Laserfiche WebLink
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 />