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New Smyrna Beach Today
By the People, for the People
New Smyrna Beach Residents Race to Build City's First Coquina Rock Revetment
Homeowners have just 10 days to complete the natural coastal protection project before sea turtle nesting season begins.
Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:04pm
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A natural coquina rock revetment emerges from the fog, a testament to the community's innovative approach to coastal protection.New Smyrna Beach TodayA group of New Smyrna Beach homeowners is making history by building the city's first-ever natural coquina rock revetment along the beachfront. After a three-and-a-half-year battle with state and county officials, the residents have received approval for the project, but they must finish it by May 1 before sea turtle nesting season starts.
Why it matters
The coquina rock revetment project is a unique approach to coastal protection that works with nature rather than against it. It is expected to be more cost-effective and longer-lasting than traditional concrete seawalls, and the homeowners hope it can serve as a model for future coastal restoration efforts in the region.
The details
The project is the result of years of frustration following the 2022 hurricane season, when Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole's storm surge caused significant damage to beachfront homes. In the years since, large sand-filled containment bags have served as a temporary buffer, but now the homeowners are removing those and building the coquina rock revetment. Starting Monday, crews will bring in approximately 80 truckloads of large coquina rocks, which will be placed into excavated holes, stacked, and then covered with sand to create a sloped, natural-looking barrier along the shoreline.
- In 2022, Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole caused significant damage to beachfront homes in New Smyrna Beach.
- Over the past three-and-a-half years, the homeowners have been battling with state and county officials to get approval for the coquina rock revetment project.
- The homeowners have just 10 days to complete the project before the May 1 deadline, which is the start of sea turtle nesting season.
The players
Terri Corbett
One of the homeowners leading the effort to build the coquina rock revetment.
What they’re saying
“We're removing our Trap Bags and building the first-ever coquina rock seawall in the city, believe it or not.”
— Terri Corbett, Homeowner
“When you build in a style like this instead of straight up and down, when the waves hit it, it deflects the energy of the oncoming wave so we feel it's a more proven process to break up wave inertia.”
— Terri Corbett, Homeowner
“We're hoping to be the child project to show this type of wall can be done.”
— Terri Corbett, Homeowner
What’s next
The homeowners must complete the coquina rock revetment project by May 1, the start of sea turtle nesting season, in order to receive final approval from state and county officials.
The takeaway
The coquina rock revetment project in New Smyrna Beach represents a unique and innovative approach to coastal protection that prioritizes working with nature rather than against it. If successful, it could serve as a model for future coastal restoration efforts in the region.
