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erosion. A revetment is a cheaper option constructed with "rip <br />rap" such as large boulders, concrete rubble, or even old tires. <br />Although these structures may serve to protect beachfront <br />property for a while, the resulting disruption of the natural <br />coastal processes has serious consequences for all beaches <br />in the area. Seawalls inhibit the natural ability of the beach to <br />adjust its slope to the ever-changing ocean wave conditions. <br />Large waves wash up against the seawall and rebound back <br />out to sea, carrying large quantities of beach sand with them. <br />With each storm, the beach narrows, sand is lost to deeper <br />water, and the long shore current scours the base of the wall. <br />Eventually, large waves impact the seawall with such force that <br />a bigger structure becomes necessary to continue to resist the <br />forces of the ocean (Pilkey and Dixon, 1996). <br />However, other shoreline protection strategies are commonly <br />used to address shoreline retreat such as beach nourishment. <br />Beach nourishment is the process of replenishing sand lost as <br />a result of erosion. In Indian River County, the preferred <br />shoreline protection strategy is beach nourishment. <br />To assist with its coastal management strategies and the long <br />term sustainability of its shoreline, the county adopted its first <br />Beach Preservation Plan in 1988, with updates in 1998 and <br />2008; and is currently updating the plan again for completion in <br />2015. <br />Historic Events. Hurricanes Floyd and Irene (1999) and <br />Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne (2004) caused significant <br />beach erosion along the Atlantic Ocean. Oceanfront property <br />in the City of Vero Beach, Town of Indian River Shores, and <br />Town of Orchid also experienced beach erosion during these <br />two events. <br />The 2005 hurricane season was a record breaking season with <br />27 named storms. Florida was impacted by Hurricanes Dennis, <br />Katrina, Ophelia, Rita, and Wilma, and Tropical Storms Arlene <br />and Tammy. While the cumulative impact of these storms <br />exacerbated erosion conditions in south and northwest Florida, <br />Indian River County was spared. <br />2008 was a relatively mild tropical storm season for Florida's <br />beaches with Tropical Storm Fay affecting predominantly the <br />Atlantic shoreline, and the gulf coast receiving the fringe <br />Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 44 <br />