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Killer Beaches of 2007: New Smyrna Beach

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Though you wouldn't know it with all the snow and ice in the Northeastern US, this week marks the beginning of spring. Spring break, beach season and the imminent start of summer are just around the corner. If April is the new June, we better get you prepped early, so this week we'll be looking at the sandy strands that while beautiful, should come with a warning label. Know about a Killer Beach we haven't mentioned? Help your fellow beach goers out and adventure seekers out--let us know about it.

New Smyrna Beach :: Map
South of Jacksonville but north of Orlando and Cape Canaveral, New Smyrna Beach channels that old-time Florida vibe. (Like from before the days South Beach was over.) There's good reason to check it out, too. A 13-mile long stretch of sand guards the coast, and the surfing draws shredders from all over.

But could all those bobbing surf boards account for why Florida has suffered most of the past year's shark attacks? George Burgess, director of the International Shark Attack File, told the BBC:

"Within Florida, Volusia County and particularly New Smyrna Beach is the hot spot," Mr Burgess said in a statement. "This area on a square mile basis has more attacks than any place else in the world."

Maybe the best way to see NSB is by bike?

How to get there:
NSB is about an hour northeast of Orlando, and there's no doubt you'll be able to find a flight to MCO. Daytona Beach International Airport is about a half-hour from the beach--just cruise south on Highway 95 in that rental car.

Related Stories:
· Four Fatal Shark Attacks in 2006 [BBC]
· Killer Beaches of 2007 coverage [Jaunted]