DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Some business owners in Volusia County said its earnings took a hit when visitors were no longer allowed to drive along one stretch of beach.
The county chair is now laying out plans to bring driving back and further revitalize the area.
The stretch in question is the area between Daytona Beach’s Main Street and International Speedway Boulevard by A1A, which has struggled economically over the years.
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“When they first took the cars off, there was a trolly that ran down the beach that was supposed to be here every year. Well, that stopped after the first six months, after that our business went down hill,” said George St. Pierre, owner of Jungle Georges.
County Chair Jeff Brower said during the state of the county address that he wants to reopen the area from Main Street to East International Speedway Boulevard to beach driving again.
“We can bring back local customers and tourists all year long and see our boardwalk and this core retail area thrive once again,” Brower said.
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Bethune Cookman University’s College of Business Dean Lawrence Drake has more than 40 years of experience working with corporations and non-profits.
“What are the unique features that we have in Volusia County that we can actually market that is really attractive to businesses to move here, create jobs and grow this economy?” Drake asked. “So to me the beach is just one part of to me a larger conversation.”
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Drake said the focus should be on bringing in high-paying jobs.
Lodging and Hospitality Association President Bob Davis told Channel 9 that his constituents want to keep beach driving access the way it is now.
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