Storm surge as high as 10 feet swept mountains of sand into communities — in some areas, 5 feet tall or higher. The fine, white sand helps make Florida's beaches among the best in the world.

In the meantime, Florida residents are continuing to dig out of the storm-driven sand, many of them by hand. “Every shovelful is heavy,” said West, the construction contractor.

In the meantime, Florida residents are continuing to dig out of the storm-driven sand, many of them by hand. “Every shovelful is heavy,” said West, the construction contractor.