There are some sand fencing that still needs to come down in the area south of the construction. If anybody knows the owners, please ask them to remove them.

Also, the tug was able to take advantage of the calmer weather today to remove the loose hose in the area of Aloha House. While down there to see the area after it was removed, we notice still really BIG holes in the beach. Please don't leave them after dark because they're dangerous to the patrols and crews! (photo 3)

Finally, we will watch Fay closely and should the storm become a threat or a problem for our area, we'll do our best to keep you posted on the status of the project. Additionally, we'll be uploading the sand fencing guidlines from FDEP to the library soon and adding a tab to the home page. Somehow they were removed when we did a little too much housekeeping!]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=64 08/16/08 Grade stakes are now in place from the subline south to High Tide, the white house sitting at the end of Catamaran just north of Clipper Way (photo 1). In walking down to take photos for the photo gallery and the blog, I noticed several folks have cut back their boardwalks -- good job! (photo 2)

I have included some photos in the gallery of remaining fencing south of the subline and some boardwalks that may need to be addressed. If you have questions as to whether you need to take any actions with your boardwalk, again, please just email us at info@savethecape.com and we'll be happy to get Michael's input for you.

Tomorrow or Saturday a few loads will be pumped down on Subline 2. This is part of the process of preparing the line for future use. Work will return to Subline 3 as soon as sufficient sand is pumped in the Subline 2 landing area.

As mentioned in comments to last week's blog, the loose pipe in the area of Aloha House will be removed from the beach Monday or Tuesday. The tug necessary to do the work is undergoing some maintenance right now and the pipe can't be removed without it.

Finally estimates for the work on the south side of Subline 3 are two to three weeks total for the 2,000 feet to the south. Unless we have unexpected delays for weather or equipment, we should see the jump to Subline 2 by the first of next month.

We still have a good number of visitors here, and everybody seems to be enjoying the beach despite the recent rough surf conditions. Don't know if the fish are biting, but there's lots of people giving it their best effort anyway! (photo 3)

Again, my never-ending reminder to remove remaining fences and please try to keep stuff clear of the beach at night for the safety of the turtle patrol. Have a great week at the Cape!
]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=63 08/07/08 We've had some questions about the situation at Subline 2. A spare piece of pipe came loose due to rough seas and will be addressed when the weather settles down. The high surf and inclement weather of the last few days makes work more challenging, but in a few days this should clear out and more tranquil weather will return.

We need to ask again -- and we *know* we're starting to sound like nagging mothers, but it's important so we have to keep after this -- please remove your chairs, awnings, etc., at night from the beach, even if you're not in an active construction area. Photo 2 shows a marked false crawl where a green turtle came up and ran into an awning frame and then turned back around (she did lay her eggs further up the beach). In addition to potential impacts on turtle nesting, items left on the beach and holes left in the beach are hazards for the folks working at night. We sure don't want anyone to be hurt and know you don't either, so please help us out and keep the beach clear and safe. Thank you!

We also had a renewed request to please remove all the sand fencing on the beach. There's still quite a bit of it in the area left to pump between San Dunes and Haven Road. There's also some areas needing attention on the south side of line 3, which will be under construction soon. If you have questions or need help to address these situations, please contact us at info@savethecape.com

Commissioners Jerry Barnes and Nathan Peters toured the dredge this week (photo 3). It was great for them to see first hand the people, equipment and process that is helping the Cape's dream of a restored and healthy beach become reality.

Those of you visiting us here at the beach, have a wonderful time!]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=62 07/31/08 We've put some new photos in the gallery that were provided to us by Barrier Dunes owner Steve Blevins. Once again, thanks to Steve for taking the time to do flyovers and help us record the project from this fabulous vantage point. (Photo 1 is an aerial of Rish Park)

We now have our walkways in place at the Troy Deal Beach Access. The post and rope walkovers were placed last week, as well as a larger sign to make it easier to find. We should have the remainder of the improvements there finished in the next week. (Photo 2 shows one of the new paths to the beach.)

We are now really getting into the most densely populated areas of our beach with the restoration project. We need to ask again for the assistance and cooperation of all our owners, property managers and guests to please do your part to keep the project moving smoothly and safely! As you can see in photo 3, a couple beach awnings are sitting right in the active construction zone. Please be sure to take your beach items up at night if there is any chance you'll be in the path of the construction. We don't want to see anybody's gear damaged, but we also want to avoid delays for removal of these types of items whenever possible. Thanks so much for your continued cooperation on this subject! Finally, owners, please be sure all your sand fencing has been removed. If you have any questions concerning walkovers or stairs, please feel free to email info@savethecape.com and we will try to get an answer for you about whether they need to be removed.

