Erosion From Dennis

There's an invisible line in the sand along the coast of Florida's Panhandle, and that line separates property that's likely to be swept away in a hurricane and structures that are likely to survive.

Hurricane Dennis has state experts thinking that the line needs to be moved further inland.

Dwellings and other buildings can be built on the seaward side of the line only if they're designed to still be standing if they're hit by the mother of all hurricanes. That means the worst that could be expected in a 100-year period, so naturally, foundations, roofs, windows and everything else has to be more secure.

The Department of Environmental Protection says Hurricane Dennis seriously damaged or destroyed 114 homes and 55 multiple-family dwelling units built seaward of the lines in the Florida Panhandle.

But some of the most serious destruction occurred up to 200 miles from shore, so that has the state thinking that some adjustments have to be made.

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