In Daytona Beach Shores, the signs of erosion are already visible. Sand dunes have been chewed away by relentless waves, and strong winds from Hurricane Imelda have only worsened conditions along the coast.

The surf is so rough and disorganized that even some local surfers are staying out of the water.

"It's terrible. It's just a messy, real mess," said Marco Arapian, a local surfer.

Visitors say the rapid change in beach conditions has been a surprise.

"We thought we would be walking on the beach and having some fun, but I guess the weather is not helping us today," said Thiago Arapian, visiting from Brazil.

Beach driving was shut down for most of the day, and the surf remains dangerous. Since Saturday, Volusia County Beach Safety officials have made about 15 rescues, according to Be

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