DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. — The condos in the North and South Twin Towers in Daytona Beach Shores have now been deemed safe enough for residents to return home.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
More than two dozen other high-rises in the area are still considered unsafe.
The public safety director says no more emergency services will be provided at properties where people did not obey evacuation orders.
From the street, Castaways Beach Resort appears to be in good shape, but another point of view paints a different picture.
This is one of several condo complexes considered structurally unsound by the city.
The elevators and hot water have already been shut off in the building, but many people who live there said they have nowhere else to go.
“I think they overreacted, really,” said James Tunnicliff.
Read: Daytona Beach Shores residents wait for updates after 24 buildings deemed unsafe
People who live in the building are not all concerned.
“Because there’s no damage, it’s just that back part, that back corner,” Tunnicliff said. “So, I think we’ll be (alright).”
Daytona Beach Shores officials said a call for emergency service was made from inside Castaways Saturday afternoon.
The shore’s public safety director said the city would no longer respond to those calls because people who defied the orders to evacuate are now putting first responders’ lives at risk.
Ellis Durham said packing up and leaving is not possible for him.
“I have no other choice,” he said. “I don’t have nowhere to go here and this is the only place I got.”
Read: State Road A1A reopens following damage from Hurricane Nicole
Dave Jablonski says he looked into other options, but leaving Castaways would mean covering the cost on his own, at least for now.
“I talked to FEMA and said they want to kick us out of the place,” he said. “I need a place to stay and I put an application in and I haven’t heard anything back.”
For the time being, these residents plan to stay put in their condos and said they will do so with no concerns.
“Well, it’s been here since ‘69 and how many hurricanes you think it’s been through?” Durham said.
Read: 24 Volusia beachfront condos must be assessed by an engineer before residents can move back in
Volusia County said it has suspended the requirement of a beach and dune permit for owners who want to start cleaning up the debris.
But the county said this does not suspend the permits required for temporary or permanent repairs.
Volusia County said it cannot authorize power restoration until there is proof that the building is stable and there is no risk to the area. Residents are encouraged to consult engineers and architects to assess the damage before it is deemed safe.
If your condo or home was deemed unsafe, and you have experienced power issues, you can call Volusia County Public Works at 386-736-5967 or Growth and Resource Management at 386-736-5929 for permit questions.
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
