Why they allow ppl to build up homes right at the beach????? Must be money and infatuation - Enjoy the spoils - And when your nice homes get swept away with a nice and rewarding big storm :)
The barrier islands are put there by nature to absorb waves and wind in order to protect the mainland. Building/living on a barrier island is putting a targer on your structure. It's just a matter of time before it is consumed by the ocean (and the government can't do "something ")