A major portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Scholes to Shores project, which will place approximately 1.75 million cubic yards of sand along the shorelines, more than previous efforts. The project received substantial backing from local and state officials. The sand placement is set to begin around Sam Piper area and is expected to be completed by May 1, to coincide with the start of turtle nesting season.

The council emphasized the importance of public understanding and involvement in beach management. A significant part of the session focused on the logistics behind the sand placement, involving dredging from the Intracoastal Waterway and nearby inlets. However, it was made clear that this effort is only a temporary measure to curb erosion, with the complete nourishment project requiring more sand than currently planned.

The meeting also addressed the complexities of securing easements, which are important for the project’s success. Community members were urged to engage with officials regarding these easements, as the timeline for sand placement is contingent upon their cooperation. The temporary nature of these easements was emphasized, and the county assured residents that permanent easements were not being sought at this time.

A risk assessment of coastal communities revealed that areas like Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, and Wilbur by the Sea face high vulnerability due to erosion and storm surge. The county’s average erosion rate has been eight and a half feet per year since 2016, with some areas experiencing even higher rates. These findings underscore the urgency of implementing effective beach management strategies to protect both infrastructure and the local economy.

The council explored various shoreline management alternatives, including structural relocation, seawalls, and beach nourishment. While beach nourishment emerged as the top-ranked solution, structural relocation and nearshore sand placement were also considered viable options. Each alternative was evaluated based on its ability to reduce coastal storm damage, minimize recreational impacts, and ensure public safety.

Seawalls were discussed as a protective measure, with debates arising over their placement and potential to exacerbate erosion if not properly integrated into broader management strategies. The conversation included references to Jacksonville’s experience with seawalls.

Funding mechanisms for these projects were a topic, with discussions on federal and state contributions, as well as potential local funding options such as beach user fees and tourist development taxes. The importance of having a beach management plan to qualify for state funding was emphasized, with examples of previous successful grant applications.

Community engagement was a recurring theme, with the council encouraging residents to participate in surveys to provide feedback on proposed management alternatives. This outreach is vital for tailoring solutions to the unique challenges faced by different communities within the county.