DAYTONA BEACH, Fla – Jeep Beach brings thousands of visitors to Volusia County every year, and this year was no different. But during the celebration this weekend, Volusia County deputies say a 3-year-old was hit by a vehicle on the beach.
It was a sea of Jeeps on the sand as Jeep Beach 2026 wrapped up in Volusia County, with organizers expecting about 14,000 Jeep’s to drive up and down the shoreline. Jeep Beach CEO Charlene Greer said about 200,000 people come to Daytona during the 10-day event, bringing an estimated $500 million economic impact to local businesses and the community.
Greer said the impact also supports charities across Central Florida. She said the event, now in its 23rd year and in its eighth as a nonprofit, has raised more than $5 million to give back. She says that sense of giving and fun is what brings people together each year.
Still, questions about safety were front and center after the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said a 3-year-old was hit Saturday afternoon in the designated beach traffic lane, where the speed limit is 10 mph. Deputies said the child ran into the lane and was struck.
A witness, Cynthia Valente Brown, said she saw emergency crews rush to the area and realized it was serious as sirens and beach patrol units moved quickly along the shoreline. Brown said the incident is a reminder for drivers and parents to stay alert, especially with small children near moving vehicles.
Deputies did end up issuing a DUI as they discovered the driver was drinking before getting behind the wheel. VCSO said the child is recovering and has been released from the hospital.
Greer and deputies are urging everyone to follow beach driving laws, watch children closely and stay aware so the event can remain safe for families.