VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Volusia County commissioners unanimously approved a $2.6 million plan to make improvements at the Dunlawton Avenue beach access, including a new toll booth designed to better protect beach toll attendants.
The vote comes after a deadly crash in June that killed 63-year-old toll attendant Tammy Jo Baker.
A pickup truck crashed through the existing toll booth before continuing onto the beach and into the ocean, according to the county.
The approved project calls for a new, reinforced toll booth with improved physical barriers intended to provide additional protection for attendants.
The project also includes permanent, upgraded restroom facilities at the Dunlawton Avenue beach ramp, replacing the current temporary or outdated facilities.
County officials also plan to make improvements to traffic flow and the overall appearance of the entrance.
The Dunlawton Avenue access is one of the busiest beach access points in Volusia County and serves both local residents and visitors.
Beachgoers who spoke with News 6 said the improvements would benefit the community and people visiting the area.
“So many people use the beach, I imagine it would be an all-around improvement not just for the people in the community, but for the guest coming in from out of town,” said beachgoer Leeann Evanovich.
Gordon Smith, another beachgoer, said improving safety and the appearance of the entrance would be worthwhile.
“The safety issues and then otherwise the aesthetics. This is kind the face of Dayton Beach as people are coming in, I think it would be a great idea. The 2.5 million? I think we could make it happen somehow,” said beachgoer Gordon Smith.
The county’s $2.6 million allocation includes the construction and contract plan for the project.
The improvements come as the county continues to address safety concerns surrounding the beach access following Baker’s death.
Construction plans and a timeline for the improvements will determine when beachgoers can expect to see changes at the Dunlawton Avenue entrance.