The Economic Times

In 2016, New Smyrna Beach faced Hurricane Matthew with planted living shorelines; winds topped 90 mph, yet the demonstration structures remained standing

The living shoreline initiative in New Smyrna Beach demonstrated remarkable resilience during Hurricane Matthew, effectively absorbing the storm's wave energy. This natural barrier mitigated significant erosion and structural damage, showcasing the superiority of plants and sand against conventional hardened structures. Research by NOAA supports the effectiveness of living shorelines over traditional concrete seawalls, emphasizing their environmental advantages and long-term financial benefits.