PV Beach erosion causing concerns

South Ponte Vedra Beach residents concerned about growing erosion problem

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – A frightening situation for a South Ponte Vedra Beach family -- beach erosion so bad, they fear they could lose their home.

It's a terrifying sight at the home off A1A in South Ponte Vedra. It's so affected by erosion, the owners fear it could go into the water. Their neighbor is concerned as well.

"Every high tide, they were losing about three to four feet over the past three days," next door neighbor DeDe Ortega said.
 
Ortega says the owners moved out just this past Friday. The sand behind the sea wall is down 11 feet, even 14 feet in other areas.

Ortega's neighbor's home isn't the only one affected. Underground piping from other homes are clearly visible.
 
"This is a very severe situation," Ortega said. "These people live here, this is their home. This is not like a vacation home, this is their home."

She says the Department of Environmental Protection has checked on the situation and told neighbors they could put in a temporary seawall. She says a more permanent solution is needed.

"Ultimately re-nourishing the beach. Sand brought in. Right now they dredge and re-nourish St. Augustine beach," Ortega said. "They dredge out the inlet going into the inlet going into the Matanzas Bay. They place the sand on St. Augustine beach. They should be putting it on the Northside."


About the Author:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.