2026-2027 Volusia County Sand Placement Projects
Introduction
Volusia County beaches recently lost more than 6.6 million cubic yards of sand due to Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Nicole, and numerous Nor’easter storm events. In response, Volusia County is embarking in two sand transfer and placement projects in 2026 and 2027 to assist in the recovery efforts for a significant portion of the beaches along our coastline.
The projects are funded by a Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant and are being conducted in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers (USACE) and the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND).
The North Project, benefitting properties north of the Ponce de Leon Inlet, is the USACE Inlet and Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) Beneficial Reuse Project consisting of approximately 700,000 cubic yards of beach quality material from within the Inlet and the ICW. The South Project, benefitting properties south of Sapphire Road to 5205 S. Atlantic Ave in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, consists of approximately 550,000 cubic yards of beach quality material from the FIND Dredged Material Management Area MSA 434 (aka Rattlesnake Island).
We need the community’s help to ensure the projects are successful and can provide the highest level of positive impact for the entire community. In order for the projects to proceed, Volusia County must obtain easements from property owners along the coast that allows for the construction of the project, the sand to be stockpiled, and ultimately placed on the beaches.
Property owners who live along the coastline with direct access to the beach are encouraged to click the project below that applies to their geographic location and learn more about the project and easement documents necessary for them to receive sand on the beach in front of their property. For additional information regarding the projects, please reach out to Paul Whiting, Coastal Project Coordinator, at 386-248-8072 x20354 or pwhiting@volusia.org. For questions regarding easements, please contact Keith Koshoil, Right of Way Specialist, at KKoshiol@volusia.org or 386-736-5967 x15848.
North Sand Placement Project Update - February 25, 2026
The North Sand Placement Project began in early June at Sunglow Pier in Daytona Beach Shores and has placed over 4 miles of sand.
Construction on the North Berm project is complete, including dune plantings, and Oceanview Ave is open to beach parking.
South Sand Placement Project (NSB) Update - May 15, 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.
As a final public notice, an update will be issued once plantings and all project activities are complete.
Sign-up to receive updates on recovery efforts along the Volusia County coast.
Volusia Beaches: Past, Present, and Future
Watch the “Volusia Beaches: Past, Present, and Future” presentation for additional information about Volusia County’s current beach restoration initiatives.
Beach Management Feasibility Study
Volusia County is launching a Beach Feasibility Assessment to address critical coastal erosion. This initiative aims to identify vulnerable areas and propose long-term solutions. Community engagement through upcoming public meetings and a virtual survey will be a critical part of the process. Learn More
North and South Projects
South Project
The South Sand Placement Project will extend from Sapphire Road south into unincorporated New Smyrna Beach.
Coastal Sand Placement Map
Instantly view the current status of temporary easements required for sand placement.
