Dorian causes beach erosion in Brevard County

MELBOURNE, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - Brevard County has been re-nourishing public beaches, since they were impacted by Hurricane Irma in 2017.

The project cost $8 million -- most of it federal and state money. But will that kind of funding be available again? That's to be determined.

Now, Hurricane Dorian has just caused a whole new wave of erosion issues. At Bonsteel Park, in Melbourne Beach, the walk-way is mangled. Turtle eggs are strewn everywhere, and beach erosion is evident.

"Ten to 15 feet right here," said Gary Walker, taking in the view of what the waves took out.

Walker, like many who live in Southern Brevard, wanted to assess the damage. As he and neighbors looked, helicopters passed by, scanning the coastline. Walker says it could've been worse.

"If that thing came straight at us," Walker said.

The county spokesman says Dorian has just done millions of dollars in erosion damage. The full scope of it is still unknown. For Walker, lost turf on the beach means fewer options for him, for the one thing he loves most about Florida.

"From September to May, I fish every day." Walker said.

For so many people who live in Brevard County and love the beach, this is a hard blow because the re-nourishment was complete in August. Now, in September, and the erosion is back.