DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Thousands of Jeeps — from lifted Wranglers to tricked-out Gladiators — are expected to be rolling into Daytona Beach as Jeep Beach kicks off, bringing with it one of the largest events of its kind in the country.
Organizers said this year is set to break records, with more than 25,000 Jeeps and an expected 200,000 enthusiasts converging on the city throughout the week.
“This year is going to be absolutely spectacular,” said Charleen Greer, executive director of Jeep Beach. “It’s going to be an amazing year with lots of fun, exciting events.”
But Jeep Beach is more than just off-roading fun. The weeklong event features live concerts, charity raffles, family-friendly activities, and an emphasis on community support.
“What we pride ourselves in is that we are not promoters. We are a volunteer organization, a nonprofit organization,” Greer said. “Since 2012, we have been able to donate over $5 million back into our charitable organizations in Central Florida.”
As crowds roll in, local hotels are booked, restaurants are packed and law enforcement is increasing patrols to ensure public safety.
“I am so excited to see all of the tricked out Jeeps, all of the people, all of the excitement, the beautiful weather,” said Tara Litz, visiting from New York.
“People put so much time and effort into this, it’s insane,” said Kim Rand, visiting from the West Coast of Florida.
Some of the Wrangler drivers who visit our beaches once a year were a bit surprised by the increased beach access and parking costs that just went into play.
“It’s a little crazy to be paying $33 a day,” Rand said.
The bump in tourists is also good for business around here.
“They spend a lot of money in the restaurants and bars and we really like that it’s a 10-day event. Good for business for over a week where as some of the others, the 500, is huge for a weekend,” Joel Darr.
Darr is with the Hard Rock hotel in Daytona Beach. They’ll host several Jeep Beach events, with others around Daytona Beach for over the next week.
“The Jeep community is just so different than the Bike and race communities. It’s much more family, or ‘Jamily,’ oriented. It’s just such a good soul,” Darr said.
Greer is urging the local community to be a part of the celebration.
“The one thing that we would love to do is invite all of the community out to embrace what we do, because this is about you,” she said. “Jeep Beach is just the platform — the ownership belongs to all of Central Florida because we’re here serving our communities.”
For those attending for the first time, organizers recommend following Jeep Beach on social media and visiting JeepBeach.com for event details.
“Our brand new app is launching and it’s very interactive — it’ll give you everything you need to know,” Greer said. “And listen to Jeep Beach Radio, our internet-based station, so wherever you are in the world, you can stay connected.”
The event has also grown in international reach, welcoming Jeep lovers from across the globe.
“Last year, we had 34 countries represented. This year, we’re expecting 39, with two new groups coming from three different countries,” Greer added.
Jeep Beach runs through Saturday, April 27, and promises big fun and an even bigger impact for Central Florida.