Governor DeSantis awards disaster relief funds in Daytona Beach Shores.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News 

In the wake of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, Volusia County Beaches and other beaches across the state suffered a great deal of damage due to beach erosion.

Immediately following his visit to Volusia County after both storms, Governor Ron DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to utilize $20 million to address beach erosion and to replace sand to help stabilize beaches and coastal communities. Further efforts put in motion by the state occurred during a special legislative session in December, where the legislature awarded $100 million to restore damaged beaches and to support projects in 16 different counties in Florida.

On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, during a press conference at the Dunlawton Avenue beach approach in Daytona Beach Shores, Governor DeSantis awarded $37.6 million of the $100 million in disaster relief funds to Volusia County. These funds will assist with necessary beach repairs to rebuild Volusia County beaches back to pre-hurricane conditions. 

“We are able to do things, and we are able to respond,” said Governor DeSantis during the press conference.

The state’s initial response to the coastal damages from the hurricanes was quick, with the help of officials from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 

“We told you we will be here as you recover,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “Getting those beaches back to their protective posture is critical.”

The state assisted with installing the Tiger Dam in Daytona Beach Shores, which protected coastal homes and beaches from further erosion.

Along with Governor DeSantis and Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton, the Speaker of the House Paul Renner, Congressman Corey Mills, Florida Department of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie, Daytona Beach Shores Mayor Nancy Miller, and Danny Robins and Matt Reinhart of the Volusia County Council were all in attendance during the press conference.