Mexico Beach’s Significant Strides One Year Later
Partners with Duke Energy on Sea Oats & Dune Walkover Projects
It has been almost one year since Hurricane Michael made landfall on October 10, 2019 and ravaged Mexico Beach. The resilient residents that make up this tranquil and serene slice of “old Florida” have spent the past 12 months working tirelessly to restore homes, businesses and schools. While there is still great work to be done, Mexico Beach has made significant strides in its recovery, reopening dozens of businesses and working to rebuilding hundreds of homes that were destroyed in the storm. Mexico Beach is also thrilled to announce the completion of is sea oats and dune walkover projects, a pivotal step in restoring the community.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been a full year since Hurricane Michael destroyed much of our area,” shared Mexico Beach Community Development Council President Kimberly Shoaf. “While we still have a long road ahead, we have made tremendous leaps in our recovery efforts and remain eternally grateful to each and everyone who has selflessly worked to help restore our beloved beach.”
Mexico Beach partnered with Duke Energy on its sea oats and dune walkover projects. Over 300 volunteers helped to plant more than 15,000 donated sea oats on dunes stretching 17,000 linear feet, to promote growth and prevent erosion. There are currently over 40 accessways and two walkovers for public beach access, and Duke has plans to fund three additional walkovers. Mexico Beach is also continuing work with Duke to add new landscaping to city parks using native plants to help attract pollinators and restore the natural environment.
This Thursday from 5-7 p.m., Mexico Beach will host a community wide gathering event to reflect and remember how resilient the quaint seaside town has been and how they will continue to move forward from Hurricane Michael in a positive light. Mexico Beach One Year Later, to take place at the Mexico Beach Shopping Center, will feature special guest speakers including Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, live music by Rockin’ Randall & Flabbergasted, and free food and beverages.
A full list of Mexico Beach businesses currently open and welcoming visitors include: Barefoot Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals, Caribbean Coffee, Cathey’s ACE Hardware, Centennial Bank ATM, Crazy Beach Pizza, Forgotten Coast Property Management & Rentals, Forgotten Coast Realty of NW Florida, Harmon Realty Vacation Rentals, Mango Marley’s, Mexico Beach Boat Ramp, Mexico Beach Sundance Realty, Mexico Beach Marina, Mexico Beach Welcome Center, Mexico Beach Wine & Spirit, No Worries Vacation Rentals, Pristine Properties, Rustic Sands Resort Campground, Seagreen Salvage Co., Splendiferous MB, Two Gulls At The Beach, United States Post Office, Wallace Pump & Supply, White Sands Salone and Boutique, VACASA, and 98 Real Estate Group.
For the latest updates and to stay connected, please visit www.MexicoBeach.com, on Instagram (@mexicobeachfla), Facebook (@MexicoBeachFL) and #lovemexicobeach.
For high res. images of Mexico Beach before and after the storm, click here.
About Mexico Beach, Florida
Since 1946, the three miles that make up the city of Mexico Beach have been a tranquil and serene hideaway from the pressures of everyday life. With its close proximity to Panama City Beach and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Mexico Beach has big-city accessibility and a small-town feel, making it The Unforgettable Coast® for a reason.
