4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Off Florida's Coast Felt by Coastal Residents

A rare 4.0 magnitude earthquake was reported off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Wednesday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake, which occurred just before 11 p.m. at a depth of six miles, was felt by residents along the coast. This event is notable as earthquakes are uncommon in Florida, with the last minor quake recorded in 2020.
The USGS highlights the difference between earthquake magnitude, which measures seismic energy release, and intensity, which assesses the quake's observed effects. While a 4.0 magnitude quake is expected to cause only minor damage, the potential for damage increases with the magnitude, with major earthquakes (7.0 or higher) capable of causing serious damage.

Safety Concerns Ignite as Volusia County Moves Forward with Ormond Beach Fuel Farm

The Volusia County Council's recent vote to proceed with a controversial fuel farm project in Ormond Beach has sparked outrage among local residents. Despite a 5-2 vote against a proposed moratorium that would have delayed the project, Belvedere Terminals is now set to move forward with its plans.

The decision has been met with strong opposition from the community, particularly from residents of the Bear Creek subdivision, who fear the safety risks and negative impacts on their quality of life. The county is also facing a lawsuit from Belvedere Terminals, which claims its rights have been infringed upon.

Despite the controversy, some council members, like Don Dempsey, believe the project should advance to the site plan phase, where its safety will be further evaluated. Meanwhile, residents like Fran Canfield are holding out hope that the company will reconsider its location to protect the community.

See full story and video at Spectrum 13

Rough Weather Prompts Beach Ramp & Walkover Closures

Volusia County’s coastline is currently experiencing adverse ocean conditions including unusually high tides and rip currents. There is also moderate erosion due to strong winds and an unusual weather pattern. As a result, the temporary closure of the following beach access ramps and walkovers is required to ensure public safety:

• Argosy Park ADA Walkover, Ormond-by-the-Sea

• Seabreeze Recreation ADA Walkover, Daytona Beach

• University Boulevard ADA Walkover, Daytona Beach

• Sun Splash Park ADA Walkover, Daytona Beach

• Minerva Road Approach, Daytona Beach Shores

• Florida Shores Boulevard Approach, Daytona Beach Shores

• Van Avenue Approach, Daytona Beach Shores

• El Portal Street Approach, Daytona Beach Shores

• Demotte Street Approach, Daytona Beach Shores

• Emilia Avenue Approach, Daytona Beach Shores

• Curlew Walkover, Wilbur-by-the-Sea

• 15th Avenue Walkover, New Smyrna Beach

• Oyster Quay Walkover, New Smyrna Beach

• Hiles Boulevard Ramp, New Smyrna Beach

In addition, a number of the poles marking conservation zones have been swept away, requiring vehicular access in some areas on the beach to be limited. Volusia County is continually monitoring ocean conditions and will reopen all access points and restore beach driving as soon as ocean conditions allow full access. Those planning to visit Volusia County beaches can visit volusia.org/beachrecovery or download the Volusia Beaches app to check the real-time status of beach ramps, driving zones, pedestrian walkovers, and ADA access.

Feb 8 News Release from Volusia County

Florida Senate Bills Advance, Paving Way for New Fuel Terminals Amid Local Concerns

Two bills, SB 1624 and SB 1628, which could facilitate Belvedere Terminals' plan to build 10 new fuel terminals in Florida, including one near Ormond Beach, have advanced in the Senate. SB 1624 seeks to protect natural gas infrastructure as essential, preventing local governments from blocking such projects through zoning laws. SB 1628 expands requirements for local governments to assess the business impact of new ordinances, particularly those affecting land development.

Critics argue these bills undermine local authority and could lead to legal challenges that delay the implementation of new regulations, while proponents claim they are necessary for state economic growth and regulatory consistency. The debate highlights the tension between state economic objectives and local governance autonomy.

See full story at Daytona News-Journal

NASA and SpaceX Prepare for Astronaut Splashdown Off Daytona Beach

Four SpaceX astronauts are concluding their 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station and are set to splashdown near Daytona Beach, Florida. The crew, part of Axiom Mission 3, departed the ISS aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which undocked over the Pacific Ocean. NASA has scheduled their return for approximately 8:30 a.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 9. This mission underscores the continued success of commercial spaceflight and the partnership between NASA and SpaceX in advancing space exploration. The splashcown will not be visible from shore.

See full story at Daytona News-Journal

Is This Vehicle Under Warranty?

Tuesday morning, Jason Brzuszkiewicz drove around a closed gate marked "DO NOT ENTER" and accessed the beach in New Smyrna Beach. The rest was captured on witness video. Brzuszkiewicz was charged with a violation of Volusia County Ordinance 20-174 (8) (failure to pay vehicular access fee) and transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail with a $200 bond.

Video and text from Volusia County Sheriff

See story at NewsDaytonaBeach.com

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