VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Volusia County is bracing for possible beach erosion as a developing storm in the Atlantic approaches the coast.
Though the storm isn’t expected to make a direct hit, officials say it could stir up rough surf and rip currents along the shoreline.
Beach management teams across Volusia County are preparing for the impact, especially on the new sand and dunes recently placed from Daytona Beach Shores down to Ponce Inlet.
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Last month, Hurricane Erin took a large portion of that sand back into the ocean, and this new storm could cause more erosion.
“We are anticipating that there will be erosion because that’s what the sand is supposed to do,” said Jessica Fentress, Volusia County’s coastal director.
Fentress explained that even if sand is lost, it’s still serving its purpose by protecting the coast.
“You’ll notice the cliffs, but the sand is not going away. As long as the sand is there, it’s coming from the berm and it’s being moved naturally from the upland berm to what we call the near-shore-breaker area,” she said.
Three years ago, Volusia’s beaches lost 6 million cubic yards of sand during hurricanes, creating major erosion spots.
This year, the county partnered with the Army Corps of Engineers to dredge and place sand to help protect dunes and beachfront buildings.
“Any sand that may be washed away from the berm project is still adding a level of protection,” Fentress said.
Some beachfront residents are already noticing the lost sand and hope future storms don’t continue to take it away.
“There’s always the chance that it might not improve it or it might be better. I’m glad the county is trying to do something, and if it helps, it helps, and if it doesn’t, I’m glad they tried it anyway,” said Kierstin, a resident.