The turtle nest are a big deal. I do not remember any real hoopla on them when I was young and a running all over that Island but then there was only the Casino and few other buildings. Now there's so much artificial light, the hatchlings are confused and (I'm serious) all lights that are not facing the Gulf have dark covers on them so the babies can go "to the light". That could be the moon or some big boat, flounder lights, whatever. Some idiot destroyed a nest last month and broke the eggs. There's a Federal bounty on their head when they figure out who did it. Could have been a fox but they're not where that nest was IF any still are on the island. The bone of contention road has too many 'hoops' to jump through. They consider the effect of the heavy dozers on the wildlife n all. That's all good but somebody's gotta give up something. Clay is not allowed on the island. The material for the roadbed has national disaster board review potential. That's why some of us were fine with the cement pilings holding an elevated road but it easier to find a boat and just go there that way.
Growing up with these wonderful structures and I do remember the skunks though haven't heard of any sightings in the last 10 years, it's come down to me seeing this as a non important issue for the powers that be and it makes me angry. They are trying to draw attention from one attraction to other new ones. There was talk about taking down the cross that was erected in 1959 to symbolize DeLuna's landing in 1559. We didn't have a civil war over it, everyone was in the same ball park. Take down that cross and we take your head. It's on the only dunes left. Now the big draw is the "Wheel". The one that is like that wheel in London with the airconditioned cars. Our beautiful treasure is going the way of Destin and Panama City Beach. Another way of weeding out any historical lessons. De-access the forts.
Pam