- December 17, 2024
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by: Pat Kuehn
Volusia County Community Information
Hurricane Nicole impacted Volusia County as a tropical storm with strong, sustained winds and gusts of 70 mph in some areas. Even though the storm has left the area, the danger remains. Many roads are flooded, powerlines are down, and many oceanfront properties are at risk for collapse.
“The structural damage along our coastline is unprecedented,” County Manager George Recktenwald said. “We have never experienced anything like this before, so we ask for your patience as we make our assessments. As always, the safety of our residents and visitors is our top priority. This is going to be a long road to recovery.”
County and municipal building inspectors have declared 24 hotels and condos to be unsafe and have ordered their evacuation:
Additionally, at least 25 single-family homes in Wilbur-by-the-Sea were evacuated after being declared structurally unsafe.
Residents are visitors are urged to stay away from the beach because of debris and the damage to homes, condos, hotels, beach walkways and piers.
“If you go anywhere near the beach, you are putting your life in jeopardy,” Beach Safety Deputy Director Tammy Malphurs said. “The current state of the ocean is unforgiving. You might not make it out if you step foot into the water. We are flying double red flags because there are massive amounts of debris in the water and on the beach, 10- to 12-foot breaking waves, and strong rip currents.”
She added that the water isn’t the only danger present along the coast.
“We have not yet had the opportunity to assess coastal structures such as piers and walkways. Even during low tide, these structures may collapse without notice. At this time the beach is the most dangerous place to be in our county. We will work as hard as we possibly can to make it safe and accessible once again, but it’s going to take time.”
The Daytona Beach International Airport did not sustain significant damage. The terminal will reopen at 4 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, and the airfield will open at 6 a.m. Travelers are advised to contact their airline for flight updates.
The Volusia County Fair and Youth Show will reopen at 4 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 11. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.volusiacountyfair.com.
