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Vehicles can park on Volusia County beaches again

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Updated  May 10, 2020 1:30pm EDT
Coronavirus Florida
FOX 35 Orlando

Parking opens on the beach

FOX 35 Orlando reporter Matt Trezza gives the latest from the beach.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - Saturday was a beach day, in Volusia County. “Well, since beaches are back open we wanted to feel somewhat normal again, so we decided to wake up early and hit the beach, this morning,” said Kayleigh Reid, who was relaxing with a friend in New Smyrna Beach. 

Sunbathers have already been back on the sand for a week. Saturday a parade of cars was pouring back onto the sand for beach parking.

“It's just a convenience, if you have your chairs, umbrella, cooler, you just want everything right by your car. It's easy, so it feels nice to have everything back on the beach,” Reid said.

Beach patrol set out blue posts on the sand where cars were allowed to park for social distancing. They were spaced 25 feet apart. Beach personnel said they were going to keep a close eye on social distancing, they'll also be monitoring the weather and tides, and if necessary they may shut down some of the beach parking access points.

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Beach parking is only allowed near 14 vehicle access ramps throughout the county. Beach driving was still off-limits.  People out on the sand said it looked like everyone was following the rules.

“It's nice to see people have an opportunity to come out and use common sense and enjoy the beach,” said Brian Heitz.

"We know that beach access is most important and we’re happy to be able to offer safe options for beachgoers," said Volusia County Commissioner Chairman Ed Kelley.

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Public bathrooms were also back open at the county's beaches. 

Beach parking is only allowed near these 14 vehicle access ramps throughout the county: 

  • Granada Boulevard
  • Cardinal Drive
  • Williams Avenue
  • Seabreeze Boulevard
  • Silver Beach Avenue
  • Florida Shores Boulevard
  • Van Avenue
  • El Portal Street
  • Dunlawton Boulevard
  • Beach Street
  • Beachway Avenue
  • Crawford Road
  • Flagler Avenue
  • 3rd Avenue

Beach driving is still off limits. Volusia County officials say beach safety will enforce the rules.