Some oceanfront property owners being put on notice

Some oceanfront property owners are being put on notice – remove old sandbags, or face hefty fines.

Officials say some sandbag structures are getting in the way of the public’s access and enjoyment of area beaches. Sandbags that have been on the beaches longer than their five-year permit period were to have been removed by May 1, 2008.

Jim Gregson of the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management said about 20 letters were recently sent out, mostly to property owners on the Outer Banks.