Florida's Irresponsible Growth

" 'It is societal madness, building next to an eroding shoreline,' said Orrin H. Pilkey, a coastal geologist and the James B. Duke professor of earth sciences at Duke University. Pilkey is a foremost expert on the geology of barrier islands and a leading critic of our century-long (and in some places longer) treatment of them in America. He is among the critics of Florida's overbuilt shoreline, and terms the level of development 'irresponsible.'

...Pilkey also points out the steep public cost of allowing excessive beachfront development. First, federal or state funds rebuild the beaches. This allows for new construction, which is then insured from water damage with federal funds. A storm comes, and more state and federal emergency funds are used to replenish the washed-out beaches and rebuild houses and condominiums, and the cycle continues."