Photo for Headline Surfer / The Volusia County Council on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, approved a $25.8 million project, funded entirely through a state-awarded grant, to place more than half a million cubic yards of sand along a stretch of coastline in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- As part of its ongoing commitment to repair and protect the shoreline, the Volusia County Council recently took another significant step in its coastal rehabilitation efforts.
During its Tuesday meeting in DeLand, the council approved a $25.8 million project, funded entirely through a state-awarded grant, to place more than half a million cubic yards of sand along a stretch of coastline in the New Smyrna Beach area.
In partnership with the Florida Inland Navigation District, the project will place approximately 550,000 cubic yards of beach-compatible sand from Rattlesnake Island along the beach, beginning at Sapphire Road and continuing south toward unincorporated New Smyrna Beach.
The grant, awarded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, supports Volusia County's response to the extensive coastal damage caused by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.
In partnership with the Florida Inland Navigation District, the project will place approximately 550,000 cubic yards of beach-compatible sand from Rattlesnake Island along the beach, beginning at Sapphire Road and continuing south toward unincorporated New Smyrna Beach.
The grant, awarded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, supports Volusia County's response to the extensive coastal damage caused by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.
"These efforts will also fortify the coastline against future storms," the county said in a press release. "Once the sand is in place, crews will plant native dune vegetation to help stabilize the beach and enhance long-term resilience. The project is expected to begin late this year."
The County may only place sand in front of properties where private owners have submitted easements. These easements grant temporary access to the project team, allowing them to place sand along private properties.
The County will mail information outlining the project and the steps for submitting an easement to property owners who do not have an easement on file.
To inquire about the easement process or request additional details, contact Right of Way Manager Keith Koshiol at KKoshiol@volusia.org or 386-736-5967, ext. 15848.
Although similar in scope, this project is separate from the County's ongoing effort involving dredging, hauling, and sand placement currently underway between Sunglow Pier in Daytona Beach Shores and the North Jetty in Ponce Inlet.
For more information about beach rehabilitation projects and to confirm the status of an easement, visit www.volusia.org/sandprojects.
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