Deserted Hurricane Town Seeks Identity

[Louisiana1976]

HOLLY BEACH, La. (AP) - Before two hurricanes hit in three years, a collection of modest beach houses and trailers along the Gulf known as the "Cajun Riviera" drew thousands for summer weekends of crabbing, beer drinking and kids playing in the surf.

Now, the few-dozen families who do visit Holly Beach mostly camp on the sand, thanks to the double blow of hurricanes Rita and Ike. The dozen or so permanent residents — down from several hundred — must drive 20 miles for groceries. And the town is dead quiet, save for the hum of bulldozers rebuilding an eroded road along empty lots.

"I hate to say it, but a lot of times it's very depressing," resident Kathy Miller said. "During the week, it's very quiet."

While the two September storms — Rita in 2005, which destroyed every structure in town, and Ike in 2008 — didn't kill anyone in Louisiana, they effectively ended Holly Beach's status as a vacation destination. Most lots are empty except for concrete slabs and high grass, but several families have built grand homes that tower on stilts to get out of the way of the next storm surge.

<snip>

more...http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33125029/ns/us_news-life/