Posted on June 14, 2023
The city is working hard to make sure we’re prepared for the next big storm while still working on repairs from Hurricane Ian.
Hurricane Ian wiped out the city’s protective sand dunes, but crews are currently replacing fencing along the beaches to help build them back up.
The city said crews should finish replacing all the fencing in about three weeks.
However, there are still plenty of things on the to-do list to get our beaches back to normal.
The Category One storm destroyed or damaged 15 beach access points.
City spokesperson Mark Kruea said crews will have to fix or completely rebuild some.
He said repairs on the beach access points will start in the off-season and everyone will be handicap accessible.
Further down the road, the federal government is stepping in to add sand along our beaches, but Kruea said the project may take two years before it starts.
While our beaches are important, loved ones are irreplaceable, so Kruea said the city is preparing for the next big storm by making sure you know what to do.
“We try to make sure everybody’s aware of their zones, what the evacuation routes are, that they’ve got their emergency kit and all their important documents together in a go bag. It’s important you know where you’re going in the event an evacuation is needed. Don’t wait until the last minute for any of those things,” said Kruea.
Kruea also wanted to remind residents of the city’s renamed emergency notification system MB Alerts for any important updates.
The Apache Pier is also finishing up construction to the end of the pier after Hurricane Ian ripped a chunk out of it.
They are adding railing and said it should take another month before the end of the pier is fixed.
