Amtrak passenger train to zip through NSB this afternoon: Check it out across from Dunn Lumber building

Courtesy photo/far left. NSBNEWS.net photo by Henry Frederick.

The Amtrak passenger train will zip through NSB today. Deb Denys, left, a proponent for a passenger train stop here and a Volusia County Council candidate, is thrilled with the run.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Get your lawn chairs and bring them to the lot across from Dunn Lumber this afternoon to see the Amtrak passenger train pass by on its way to Jacksonville. The train is currently scheduled to pass New Smyrna Beach between 2:20 and 2:45 pm.

"We have a great opportunity to show support for Amtrak stopping in New Smyrna Beach in the near future," said Deb Denys, Volusia County Council candidate.

Amtrak and the Florida East Coast Railroad and Florida Department of Transportation are in the process of restoring passenger service from Jacksonville to Miami.

There will be an inspection trip of the rail with officials on board. The train will leave Miami around 8:30 a.m. to its final destination in Jacksonville around 5:30 p.m.

There will be brief welcoming stops for the eight currently scheduled stops of West Palm Beach, Stuart, Fort Pierce, Vero, Melbourne, Titusville, Daytona Beach and St. Augustine.

"Our hope is for New Smyrna Beach to be added as a stop along the way -- this would be a true 'economic engine," Denys said, a goal echoed by Canal Street merchant Flare Elliott, who will board the Amtrak in Daytona Beach.

Denys added, "Please join us at the Dunn property along US 1 and Canal Street tomorrow for a show of support. Bring your lawn chairs, flags, banners, or anything that will draw attention to New Smyrna Beach as the train passes through."