DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. — Beach access is already blocked off along much of the coast.
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Several structures in Daytona Beach and Daytona Beach Shores are at risk of falling into the ocean, which has been the case since Hurricane Ian made landfall about a month ago.
Residents in Daytona Beach Shores said the possible outcome of coastal erosion could be an issue for them.
They said they are concerned that the area can’t handle any more damage and are worried about what things will look like after next week.
Cracked concrete litters the Daytona Beach coastline and many houses are just barely hanging on.
“Well, Mother Nature is very powerful,” resident Mark Paterniti said. “And she’s not done yet.”
As Daytona Beach Shores struggles to save structures damaged during Hurricane Ian, another storm is approaching Florida.
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Steve Reeves said the timing could not be worse.
“You know, the sands continuing to be dragged out,” Reeves said. “There’s no dunes left. I mean, all our walkways, our parks are closed, there’s a lot to be done.”
Coastal erosion is a growing concern, especially after seawalls were destroyed, leaving every building along the beach exposed.
Danny Burow is a meteorology professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.
He said the beach won’t be safe for several days, and if you live on the coast, you need to be prepared for more beachline erosion.
“This storm itself does not look as strong as Ian was but that doesn’t mean that the effects won’t compound,” Burow said.
Mark Paterniti said it’s hard to believe that’s even possible.
“I mean we’re up against the seawall and the water is under our feet,” he said.
Read: “No protection left” after seawalls in Daytona Beach Shores ripped away by Hurricane Ian
A new storm this late in the season is not the news neighbors were hoping for.
“Normal could be a setting on the dryer when it comes to hurricane season,” Reeves said.
They said the toughest part will be learning to live with whatever new reality this one brings.
“I loved how Daytona Beach used to be,” Paterniti said. “Hopefully it will come back one day.”
Officials in Volusia County said they expect to have much more information Monday.
But for now, they just want people to stay off the beaches. They also ask people who live along the coast to consider moving to a safer location.
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