Flagler County government is completing its third week of work on the $25 million, year-long dunes restoration project, repleninshing the dunes eroded by Hurricanes Matthew and Irma.
“We knew we would make a measured start on the project,” said County Engineer Faith Alkhatib, who is overseeing the work. “These are very big projects, and we have started cautiously.”
Sand placement operations began on January 22 near Rollins Dunes Drive, which is just north of the Sea Colony subdivision.
“We have completed about 2,800 linear feet of dunes as of February 7,” said Flagler County Project Administrator Alex Spiller. “The Marineland Acres segment was completed on February 6. Dunes are currently being constructed at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.” There, dune breaches during Matthew were especially severe, resulting in flooding in the upper part of the barrier island.
The general goal for progress throughout the dunes restoration project is at least a mile a month, when taking into account that both the timing of the high tides, limited daylight, and the weather will affect the length of the workday.
“Staff is working very hard to meet this goal,” said County Administrator Craig Coffey. “There are a lot of variables we don’t have control over, like the weather. We have to follow both state and federal rules and regulations that are in place for the protection of our dunes and sea turtles, as well as safeguarding the public.”
To keep the public informed, Flagler County is posting pictures and weekly updates here. Residents will be able to tell where work is ongoing, and where the next segment of work will take place. Residents with questions can either send them to [email protected], or call dunes project phone number at 386-313-4038 to leave a voicemail message that will be returned within 24 hours on weekdays.
Through it all, Hammock resident Chris Goodfellow has been launching his drone and filming the scene below at regular intervals, posting the results on his freely accessible YouTube channel. Here are the last two videos:
End of Week 2:
A Before Look at the Next Segments, Bay Park to Malacompra
Really says
25mm circling the drain
tulip says
Amazing videos! It really shows how much work there is to repairing the dunes and the beauty of the area there. Imagination is one thing, but videos and pictures show the real thing and leave an impression on the brain. I like the whiteish sand.
Wow! says
All that money washing out to sea…fot the record, homeowmers are responsible for theberosion past their property lines not taxpayers. One more good hurricane and this will ne for nothing.
r&r says
The photo and videos show the new white sand being washed out to sea already. Sand by itself will never withstand storms or hurricanes.
mark101 says
A lot of work and a lot of money with NO REAL way to keep that sand where its at. Next storm its gone and then we are back to NO dunes all over again. Sand setting on sand its not an anchor, its like a pile of ball bearings as it will move with little resistance.
OH PS county engineers,m what are you doing to do to keep people from walking all over the dunes. People using the NEW top of the dune to pitch their umbrella and chairs, We have enough trouble with wave action the human action each day can be worst.
Outsider says
I can’t wait for the sequel……next hurricane season.
An Honest American says
It is my understanding that the residents voted down the jetties. What stupidity. The money that this project is costing should have been put towards jetties. They are the only thing that will bring the sand back to the beaches.The Army Core Of Engineers are the only People with correct information. $25,000,000 Washed out to sea…..