The term oceanfront has become a lot more literal for those who have shoreline houses in South Ponte
Vedra.
Several days of high winds and tides washed away sections of beachfront back yards, exposing wires running deep underground.
In an emergency meeting Thursday morning, the St. Johns County Commission declared a local state of emergency in certain areas of South Ponte Vedra and Summer Haven.
“That area of our coast line has experienced an unusual amount of erosion due to high winds and tide,” said St. Johns County Communications Manager Michael Ryan.
“We took action today to allow homeowners to expedite the permitting process to fortify the beach in front of their homes,” he said.
Ryan said some residents have lost up to 40 feet of beach outside their homes. The declaration allows property owners to seek permits for temporary fixes to keep the erosion from getting worse as the state looks for more permanent solutions.
You can follow Scott Harrison on Twitter @Sharrison983.
