Volusia grants Hard Rock extension, despite beach-driving concerns
DELAND — The proposed Daytona Beach Hard Rock Hotel took a giant roll forward Thursday as the Volusia County Council gave developers time to complete the project beyond the May 7 deadline dictated in a controversial ordinance approved in 2015.
An agreement to remove cars from about 400 feet of sand behind the hotel when it opens prompted beach driving advocates to speak out against the deal. Many wore “Save the Beach” T-shirts and groaned when Alex Ford, the attorney representing the developers, told Councilwoman Deb Denys that a contract had not yet been reached with the Orlando hotel chain.
Uncertain if Hard Rock’s participation was really a done deal, Denys tried to delay the vote until that contract was secured. Councilwoman Billie Wheeler also had questions: What happens if instead of a Hard Rock, the hotel becomes a Red Roof Inn?
The vote moved forward after County Attorney Dan Eckert assured the council that cars will not be removed from the beach unless the hotel carries the Hard Rock brand.
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