Volusia County, DEP officials host community meeting on emergency repairs following Hurricane Ian

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Beachside residents in Volusia County say they’re still not sure where to start rebuilding after Hurricane Ian.

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

Damage to seawalls, sand dunes and walkways along Daytona Beach Shores and Ponce Inlet is extensive, and time is a factor as the tide continues to take waay more of the barriers between the homes there.

READ: ‘An expensive push’: Florida utilities making costly plans to harden power grid against hurricanes

In some areas, the damage is so extensive, people have been evicted.

Affected homeowners like Deborah Taylor say the path forward is convoluted at best.

“Our homes are in jeopardy right now,” Taylor said. “Structurally something has to be done…we’re under an emergency order to shore up the dunes.”

For condo associations like Taylor’s they need permits, which require approval.

READ: How FEMA is getting information to those impacted by Hurricane Ian

“We’re not getting it because it’s on a case-by-case basis,” Taylor explained.

That means there’s a long line ahead of her, so Taylor attended a community meeting at the Daytona Beach Shores Community Center Wednesday evening.

It included officials from the county and the Department of Environmental Protection who were on-hand to answer some of the questions people like Taylor might have.

“They’re working on how to get what exactly they’re needing, and trying to direct them to the assistance,” Volusia County Council District 2 Commissioner Billie Wheeler said. “None of us have all the answers, but together, we can pull it together and try to find the solution.”

READ: Orange County estimates $206M in property damage from Hurricane Ian

When asked what the next steps are after Wednesday’s meeting, DEP officials- who play a large role in issuing the permits in question- said the process will move on to making sure projects are getting the permits they need.

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