Coastal Community Fights to Save Homes from Erosion
GULF COUNTY, Fla. – Cape San Blas, a coastal community with over 1,000 homes, is facing a growing crisis due to severe erosion. Over the years, this natural process has led to the condemnation of two homes and placed 30 more at risk of being lost. The issue extends beyond property damage; it threatens the local ecosystem, tourism, and the overall quality of life for residents.
Homeowners like Maria Thomas have witnessed the devastating effects firsthand. “We’re losing a lot of turtle eggs, losing dunes. We’re losing habitat for all the species that live in this area, and we’re losing properties and losing tourism interest and coming to the area because of the nature of how the beach looks in many of the areas with the erosion, there’s exposed stumps and debris,” she said.
To combat the erosion, officials have shifted from traditional methods such as sand replenishment to a more permanent solution: the construction of breakwater structures. These submerged rock formations are designed to absorb wave energy and reduce the impact of erosion on the coastline. The project is expected to cost $34.5 million, with Gulf County contributing $24 million and residents advocating for the remaining $10 million through the state legislature.
Recent news brought hope when Governor Ron DeSantis approved the funding. This milestone was celebrated by the local community, who recognized State Representative Jason Shoaf for his critical role in securing the necessary support. The coastal community association even named Shoaf their “Superman” for his efforts.
Although Shoaf could not attend the recent meeting in person, he spoke directly with residents via phone call. “Now that this money has been approved, and once the county has this structure installed, now we can bring in sand, we can save the homes on Cape San Blas. Unfortunately, we’ve already lost too many homes. And so now I think it will protect folks’ investment. It’ll help secure our future with tourism in this community and make this area even a better place to live,” he said.
Despite the positive developments, the project still faces one major hurdle: obtaining a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Before issuing the permit, the Corps consults with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. These agencies provide critical information about the environmental impact of the project.
Residents report that the consultation process with the National Marine Fisheries Service has taken significantly longer than anticipated. “The consult from National Fishery Services has been going on for basically almost three years. And so it seems like we often get word that maybe they’re kind of close to completing their consult, but then it just never kind of crosses the finish line. So that’s the one last piece that we’re really hopeful can move forward,” Shoaf added.
In the meantime, companies interested in working on the project have submitted bids. At Tuesday’s Gulf County Commission meeting, the sealed bids will be opened to determine the proposed cost of the project. This step marks an important next phase in the effort to preserve Cape San Blas.
While the battle to save the community continues, the progress made so far offers a glimmer of hope for residents who are determined to protect their homes, their environment, and their way of life.
