11.   A network of barrier islands define the Atlantic coastline and lure vacationers.

12.   A raging sea that tore the barrier island in half four years ago, swallowing dozens of homes.

13.   Bridges to all coastal communities on barrier islands from the South Carolina border to the easternmost tip of North Carolina were closed except to residents with identification.

14.   Bridges to Santa Rosa and Perdido Key, another barrier island west of Pensacola, were closed during the storm but reopened Monday.

15.   But most residents accepted the threat of hurricanes as part of life in the exposed barrier islands.

16.   But many awoke to find only minor damage, as the storm spared the barrier islands.

17.   But in the House, Rep. Walter B. Jones Jr., who represents the Outer Banks, has responded to overwhelming sentiment on the barrier islands against the move.

18.   But on several barrier islands, the struggle with the storm aftermath was just beginning as residents got their first looks at the damage.

19.   Curfews were declared across the region and most bridges from the mainland to barrier islands were blocked by police cars.

20.   Each childhood summer was spent at the Shore, but the couple decided a few years ago to buy a house inland, off the barrier island.