Mexico Beach (not to be confused with Mexico City) ... came to 'fame' after being literally destroyed by Hurricane Michael in October 2018. About 3-4 weeks after Michael hit the Panhandle, we drove through the area on our way to Mississippi. We were shocked to learn that 20 miles east and west of that community were also devastated. Along Rt 10, trees were literally sheared off at 25 ft and many sections of road contained debris (we were impressed that heavy equipment and tree service contractors were in key locations clearing the road and replacing fencing). As we traveled along Rt 10 we saw homes and farms on either side without roofs and most rest stops were closed due to major damage.
Since much of the reporting on the hurricane was focused on Mexico Beach, we wanted to see just how badly they were hit. Below are some original images we captured 2 years ago and those taken recently. It was encouraging to see a positive improvement in the conditions we saw 2 years ago. Yes, homes on the Gulf side were furthest along to being restored or replaced - all on piles. Most roofs were now metal and many homes had concrete piles - elevating living space 11-15 ft. On the community side, maybe 30-40% of the homes are under repair/replacement ... but the entire community is still years away from 'normalcy'. We did capture a photo of the one home that the news media had reported as the lone survivor due to planned over-building and reinforcement.
Hurricane Michael hits the Gulf and travels N-NE on October 10th, 2018. Fast forward to today, Ginger and I drove through the Panhandle through Mexico Beach this week to see first-hand the wrath of Hurricane Michael. The Category 4 Hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle region, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 155 mph and a minimum pressure 919 mb. The storm caused catastrophic damage from wind and storm surge, particularly in the Panama City Beach to Mexico Beach to Cape San Blas areas.
Update Nov 2021: We did make a swing by in 2021 and were disappointed no 'real' progress but rebuild activity was happening.
Since much of the reporting on the hurricane was focused on Mexico Beach, we wanted to see just how badly they were hit. Below are some original images we captured 2 years ago and those taken recently. It was encouraging to see a positive improvement in the conditions we saw 2 years ago. Yes, homes on the Gulf side were furthest along to being restored or replaced - all on piles. Most roofs were now metal and many homes had concrete piles - elevating living space 11-15 ft. On the community side, maybe 30-40% of the homes are under repair/replacement ... but the entire community is still years away from 'normalcy'. We did capture a photo of the one home that the news media had reported as the lone survivor due to planned over-building and reinforcement.
Hurricane Michael hits the Gulf and travels N-NE on October 10th, 2018. Fast forward to today, Ginger and I drove through the Panhandle through Mexico Beach this week to see first-hand the wrath of Hurricane Michael. The Category 4 Hurricane hit the Florida Panhandle region, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 155 mph and a minimum pressure 919 mb. The storm caused catastrophic damage from wind and storm surge, particularly in the Panama City Beach to Mexico Beach to Cape San Blas areas.
Update Nov 2021: We did make a swing by in 2021 and were disappointed no 'real' progress but rebuild activity was happening.
September 2022
The restoration has continued where initially work was underway along the Gulf with 90% of homes being raised. Thistle we see more happening in the community areas.
The restoration has continued where initially work was underway along the Gulf with 90% of homes being raised. Thistle we see more happening in the community areas.
March 2024
Last time through on our annual tour of the Panhandle via the Forgotten Coast Rt 98.
Mexico Beach is coming back - found this Article on coming back.
Last time through on our annual tour of the Panhandle via the Forgotten Coast Rt 98.
Mexico Beach is coming back - found this Article on coming back.
