Volusia County’s South Berm Project Reinforces Shoreline in New Smyrna Beach as Access Returns for Summer

Posted On: May 14, 2026

Volusia County’s South Berm Construction Project in New Smyrna Beach has strengthened more than 4 miles of shoreline, helping reinforce the coastline and provide additional protection for properties, infrastructure, and other public resources against future erosion and storm impacts while also enhancing nesting habitat for sea turtles and shorebirds.

Crews have already begun removing construction equipment and pipeline materials. Public access to all beach areas within the project area is expected to be fully restored before Memorial Day weekend, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the coastline as the busy summer season approaches.

With shoreline sand placement now complete, crews will begin dune plantings next week in the southern portion of the project area and continue north. The vegetation will help stabilize the newly constructed berm and support the long-term stability and resiliency of the shoreline.

Funded entirely through a Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant awarded to support recovery and resilience efforts following Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, the South Berm Project represents another significant investment in strengthening Volusia County’s coastline and preserving one of the community’s most valuable natural resources.

The South Berm Project reflects a coordinated effort among local, state, and private partners working together to strengthen Volusia County’s coastline and advance long-term resiliency goals. The effort brought together contractors, engineers, environmental specialists, state agencies, and local partners, including Gator Dredging, Intera Inc., Zev Cohen & Associates, Ecological Associates Incorporated, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Inland Navigation District and Chairman Buddy Davenport, and the City of New Smyrna Beach.

Volusia County will continue advancing additional coastal resiliency initiatives, including evaluating future shoreline opportunities following sea turtle nesting season. The County also continues design and permitting efforts for the Shoals to Shores Project, which is anticipated to go out for bid in 2027 and is expected to place more than 1 million cubic yards of sand along shorelines north of Ponce Inlet.