In 2016, Florida’s New Smyrna Beach used living shorelines during Hurricane Matthew; the structures stayed intact despite 90 mph winds

In 2016, Florida’s New Smyrna Beach used living shorelines during Hurricane Matthew; the structures stayed intact despite 90 mph winds

A living shoreline project in New Smyrna Beach largely survived Hurricane Matthew's severe winds. This natural approach used vegetation and sand to stabilize the coast effectively. Conventional hardened structures nearby experienced significant damage and erosion during the storm. The project demonstrated how natural defenses can withstand powerful hurricane conditions. This resilience offers a promising model for future coastal protection strat…