Volusia officials ask residents to stay off the beach

Ormond Beach Observer
News

Though Tropical Storm Nicole has left the area, danger still lurks in Volusia County, said Kevin Captain, Volusia County Community Informations director, during a news conference on Thursday, Nov. 10.

"We ask you to remain cognizant of additional weather-related events that can transpire throughout the remainder of this afternoon and into the evening and even into tomorrow," Captain said.

So far, there have been no storm-related deaths, and Volusia officials are hoping to keep it that way. Residents were cautioned during the news conference to stay off the beach and off roads as conditions remain hazardous. High winds are expected to remain throughout the day and several roads are underwater.

The following major roads are closed:

A1A from South 7th Street to South 16th Street, Flagler Beach
A1A at Clubhouse Drive, Ormond-by-the-Sea
Riverside Drive, from Ormond Beach to Holly Hill
U.S. 1 at Dunlawton Avenue to Rose Bay, Port Orange

Additionally, the western base of the following bridges are underwater: Seabreeze, Main Street, International Speedway Boulevard and Dunlawton. Holly Hill, New Smyrna Beach and Turnbull Bay areas are experiencing major tidal flooding, especially in the areas close to the Halifax River.

A curfew has been extended through 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, for the beachside.

County Manager George Recktenwald said there are 11 compromised structures in Daytona Beach Shores and Wilbur-by-the-Sea. The county expects more to be declared compromised as inspections continue.

Residents who live on the coastline should not return, he added, in order to give officials time to determine if the structure was safe.

"The structural damage along our coastline is unprecedented," Recktenwald said. "We've never experienced anything like this before, so we ask for your patience as we make our assessments. As always, your safety is our top priority. This is gonna be a long road to recovery."

Beachside residents who do not live on the coast and must return home today, however, are able to do so. Bridges are closed, but law enforcement may grant access if presented with a valid form of ID.

But, officials stressed that residents should not go to the beach at this time.

The current state of the ocean is unforgiving, said Tammy Malphurs, Volusia County Beach Safety deputy chief. Residents must stay off the water due to dangerous waves and the massive amount of debris in the water and on the beach.

"At this time, the beach is the most dangerous place to be in the county," Malphurs said. "We will work hard as we possibly can to make it safe and accessible once again, but it's going to take time."