Spokeswoman: Cars not banned in driving zones despite some TV media reports, though during high tides some ramps will be closed for a couple hours midday
Headline Surfer® / This snapshot from the Volusia County website beach cam for Daytona shows cars on this Sunday morning.DAYTONA BEACH -- Despite what was reported Saturday night on several Orlando TV stations, Volusia County's beaches are open today and Monday, a beach safety spokeswoman told Headline Surfer® this morning.
"There have been reports that we will be closed to driving for the holiday weekend, Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Capt. Tamra Marris told Headline Surfer®, but quickly added, "That is not true. Volusia County Beach Safety will be open most of the day Sunday and Monday to beach driving. However, we will have to close to driving during high tide conditions midday for only a couple hours which is typical."
Marris added, "We are experiencing some soft sand issues and only small sections may be closed off to driving in those soft sand areas. These areas are typically very small sections."
"There have been reports that we will be closed to driving for the holiday weekend, Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Capt. Tamra Marris told Headline Surfer®, but quickly added, "That is not true. Volusia County Beach Safety will be open most of the day Sunday and Monday to beach driving. However, we will have to close to driving during high tide conditions midday for only a couple hours which is typical."
Marris added, "We are experiencing some soft sand issues and only small sections may be closed off to driving in those soft sand areas. These areas are typically very small sections."
Marris thanked the 24/7 internet newspaper for reaching out to her overnight, which led to her clarification just after 8:30 this morning.
Central Florida News 13 had late night reports on the beach being closed today and tomorrow, while WFTV Channel 9 and WESH Channel 2 , reported partial closings.
Beach safety officials also are warning of rough rip currents today and tomorrow.
Lifeguards made 25 rescues Saturday due to rip currents, Marris said.
Central Florida News 13 originally reported, "Officials said Saturday cars would not be permitted on Volusia County beaches this weekend because of soft sand and higher tides. But mid-morning today, the story had changed: "However, Beach Safety officials now say driving will only be suspended during high tide and in areas of soft sand." CFNews13 did not name officials in in its earlier reporting nor in the updated story.
Whatever the issues at hand, there are some pro-beach driving citizens who believe the county is behind the initial reporting, despite what beach safety officials are saying this morning.
Weegie Kuendig, another beach driving supporter asked, "Who fed Channel 13 that news last night? For the past few months the reporting makes it seem like you are going into the jaws of hell if (you) go on the beach. I spent all of last weekend in the water and driving on the beach without incident. Also stayed at the county's only 4-star hotel that has driving in front of it. Hotel filled to capacity with families and children. No problems there, either."
Lisa Dunbar of Daytona Beach said of the initial media reports: "(The) Test run of closing the beach for driving appears to have officially begun this morning. Citing issues with the tides and soft sands, the county has made it impossible for many families to enjoy the beach this weekend, taken the last of the summer revenue from people who have bent over backwards to comply with the 'concession rules' and paid dearly for their permits and have created a situation that is only going to benefit the tow truck companies and create a mess as people try to find off-beach parking and drag their belongings across five lanes of traffic."
Dunbar added sarcastically, "Congrats Volusia County. Can someone please tell me the name of the shining star who decided to close the beach unilaterally?"
Jeff Brower, who is part of the organized "FREE Daytona Beach" pro-driving grassroots campaign, contacted County Councilwoman Pat Northey earlier this morning to try and get some answers.
Northey in turn got in touch with County Manager Jim Dinneen.
Northey, who prevailed early Saturday in recount over third place finisher Webster Barnaby for the right to challenge incumbent Joyce Cusack for her at-large seat in the November elections, put out a statement on the beach driving situation, apparently after speaking with the county manager, along with a political statement at the the end that rubbed pro-beach driving advocates the wrong way.
First, she related the statement Marris gave Headline Surfer® in an email verbatim. Then Northey added, "Driving and parking will continue as usual in those areas that are free of soft sand. If you get to the beach early enough you should be fine and will be able to find a place to park."
Here is where Northey got on her soap, which ruffled some feathers: "Long term this points out the need to have off beach parking. The red sand is migrating south and we have to have options in place to ensure we always have full and public access to our beautiful beach. For now, go enjoy your holiday weekend! Go early!"
Dede Siebenaler, used Northey's own description of red sand as a metaphor, saying, "Red sand due to the bleeding hearts of the opposing county council members and big time hoteliers! What is she talking about?"
Northey has been a longtime opponent of beach driving. She and fellow Councilman Doug Daniels of Ormond Bech were furious last month when a plan to take cars off the beach in front of the former Desert Inn fore noes owners was scrapped after an initial vote to go ahead with the plan.