area including anybody who's kayaked recently with Adventures Unlimited in Santa Rosa county? How are things now after the big Hurricane last year? What about the beaches? Thanks

Beaches are open however, facilities are somewhat limited. Some clubs are up and operating. Accommodations are limited on the beach. If you need specifics I can get them for you. I live 40 miles east in Fort Walton Bch, but my daughters live in P'cola and are out at the beach every weekend.

Adventures Unlimited is operating as usual. I have not kayaked with them as we have our own kayaks and are closer to the bays and bayous. Have canoed down Coldwater Creek with them several times and spend a fair amount of time on Blackwater and Coldwater. Our poperty on Coldwater weathered the storm fine. Creeks went well over their banks but receeded quickly. The main visible testament to Ivan is the number of trees that are down outside P'cola proper. Within city limits has cleaned up nicely--still many "blue roofs"--but the rural areas and woods still show signs of Ivan well inland.

P'cola as a whole has recovered nicely. There are areas, especially the beaches, which have a ways to go, but the locals are flocking to the beach as usual. I have two daughters there; one a critical care nurse and the other in nursing school at UWF. Ivan has not kept those tow down!

Let me know if I can provide specific info on the status of hotels, restuarants, or clubs.

J_Mac,
Thanks for that info. I love & miss P'cola! I, unfortunately, will not make it there this year but I do have several friends who are going and planning to do their share to support the local economy. What can you tell me about the boardwalk area at P'cola beach? Are the shops/restaurants/bars open in that area - Alvins, Flounders, Captain Fun? I do not recall reading much about the boardwalk after the hurricanes so I don't know the extent of damage.
Thanks for the update!

The Boardwalk is not open except for the three restaurants on the north side, Hemingways, Hooters, and Banana Willie's. Flounders is open as well as Crab's. Peg Leg's just opened too. The public is allowed on the main Casino beach only. The residential areas are in awful shape with many homes and condos being torn down. The sand is still being sifted in those areas as well.

Thanks stjohn.
I told my friend to take pictures for me, but I think I will just be heartbroken by the devastation - even at this point. #39;(
They are staying down near the Catholic church in a condo this weekend. They usually stay in to cook & drink, but again, are hoping to give a little back to support everyone in that area who has opened. I will let her know.

St.John--do you know the status of Five Flags Inn? It's down in the vicinity of Peg Leg's. Thanks for any info!

It's pretty much gone and I wouldn't be surprised if it's been torn down.

Thanks, St.John. That's what I figured. ~sunbabe

All,

Alvin's may be open by this weekend. They have been working fast and furiously at re-stocking now that the building has been repaired.

In addition to the restaurants already listed there are a couple of small, locals places open - Paradise Bar and Grill and Tuckers Cafe.

The Market on the Island, a decent little grocery store, which also has great sandwiches, is also open. It's at the marina where the charter boats are. A good spot for those who are cooking in to pick up groceries and alcholic beverages. Across the bridge is Santa Rosa County, which is dry, so the large grocery store there has only beer and wine coolers.

Regarding Five Flags - when I drove out to my "still recovering" house this morning I saw that the little motel is now a literal pile of rubble. Everyone is trying to beat the May 26th deadline to get damaged buildings torn down and to the right-of-way for removal by FEMA.

To those of you who knew the "old beach" you'll be in for a shock the first time you come back. P'cola Beach will never be the same again. And I, for one, will miss that.

stjohnbound, are you back in your home yet? We're hoping to move back to Paradise by the end of June.

FF

Hi Floridafran, good to hear from you again! No, we ended up selling our home and moved to Austin, TX. I can't say I will miss Florida much although I will miss friends and family. I hope you will be moving back to your home soon!

stjohnbound,

I'm sure you'll enjoy Austin. We visited friends there and my husband(a surfer who can't stand to be too far from a vast body of water with the possibility of large waves)even liked it. If fact he said if he had to live inland, that would be a good place. Lots of things to do, from what we saw.

Being a Florida native I've missed it every time I've lived elsewhere. A grand total of 5 out of 56 years.

Take care.


For those asking about what's open on P'Cola Beach - I forgot Sidelines Restaurant. And the Circle K just reopened today so that's another source for snacks, drinks, etc.

FF