Volusia County Completes Installation of Sand Fencing in Ponce Inlet to Support Dune Development

Posted On: April 15, 2026

Earlier today, Volusia County completed the installation of sand fencing at two coastal locations in Ponce Inlet to help strengthen natural dune systems and reduce windblown sand from impacting nearby upland areas.

The fencing was installed along Oceanview Avenue and in front of Lighthouse Point Park, totaling approximately 1,800 feet of sand fencing across both locations. These areas were prioritized for sand fencing installation because they feature natural dune systems rather than hardened shoreline protections, such as seawalls, which allow sand to move more freely, making them well-suited for sand fencing.

Sand fencing is made of slats arranged in spaced sections that allow wind to pass through. As wind-driven sand moves across the beach, the fencing reduces wind speed at ground level, causing sand to deposit and accumulate along the fence line. Over time, this process builds dune elevation and width, supporting the formation of additional dune features and a more resilient coastal profile. In addition to promoting dune growth, the fencing helps limit sand migration into nearby areas such as parking lots at Oceanview and the Ponce Inlet shoreline near Lighthouse Point Park, reducing maintenance needs and improving overall site conditions.

Dunes serve as a first line of defense against coastal storms, helping to absorb wave energy and reduce the risk of inland flooding and erosion. By supporting the natural buildup of dunes, these efforts enhance the long-term resilience of Volusia County's coastline. Staff will monitor these areas as sand accumulation increases and the dunes begin to establish and grow. The County is also evaluating additional locations for future sand fencing.

Coastal dune systems in Florida are protected under state law. Property owners, including homeowner associations, interested in installing sand fencing on or adjacent to their property should be aware that activities within the coastal construction setback area may require authorization from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Additional information about sand fencing regulations can be found on the County's Sand Fencing Guidelines for Property Owners website.