Hurricane Ian, after crossing the state of Florida from the west to the east, was offshore over the Atlantic, where, in combination with king tidal activity, it caused significant wave action, including dangerous rip currents, along the coast in Indian River County. The sizeable and frequent waves impacted Orchid's dune system.
The dunes lost their slope, and a flat dune face was exposed. The tall escarpment can be fragile and prone to collapse; please be cautious around the base of the dunes and do not walk on top of the dunes. The Town's coastal engineer, in coordination with the County's Coastal Engineering Division, is assessing the extent of the dune damage.
Sadly, turtle nests along the Treasure Coast were laid bare in these post-storm conditions. County coastal staff request that exposed nests and eggs be left alone. However, if you see a sea turtle in distress, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife hotline for assistance (888) 404-3922.