Installation of Mobi-Mats and “Dodge the Dunes” signs at nine beach access points in unincorporated Flagler County are scheduled for completion by the end of the week.
The mats–Mobi-Mat is actually a branded product–have two primary functions: protect the recently fortified dunes; and, provide a beach access pathway for people of all abilities – including those in wheelchairs. Permanent signs urging beach visitors to “Dodge the Dunes” are being installed in the same locations as the Mobi-Mats.
“We still have to install mats in two areas,” said General Services Director Heidi Petito. “We should be finished at Jungle Hut Road today, and then the last of the residential streets.”
Five-foot wide mats have been installed at the end of residential streets to protect the dunes from foot traffic. Wider mats have been installed at the end of MalaCompra Road, 16th Road (Old Salt Park), and Jungle Hut Road to provide Flagler County Fire Rescue-Ocean Rescue access points substantial enough for trailers carrying jet skis used for emergency rescues.
Resident Karen Joyce wrote a brief email note to Flagler County: “Really well done. Elayne (Byrd) and I have used (Old Salt Park) beach access entrance to walk the beach for years.”
The wider mats are very sturdy and can be uncomfortable on bare feet. Wearing shoes is always advised for safety reasons.
As of Monday, 5.75 miles of dunes have been fortified from the northern reach of Washington Oaks Gardens State Park to the halfway mark between Jungle Hut Road and Varn Park, as well as a short section of Painters Hill.
In excess of 300,000 sea oats have been planted where the dunes work is complete, according to Chrissy Hensel, Project Manager for EarthBalance, the company under contract by Flagler County to plant the vegetation on the dunes.
“The completed dunes work looks excellent,” said Commission Chair Greg Hansen. “Staff has done a wonderful job keeping all of the moving parts that make up this project on target.”
Outsider says
That’s all great….until the next hurricane comes and washes away all that expensive sand AND the oversized welcome mats. Hopefully, my cynical prediction is off the mark. Oh well, it’s other people’s money anyhow.
Asburyj says
That’s great for those of us that need assistance to get onto a beach !
Kathy says
I’m so happy to see all the hard work and time has paid off. Looking forward to spending some amazing days with my husband at our favorite Jungle Hut Park. I miss that place. Thanks for everyone’s effort.
Surgod88 says
By all means let’s see some pictures of the new sea oats and the “beautiful” dune work in addition to the mats.
palmcoaster says
What about installing some surveillance cameras in the parking lots in order to discourage/deter car damages for break ins and any other criminal behavior. That will be great for the public safety as well! Maybe solar panels could be use also for some lightning and running the cameras all installed in hard to rich poles and vandal proof systems?
Jim O says
Thank you…. They look good and more importantly accomplish what you/we wanted.
Concerned Citizen says
You just can’t make anyone happy these days it seems.
We had 2 Hurricanes inside of a year and several Nor’Easters. People are demanding access to the beaches and until the walk overs get replaced mobi mats are effective in getting people across while protecting the dunes. If they stay on them that is.
There’s a price to pay for living near the beach and using it’s resources. You either pay up or move inland and stop using the beach.
John Dolan esq. says
Mobi Mats? Coffey’s idea? Broken glass would work just as good and be cheaper.
Beach Girl says
I went to MalaCompra and Jungle Hut with my family member who is in a wheelchair. NO WAY. The one on Jungle Hut has soft sand in front of it, how do you expect a person in a wheelchair, walker or with a cane to go through that soft sand to even get to the Mobi Mat? You are NOT providing a pathway to people with disabilities in any way. And what do you expect a person with a disability to do when they get to the end of the Mobi Mat? This is not a pathway, its a barrier for persons with disabilities.
OriginalFlaglerlocal says
You know that is a great idea. Instead of getting some out of county contractor/company to do the installation and overcharge City/county which we all know ends up coming out of our pockets. I happen to know of quite a bit of that infant structure that is being stored in not being used inside of the city of Palm Coast where houses. It’s a great idea and I think it should be implemented much more throughout the town many people are not aware of how inexpensive very high-quality equipment is the mark up on solar and surveillance is insanely ridiculous. I would be willing to use my knowledge and develop some type of program to possibly help teach kids who don’t quite understand or not doing well in school or troubled kids to learn better hands on. It’s a win-win on multiple levels.