We hope everyone has a safe and fun-filled week at the beach!

]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=61 07/25/08 Paula and I drove sections of the beach, both completed and about to begin construction, the first part of this week. Addressing the sections of beach about to begin work, a few important notes and continuing relentless reminders:
1. If you have not removed your sand fencing, PLEASE DO SO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
2. If you have a boardwalk or other structure that extends beyond the natural vegetation line, it is possible it needs to be addressed. You can email info@savethecape.com if you are unsure and need clarification on your situation.
3. Owners, guests and property managers, we need your help to get the beach chairs and other stuff off the beach well in advance of the project reaching your area. When the contractors go to place the ropes and/or grade stakes, they need a clear beach to do it and now that we're in full season and more populated areas of the beach, we're encountering some problems there. Thanks in advance for your help on that! Even in areas not impacted by the project, please dont leave chairs, etc., in the middle of the beach  they can be hard-to-see hazards for other vacationers or the turtle patrol at night.
4. Also, we're still hearing about the various holes, pits, trenches, etc., that are left behind when folks head up for the evening. We all love to play in the sand and we don't want to discourage that -- but those harmless daytime holes turn into invisible, dangerous pits for the folks on turtle patrol each night. Thank you!!

We also wanted to take a moment to reassure and confirm the fact our restored beach continues to be a healthy, pristine, thriving ecosystem! Some folks have asked if the dolphins are impacted by the beach operations.

As I hope you can see from Photo 1, sometimes they actually are attracted to the areas of the sublines to hunt! (If you can't see him in the smaller shot, there's a dolphin swimming in the background of Subline 3 there. It was part of a pod of about 5 in the area).

Photo 2 is a shot of one of the 20-plus turtle nests that have been laid in the areas of nourished beach. We are at or near the peak nesting time according to our turtle patrol report Wednesday. We're nearing a total of 80 nests. Those laid in unrestored portions of the beach are relocated either north to the State Park or south to Eglin lands.    Learned something new -- the nests that are lower on the beach are most likely Loggerheads. The ones you see right up at the dune and possibly even dug into the dune are most likely Green turtles. (Just in case you ever need some turtle factoid for a trivia contest.)

Another sign of a healthy beach is the return of ghost crab holes. We actually saw ghost crab holes on the Secluded Dunes section of the beach the day the ropes were removed. We saw many holes along the areas we were driving, but I neglected to take a shot of them. The only crustacean I captured on film is this guy, on the beach in the Clipper Way area. (And we do hope Abigail is having a great vacation.)

The beach cam has been repaired and we appreciate it being back in operation so we can all watch the dredge come and go when we're not on the Cape. We will try to keep you up-to-date on closures, progress, etc., but please feel free to ask any questions you have.

]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=60 07/18/08 Now see today's progress (photo 2). The stairs have been removed from the lowest level, and all that sand is now as high as the base of the townhome garages. Work is not complete in front of Cape Shoals as of yet, but operations are moving along very smoothly and we anticipate this good pace to continue.

Cape Palms Park is currently closed (photo 3). Access to the beach from the Cape Shoals area can be gained in the vicinity of the northernmost unit. We will try to keep you posted as to when the park will be reopened -- but please remember it's a great place to come to and watch "the show" while the work is being conducted!

Subline (or landing) 2 has been placed. It's in the vicinity of Ebbtide (Barefoot Trace). We'll get some photos of the area for you next week.

Finally, as our headline states, we have completed just slightly over 60% of the shoreline. We are just under 40% of the overall fill volume. We are so pleased to see those numbers continue to climb!

Once again, all the usual admonishments, disclaimers, fine-print announcements: Please remove your chairs and awnings, fill your holes, and remember to take your children in at night, etc.   Have a great week at the beach -- catch a lot of fish, and don't forget the sunscreen.

p.s. If you are the guests who left your chairs, towels, umbrella and floats on the beach in front of Cape Shoals, they are now being stored and waiting for you in the Cape Palms pavilion.]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=59 07/09/08 Those of you vacationing in the Cape Shoals area, do NOT panic! First of all, it's possible the pipe will not flip until Saturday or even Sunday. Secondly, whenever it flips, there will be access to the beach across the pipe via a sand bridge just north of Cape Shoals (photo 1).

