DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Construction has officially begun on a major extension to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier — the first significant expansion the beachside landmark has seen in decades.
Crews are currently building a seawall that will be set into the sand, serving as the foundation for the boardwalk extension. The project will stretch from just north of the construction site near the pier to just south of Harvey Avenue. City officials hope the expansion will attract new businesses and families to the area.
“It’s a great idea. It’s a beautiful stretch of beach for scenery,” said Kristin, a tourist visiting from Pennsylvania.
The actual boardwalk portion is still in the design phase, but groundwork is being laid to prepare for construction. The total project cost has not yet been determined. The city plans to use Community Redevelopment Authority funds and pursue grants to cover expenses.
“I think it’ll give it a little more space, and more people would be attracted to come down,” Kristin said.
Not everyone is on board with the expansion. Some business owners along the existing boardwalk believe the money should also go toward improving what’s already there.
“I’m totally against going that way. You got to make the one you got already work,” said Louie Louizes, owner of Ocean Ave Gallery.
Others echoed the sentiment, saying the focus should be on restoring the area’s former energy and adding more family-friendly attractions, especially on a big, empty lot just North of the pier.
“I would like the city to build next door to us fun centers for the families that do come down here,” said Kenneth Morris at the Mardi Gras arcade.
Several business owners say they want to see the boardwalk return to what they describe as its “glory days,” with more attractions and improvements to the pier.
“I mean, it’s the boardwalk. It’s a torn-up piece of property, it’s embarrassing, and I want it to look nice like when I was a kid,” Louizes said.
Construction on the boardwalk extension is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027.