The Reality of Hurricanes

This past month has been a real challenge for Florida residents and those of us living along the Loop are no exception. Even though we were spared the brunt of Hurricane Helene, we were not so lucky in escaping major damage from Hurricane Milton - a behemoth storm which brought 14 plus inches of rain in a 24-hour period. This huge amount of rain, coupled with a full moon and king tides, has led to a delay in the floodwaters receding, and standing water is still a problem along the Loop and in our greater community as a whole. Many of us are dismayed that there seems to be a correlation between areas where development has replaced wetlands - and subsequent flooding results. As we experience this flooding from Hurricane Milton on Old Dixie Highway and the ongoing dune erosion along A1A (resulting in the installation of secant seawalls to protect the roadway), there can be little doubt that our coastal community is in flux. Now more than ever it seems that the preservation of trees, mangroves and native palms and dune vegetation along the Loop should be a major priority of our public officials. We can see with our own eyes that sea level rise is impacting our area and this is a cautionary tale for all of us.

Flooding along Old Dixie Highway south of Walter Boardman Drive

Clean Up Crew Gets Results

The OSLT Clean Up Crew's first impromptu event was a success! With only a day's notice, six people came to clean up the beach across from Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park after Hurricane Milton. Our small group picked up a lot of plastic that had washed up with the seaweed, although not as much as we expected. Someone had taken action before us and collected two big trash bags that they left on the walkover. Our team was rewarded with some treasures from the sea. The next event will be cleaning up Old Dixie Highway sometime after Thanksgiving.

Along with trash, there were also treasures like these pink barnacles that were found during the clean-up after Hurricane Milton.

To volunteer and receive updates about how you can get involved, please email ormondscenicloopandtrail@gmail.com and provide your name, email address and telephone number (we will only call you if your email address doesn't work). You'll be added to our list and we'll keep you informed about how you can help!

Roadway and Bridge Repair Update

The Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail Leadership Team recently spoke with our contact at Volusia County and received the following information:

"With parts of The Loop flooded and my office in the midst of storm response, we aren't able to move forward with our projects as planned. I can confirm that there is no road closure planned."
- Volusia County Road and Bridge Department.

Future updates and closure information will be posted on our Facebook page and also in upcoming newsletters. For the Volusia County Public Works website: CLICK HERE

Coming November 16th and 17th!

Look for the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail in the Children's activity section during Ormond Beach's popular Riverfest Seafood Festival being held on November 16-17 at the Rockefeller Gardens/Casements in Ormond Beach. We'll have fun crafts for kids and OSLT goodies like t-shirts and mugs for sale so mark your calendars now for this fun family event!

To find out more visit: RIVERFEST SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Thanks to the following local businesses that have contributed to the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail:

Anytime Mobile Notary

Beachside Resale

Casey Wealth Advisors/Raymond James

Lagerheads Bar and Grill

Melody Lopez, Aloha Realty

If you or your business are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail please CLICK HERE

Our October Meetings - Join Us!

Wednesday, October 23rd

5:30 pm

Ormond Beach Public Library

Sandpiper Room
30 South Beach Street
Ormond Beach, FL

*Doors open at 4 pm.

IIf weather conditions deteriorate locally, please call the Ormond Beach Library, ‭(386) 676-4191‬, to make sure they are open.

Join Us Remotely:

For those attendlng remotely, please sign on 15 minutes early. We have had some audio difficulty getting everyone online so our Team will be working out any technical problems before the 5:30 meeting starts.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 253 477 677 201

Passcode: eZxQHE

Dial in by phone

+1 850-739-5589,,491593499# United States, Tallahassee

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 491 593 499#

Join on a video conferencing device

Tenant key: 11384774@t.plcm.vc

Video ID: 115 860 679 7

More info

The Mission of the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail Byway organization is to protect and enhance the Loop by serving as a focused source of education, community outreach and enhancements projects consistent with our volunteer resources and guidelines of the Florida Scenic Highway and National Scenic Byway programs.