As you can see from the next photo, the beach at Cape Shoals will be much, much higher and a great deal wider (note the sand in the background of the stairs photo 2). There's other images of the sand height, etc., in the photo gallery.

We're now in the height of the season, of course. Your cooperation and attention to staying out of roped-off areas, removing beach equipment, not leaving bonfire debris or holes in the beach is all very much appreciated! Not only does it help us move the project along quickly (and therefore out of your way as soon as possible) but most important to us is your safety and that of the folks who are working on the project or on the turtle patrol. (Yes, we've said this before; and yes, we'll say it again.)

That's it from us. Enjoy a safe and happy July 4th weekend! (photo 3 -- Reminder not to miss the fireworks in Port St. Joe at dark. You can actually see them from the bay side of the Cape if you have access.)

]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=58 07/03/08 As reported in the end of the comments for last week's blog, the roped-off area of the beach does NOT encompass the Cape Shoals Townhomes or Cape Palms Park. As a result, all our visitors for the holiday in these locations will have access to the beach. (photo 2 shows the roped-off area which is NORTH of the townhomes)

We have not been given any concrete estimates for the amount of time expected to pump north on Subline 4. Once we are given information on when they will "flip the pipe" to the south, we will advise you here. At that point in time, the beaches at Cape Shoals and Cape Palms will be closed for an unknown length of time.

Turtle nesting continues to increase in numbers. We are very excited about the nests on our restored beach in particular, but all nests should be given a wide berth on the beach and please keep pets and children from disturbing them.

Once again, a reminder on the importance of staying off our newly constructed berm and dune system. Although sea oats will not be planted until sometime later in the year, it is still very important to avoid disturbing the dunes by walking on them. Many property owners have not yet had time to install warning signs or sand fencing, so your cooperation in avoiding these sensitive areas is deeply appreciated (photo 3 shows the sign posted by one of our local owners with a great sense of humor).

Finally, our public service announcement to please fill all holes (always remembering to first remove any family members you may have buried) and to take up your beach chairs, awnings, etc., for the safety of those who are working on the beach at night and riding on ATVs.

Have a safe and wonderful July 4th week at the Cape! Don't forget to take advantage of all the activities going on this week.]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=57 06/27/08 Turtle nests continue to increase in number. We now have four new nests on areas of the restored beach! We are thrilled to see the turtles returning to the beach to nest. (photo 2).

Progress has been made with regard to "tightening" up our work zone and closing less of the beach. Yesterday saw people enjoying the beach, fishing, sunbathing, and even a quiet, romantic sunset with the pipe for a bench (photo 3).

All equipment and work is expected to remain within Rish Park for the next week. We are still not certain what the impacts will be during the holiday week with regard to beach access, if any. We will keep you updated as the work nears the southern end of Rish Park.

Paula and I drove the entire length of the beach yesterday afternoon (photos in the gallery). We want to make another gentle request to please remember to do a few things:
1. For the safety of turtle patrol and anyone else who may be on the beach after dark, remember to pull up chairs and awnings, etc., at night
2. Also for the safety of people on foot or riding ATVs, fill any holes you may have dug during the day.
3. Keep an eye out for the caution tape around turtle's nests and be sure to keep your dogs away from them.
4. Give any dozer operators plenty of space when you are in their vicinity.

Thank you and have a great week at the beach!]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=56 06/20/08 The sublines approximate locations have been added to the project progress map. Theyre labeled as Landings. For lines 3, 2 and 1, the locations are approximate and could vary 100 feet or so in either direction.

We have completed approximately 50% of the 7.9 miles of project shoreline. Around 1.2 MILLION cubic yards of sand have been placed (thats a hundred thousand cubic yards a week!) (edited after posting due to inability to compute big numbers at midnight)

We appreciate the continued patience and understanding of our owners and visitors as we continue to move south and build our beautiful beach. We will give you updates and status reports on beach closures and access points as frequently as possible.

Our blog limits attached photos to three, but theres lots of shots of the Bayport and crew in the newest photo gallery, along with shots taken Saturday and Sunday in various places from Barrier Dunes down to Windward Street, including a "turtle sighting" I made along the way (photo 1).

What follows is a narrative about the field trip we took on the Bayport. Its long, but I hope some of you, at least, will find learning about the Bayport as fascinating as I did!

