Volusia County doubles beach driving fees

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - After months of debating the issue, the Volusia County Council unanimously approved an increase to the daily beach driving rates, from $10 to $20 a day.

Council members say it would offset costs to improve lanes, add more booths, make access easier for beach drivers and allow for more clean up efforts.  They will also have "annual pass only" lines, to make the dreaded beach driving lines move along faster on busy days.

The "Sons of Beaches" group has been opposed to the increases. Thursday the president of the group told FOX 35 News over the phone the cost increase will make it more inconvenient for people to use the beaches. Especially those coming from other counties.  Beach goers we caught up with agree.

"If we're just gonna spend a couple of hours, why would you spend that kind of money? I mean it's ridiculous," says Darlene Burns, who drove to New Smyrna from Seminole County.

The annual fee for Volusia residents will stay the same, at $25.  For non-residents, it's $100 for the year. The daily rates will go up starting January 1.