Latest news with #VolusiaBeaches
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Construction to begin new ADA-Accessible Ramp and stairs in New Smyrna Beach
Volusia County will be temporarily closing the Hillsboro Street dune walkover in New Smyrna Beach starting on Monday, May 19, as they begin exciting construction on a redesigned access point. The improved access will include a new stairway and an ADA-compliant ramp, benefiting residents and visitors with varying accessibility requirements. The existing walkover, currently limited to a single set of stairs, will be replaced with a new structure designed to serve a broader range of mobility needs better. The new ramp is a wonderful addition that will make it easier for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers to explore the dunes and soak up the beauty of the shoreline. Construction is expected to take approximately four months. While the walkover is closed, beachgoers are encouraged to use the nearby Beachway Avenue beach access and Sapphire Road/Grayce Barck North Beach Community Park walkover. A map of beach access points is available at or through the Volusia Beaches app. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Rough surf and hazardous beach conditions collide with spring break
There are hazardous conditions along Volusia County's coast. Beach Safety has been flying the red flag most of the week and anticipates having to do so even when the surf dies down. Deputy Chief AJ Miller said that's because when the water is calm, the risk for rip currents still remains high. 'If it follows a couple days or a week of rough surf, those rip currents are there and people may not be able to realize it,' said Miller. Thankfully, the water is cold and Miller said that's kept people out of the rough conditions. Beach Safety has rescued about 7 or 8 people during the busy Spring Break stretch. Beachgoers said they appreciate the extra patrols on the sand and in the water. 'We had a shooting here not too long ago so I feel like all the police and safety patrol that we have. They're just trying to prevent certain things from happening,' said Mike Marcelin. The Sheriff's Office said deputies have arrested about 20 people or more per day every day since Friday. The violations all vary and a handful have been juveniles. Knowing that data and where crowds are hanging out, also helps Beach Safety determine where to place staff. 'We are increasing our patrols but once again we still have a whole beach to cover so we are allocating our resources where we feel appropriate,' said Miller. Beach Safety reminds people to download the Volusia Beaches app to see current conditions. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Volusia officials warn of dangerous rip currents amid spring break
The Brief Volusia County beach officials are warning visitors to stay out of the water due to dangerous rip currents. Despite sunny weather, shifting waves and strong winds are creating hazardous conditions. Lifeguards urge swimmers to stay near towers and follow safety guidelines. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Volusia County beach officials are warning visitors to stay out of the water due to dangerous rip currents. What we know Beach officials in Volusia County are warning visitors to stay out of the water due to dangerous rip currents. Despite clear skies and sunny weather, experts say strong winds and shifting waves are increasing the risk. The National Weather Service explains that onshore winds push waves toward the coastline, creating conditions where rip currents can form. What we don't know While officials have issued warnings, it's unclear how many rescues have been needed so far or if any severe incidents have occurred. Officials remain on high alert, but the exact number of people ignoring safety recommendations is unknown. The backstory Spring break is one of the busiest times for Florida beaches, with thousands of visitors flocking to the coast. Historically, rip currents have posed a significant danger, leading to rescues and even fatalities. This year, beach safety teams are emphasizing preventive measures to keep incidents to a minimum. Big picture view While beachgoers may be drawn in by the inviting weather, officials stress that conditions in the water can be deceptive. Lifeguards are ramping up patrols and using public announcements and whistles to warn swimmers. The key message: check the Volusia Beaches app, swim near lifeguard towers, and avoid unnecessary risks. What they're saying "The weather being nice doesn't mean that the water is not going to be a hazard", said Volusia Beach Safety Captain Stephen Canfield. Since spring break kicked off, it's been relatively smooth sailing for Volusia Beach Safety. "We didn't have any real terrible things happen that could happen," Canfield said. Though, with the higher risk for these currents, they'll have to continue to be on point. "A lot of preventative measures. We used a lot of the PA, we used a lot of whistling," he added. "When the winds are onshore, that tends to push wave activity closer to the coastline and allows those waves to crest a little differently, and that is ultimately what dictates where rip currents form," explained Will Ulrich, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne. Safety Reminder Officials urge swimmers to stay in designated areas and, if caught in a rip current, to swim parallel to shore until free from the current's pull. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Volusia Beach Safety Captain Stephen Canfield, and NWS meteorologist Will Ulrich.
