I talked to our friend Bill Quick of the Jefferson County Historical Commission this afternoon and he reports that the Dowling statue is still intact. Dick wouldn't let a Federal armada defeat him and he stared down the hurricane this time and weathered the storm that took dead aim at him. It is ironic that the main damage to the park's historical markers was that the storm snapped off the two relatively new markers relating to the Federal casualties in the battle. The rest of the markers seem to be ok according to the reports that Bill had gotten. As far as the park's infrastructure is concerned, my understanding is that there was a lot of damage and it is uncertain when the park will reopen (probably a number of months, at least). The lodging for the ranger is gone and the new cement walkway along the channel is undermined and unsafe to use. The actual pilings and bulkheading along the channel looks to be largely intact but there is damage along the walkway area. The new courtesy wharf that gave handicapped access to the boat ramp area floated with the water level as it was designed to do but apparently floated so high that it broke loose and came inland, slamming into the restroom and doing significant damage to that structure.So there is a lot of damage to the park that needs to be repaired before the park can be reopened either to visitors or fishermen. But I am relieved to report that the Dick Dowling statue itself appears to be in good shape.