Florida's Irresponsible Growth

Now that Hurricanes Charley and Frances are gone, critics are wondering if it is madness to continue to build (and rebuild) along an eroding shoreline.

1 minute read

September 21, 2004, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


" '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."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Sunday, September 19, 2004 in The Miami Herald

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