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Why no Reports from Orient Beach? #148825
11/17/2017 06:49 PM
11/17/2017 06:49 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 352
Pittsburgh, PA
gotaluvit Offline OP
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gotaluvit  Offline OP
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Posts: 352
Pittsburgh, PA
Given the fact the Orient is agruably the most important single spot on St. Martin I am very surprised that there has been next to no news on condition / status.

Any ideas?

SXM Sponsors
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: gotaluvit] #148826
11/17/2017 07:04 PM
11/17/2017 07:04 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Posts: 17,476
Ohio
First of all, it is NOT the single most important spot on the island.

There have been lots of reports, basically a lot of damage. Beach appears to be decent but not a lot of places to stay or eat at the present time. Extensive damage up and down the beach.


J.D.
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: ruralcarrier] #148827
11/17/2017 08:13 PM
11/17/2017 08:13 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Quote
ruralcarrier said:
First of all, it is NOT the single most important spot on the island.

There have been lots of reports, basically a lot of damage. Beach appears to be decent but not a lot of places to stay or eat at the present time. Extensive damage up and down the beach.


I agree with you on all counts.

With specific regard to Orient Beach, there is government to deal with and apparently a lot of specifics with regard to rebuilding.

Says one who knew it before it was developed to what most recent visitors know it to be, some of us really don’t care if it takes forever. Count me with that group. But at the same time, I understand what so many are missing and I think the factors for lack of rapid redevelopment all seem to be based upon dollars. I’m sure it will come back eventually. Patience, Pilgrims..... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: gotaluvit] #148828
11/17/2017 08:20 PM
11/17/2017 08:20 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 141
PGH. PA
DPD1968 Offline
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DPD1968  Offline
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Posts: 141
PGH. PA
gotaluvit,
I will give you a report in 60 days!
I did see on a facebook post there was a volunteer group doing some cleanup today.
It will be interesting to see what happens in the next month or so. I have to imagine there will be some kind of chair rental and drinks from cooler setups to make some money from the tourist. There will be cruise ship traffic and there are definitely people staying in some of the available rentals on the East Bay.

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: gotaluvit] #148829
11/17/2017 08:58 PM
11/17/2017 08:58 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Central Florida!
It appears there are significant issues with regard to rebuilding on Orient, with the government. I guess that's why we don't hear much from Orient. Hopefully there will be more news soon.


Carol Hill
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: DPD1968] #148830
11/17/2017 09:31 PM
11/17/2017 09:31 PM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
J
jeepers Offline
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jeepers  Offline
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J
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
See you there. We chat with you every year with our friends from west virginia.

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: jeepers] #148831
11/17/2017 09:43 PM
11/17/2017 09:43 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 141
PGH. PA
DPD1968 Offline
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DPD1968  Offline
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PGH. PA
Looking forward to it. Should be interesting vacation , hoping we can help out our island families in some way.

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: DPD1968] #148832
11/17/2017 09:59 PM
11/17/2017 09:59 PM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
J
jeepers Offline
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jeepers  Offline
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J
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
Yes we can

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: gotaluvit] #148833
11/18/2017 06:58 AM
11/18/2017 06:58 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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BillandElaine  Offline
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St Maarten
Been there twice this past week. The beach is beautiful and empty. The surrounding area has been cleaned of debris but is otherwise untouched. I think it will be some time IF EVER before anyone is allowed to build there again.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: BillandElaine] #148834
11/18/2017 09:39 AM
11/18/2017 09:39 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Central Florida!
Although I'm not certain of it, as I understand, the 'Five Stars' have an AOT and they are exempt from the not building close to the water line, so I THINK they should be able to rebuild.


Carol Hill
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: Carol_Hill] #148835
11/18/2017 10:42 AM
11/18/2017 10:42 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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BillandElaine  Offline
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St Maarten
That may be true. At the present time the only things open, and only on weekend I think, are the little thing we are calling the Perch and not on the beach but almost is Alamanda Kitchen.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: BillandElaine] #148836
11/18/2017 03:00 PM
11/18/2017 03:00 PM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
J
jeepers Offline
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jeepers  Offline
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J
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
Also le petit bistro.

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: BillandElaine] #148837
11/18/2017 03:01 PM
11/18/2017 03:01 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 109
Z
zoe Offline
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zoe  Offline
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I heard la petite bistro was open in the village and also that the rest of the restaurants in the village won't open until July....from a friend who worked at Kakao. The owner of La Rhumerie moved back to France and is not returning.

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: zoe] #148838
11/18/2017 04:12 PM
11/18/2017 04:12 PM
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 246
Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
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jaxon60 Offline
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Posts: 246
Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada
L'Epicurien is open from "9h to 15h and 17h30 until there is no one left! From Monday to Saturday and by reservation on Sundays."



