Laserfiche WebLink
even old tires. Although these structures may serve to <br />protect beachfront property for a while, the resulting <br />disruption of the natural coastal processes has serious <br />consequences for all beaches in the area. Seawalls <br />inhibit the natural ability of the beach to adjust its slope <br />to the ever-changing ocean wave conditions. Large <br />waves wash up against the seawall and rebound back <br />out to sea carrying large quantities of beach sand with <br />them. With each storm the beach narrows, sand is lost <br />to deeper water, and the long shore current scours the <br />base of the wall. Eventually, large waves impact the <br />seawall with such force that a bigger structure becomes <br />necessary to continue to resist the forces of the ocean <br />(Pilkey and Dixon, 1996). <br />h. Agricultural Pest and Disease <br />Florida is among the tope three agriculture -producing states in <br />the nation. Agriculture generates farm cash receipts of nearly <br />$6 billion annually, of which citrus and vegetable crops <br />contribute more than 40%. The industry is susceptible to many <br />hazards including freezes, droughts, and exotic pests or <br />diseases. Agricultural crops are grown throughout the state <br />and every region is vulnerable to the effects of an exotic pest <br />or disease infestation. As a result, Florida uses the second <br />highest volume of pesticides in the nation. <br />Agriculture and citrus production play a key role in the Indian <br />River County economy; 54% of the county is farmland. The <br />2007 Census of Agriculture from the U.S. Department of <br />Commerce valued Indian River County farms at $824 million <br />with an annual production market value of $136 million. <br />The main threats to the Indian River County agriculture <br />industry are 1) citrus canker, 2), Mediterranean fruit fly <br />(medfly), 3) Sugarcane pests, and 4) Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl <br />Virus (TYLCV). <br />(1) Citrus Canker <br />Citrus canker has been found in Dade County and the <br />potential for its spread to other counties is high. Citrus <br />canker is a bacterial disease of citrus that causes <br />premature leaf and fruit drop. It affects all types of <br />citrus, including oranges, sour oranges, grapefruit, <br />tangerines, lemons and limes. Symptoms found on <br />Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 20 <br />