Volusia County's Dune Rebuild Rolls Into High Gear

Posted On: June 6, 2025

The rumble of heavy machinery and the sight of huge sand trucks signal something big happening along Volusia County’s coastline: One of the most needed dune restoration projects in Volusia County history is in full swing.

Picture this: 900,000 cubic yards of pristine sand – enough to fill nearly 300 Olympic-sized swimming pools – being strategically placed to rebuild storm-ravaged dunes to provided for habitat and storm protection lost from the 2022 hurricanes.

An Innovative Idea

Before the sand-hauling trucks could start rolling, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers came up with a plan to move beach quality sand from the Ponce de Leon Inlet and Intracoastal Waterway to the beach in Ponce Inlet through dredge pipes so the County could capitalize on this valuable resource critical to rebuilding our dunes.

The Army Corps’ contractor, Gator Dredging, began placing pipeline segments along the toe of the dune in April. Water and sand from the waterways began flowing onto the beach near the Oceanview Avenue off-beach parking lot in May, and the project moved into high gear.

From Destruction to Recovery

The rebuilding began June 2 as Halifax Paving fired up its operations. Starting at the Sunglow Pier, the sandy convoy is working its way south to the North Jetty, leaving behind a rejuvenated coastline in its wake.

This initiative, funded through a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, addresses shoreline damage caused by the 2022 hurricanes. It’s a collaborative effort with Volusia County’s Coastal Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Florida Inland Navigation District.

"This isn't just about pretty beaches," Volusia County Coastal Director Jessica Fentress said of the massive project. "We're building resilience and critical nesting habitat along our coastline – creating natural barriers that will provide an added buffer for oceanfront properties while restoring critical ecological habitat."

A Living, Breathing System

But the real magic happens after the sand settles. Specialized dune vegetation will be planted across the restored areas, creating a living system that grows stronger over time. These aren't just pretty plants – they're also providing much needed habitat for nesting sea turtles and migratory bird species.

Temporary Inconvenience, Permanent Improvement

Beach lovers will need to share the sand for now. The massive hauling operation requires clear lanes for the steady stream of trucks, so beachgoers should steer clear of work zones and keep umbrellas, chairs, and blankets away from the trucking routes. Think of it as a small price to pay for a dramatically improved coastline.

The Oceanview Avenue off-beach parking lot is temporarily closed while Halifax Paving uses the area as its staging ground for the transport of sand.

Once the sand placement wraps up, Volusia County will begin transforming the Oceanview Avenue approach with a brand-new seawall, enhanced parking, and a fully ADA-accessible beach ramp that welcomes everyone to enjoy this restored slice of paradise. The upgraded approach is set to reopen in 2026.

Progress You Can See

This massive undertaking represents more than just moving sand around. It's about building a more resilient future for one of Florida's most beloved coastal communities. Every truckload of sand, every carefully placed dune plant, and every upgraded infrastructure element adds up to something bigger: a coastline ready to face whatever Mother Nature throws at us.

For more details and project updates, visit www.volusia.org/sandprojects.