[Smiling JOe]

Yikes, those dragonflies can really sting. I'm going to assume Bhilyer doesn't know about the dunes.(walking on them is extremly damaging, please look for other threads regarding the dunes) I think we could inform rather than berate.
...

We've been informing for some time now. Some people just refuse to listen, and even signs will do them no good. They simply follow the "Dumb Masses" (don't read those two words too fast ), as Neil Bortz says. Maybe Bhilyer will read my post and at least wake up enough to take notice of her actions. You see, razor wire just gives one a visual of how pissed I am .

It sounds like you are trying to be very informed Ocean Lover. Your name alone says it all. You care about a place you love. Thanks!

[OhioBeachBum]

Maybe we can switch out the rope for razor wire. What do you think? Would that make people use the stairs?
[/size]

I can see it not taking long to develop a bit of an attitude relative to this. Picked trash & debris during dawn walks every morning while down there (maybe 20% debris and the rest people trash). Pretty disgusted with careless people at end of week. Folks wouldn't leave beer cans, plastic bottles, and other assorted crap in their yards (hopefully). Don't get why some feel beach is fair game.
Dunes though, that's maybe not a "mr. obvious" thing to some newbie visitors.

Something I noticed years back 1st time I crossed from US into Canada (Niagara area). Dramatic difference on Canada side - very noticible complete absence of roadside litter (dramatic compared to US side). Figured out why 'bout a 1/2 mile later when I saw the first of many "$500 fine for littering" signs (that was 30 years ago when 500 was a bit more substantial sum).

Maybe signs to educate (dunes) and to warn against the obvious (strewing one's trash about), but IMHO many people need some teeth in the warnings to keep their attention - maybe $1000 might be an attention-getter these days.

[bhilyer]

Wow-I'm sorry. :oops: I have been reading the many posts and looking at the pictures here and I would never intentionally try to harm the beach. We have had a place in Texas since I was a little girl and I know how disheartening it can be to watch visitors trash your beach.

From pictures I had seen here, I thought that was an accepted temporary path, as many others were using it, and the stairs were private and were used only when we found it was okay.

Smiling Joe, the harshness was unexpected. You seem like a really nice guy. My husband and I were in shock and awe at the damage done to your beach and our thoughts and prayers went out to the owners of the beautiful homes, especially the ones that have been there for years and years. I think this area is wonderful and plan to come for many years, so we support any efforts to restore the beach (that includes returning and spending our money)

I hope you can come up with a system to educate visitors, especially first time visitors like us who are used to nothing but flat, wide beaches. But, I hope it's in a nicer way than "razors on a rope"...

[amylouky]

Wow-I'm sorry. :oops: I have been reading the many posts and looking at the pictures here and I would never intentionally try to harm the beach. We have had a place in Texas since I was a little girl and I know how disheartening it can be to watch visitors trash your beach.

From pictures I had seen here, I thought that was an accepted temporary path, as many others were using it, and the stairs were private and were used only when we found it was okay.

Smiling Joe, the harshness was unexpected. You seem like a really nice guy. My husband and I were in shock and awe at the damage done to your beach and our thoughts and prayers went out to the owners of the beautiful homes, especially the ones that have been there for years and years. I think this area is wonderful and plan to come for many years, so we support any efforts to restore the beach (that includes returning and spending our money)

I hope you can come up with a system to educate visitors, especially first time visitors like us who are used to nothing but flat, wide beaches. But, I hope it's in a nicer way than "razors on a rope"...

I have to agree.. I think there's been SOME attempt at educating people, but obviously not nearly enough.. one of the agents AT OUR RENTAL COMPANY told us that there was a cut in the dune we could use to access the beach, if the beach walkover wasn't fixed yet. And didn't someone mention that at the wedding the other night in Grayton, there was a deputy there who did nothing about the people in the dunes?
If the word hasn't gotten around to all the residents and officials yet, it surely hasn't gotten to all of the tourists. Maybe a bit of patience, gentle reminders (not so gentle the second time), and a grassroots education program is in order?
I really think that the vast majority of beach visitors are willing to do whatever they can to preserve the beaches, if only they all knew what that was..

[katie blue]

You're right Amy, with all the passion flying round, seems we could channel it into a little grass roots dune watch effort here. The turtle watch people have done that successfully. Maybe if the TDC could spare a few bucks for us to get some signs reproduced and allow us to store a repository of them at the HQ, we could have people come pick a few up and place them in their neighborhood dunes. (or maybe a local print shop could donate the printing?) I'd be happy to volunteer to design and prep the sign for print, and would certainly install some along 30a. I know we have plenty of "hands" between us for placing them, the only sticking issue right now would be the funds to have them printed. Just a thought.

[bjc9153]

This is in reply to the beach access at Beachside Condos. I just got back from there Saturday night and the walkway was open when I left. However, the water was very murky and there was lots or debris and dirt on the beach (not its usual white sand by any means) and with the heavy rain Seagrove received Friday more beach erosion occurred and about two to three more feet of land eroded from Beachside Condos. This is very scary because so many condo conplexes (like Emerald Hill Condo Complex, Dune Villas, and Leeward II Complexes) are just hanging in the edge of the beach and to see more erosion occuring makes me worry that it won't be long until we won't see dirt and debris on the beach but entire beach condo conplex colapsed on the beach. Is anyone else worried about this and how can those buildings be saved.

[amylouky]

This is in reply to the beach access at Beachside Condos. I just got back from there Saturday night and the walkway was open when I left. However, the water was very murky and there was lots or debris and dirt on the beach (not its usual white sand by any means) and with the heavy rain Seagrove received Friday more beach erosion occurred and about two to three more feet of land eroded from Beachside Condos. This is very scary because so many condo conplexes (like Emerald Hill Condo Complex, Dune Villas, and Leeward II Complexes) are just hanging in the edge of the beach and to see more erosion occuring makes me worry that it won't be long until we won't see dirt and debris on the beach but entire beach condo conplex colapsed on the beach. Is anyone else worried about this and how can those buildings be saved.

Hmm. Well, that's not great news.. we're headed down Friday. At least the walkway's open.. hopefully we'll be able to actually use it!