DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Newly obtained construction plans detail the extensive repairs needed at the Seabreeze beach approach as nearby businesses raise concerns about the timing of its closure.
The tunnel beneath the Plaza Resort and Spa was closed following an emergency inspection Friday. That inspection occurred after 9 Investigates questioned whether vehicles could safely travel beneath an approach connected to a building that has been declared noncompliant.
Last week, 9 Investigates reported that the property’s owner collected $20 million in insurance payments but had not applied for permits to repair the building.
The construction plans call for repairs to deteriorated concrete throughout the tunnel, including portions of the overhead slab, structural beams and columns.
If more than 20% of the reinforcing steel has been lost in a section, engineers will determine whether it must be fully replaced. Because removing concrete can temporarily weaken the structure, contractors may also need to install temporary supports while completing the work.
The closure could last approximately 90 days, affecting the final weeks of summer and several more potentially busy beach weekends.
“You’re going to see the slowest end of summer in this section of beach you’ve ever seen,” said Tom Caffrey, owner of World’s Most Famous Brewery.
Caffrey said the sections of Volusia County’s beach that permit driving are among its busiest, and he fears the closure will disrupt tourism.
County Council Chair Jeff Brower believes other approaches could potentially be opened temporarily.
“There are other approaches that are open but are closed to the public. We use them for emergency vehicles. I think we could use those,” Brower said.
Brower plans to discuss that possibility and other options during Monday night’s County Council meeting.
The Seabreeze approach is the only open beach approach between the Hard Rock Hotel and International Speedway Boulevard.
Volusia Beach Safety Director Tammy Malphurs said the closure is not expected to affect emergency response because crews routinely adjust to high tides, soft sand and construction.
“We work around these situations all the time,” Malphurs said. “We have access to areas other people don’t, and a lot of times EMS and fire rescue can’t get on the beach because of the soft sand with their heavy equipment, so we will take the patient to them.”
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