For several months now an engineering firm has been evaluating the parking in New Smyrna Beach and on Tuesday night, the city commission is hearing its suggestion on how to fix a growing problem.

The beachgoer was bitten while playing football in the water on Thursday afternoon, according to county officials.

Is someone dumping roosters in New Smyrna Beach?

News 6 rode along with police Chief Eric Feldman to see firsthand how they are tackling the crowds this year.

Deputies were patrolling that area of the beach around 3:45 p.m. near Flagler Avenue, which is when they heard the crowd yelling.

From its miles of coastline to its charming, laid-back vibes, it's easy to see what draws people to New Smyrna Beach, but six miles away from the white sand and Flagler Avenue, a new New Smyrna is emerging.

New Smyrna Beach leaders are cracking down on illegal parking and looking for solutions to find parking for the growing crowds visiting the beach town.

The New Smyrna Beach city commission is considering whether to restrict certain types of businesses in mixed-use districts such as on Flagler Avenue and Canal Street, according to city officials on Thursday.

Thousands hit Central Florida’s coast Tuesday to celebrate July 4 at the beach. New Smyrna Beach police were all hands-on deck and said they are seeing record crowds in recent years for major holidays.

A new task force is looking for ways to expand the parking in New Smyrna Beach, especially around Canal Street and Flagler Avenue. While they search for a solution, the city is also cracking down on illegal parking.

A fire broke out at a restaurant along Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach.

By Friday afternoon, the spring breakers had already made their way to Flagler Avenue but this year, they were met by dozens more law enforcement officers than they may have seen in years past.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. People flocked to New Smyrna Beach on Friday, forcing the beach approach on Flagler Avenue to close at 10 a.m. because it already reached maximum capacity. The concern is as theyre coming to and from the beach and theyre stopping at our community, touching gas handles, and being at gas stations, at restaurants and grocery stores. Thats just increased exposure for our elderly and at-risk residents that isnt necessary every weekend, said Mayor Russ Owen. Owen said he's approached the Volusia County Council with a possible solution, which is rolling back a phase to where only essential activities would be allowed on the beach during the weekend. "Folks are able to walk, run, exercise, jog, swim on the beach but not come to the beach to stay.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. Hours into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, beaches have begun to hit capacity. New Smyrna Beach between Flagler Avenue and Crawford Avenue was the first area to reach its capacity Saturday morning. Officials urge people to visit less populated areas and said itll be all hands on deck to make sure beachgoers are following the rules. Beaches in Volusia County were closed for all non-exercise related activity up until the beginning of May, when Florida entered phase one of reopening. All the access ramps were opened up in time for Memorial Day weekend a few weeks later, which according to the sheriff, drew large crowds.