News Release

Cleanup and Assessments Continue in Playalinda District of Canaveral National Seashore

NPS/Photo

News Release Date: December 9, 2022

Contact: Laura Henning, [phone]

Titusville--Cleanup of storm related debris continues across Canaveral National Seashore. Ocean swells from Hurricane Nicole heavily impacted the boardwalks in the Playalinda District, depositing large amounts of wooden debris along the shoreline.  

The Playlinda District remains closed to all use. All boardwalks in the Playalinda District received impacts, ranging from minor damage to complete destruction. Demolition on the most heavily damaged boardwalks is scheduled to begin the week of December 12th. Repairs on the lesser-damaged boardwalks will begin in phases once demolition is complete. The seashore is working to identify which of the most heavily damaged boardwalks will be reverted to natural walking paths for future beach access. 

Hurricane Nicole had substantial impacts on the dune system and the coastal ecosystem. Large amounts of sand were deposited on roadways and parking lots. In some places along the Playalinda Beach Road the entire protective dune was destroyed. The park continues to work on moving sand and planning for continued natural resource protection in this altered environment. 

“The park is in the process of consulting with experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and others to determine any impacts wildlife and the best path forward for habitat conservation as we begin to clear the sand off the roadway and parking lots,” said Kristen Kneifl, Resource Management Specialist for Canaveral National Seashore. 

Updates on recovery operations will be provided as more information becomes available. Visitors should obey all park closures and safety messaging. 

For up to date information monitor the park’s Facebook page @CanaveralNatlSeashore.