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Gulf Islands National Seashore--Tropical Storm Ida aftermath, some areas open for Veterans Day
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NOAA graphic of Tropical Storm Ida location November 10, 2009 AM
November 10, 2009--Tropical Storm Ida has come and gone at Gulf Islands National Seashore. Ida made landfall between the Florida and Mississippi Districts near Mobile Bay. Most areas of the park have reopened in time for Veterans Day.
However, the J. Earle Bowden Road at Santa Rosa; Fort Pickens Road; and eastern end of the Perdido Key Beach Road are currently closed due to flooding, sand covering the roadways. They will reopen to the public after being cleared and repaired, as necessary.
Based on initial assessment, road damage appears to be minimal and roadways seem to be generally intact. At this early date, we are unable to make an estimate as to when the roads will be reopened.
At Perdido Key, the Johnson Beach Day Use Area is opened to visitors but the roadway is closed beyond the main parking lot until sand can be removed. There is also damage to some of the beach crossovers.
In addition to the roads, the park staff is accessing facilities at the Fort Pickens and Santa Rosa Areas (Opal Beach) to determine when these can be opened to non-vehicular traffic.
Park superintendent, Jerry Eubanks said, “The Fort Barrancas, Naval Live Oaks (except the trails) and Okaloosa Areas of the Florida District of the Seashore have reopened to the public but visitors should be cautious when out-of-doors.”
In the Mississippi District, the Davis Bayou Area with the 51-site campground and visitor center are reopened. There are downed tree branches throughout the area and visitors need to watchful.
Because of the current sea conditions and weather, the park staff has not accessed the offshore barrier islands but plans are to view Cat, Horn, Petit Bois and East and West Ship Islands by the end of the week.
--Update from NPS
For more info: Gulf Islands National Seashore or call 850-934-2600 in Florida and 228-875-0074 in Mississippi
Tomorrow, in honor of Veterans Day, Gulf Islands National Seashore and all public lands managed by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture will waive entrance fees.
To learn about national park sites and veterans:
National Parks Travel Examiner Veterans Day Recommendations
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