Brevard County

Despite some recovery, officials worry Subtropical Storm Nicole will further erode Brevard beaches

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — In many parts of Brevard County, Hurricane Ian caused significant beach erosion, especially around its “south beaches.”

Brevard County is now bracing for days of strong northeast winds that could further erode dunes.

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Brevard County Natural Resources Management will be out surveying Satellite Beach and other beaches as soon as this latest system passes through.

During Ian, the dunes did what they were supposed to - they protected structures; however, the reality is that Brevard’s beaches aren’t in as good a shape as they were just over a month ago.

Read: Subtropical Storm Nicole expected to continue to strengthen; see updated track

Now with Subtropical Storm Nicole heading toward Florida’s Central Coast, officials are worried about the impact it will have on the already-damaged shoreline.

“It is a concern to me because it will cause beach erosion. The timing is not good because we’re coming up on a full moon. So, the high tide phase for the next few days is among the highest of the year,” said Mike McGarry program manager for Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department.

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Ian caused an estimated $8.5 million dollars in damages to Brevard beaches, some of which were just starting to see a very modest natural recovery.

“Thankfully the south beaches because of the work we’ve done they’re still a little sand on the beach for mother nature to work with. We’ve seen some moderate beach recovery after Ian - only a little bit, but we’ll watch it,” said McGarry.

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