Large crowds, lots of litter expected for July 4 weekend

Posted On: July 2, 2019

With warm weather and sunshine forecasted, Volusia County’s Beach Safety Division is expecting large crowds for the upcoming July 4 holiday weekend. Mid-morning high tides may force the temporary closure of some beach ramps. As hazardous rip currents are also in the forecast, beachgoers should swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower.

July 5 is the worst day for litter cleanup on the beach due to the amount of trash and fireworks; last year, over 55,000 pounds of trash was collected from the beach on July 5. The Coastal Division will work to remove all debris from the beach, focusing first on high traffic areas after sea turtle volunteers patrol the beach and mark sea turtle nests. Beachgoers are invited to help clean up the beach the morning of July 5. There is no official sign up; beachgoers can just show up to clean their favorite spot with a trash bag or reusable bucket. Larger groups (15 people or more) can call 386-239-6414 or email beachsafety@volusia.org to coordinate their efforts. Bags with trash should be placed inside any garbage can on the beach or next to it if the can is full.

Fireworks

Use and possession of fireworks are prohibited on Volusia County beaches. They create an enormous amount of trash that is extremely difficult to remove and is often ingested by sea life. The loud noises and bright lights may also deter sea turtles from using the beaches to nest at night. Fireworks also pose a safety hazard for beachgoers. 

Vehicle access ramps

• In anticipation of the busy weekend, the beach approaches at Seminole Avenue, Rockefeller Drive, River Beach Drive, Boylston Avenue, Seaview Avenue and Zelda Boulevard will be open for vehicles. 
• Beach annual pass holders are encouraged to use one of the two Pass Holders Express ramps. The ramps are at El Portal Street in Daytona Beach Shores, just north of the Dunlawton Boulevard ramp; and Crawford Road in New Smyrna Beach, just north of the Flagler Avenue ramp. These express ramps typically do not experience lines or backups as they only service current annual pass holders and handicap qualifying vehicles. 
• Some beach ramps may be forced to close due to the high tide and may stay closed for several hours. 
• For real-time updates on vehicle access ramps, visit Volusia.org/beachmap. 

Parking and driving on the beach

• Soft sand is an issue on many portions of the beach, especially in the Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach areas.
• All vehicles must drive and park on the east side of the conservation poles and should only take up one parking spot along the beach. 
• Beachgoers should never sit, lie or camp in between vehicles in the parking areas. 

Beach clean-up

• After your day at the beach, flatten sandcastles, fill in holes, and take your chairs and equipment with you; do not leave any tents, chairs or other materials on the beach overnight. This is an easy way to reduce obstacles faced by nesting sea turtles, which have begun visiting the beach at night to lay eggs. 
• Trash and recycle cans are placed at regular intervals along the beach, and roving carts will be canvassing the beach to assist with the collection of garbage. Environmentally friendly trash bags are available upon request at toll booths and from the beach litter team. 

For more information, follow Volusia County Beaches on Facebook and Twitter, visit www.volusia.org/beach or call 386-239-6414.