Saturday a few of us were lucky enough to spend a few hours on the Bayport. We headed out on the little red boat you may have seen in the vicinity of the dredge. The Speedy boat, as its called, ferries crew and supplies back and forth to the Bayport on a regular basis. We donned our safety vests and hard hats, and settled in as Rob Bonvechio, the Speedy boat operator, headed toward the Bayport. Our escort, Manson supervisor Bobby Russ, answered our questions about Speedy and filled us in on what to expect.

We were met at the Bayport by Captain Jim Blattner (Photo 2). A delightful host during our time on the dredge, Captain Jim made us feel right at home! He welcomed us aboard and led us to the wheelhouse. Wonderfully chilled air filled the wheelhouse, and it was almost as quiet as a library. The lights were dimmed, probably so its easier to read the myriad of monitors providing data to the crew.

They were in the process of filling the dredge with sand when we arrived. First Mate Mike Meyers (no predictable Austin Powers wisecracks) was holding the Bayport in position while Dragtender Jack Churchill operated the drag head over the borrow site. (Photo 3 shows Jack at his position). Using twin joysticks and a series of no less than three full-color monitors, Jack could be accused of playing an incredibly high-tech video game for a living. Mike and Jack mapped their way across the borrow site, working as a team and communicating regularly. Its a precision task and requires a lot of skill. During our visit, they were not using the jet pumps. But when they do, the jet pumps can dig a 7-foot hole in a matter of seconds, so accuracy definitely counts.

After watching Mike and Jack work for a while, Captain Jim took us out on deck to get a closer view of the hopper filling with sand. Although I envisioned a solid deck with sand filling up inside the hull, the deck of the dredge is completely open. Catwalks cross over the ship in strategic intervals, so we were able to watch the sand filling into the dredge from above.   The sand comes into the dredge in a slurry of sand and water. As the hopper fills, the water is drained off through a series of weirs, so by the time the dredge was ready to head off to the discharge pump, the sand had dried to the point it looked like the Bayport had just pumped itself a new private beach within her hull (maximum capacity of 4,855 cubic yards).

About the time we were heading in to hook up to the discharge pipe, Captain Jim let us know that Cook Jeff Mason had homemade cheesecake and fresh coffee in the galley for us.   Totally unexpected and absolutely fabulous, Cooks blueberry-topped New York Style Cheesecake is as good as any Ive eaten. (And the aroma of the ribs he was preparing the crew for dinner that night was pretty amazing too.)

We headed back out to the wheelhouse and chatted for a while with Ed, the turtle observer on board. Ed keeps a camera at the ready and a constant gaze on the water for signs of turtles or other marine life. Ed pointed off the port bow just in time for us to watch the beginning of the procedure to catch the discharge line. We stepped out of the wheelhouse, and I was able to take a few shots of the spray weve all seen from shore when the line is connected.

About this time we were introduced to the Bayports chief engineer, Julie Rhoads. Yes, folks, the chief engineer is a GIRL! Julie spends her off time at home in Washington State, tending to her cranberry farm. I have never met a cranberry farmer in person and wasnt sure which part of her story was more interesting.

Captain Jim and Julie walked back out onto the deck with us as the discharge began. The port drag head was up and stationery. Weighing in at around 25,000 pounds apiece, the drag heads are immense up close, and theres several shots of them in the photo gallery. The starboard drag head is used as part of the pump off process. Theres a series of 5 bays. Each bay has two flags, one white and one yellow. As a bay door is opened, the white flag drops. The sand is then pumped through the starboard drag head, up through the 3,300 HP booster pump on the bow, and out through the submerged line to shore. The Bayport has enough power to pump sand as far as seven miles through this system. One by one, the bays were opened. A series of spray nozzles are positioned over the sections of the hopper and, using joystick controls, the crew squirts the sand toward the bay openings, much like you use the sprayer in your sink to wash stuff down the drain (lots of shots in the gallery of the pump-off process).

About the time the dredge was nearing empty, Speedy showed back up. The crew lowered two large steel cages that I thought were super-sized crab traps onto Speedys deck. When asked, Captain Jim informed us that no, not crab traps  but food-related. The large cages are the Bayports version of a shopping cart. Theyre filled with groceries and brought back during crew changes.

Despite the ever-increasingly fabulous scent of ribs for dinner, we reluctantly said our goodbyes to the crew and climbed down the ladder to Speedy for the return trip to the Marina at Port St. Joe. I snapped a few shots of the barge, tugs and crane working on moving sublines out the windows on the way back.

