i found pix from damage here. beaches look bad. Going oct. 9 to gulfgate
http://election.emeraldcoast.com/ivan

We are supposed to head to a Beachside Villa at Seagrove Beach next Thursday(9/23). Any word on damage in this area?

Those pics of Pompano Joe's are crazy. We always eat there in May every year we go and to see the parking area in that condition is just crazy. I mean, the place we were standing to take pictures four months ago is totally gone. The sand dunes, the walkways to the beach, the sidewalk and railings, and part of the parking lot, all gone. How long do you guys think it will take for them to repair all of this? Do you think things will be back to normal by next May?

Well... it's hard to be sure, but Hurricane Opal hit Destin and PC MUCH harder in October of 1995, and we were all back up and rockin' and rolling by May - so, I think it will alllll be fine! Don't change your plans. We'll keep you posted on our progress.

If anyone can give me info on Destin Gulgate condos(across from the Track) and restaurants in Destin I would appreciate it very much. Still planning on making the trip on Oct. 9 and yet to get ahold of our condo office. I know that they are busy. Also my kids are worried to death about the animals at the Zoo in Gulfbreeze. If anything else I would at least like to be able to help in any way possible. Thanks for what ever info anyone can give.
We here in Kentucky send all our best wishes

I own two condos at the Majestic Sun on the east end of Destin close to the outlet mall. I had someone in Destin check on the Majestic Sun and our condos yesterday. Word is that the MS suffered VERY minor damage and our condos are in perfect shape. The building was built to strict hurricane code back in 2001 and evidently they knew what they were doing! The
beach suffered some erosion which is to be expected and alot of debris, etc. but cleanup has already started. All utilities are back on and basically the place is ready to go. The pool should be back in service sometime this week.

Destin in general has a bit of cleanup to do but stores and
restaurants are reopening and it is back to business as usual. All
major highways and bridges are also open. The Silver Sands Mall had some roof damage and signs/lightpoles down but nothing too bad and the new Destin Commons Mall had a few of the stores that were in construction phase blown in. The Whale's Tail across the street from the Majestic Sun on the beach took a pretty bad hit as well as Pompano Joes. Otherwise, most of the businesses away from the beach are in good shape.

Destin is very adept at handling this type of emergency and you can rest assured that the city will be up and running in no time. Tourism is key to their economy and the primary focus is to make sure that guests continue with their vacation plans and visit Destin.

Thanks for the update o2brnot2b. It's great to hear good news. So much of the media focuses on the damage and bad news. Hope you fared well in Louisiana, too.

We're supposed to head down to Topsail State Park from Atlanta and stay in a cabin on Thursday-Sunday.
Wondered if anyone knows how this area held up through Ivan? How are the beaches?
Thanks in advance.
Tammy