Save the Dunes-FL30A!!
Donation protected
Save the Dunes-FL30A!!
A rare 33-foot-high coastal dune in the Seagrove Beach community of Santa Rosa Beach, Walton County Is now threatened by an environmentally unfriendly development. This magnificent dune, a remnant of the great coastal dune system that once spanned the Emerald Coast, guards a precious coastal dune lake from Gulf storms. It withstood the wrath of Hurricane Ivan in 2004 when surrounding sand dunes were washed away and adjoining properties suffered damage.
The proposed Azzurro Condominium development would raze a large portion of the dune with the 'hope' that it will remain stable when the construction is finished. And our County Commissioners approved the project even though it violates the County standards regarding neighborhood compatibility, setbacks from the beach and adjoining properties, overall building height and environmental considerations.
If the fine for walking on these dunes is $500, what's the fine for building a condo on them?
We hope to be the David that defeats Goliath by winning a lawsuit to prevent this totally incompatible, intrusive development. Funds are needed ASAP to fight the approval given on August 15. This example of Development Gone Wild (DGW) has several immediate impacts:
a) The unique dune structure at this location will be ruined, never to be recovered. Man cannot restore Nature's incredible creation...
b) This is an egregious example of DGW - Development Gone Wild for the almighty dollar, the environmental impacts be damned
c) The adjacent public beach access, already strangled for parking and entry, will be further constrained
d) If this particular development is allowed, it could establish a precedent that would change the landscape of our beautiful beach communities to one with massive, high-density condos and further restrict public access to the beach.
Please help us preserve this community on the famed 30A route, well-known for its pristine beaches, quaint cottages, and relaxed lifestyle. People visit this area to avoid the crowds and high-rise developments found in neighboring beach communities. This development could be the first of many to destroy the wonderful atmosphere found here.
Please help. Legal expenses for the appeal are more than the immediate community can bear, but together we can defeat this Goliath. Your contribution would be a small sum to pay if it preserves this historic dune system, protects a coastal dune lake, and keeps condo developers at bay in Walton County.
The South Walton Community Council (SWCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the quality of life and the unique natural environment in South Walton County. SWCC is a Section 501(c)3 nonprofit and your gift may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. Thank you for supporting this effort.
Compatibility
The Planning Department contends that the development is compatible with existing neighborhood homes. They also contend that the building is a 4-story structure, but in fact it has 5 stories. They didn't count the bottom floor which is mostly parking space. Every borderline code interpretation went in favor of the developer. This is the kind of development that rankles nerves in South Walton, and rightly so.
How could this condo possibly be considered compatible with the existing neighborhoods?
A rare 33-foot-high coastal dune in the Seagrove Beach community of Santa Rosa Beach, Walton County Is now threatened by an environmentally unfriendly development. This magnificent dune, a remnant of the great coastal dune system that once spanned the Emerald Coast, guards a precious coastal dune lake from Gulf storms. It withstood the wrath of Hurricane Ivan in 2004 when surrounding sand dunes were washed away and adjoining properties suffered damage.
The proposed Azzurro Condominium development would raze a large portion of the dune with the 'hope' that it will remain stable when the construction is finished. And our County Commissioners approved the project even though it violates the County standards regarding neighborhood compatibility, setbacks from the beach and adjoining properties, overall building height and environmental considerations.
If the fine for walking on these dunes is $500, what's the fine for building a condo on them?
We hope to be the David that defeats Goliath by winning a lawsuit to prevent this totally incompatible, intrusive development. Funds are needed ASAP to fight the approval given on August 15. This example of Development Gone Wild (DGW) has several immediate impacts:
a) The unique dune structure at this location will be ruined, never to be recovered. Man cannot restore Nature's incredible creation...
b) This is an egregious example of DGW - Development Gone Wild for the almighty dollar, the environmental impacts be damned
c) The adjacent public beach access, already strangled for parking and entry, will be further constrained
d) If this particular development is allowed, it could establish a precedent that would change the landscape of our beautiful beach communities to one with massive, high-density condos and further restrict public access to the beach.
Please help us preserve this community on the famed 30A route, well-known for its pristine beaches, quaint cottages, and relaxed lifestyle. People visit this area to avoid the crowds and high-rise developments found in neighboring beach communities. This development could be the first of many to destroy the wonderful atmosphere found here.
Please help. Legal expenses for the appeal are more than the immediate community can bear, but together we can defeat this Goliath. Your contribution would be a small sum to pay if it preserves this historic dune system, protects a coastal dune lake, and keeps condo developers at bay in Walton County.
The South Walton Community Council (SWCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the quality of life and the unique natural environment in South Walton County. SWCC is a Section 501(c)3 nonprofit and your gift may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. Thank you for supporting this effort.
Compatibility
The Planning Department contends that the development is compatible with existing neighborhood homes. They also contend that the building is a 4-story structure, but in fact it has 5 stories. They didn't count the bottom floor which is mostly parking space. Every borderline code interpretation went in favor of the developer. This is the kind of development that rankles nerves in South Walton, and rightly so.
How could this condo possibly be considered compatible with the existing neighborhoods?
Organizer
South Walton Community Coucil
Organizer
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