The Captain and Crew of the Bayport are hard-working, dedicated folks. They work 12-hour shifts for three weeks at a time, away from their homes and families.   They were very happy to learn more about the residents, owners and visitors of the Cape and how much we all appreciated this beach project! Our thanks to everybody on board: Captain Jim Blattner, Mates Correy Spooner and Mike Meyer, Dragtenders Jack Churchill and David Young, Chief Engineer Julie Rhoads, Cook Jeff Mason, A/Bs Mike Truesdell and Kevin Ricks, Engineers Richie Copeland and Jackson Whillhite, and Electrician John Craft.

Lastly some facts about the Bayports machinery that Captain Jim and Julie provided me:
MTU Booster Pump  3300 horsepower @ 2000 RPMs
Main Engines (Caterpillars) -- 2400 horsepower @ 1500 RPMs
Port and Starboard Pump Engines (Caterpillars)  1500 horsepower @ 1500 RPMs
Hydraulic Controls, 60 Series GM Engine, 425 HP @ 1800 RPMs
Jet Pumps used for All Jetting Valves, C15 Caterpillar, 500 HP @ 1800 RPMs
Daily fuel consumption? 4300 gallons of #2 diesel (makes you feel better about your bill at the pump, doesnt it?)

If you're still reading, I hope you enjoyed it. Till next week!
]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=55 06/11/08 Pumping is now taking place from sub line 5, which means we'll be working to the north of the line until this stretch of beach is finalized. The work will be in the Windward area for the next few days at least and then on toward Ovation. Once this section of work to the north is completed, the pipe will be "flipped" and work into Rish Park to the south of the sub line will begin.

The installation of sub line 4 will be taking place soon. That will be somewhere in the vicinity of Cape Shoals and the Cape Palms Park area.

Please help us keep the beach safe of night-time hazards. Do not leave your beach chairs or equipment left up overnight. In addition to possibly being in the way of the construction should the ropes move to your area at night, these types of items present a hazard for our turtle patrol folks and the nesting turtles.

Along the same lines, if you dig a hole as you're making sandcastles, or perhaps to bury a friend or family member -- temporarily, we hope -- please remember to fill those holes in before you head up for the day.   They can create night-time hazards as well, and the ATVs can get stuck in a hole if it's large enough!

New photos in the gallery include shots from the Bayport and her tug as she was in for refueling this week (photo 1), a preview of the Dunes Drive bathroom that's being installed (photo 2,) and shots from in and around the Shoreline Drive, White Sands Drive, and Windward Street areas (photo 3). If all goes as planned, we hope to have a special blog and photos for next week (yes, you're reading our first official blog teaser).

To all our visitors, we hope you have a fabulous week at the beach and a safe and fun-filled vacation. We do hope you'll take an interest in seeing our project in action, but please remember to stay outside any roped-off area and heed any warnings from members of the construction crew!]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=54 06/05/08 Today, the construction of our new bathrooms at both the Dunes Drive Public Beach Access and the Troy Deal/Buffer Preserve Beach Access began. We didn't get a chance to get photos, but hope to for next week's blog. Please remember these accesses are options for getting to the beach in the event you find your personal property or vacation rental home temporarily unable to access the beach.

This week brought our first turtle nesting of the season. The nest was laid in Rish Park, an area that required it to be relocated, which was done successfully. Any nests located within or south of the beach project construction will be relocated. Our turtle/bird monitoring crew will be on hand to take care of any nests that need attention.

Photos in the gallery were taken in the area of Shoreline Drive, White Sands Drive and Cape Breezes. The first shot was active construction on May 28th just north of White Sands Drive. This shot shows a good example of the elevation being added to the beach (compare the folks swimming with the height where the dozers are working). The second shot is taken from the south of White Sands Drive, looking toward Windward. Finally, the third shot is a typical summer beach scene we're all so familiar with on the Cape. Although we all normally leave our chairs and awnings, etc., set up on the beach overnight, we would like to ask you to please not do so if you are anywhere near the active construction zones.   We don't want any of your beach equipment to be damaged, and sometimes the distance the work advances in a short period of time can catch you off guard (sort of like high tide can when you leave your fishing pole too close to the water!)

We hope all our visitors enjoy their week at the beach! If you have any questions, as always, please ask at info@savethecape.com and we'll do our best to answer them.

]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=53 05/28/08 However, we do want to advise that well be switching the regular blog day from Monday to Thursday. Again, we may not always get it out on Thursday, but thats what well be shooting for.

Several people have sent inquiries about the project progress map and why we havent posted a new location for this week. The explanation for why we havent "moved the dot" is best described by this weeks blog title -- progress is not always a straight line.   

