DeLand, FL - Volusia County Beach Safety Director Ray Manchester told Volusia County Council members that even though almost 6,000 people made their way to the beaches this weekend there was very little problem with social distancing. "With the vehicles on the beach, it allowed people to spread out, people have the ability to drive, even though it wasn't open to driving, it was open to parking, people had the ability to drive and park as long as they parked at one of these blue markers."
County Manager Geroge Recktenwald said the use of limited parking and the posts spread 25 feet apart is really lending to social distancing. He said that they should have the posts set up by this weekend for all drivable portions of the beach. With that being said, he also asks the public not to make things more difficult for Beach Safety staff. "Continue the messaging that if you come to the beach, work with us and if we do that, I think we're providing a nice, safe outlet. And also on the swimming side, to take a little personal responsibility there and don't put our people in the position to have to came and get you."
Community Services Director Dona Butler talked about the food that's been provided for those in need, saying that to date, 14,418 food bags have been handed out. She also talked about the rental and mortgage assistance programs available for those who have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. " Our rental assistance application process, we've had 735 uploads and close to 25 being assisted. As for mortgage assistance, we opened the application portal and have 115 applications." The mortgage assistance program just opened up on Monday of this week.
You can find the link to the Volusia County Rental Assistance program by clicking here. You can reach the Mortgage Assistance portal by clicking here.