[Linked Image]


Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: gotaluvit] #148839
11/18/2017 05:07 PM
11/18/2017 05:07 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,461
Vermont
sxmmartini Offline
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Vermont
A big organized clean up of Orient beach tomorrow starting at Papagayo at 8am and moving down the length of the beach.

Rdv à partir de 8h pour nettoyer la plage d'Orient Bay, en commençant par le Sud (côté Club Orient / Papagayo) et en remontant autant que possible.
Même organisation que d'habitude;
Prévoir gants, baskets, casquettes, de l'eau et des sacs poubelles. Si possible, également des sécateurs ou couteaux pour enlever ce qui est pris dans les végétaux. Sorry it is in French but volunteers are needed...

It is a start! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/titanic.gif" alt="" />

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: sxmmartini] #148840
11/18/2017 05:42 PM
11/18/2017 05:42 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 882
Chicago area
Jamie Offline
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Jamie  Offline
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Posts: 882
Chicago area
Quote
sxmmartini said:
Rdv à partir de 8h pour nettoyer la plage d'Orient Bay, en commençant par le Sud (côté Club Orient / Papagayo) et en remontant autant que possible.
Même organisation que d'habitude;
Prévoir gants, baskets, casquettes, de l'eau et des sacs poubelles. Si possible, également des sécateurs ou couteaux pour enlever ce qui est pris dans les végétaux.



Appointment from 8 am to clean the Orient Bay beach, starting from the South (Club Orient / Papagayo side) and going up as far as possible.
Same organization as usual; Provide gloves, sneakers, caps, water and trash bags. If possible, also pruning shears or knives to remove what is caught in the plants.

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: zoe] #148841
11/18/2017 05:51 PM
11/18/2017 05:51 PM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
J
jeepers Offline
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jeepers  Offline
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J
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
Someone reported talking to christelle at le piment & she said opening March?

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: BillandElaine] #148842
11/19/2017 06:34 AM
11/19/2017 06:34 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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BillandElaine  Offline
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Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
OP asked about Orient Beach, so I did not include the village.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: BillandElaine] #148843
11/19/2017 09:57 PM
11/19/2017 09:57 PM
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,042
jeannie239 Offline
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jeannie239  Offline
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Posts: 1,042
As i was getting out of Club O i saw you and Bill pulling in there could not say hi yesterday it was too risky on the road turn


Need your groceries delivered ?
Order your groceries online @
www.shopndropgrocerysxm.com
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: jeepers] #148844
11/20/2017 09:52 AM
11/20/2017 09:52 AM
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 24
I
IslandLover74 Offline
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IslandLover74  Offline
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I
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 24
Yes, Le Piment is scheduled to open in March, according to their FB page. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: gotaluvit] #148845
11/20/2017 12:21 PM
11/20/2017 12:21 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Biturbo Offline
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Biturbo  Offline
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Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
I'm glad you said arguably. It's the most important to us, as that's where we stay, spend most of our time, and eat most of our meals.
Of course, others feel differently.


I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: Biturbo] #148846
11/20/2017 05:27 PM
11/20/2017 05:27 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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kim  Offline
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Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
I will probably start going to Orient now, until it builds back up again. Have made maybe 4-5 visits to Orient in the past 10 years out of maybe 20-25 trips. It changed way too much for my liking

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: ruralcarrier] #148847
11/24/2017 07:55 PM
11/24/2017 07:55 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 352
Pittsburgh, PA
gotaluvit Offline OP
Traveler
gotaluvit  Offline OP
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 352
Pittsburgh, PA
OK, I give what is more important to the people on this board? Orient is maybe what, 80% of the traffic to the French side?

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: gotaluvit] #148848
11/27/2017 08:30 PM
11/27/2017 08:30 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 141
PGH. PA
DPD1968 Offline
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DPD1968  Offline
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Posts: 141
PGH. PA
Club O posted today that they have started chair rentals in addition to the Perch light being open.

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: DPD1968] #148849
11/27/2017 11:12 PM
11/27/2017 11:12 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 357
SeaStar Offline
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SeaStar  Offline
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Posts: 357
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: DPD1968] #148850
11/28/2017 04:46 AM
11/28/2017 04:46 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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BillandElaine  Offline
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Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
They've been renting for several weeks already. Not many takers, but they are available. Only on weekends far as we can tell.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: BillandElaine] #148851
11/28/2017 09:27 AM
11/28/2017 09:27 AM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 207
luvtotravel Offline
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luvtotravel  Offline
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Posts: 207
May get busier once cruises start returning.

