we have a "paid for" trip to be in Seagrove the 16th - 23rd..... if any of you
live or work right in that area, please let me know. I do know the power
didn't leave you guys & that's a good sign.... BUT..... are the beaches in
really bad shape? do you think they can do much for them this week?

THANKS SOOOOOO MUCH for any replies.... i'm in NW Mississippi...... hard to
know what to do - if we get no money back...... we'll be there no matter what
the beaches are like...... I'll check back.... thanks, nanc in MS

Having lived on the Gulf Coast for 51 years and hanging on through too many hurricanes to recall, I can honestly tell you that the reports you are getting that Panama City and Destin and Seaside areas are 'back to normal' are real. We all learned a long time ago not to invite our treasured visitors back to our shores before they are ready, but, we are ready!

Sure, there may be a few petals blown off the flowers in Seaside's pristine landscaping, and there may be a little less sandy beach than you remember, but, for the most part, you will not notice any damage... and it certainly won't put a damper on your good times, PLUS... the really cool thing that you will discover is how much your business is appreciated! The people and businesses who will welcome you back to the beach will more than compensate for the fact that the golf courses are a little less brilliant green... you will find everyone eager to share stories about the storm and REALLY determined to show their thanks for your loyalty and willingness to return to the beach. The aftermath of a storm is a great time to really get the feel of a place. And, you will find that my friends and neighbors have great big hearts... you should come on your vacations - if your resort or hotel is damaged in some way, they will help you relocate to a property that is ready for guests, and I think you'll find this vacation one of your most memorable.

We have two restaurants right on the water in Panama City, and we are open for business! We even have most of our live cams back up and working, so you can see for yourself! www.schooners.com www.boatyardclub.com

Y'all come see us!

I read on a news site yesterday that the beaches in Seagrove and Seascape were 15 ft shorter now. The sand is also pushed up, so it would be like walking off of a cliff to get to the water. It said the beaches would have to be re-built to allow you to get to the water. Hope that helps

I think moderate beach erosion was the only real damage to the HWY 30-A area (Seaside, etc). A friend at Criolla's in Grayton Beach said everything was up and running today. Businesses are open... everyone has power... and he said he saw people on the beach, which indicates they may have reopened them.

You can check with the chamber of commerce for that area. We did that for the area in which we are supposed to go to next week (Destin). They were very helpful.

Check out Emeraldcoasttours.com they have a forum similar to this all about the beaches of South Walton.

If I could get away, I'd be on my way. I visited a a few weeks after 9/11 and enjoyed myself. (Not downplaying 9/11 ... just talking about my trip to the Emerald Coast).

Let everybody else stay home. When else can you visit during peak season and possibly find some unusually low rates, elbow room on the road and restaurants, and have the locals glad to see your business?

Agree totally with Toni....

Come on down and enjoy. The beach is still here and almost everything is up and running. And for those things that are not quite back there are 10 to replace it and make your stay memorable.

Come on down and coast with us.


KeithGoesCoastal