Parking for Volusia County beachgoers continues to get easier.
The county has recently been on a buying binge, snatching up property for additional off-beach parking. The most recent purchase, which covers about 0.75 acres, was $370,000.
Although December isn't exactly prime beach season, Volusia County officials are taking steps now to make sure visitors to the coast next summer will have plenty of parking options.
For the third time in four months, county leaders approved buying additional land for off-beach parking. The latest is along A1A in New Smyrna Beach.
Volusia County has paid $2.6 million for two other lots.
The overgrown property next to an existing lot along the intersection of Hiles Boulevard and South Atlantic Avenue will provide an additional 100 spots.
"For years, they parked on the sides of Errol By The Sea and those other ones, and they put signs up and all that stuff," said Bill Jayne, who supports the county's decision.
Robert Rabjohn's house sits just on the other side of the lots in question. He questions the need of additional parking spaces, stating he rarely sees the current lot at capacity.
"I bet they don't have three days a year and that's on them three-day weekend deals in the summer time," Rabjohn said.
Unlike two previous purchases — which are on the east side of A1A — beachgoers who park in the most recent lot will have to walk a little farther to get to the sand and water.
Rabjohn said county officials should be purchasing land on the other side of A1A.
With land prices creeping back up, Jayne said the county's purchases will eventually pay off.
"I mean, the beach is why people come, and that’s our whole industry," Jayne said. "I have to say that's better than some places that money goes."
The Volusia County Council is also expected to take a closer look next year at the fees the county charges for beach access.