‘An enormous effort:’: Daytona Beach Shores residents seek permanent fix to damaged seawall

DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. — Daytona Beach Shores residents say they’re still waiting for permanent fixes to seawalls and dunes destroyed by Hurricanes Nicole and Ian.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Deborah Taylor lives in the St. Kitts condominiums on Atlantic Ave. She says they’ve had to resort to temporary protections for their homes.

READ: Biden administration extends student loan repayment pause

“We’re starting to put down what we call a trap-bag system,” Taylor said.

The system consists of a bag filled with sand and weighed down to protect the other sand that has been put in place.

The idea is to mitigate some of the erosion that’s putting the buildings in jeopardy.

Down the street, John Danis says he’s waiting for a tiger dam system to protect his property. A tiger dam is formed by a series of long, flexible tubes that can be filled with water to form a temporary barrier to protect buildings.

READ: State fines Orlando Free Fall operator $250K related to investigation into Tyre Sampson’s death

However, both Danis and Taylor wonder what permanent solutions will follow, where the money for them will come from, and how long it will take.

“We’re going to need a big step. A big footprint,” Taylor said. “Some government help to get the sand back. It’s an enormous effort.”

Volusia County officials say Daytona Beach Shores is in its own jurisdiction for required permits to do work on the beach.

They’re urging private property owners to submit the necessary permit applications and work with the Department of Environmental Protection for temporary and permanent repairs.

READ: Safety advocates warn parents to ensure homes they travel to for holidays are baby-proofed

Taylor says, right now, it’s on them to do whatever they can to save their homes.

“The short answer, we haven’t received any public assistance in any way,” Taylor said. “We’re probably over $300,000 right now.”

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2022 Cox Media Group