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: luvtotravel] #148852
11/28/2017 09:43 AM
11/28/2017 09:43 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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BillandElaine  Offline
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Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
Hope so for the folks trying to make a living. For us, we're enjoying the solitude and will disappear once the crowds return.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: DPD1968] #148853
11/29/2017 03:51 PM
11/29/2017 03:51 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 969
Maine U.S.A.
Modi Offline
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Modi  Offline
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Maine U.S.A.
This Sxmdronechristophe Facebook page has some amazing images of Orient Beach.
Check out this one especially... Amazing Aerial of Club Orient Posted 11-28-2017 and this...
Amazing aerial view of Club O from the water

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: Modi] #148854
11/29/2017 08:22 PM
11/29/2017 08:22 PM
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 201
AUCspouse Offline
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AUCspouse  Offline
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Posts: 201
Not sure why the photos say "Yesterday near Marigot, Guadeloupe" when they depict Orient Beach, St. Martin.

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: AUCspouse] #148855
11/29/2017 08:56 PM
11/29/2017 08:56 PM
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 94
Southern US
S
Southbound Offline
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Southbound  Offline
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Posts: 94
Southern US
Wow...There's a lot more of Club O and the Village left than I thought there was.

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: Southbound] #148856
11/29/2017 09:09 PM
11/29/2017 09:09 PM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
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PelicanPirate Offline
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I too am surprised how many structures are still there at all. I was of the impression that all were gone except the concrete block bldgs.

I dont know what is salvageable, but it looks far better than first pics immediately afterward. Plus the grass and so forth must be growing up thru the sand.

Id rent one of those chalets with a rollaway right now.

And not wanting to offend, but the length of the beach looks alot better than with all the bars and operations.

Id The structures more limited to a bar and walk up grill back where the parking lots were with maybe 1 to 2 rows max of chairs and umbrellas and leave more of the strand natural.

Nature was encroaching anyway........time to reset

Again, only an opinion, not looking for a squabble <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: PelicanPirate] #148857
11/29/2017 09:35 PM
11/29/2017 09:35 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Central Florida!
Agreed, there are a lot more buildings there than I thought..


Carol Hill
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: Carol_Hill] #148858
11/30/2017 08:52 AM
11/30/2017 08:52 AM
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 94
Southern US
S
Southbound Offline
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Southbound  Offline
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Posts: 94
Southern US
Another thing I notice from those pics is how clear of debris the area looks and how green the foliage is.

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: Carol_Hill] #148859
11/30/2017 09:10 AM
11/30/2017 09:10 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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Ohio
Correct. After most initial reports indicated most everything was "gone", I was surprised at how much was still standing.


J.D.
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: ruralcarrier] #148860
11/30/2017 10:02 AM
11/30/2017 10:02 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 969
Maine U.S.A.
Modi Offline
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Maine U.S.A.
From that far in the air the buildings appear to be fine, but I recall seeing other photo sets taken from the ground level after Irma showing many of the surviving concrete structures moved slightly off their foundations, out of kilter, with cracked walls, foundations undermined etc. In these pictures they all have their doors opened wide to circulate air through them to dry them out.

I'm not sure if that means they are salvageable and will be redone, or maybe it's just being done prevent mold growth or something along those lines while the decision to demolish them is being considered or planned?

Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: Modi] #148861
11/30/2017 10:56 AM
11/30/2017 10:56 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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Ohio
I am sure an up close and personal view would show much more damage. My point was, like with many other places on the island, the initial reports of a place being totally "gone" were inaccurate.


J.D.
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: ruralcarrier] #148862
11/30/2017 12:35 PM
11/30/2017 12:35 PM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
deputydog1157 Offline
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The Villages, FL
I agree with your statement because to me gone means no longer there. I think most people were using gone to signify severely damaged. When I look at the numerous pictures from many different blogs, I see that many buildings need major repair but when you look at the harbor before and after you see the vessels are gone afterward.



[Linked Image]
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: deputydog1157] #148863
11/30/2017 01:11 PM
11/30/2017 01:11 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Yes, there were reports that Beachside Villas was 'gone'. Incorrect. They are actually open now with a few units, expect to have all units available by around March 1. Mary's Boon was reportedly 'gone'. Incorrect. Mary's Boon is open already with almost all their units, less a couple of units that were in fact destroyed. I haven't seen any other pictures of Club Orient recently, so I assume that the aerial pictures are deceptive, as far as how it actually looks and the actual condition of the individual units. And I don't remember the layout well enough, but I think the beachfront units are just 'gone', so that much is correct.


Carol Hill
Re: Why no Reports from Orient Beach? [Re: Carol_Hill] #148864
11/30/2017 02:01 PM
11/30/2017 02:01 PM
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 480
Northern California
T
thesimpsons Offline
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Posts: 480
Northern California
The best I can tell from the drone images and other images I have seen show Club O's Beach Chalets to all appear to be standing, all of the Garden Chalets appear to be standing, about four of the nine Waterfront Chalets appear to be still standing, only two of the 15 Mini-Suite buildings are standing and all 17 the Studio buildings are indeed gone. Edited to add that all of the Mini-Suite Deluxe buildings appear to be standing.

Last edited by thesimpsons; 11/30/2017 02:08 PM.
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