Gustav Pounds Gulf Shores

The public beach in Gulf Shores is gone. Hurricane Gustav pounded Pleasure Island, wiping out much of the multi-million dollar beach re-nourishment project...a project put into place after Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina.

The Gulf of Mexico reclaimed the beach Monday morning. Relentless waves pushed water up to the boardwalk, swallowing 50 to 100 yards of pristine beachfront property. Eight to ten foot seas created a dangerous and persistent storm surge for most of the morning.

Double-red flags, meaning the water is closed to the public, are flying up and down the beach. But despite the warning flags, police officers were forced to move curious onlookers out of the water. Dangerous surf conditions and the possibility of more beach erosion will continue for at least another day.