Flagler Beach assessing aftermath of storms to beach erosion, A1A
Published on: November 17th, 2022
Original Article: https://www.wesh.com/article/flagler-beach-a1a-erosion/41997708#
FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. —
When it comes to A1A and the dunes just east of the state highway in Flagler Beach, vulnerable is an understatement. Previous storms have eroded the dunes and damaged or closed the road. Ian threatened, but for the most part, the road held. However, Nicole just weeks later, with her ferocious storm surge, ate into the road forcing a temporary closure while repairs were done.
“We have it open, yeah, that's good. But now we need to make sure that it can walk and talk and function for the long term,” William Whitson, Flagler Beach city manager, said.
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The Florida Department of Transportation brought in 600 truckloads of sand — nearly 11,000 cubic yards — to get the quick fix done. FDOT is now embedded in the city, working daily with sand and rock, though we are hopefully done with tropical systems – fall and winter nor'easters can bring powerful waves to the already weakened shoreline.
The city, with the county and other partners, has formed a strike team to address long-term goals for the road and the dunes. Officials have met with state and federal authorities since Nicole, pressing for the millions of dollars it will take to come up with a permanent solution. No promises yet but locals aren't backing off.
One idea that's floated around for years as A1A takes hit after hit is moving the road west, off the direct oceanfront. It's come up again post-Ian and Nicole.
“You are talking about something that needs to take decades to do,” Whitson said. “Well then, we need to stabilize the current situation to last decades while we have that serious discussion.”
Flooding along the Intracoastal in Flagler Beach was also a huge issue during Ian and Nicole. Commissioners will be talking about what can be done to relieve those homeowners in the future, as well.