Christmas, New Year’s beach update

It’s probably too chilly for Santa to sport his swimsuit this year, but with clear skies and sunshine in the forecast, beautiful beach weather is expected over the holidays. To ensure visitors and residents are able to easily access the beach through the end of the year, additional vehicular beach access ramps are open through Sunday, Jan. 3.

In addition to normal off-season beach access ramps, Milsap Road, Hartford Avenue, Botefuhr Avenue, Minerva Road, Florida Shores Boulevard, Van Avenue, El Portal Street and Emilia Avenue will be open through Jan. 3.

“Due to the pandemic, we know that many families are choosing to stay home for the holidays this year, including those in our community,” said Coastal Director Jessica Winterwerp. “A beach visit is a great opportunity for people to get outside and still follow safety practices, such as social distancing. What better way to celebrate the holidays than by appreciating the natural beauty of our beaches?”

Those who decide to brave the cold waters should swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower. Download the free Volusia Beaches app for real-time information regarding beach access ramps, lifeguard towers and more.

And a reminder for those planning a beach visit after the first of the year—annual beach passes are no longer sold by calendar year and instead are valid for 365 days from the purchase date.

For more information on beach pass sales, visit www.volusiabeachpass.com/. For a map of the off-season beach access ramps, visit Volusia.org/beach and click on the “Beach Driving and Parking” tab. Follow Volusia County Beaches on Facebook and Twitter for general information and updates.