according to one of the information lines we just called they stated that the road would be opened as of 6 am if you can help anyone. The number we called is
1-850-651-7560 they will fill in any details you may need.

How is the deap sea fishing when there has been a hurricane? Will they still be taking folks out to fish and will the water be clear?

My fishing husband says that fishing is great after a hurricane! I believe the water will clear up quickly, and life will be back to normal in a couple days... and, the fishing will be better than ever!!!!

I had to do a little research to answer your question, so I learned something new.

More news about the Beaches of South Walton....

Walton County has issued a press release here:
http://www.co.walton.fl.us/default.asp?ID=2

Biggest news is the Bay Bridge on HWY 331 is open and operating as normal.
And the beaches are closed to the public right now, but I expect that to be rescinded probably tomorrow or Wednesday after they've had time to remove the major debris.

Can anyone tell us what kind of shape Costa Del Sol on old hwy 98 is in. We here there has been a great amount of damage. Can anyone confirm? Please send photos if you have any! Thanks!

I would just want to be sure reservations are good before going. Are most phone lines working for people to check reservations???

Anyone,

My family will be arriving in Destin this Saturday, its something we've been planning for six months. Can anyone tell me that status of the Destin area? Have the beaches eroded as we've heard? Will there be power for the area attractions etc . . .? Will the water and beaches be as beautiful as they looked before the hurricane?

Thank you and I hope that you locals in the area are all safe and sound.

Hurricane Dennis
Intensity: Category 3, maximum sustained winds of 115 to 120 mph
Size: Eye was eight miles across. Hurricane-force winds extended 40 miles from center.
Storm surge: Estimated four to 5.5 feet.

Hurricane Ivan
Intensity: Category 3, estimated maximum sustained winds 120 mph.
Size: 40- to 50-mile eye. Hurricane-force winds extended 105 miles from center.
Storm surge: 10 to 15 feet.

Source: National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service in Mobile.

Most people agree that Ivan was much worse than Dennis. At least in the Pensacola area. The really good news is that there have been no reports of deaths in the area from Hurricane Dennis.

ALSO - REALLY IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE TRAVELING OVER THE NEXT DAY OR TWO:

I-10 Bridge over Escambia Bay closed for another day or so while inspection continues
http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/...507110309/1006

I-10 Bridge over Escambia Bay Reopened! That's great news for everyone!
http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/...507120324/1006

I still can't get in touch with the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. They are having their calls routed to Vancouver. I left a message. Hopefully they will call me back sometime today. Not looking good.

My husband called Sandestin yesterday. The Vancouver office told him that they are letting guests back as of this Thursday. Our reservations are on Saturday. Keep calling until you get someone. On their website is a directory with phone numbers listed. You might try calling some of those numbers to see if you can get a live person.

Hi all. We have reservations in Destiny by the Sea for Sat. the 16th. I just finished reading the newspaper articles and it sounds awful in Destin! We don't want to wait in line for gas, etc. Is there anybody who really knows what it's like there? I'd appreciate any help. We called our rental company and they said to plan on coming unless the electric still is not on. I feel I need some time to make other plans. Also, Fox News just said that Emily is supposed to be in the Gulf by Tues.! HELP!!!!!

I just called the Holiday Inn on the Beach in Destin and they still do not have power. He told me that the beach looks good and they will have a better assessment once power is restored. He did not know when that might be. I was wanting to know if anyone knows that their hotel is up and running that I may call and see if they have rooms available for next week.

As of today El Matador Condos, on Okaloosa Island still has not power or water. The Santa Rosa blvd is open now though which is good. However we can still not contact the resort due to telephones still not working.

I got in touch with Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. They are suggesting that visitors begin arriving either late Thursday or early Friday. All their pools are open. They are working on getting the beach back in shape but said as of now, no one is allowed in the ocean. That decision is made by the county and not the resort.

I'm going to push my trip back to mid-August. That will give them time to get things back on track and closer to normal.