Several circumstances this week required adapting the construction location outside of the normal pattern of working in a straight, continuous movement down the beach to the south. As a result, it's impossible to just shift the location of the construction because there are areas yet to be completed in a few different spots from north of Shoreline Drive down to Cape Breezes.

We realize a holiday weekend is upon us, and we will do our best to give any information we can on closures of areas of beach once we're aware of them. Please remember our public beach access points at Cape Palms Park, Dunes Drive,the State Park, and the Stump Hole Buffer Preserve areas are alternatives to any closed sections of beach!

Also, as much as we would like to provide extremely specific information about where the project will be at any given time, we simply cannot. As the number of requests for "When will you be X?" increase, we find ourselves spending more and more time replying with the honest answer of "We dont know." We arent trying to trivialize anybodys inquiry and would love to give you a detailed time line if we could! However, the events of this past week are a perfect example of why we cannot predict even a week into the future with 100% certainty where the project will be.

We appreciate the continued patience and understanding of owners and vacationers as our project advances. We know some people will be inconvenienced and we know, despite our best efforts, our communications will fall short of some folks' expectations. All we can do is continue to give you our best effort and best information, and we are committed to that! Also, please don't "shoot the messenger" and be upset with members of the Manson crew if they're working in front of your rental unit or personal property. They're just doing the job we've hired them to do!

A new photo gallery will be uploaded as soon as I can get it up there. The photos include these three shots. Our first two shots are aerials from last week. You can see the sand ramps in the Barrier Dunes area after the construction there was complete and pipe was still present. The visitors I heard from said they had no problems accessing the beach and really enjoyed themselves! The third photo is from the construction in the area of the Cape Breezes subdivision.

Finally, a gentle reminder that posts directed at specific rentals, specific rental companies or their policies, either favorable or unfavorable, are not appropriate topics of discussion for this blog. We reserve the right to delete any post of a nature we feel warrants removal. If you have any questions about what is appropriate to post to the blog, please feel free to email info@SaveTheCape.com

Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. To all our visitors to the Cape, welcome, and we hope you fall in love with it as much as we have.

]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=52 05/22/08 We wanted to revisit the subject of sand fencing and stairs. As much as we had hoped to be able to provide property-by-property assessments, the time and manpower required is just not always available. Please remove ALL SAND FENCING from the dunes. If your steps extend beyond the vegetation line, you should consider removing the portion that is out onto the sandy beach. In some cases, just removing the railings will be enough. If you have specific questions about vendors or your particular property, email us at info@savethecape.com and well do our best to assist. Also, there are representative examples in the photo gallery called "First Segment Walkovers, Stairs & Fencing Recommendations" that you may find useful in deciding what to do with your walkovers.

Finally we want to discuss the planned, natural phenomenon that our completed beach will experience: equilibration.    A certain amount of the sand that's placed on the beach is intended to migrate back into the water and rebuild the sandbar system and underwater toe of the dune. This migration, or equilibration, can occur over a period of months or years, depending on the weather events taking place. With the unseasonably rough weather weve experienced in May so far, some equilibration is probably beginning to take place. In some beach projects, residents and visitors were concerned to see some of the sand leaving the shore. We want to assure you that as this process takes place, it's doing exactly what it's supposed to, and the migration of that sand was incorporated as part of the beach design.

Finally, the new photo gallery that will be added to the website sometime today contains pictures from May 7-9. These were taken in and around Sea Cliffs, Barrier Dunes and Shoreline Drive. Our pictures with today's blog include some of these photos. The first photo is a shot of the completed beach in front of Sea Cliffs and Barrier Dunes. The second shot shows the new Shoreline Drive submerged line being placed. The third shot shows a lot of action -- the dredge is in the background, the fill shack is being moved down the beach to the south, the survey crew is working on the shoreline, and you can also see the diverter, where the flow of sand between the two pipes on the beach is controlled.
]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=51 05/12/08 A new gallery of photos from the last few days has been uploaded -- or will be as soon as I can get the photos up there!

The first photo shows SJPBAC co-chair Susan Wright in front of the gulf-front pool at Barrier Dunes beside a survey stake. We all know Susan is short. However, even with her diminutive stature, this shot gives a good perspective of just how much elevation is being added to our beaches. The green tape on the pole is how high the new sand will come -- some 12 feet above the existing beach. It's really difficult to see the results of a virtual overnight increase in dune structure in pictures. You almost have to be here to get the full impact of how much higher and wider the beach and berm system is after the work is completed.

