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Rockaway Beach, the city's major beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean, stretches for almost seven miles and offers some of the best surfing in the metropolitan area.
But since December's devastating nor'easter washed away tons of sand, those who depend on sunbathers to pump money into the local economy are anxious for federal officials to replenish the sand.
Dan Tubridy, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of the Rockaways, said he worries that the reports of massive erosion will discourage beachgoers from visiting the peninsula.
"Between the months of May and September, I do 65 percent of my total business for the year," said Tubridy, who owns Pier 92, a restaurant in Rockaway Beach. "This entire beach needs a constant flow of nourishment. We have to do it to protect ourselves."
The area was already hit hard by an exceptionally cool summer last year. Only 5.4 million people were estimated to have...