Panhandle Cities (after hurricane damage)

[JAW7373]

How are cities on the panhandle doing since hurricanes? Does anyone know
which are still in good shape? I would love to give the cities with damage my money, but still enjoy a great vacation.

Thank you,

jaw7373

 

[HopperFan]

Went to Pensacola Beach right after Katrina, one year after they were hit by Ivan. I have to say I was shocked at how much damage still existed from Ivan. The power of the water was so evident. Sand drifts like I can't describe. Not too happy to get to hotel to find the first floor hollowed out and both pools full of sand, felt like that was misleading to rent with online photos showing it in good shape, and no message otherwise - so beware, always call and ask specific questions. Had to climb over large pipes to get to water, no chair rentals available etc. Most of the beach condos, hotels and homes still a disaster, very ghost town like. Public beach was re-furbished so we would drive down to it instead of using our hotel beach. I paid for beachfront but couldn't use it. Was only a long weekend to attend an event, but would not return for a long time if it were for a beach vacation. I guess it depends on how long you are going for, and what you are expecting when you get there. I can't imagine how some of the others look that were hit this year. I know my folks on the east coast sustained bad damage this fall and can not live in their place.....

 

[JAW7373]

Thanks so much for the info.

jaw7373

 

[Raevyn_Wolfe]

The Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island and Destin area are looking pretty much the way they did before Ivan. There are some places or parts of town that still have problems but on the whole things look much better. There are only some problems with the cheaper inns on Okaloosa and some of the public beach access points are still missing the ramps to the beach, but that just means you have to walk through sand and over some dunes to get to the water (oh no).
HTH

 

[minkydog]

I second Destin. It was in great shape last time we went(thanksgiving.)