As of today, the walkover from Sea Cliffs remains closed. Additionally, the three Barrier Dunes walkovers are within the roped area.   We realize this creates an inconvenience to residents and guests. However, as always, the safety of everybody who comes onto the beach is our number-one priority.   

As an alternative access in the meantime, the State Park and Cape Palms Park are options.

We cannot say with certainty when the Sea Cliffs walkover will be reopened. Once it is, remember, Barrier Dunes visitors and residents will be able to access their walkover by crossing over in the opening of the fence between the complexes and then going to the Sea Cliffs walkover. The opening in the fence is on Barrier Dunes Drive, right next to the northernmost gulf-front building of Barrier Dunes (see photo in gallery). We will send out an eblast as soon as the Sea Cliffs walkover is reopened. Well additionally blast when the Barrier Dunes walkovers are reoepened. We will also give status reports at that time of the location of sand ramps to cross over any pipe remaining on the beach.

The second photo shows visitors enjoying the beach in the Secluded Dunes area earlier today. All construction equipment and pipe has been removed from all but the southernmost property in the subdivision.

The third photo shows how wonderful the sand looks -- and obviously performs for somebody with the patience and talent to build a beautiful sandcastle! In walking the completed section again today, we continue to be impressed with the quality, color and beauty of our new beach!

Thanks again for all your patience and understanding as we advance to, in front of, and beyond your properties. We are striving to get as much information out as possible, but want to again emphasize that predicting when we will be in any particular spot is impossible -- just as it's impossible to give definite dates of when walkovers will be closed or reopened.

Everyone involved in the project is working hard to provide as much information as possible, and we realize it's only natural to want as many specifics as you can get on time lines.   However, rather than "guesstimate" and release information that proves inaccurate, we feel it's best to answer honestly when we don't know.

]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=50 05/06/08 Also in the photo gallery you'll find examples of how the "finished" beach is pushed up around homes and structures, as shown in our second photo. Those homeowners who removed all their fencing and/or boardwalk stairs did appear to get more sand -- although it is apparent every effort was made to give the best result possible, regardless of what the situation was at any given property.

Finally, we come to the topic of beach access. As written last week, it's only recently come to light that some of our earlier assumptions about total beach access were incorrect. Not all areas will allow for a "pathway" behind the roped-off areas of active construction. As a result, the ability to traverse north-south to get around the rope via the sandy beach is not always going to be possible, particularly in areas where the erosion is right up into the dune line. However, for example, a section of the boundary fence between Barrier Dunes and Sea Cliffs is being temporarily removed so that whichever complex has beach access during restoration, people from either community can use those walkovers.

We would strongly encourage adjoing neighborhoods with access to work together and "borrow" each other's access points as the project moves past. If no such arrangement is possible, there may be some period of time where gulf-front residents or guests will need to go to one of our public beach accesses. The amount of time a property may be restricted from adjacent beach access should not be more than a matter of days, but we don't want to make any specific estimations until we have some further experience with the project's advancement.

We have been a "victim of our own success" this past week, in that the project has been advancing so well and so rapidly, the active work areas and roped-off sections of the beach have been larger than what is typical. Again, please know everything possible is being done to minimize the impacts to your enjoyment and access of the beach, but some inconvenience is unavoidable because, as always, safety is our number-one priority.

We're hoping to get some night shots this evening and will add them to the gallery if they come out well enough to ascertain what is being photographed!

As of this morning, active work was just north of Sea Cliffs' northernmost walkover, as shown in our third photo. A scheduled refueling is expected fairly soon, but with the current rate of progress, we anticipate passing to the south of Barrier Dunes in approximately ten more days -- but always subject to change of a fewer or greater number of days!

We do apologize for the blog being a few days late. Although we wanted to adhere to our Monday schedule, we felt it was more important to have additional discussion with the engineer and contractor on the beach access situations so we could be sure to provide the most accurate information possible.
]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=49 05/01/08 As the project moves toward private property, residences, communities, and more populated neighborhoods, some important reminders:

1. We want to again remind and encourage all gulf-front owners to begin to make preparations to take out ALL SAND FENCING in plenty of time before the project reaches your property. Additionally, any steps, stairs or walkovers that extend beyond the natural vegetation line may need to be temporarily removed.

2. We appreciate in advance the help and assistance of all owners, property managers, and Cape visitors to help keep our project moving smoothly and quickly down the beach. Everybody's safety is, of course, our paramount concern. Please remember to heed the construction ropes and signs. Please DO NOT try to access the beach in the cordoned-off area. Remember to use the "sand ramps" if you need to cross the pipeline, and always stay clear of the active construction zone.

