VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will partner with federal, state, and local agencies to test their disaster response readiness as it relates to SunRail commuter rail service during a full-scale emergency response exercise from Wednesday morning, May 1, at Lake Beresford Park.
This exercise is a requirement of the Federal Transit Administration and Federal Railroad Administration prior to the opening of the new SunRail DeLand Station to test emergency response capability.
Lake Beresford Park, a Volusia County park located at 2100 Fatio Road, DeLand, will be closed to the public the morning of May 1, before and during the emergency response exercise, and will reopen when personnel involved in the exercise depart. The parking area will also be closed to park users.
Citizens and businesses who live and work near Lake Beresford Park may hear emergency vehicle sirens and see law enforcement and fire rescue activity. A SunRail train will be stopped along the railroad tracks near the park as part of the exercise, and Votran buses will also be used.
The exercise will bring together multiple agencies including FDOT, SunRail, police, fire, Volusia County Emergency Management, and Votran. There will be approximately 40 participants and 20 agencies supporting the drill.
Signage will be posted to make the public aware of the emergency response exercise. On the morning of the exercise, emergency responders will begin staging at Lake Beresford Park by 9 a.m.
For more information, contact FDOT District Five Public Information Office at FDOT-D5COMM@dot.state.fl.us or by phone at 386-943-5593.
NOTE TO MEDIA: News media who would like to observe the SunRail emergency response drill must RSVP by April 30 to FDOT District Five PIO at FDOT-D5COMM@dot.state.fl.us. Media arrival time will be 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, at Lake Beresford Park, 2100 Fatio Road, DeLand. Media must check in at the media staging area before the start of the drill for instructions. Interviews will be provided at the conclusion of the drill.