The photos today are from the "fence" area at the southern end of the state park. The first photo is taken from in front of the Secluded Dunes area, looking back toward the construction zone. The second photo is taken looking through the fence into the park. The final shot is north of the fence and looking toward the construction zone.

With the great weather we're expecting this week, it should be another productive one for our project. By next Monday's blog entry, we should be far enough along that the photos will show how the construction will look in front of the first homes of Secluded Dunes. ]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=47 04/21/08 It's anticipated the project will exit the park sometime within the next 10 to 14 days. As a result, we want to cover the question of boardwalks and sand fencing for the properties which will be the first affected -- those from the State Park down to Sea Cliffs. Our recommendation is that all landowners remove any and all sand fence and posts from the beach and sandy portion of the dune. Remember, sand fencing is difficult to remove, even if it is half buried.

Each property is unique with regard to stairs, walkovers, fencing, existing dune, etc. Some properties will need to do nothing more than remove fencing. Other owners may need to consider additional action to get the best results when the restoration project reaches their property.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and we thought seeing the suggestions along with photos of the properties would make the recommendations easier to visualize. As a result, we have uploaded a new photo gallery called First Segment Walkovers, Stairs & Fencing, with slides our engineer, Michael Dombrowski, has prepared, showing the properties in this first segment where owners may wish to take action prior to the project reaching their property.   

We do want to issue a qualifying disclaimer, however, in that these slides are based on best information. There have been no elevations or grade stakes set within this area to accurately delineate where the fill will be placed, and the engineer may make field adjustments as to the final landward location and height of the dune based on existing conditions.

Remember, this photo gallery only includes the properties with suggested action in the first segment. Michael and his crew will walk south toward Dunes Drive in the next week and do the same types of study for a mile segment or so at a time. If property owners find these photos helpful, they'll continue to provide them.   

Finally, after the project passes your property, field permits can be obtained from DEP to construct walkovers. However DEP may not allow walkover construction until after sea turtle nesting season has ended (October 31). In that case, you can consider "post and rope" pathways for an interim measure (we're looking for a photo example of post and rope walkovers and will post it to the gallery tonight or tomorrow). Also, we will be putting the FDEP field permit application and FAQs up on the website very soon.

Finally, if you have any questions about fencing in this first segment particularly, please feel free to email us at info@savethecape.com and we'll do our best to answer them.

ADDED TO THE BLOG ENTRY 4/16/08 PLEASE READ

LATEST INFORMATION UPDATE: If your boardwalk or steps are below the vegetation line, they should be removed in order to get the best results for your property with regard to sand placement.

]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=46 04/14/08 If you happened to be in town last week, you may have been one of the people who got a closer look at the Bayport when she was in Port St. Joe for refueling. When you can get that close, you really see just how big she is! (All during the project, the Bayport will come into port from time to time for fuel and routine maintenance.)

Spring break began in earnest last week and continues this week. Even with the increased number of visitors, everybody is being cooperative and observant of the construction areas. Staying clear of the roped-off work zones helps keep the project moving without delays and ensures you can enjoy watching the project safely.   Thank you!

Please visit the photo gallery for some shots taken today of the current location of active construction. We've added a few of those photos here.

The first photo shows the bulldozers at work and also just how needed the restoration is for this area of the state park.

The second photo shows the Bayport at work today (and some nice weather and a gorgeous, calm Gulf of Mexico).

The third photo shows several visitors enjoying their spring break in the State Park on a portion of our completed new beach. If you look to the far left of the photo, you'll see some of our pipe. Another shot in the photo gallery shows this same area, and in it you can see the sand walkover going across the pipe. ]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=45 04/07/08 We want to thank all of you for your questions and comments to the blog entries. We're planning to settle into a schedule of updating the blog roughly once a week, on Mondays. Of course if anything time-sensitive arises, we'll blog more frequently and/or send out an eblast. We plan to update the progress map and photo galleries on basically the same schedule.

We have added a new section to the photo gallery. Thanks to Steve Blevins, a Cape property owner, for the great aerials he took a few days ago. The first picture to the right is one of Steve's shots. The second picture shows the beach in the State Park on Saturday, the 29th. The third photo is another aerial from Steve, showing the Bayport.

As always, if you have questions or comments, please let us know. Till next week!
]]> http://www.savethecape.com/blog.cfm?id=44 03/31/08